"End Unaccountable Amnesty Act": TPS and Asylum Overhaul, Parole Capped at 1,000

The "End Unaccountable Amnesty Act" makes sweeping changes to U.S. immigration law, impacting everything from Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to asylum procedures and even what ID you can use at the airport. This bill isn't tweaking the edges; it's a major overhaul with real-world consequences for thousands. The law goes into effect 30 days after being signed into law, with some immediate effects. (SEC. 6) and (SEC. 3(a)).

TPS: From Executive Action to Congressional Act

This bill fundamentally changes how Temporary Protected Status (TPS) works. Right now, the Secretary of Homeland Security can designate a country for TPS due to things like war, natural disasters, or other emergencies (SEC. 2). This bill takes that power away and puts it squarely in the hands of Congress. Getting TPS for a country will now require a full Act of Congress, complete with a specific time limit (no more than 12 months at a time) and an estimate of how many people are affected (SEC. 2). Renewing TPS? That's another Act of Congress (SEC. 2). If you are in the country without legal status, you are not eligible for TPS. (SEC. 2).

Real-World Impact: Imagine a sudden, devastating earthquake in a small country. Under the current system, the Secretary of Homeland Security could quickly offer TPS to nationals of that country already in the U.S. Under this bill, that same protection would require a potentially lengthy legislative process, leaving people in limbo during a crisis.

Unaccompanied Minors: Faster Hearings, Tighter Rules

The bill significantly tightens the rules for unaccompanied children seeking asylum. It speeds up the hearing process to within 14 days of screening for those who don't meet specific criteria (SEC. 3(a)) and mandates that, if unlawfully present, the Secretary of Homeland Security must start removal proceedings against any individual the child is placed with within 30 days of receiving their information (SEC. 3(a)). It also restricts "special immigrant juvenile status," making it harder for kids who've been abused, neglected, or abandoned to stay in the U.S. if reunification with any one parent is not precluded by State law (SEC. 3(b)).

Real-World Impact: This could mean a child fleeing violence or trafficking could be fast-tracked for deportation before they even have a chance to fully present their case. It also places a significant burden on families, who may face deportation proceedings themselves.

No More "Cancellation of Removal"

The bill completely eliminates "cancellation of removal," a provision that allows some long-term residents without legal status to apply for a green card (SEC. 4). This closes a pathway to legal status for people who may have lived in the U.S. for years, built families, and contributed to their communities.

Airport Security: ID Restrictions

This one hits close to home for anyone who travels. The bill says the TSA can't accept certain documents as valid ID at airport checkpoints (SEC. 5). This includes the CBP One Mobile App, a Notice to Appear, or a Notice to Report issued by the Department of Homeland Security (SEC. 5). Airlines also can't let you board with these documents (SEC. 5).

Real-World Impact: This could directly affect asylum seekers or people with pending immigration cases who might not have other forms of identification, making it harder for them to travel within the country.

Parole: Severely Limited and Redefined

Immigration parole – which lets the Secretary of Homeland Security temporarily allow someone into the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit – gets a major overhaul. The bill drastically limits parole, defining "urgent humanitarian reason" very narrowly to specific medical emergencies, the death of a close family member, or adopted children with medical conditions (SEC. 6). "Significant public benefit" is restricted to assisting in law enforcement matters (SEC. 6). The bill also caps the total number of people who can be paroled into the U.S. at just 1,000 per year (SEC. 6). And if you're paroled after leaving the U.S., it doesn't count as an admission, and you can't use it to adjust your status later (SEC. 6).

Real-World Impact: This significantly reduces the government's ability to respond to humanitarian crises or situations where someone's presence in the U.S. could be beneficial. The 1,000-person cap is a tiny fraction of the number of people who might need parole in a given year.

Suing the Government

Finally, the bill creates a new way for individuals, states, or local governments to sue the federal government. If they experience financial harm of more than $1,000 because the government didn't properly apply these new rules, they can take the feds to court (SEC. 6).

Real-World Impact: This opens the door to potentially significant litigation, adding another layer of complexity and cost to the immigration system.