Asylum

Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2008

Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2008 - Prohibits the federal government from providing the government of Vietnam with nonhumanitarian development, trade, economic, and security assistance during any fiscal year that exceeds the amount of such assistance provided during FY2008, unless such increases are matched or exceeded by additional funding for programs focusing on human rights and democracy promotion. Authorizes the President to waive such requirements if increased U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance would promote the purposes of this Act or it is otherwise in the U.S. national interest. Prohibits the President from providing certain duty-free treatment for Vietnam until the President certifies to Congress that the government of Vietnam protects freedom of association and does not engage in violations of workers' rights. Authorizes the President to provide U.S. assistance through appropriate nongovernmental organizations and the Human Rights Defenders Fund for the support of individuals and organizations to promote human rights in Vietnam. Expresses the sense of Congress regarding diplomacy with the government of Vietnam. Declares it is U.S. policy: (1) to take such measures as are necessary to overcome the jamming of Radio Free Asia by the government of Vietnam; and (2) that educational and cultural exchange programs with Vietnam should promote progress toward freedom and democracy. Declares it is U.S. policy to offer refugee resettlement to Vietnam nationals (including members of the Montagnard ethnic minority groups) who were eligible for the Humanitarian Resettlement program, the Orderly Departure program, the Resettlement Opportunities for Vietnamese Returnees program, the Amerasian Homecoming Act of 1988, or any other U.S. refugee program, but who were deemed ineligible for reasons of administrative error or certain circumstances beyond their control.

Expressing the sense of Congress that the United Nations should take immediate steps to improve the transparency and accountability of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) in the Near East to ensure that it is not providing funding, employment, or other support to terrorists.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008

Urges the Secretary of State to take measures to certify that United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) operates in full compliance with the Foreign Assistance Act and that no American taxpayer dollars are being directed to terrorists or to further terrorist propaganda. Calls on UNRWA to improve the transparency of educational materials used in UNRWA-administered schools. Urges UNRWA to implement terrorist name recognition software and other screening procedures to help ensure that UNRWA staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries are neither terrorists nor affiliated with terrorist organizations.

Iraqi Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and Security Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008

Iraqi Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and Security Act of 2008 - Expresses the sense of Congress concerning Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons. Directs the Secretary of State, with respect to vulnerable populations in Iraq and with respect to countries containing a significant population of Iraqi refugees (including Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, and Iran), to provide such countries or appropriate international organizations and nongovernmental organizations with specified humanitarian assistance. Directs the Secretary to make every effort to ensure that the humanitarian needs of vulnerable populations in Iraq and Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries are met. Authorizes appropriations to Jordan for humanitarian assistance to Iraqi refugees and to provide the necessary infrastructure to support both the needs of Iraqi refugees and the Jordanian people. Requires that related fund monitoring mechanisms be established. Increases refugee admission limitations for the purpose of admitting Iraqi citizens or nationals who became refugees on or after March 19, 2003. Directs the Secretary, by a specified date and subject to the availability of appropriations, to have increased by 100% the number of federal personnel in Iraq and in other appropriate countries who are conducting security reviews of Iraqi refugee applicants. Directs the Secretary of State to work with the international community to provide: (1) financial assistance to vulnerable populations in Iraq and to Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries; and (2) technical and financial assistance to international organizations in order to process refugees. Defines "vulnerable populations in Iraq" to include internally displaced persons.

Expressing the concern of the House of Representatives for the plight of Iraq's vulnerable ethno-religious minorities, and urging greater measures to protect the members of such minorities who have become refugees, asylum seekers, or internally displaced persons.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008

Expresses concern for the plight of Iraq's vulnerable ethno-religious minorities and particular concern for the Assyrian/Chaldean/Syriac Christians. Urges the government of Iraq to commit adequate resources to address the humanitarian crisis of the refugees and internally displaced persons of Iraq.

Support for Vulnerable and Displaced Iraqis Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2008

Support for Vulnerable and Displaced Iraqis Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of State to develop a comprehensive regional strategy to address the mass displacement of Iraqis inside Iraq and as refugees into neighboring countries. Requires that such strategy: (1) address the challenges facing Iraqi refugees; (2) address the government of Iraq's responsibility to help meet the humanitarian needs of its citizens in Iraq and the region and related U.S. support; (3) assess the needs of vulnerable Iraqis in Iraq, especially internally displaced persons and Iraqi refugees in the region; (4) include the number of refugees from Iraq that the United States plans to resettle in the United States; (5) describe U.S. government steps to engage the international community and the government of Iraq in implementing such strategy; and (6) include plans to assess the strategy's impact.

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Azorean Refugee Act of 1958 and celebrating the extensive contributions of Portuguese-American communities to the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008

Commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Azorean Refugee Act of 1958. Recognizes the contributions of Portuguese immigrants and their descendants to the United States.

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Azorean Refugee Act of 1958 and celebrating the extensive contributions of Portuguese-American communities to the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Azorean Refugee Act of 1958. Recognizes the contributions of Portuguese immigrants and their descendants to the United States.

A resolution calling on the Governments of the People's Republic of China and the international community to use the upcoming Olympic Games as an opportunity to push for the parties to the conflicts in Sudan, Chad, and the Central African Republic to cease hostilities and revive efforts toward a peaceful resolution of their national and regional conflicts.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008

Expresses continued support and sympathy for the hundreds of thousands of civilians of Sudan, Chad, and the Central African Republic who have been affected by the ongoing violence and regional instability. Urges: (1) the United Nations, the African Union, and other international leaders to use the unique opportunity presented by the Olympics to promote peace, dialogue, and reconciliation in areas of conflict; (2) the government of China to press the Sudanese government to commit to a cessation of hostilities, allow the full deployment of UNAMID peacekeeping forces, and engage in good faith in efforts to rejuvenate peace talks; (3) the government of Sudan and other armed actors in the region to cease hostilities; (3) the President and the international community to ensure that mediation efforts are supported and backed by credible leverage through targeted pressure and an enforced arms embargo; and (4) the United Nations and the African Union to use the opportunity presented by a cessation of hostilities to fully deploy and equip UNAMID as well as strengthen the UN Mission in Sudan to better monitor the Abyei region. Welcomes the efforts of the new joint African Union-United Nations mediator, Mr. Djibril Bassole, to revive a comprehensive peace process, demobilize militias, and promote voluntary return of internally displaced persons and refugees. Encourages the UN Secretary-General and other international leaders to publicly promote the principles reflected in the Olympic Truce among all the warring parties in Sudan, Chad, the Central African Republic, and other conflict areas around the world.

Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2008

Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes FY2009 appropriations for the Department of State (Department) for: (1) administration of foreign affairs and diplomatic and consular programs; (2) the civilian stabilization initiative; (3) the Capital Investment Fund; (4) the Office of Inspector General; (5) educational and cultural exchange programs; (6) representation allowances; (7) protection of foreign missions and officials; (8) U.S. embassy security, construction, and maintenance; (9) emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service; (10) the repatriation loans program account; (11) the American Institute in Taiwan; (12) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (13) international organizations, peacekeeping, and commissions; (14) the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico; (15) plan preparation and construction of authorized projects; (16) the International Joint Commission and the International Boundary Commission, United States and Canada; (17) international fisheries commissions; (18) international broadcasting operations; (19) the Asia Foundation; (20) the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund; (21) the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships, Incorporated; (22) the Israeli Arab Scholarship Program; (23) East-West Center, Hawaii; (24) the National Endowment for Democracy; (25) the Commission for Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad; (26) the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom; (27) the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; (28) the Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China; (29) the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission; (30) the United States Senate-China Interparliamentary Group; (31) migration and refugee assistance; and (32) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related programs. Makes FY2009 appropriations for: (1) operating and international development expenses of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Office of Inspector General; (2) expenses of the President in carrying out certain programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (3) global health and child survival; (4) specified development assistance; (5) international disaster assistance; (6) global food security; (7) development credit authority; (8) the Economic Support Fund; (9) promotion of democracy; (10) assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia; (11) international narcotics control and law enforcement; (12) counterdrug activities in the Andean region of South America; (13) the Peace Corps; (14) the Millennium Challenge Corporation; (15) the Inter-American Foundation; (16) the African Development Foundation; (17) the Department of the Treasury for international affairs technical assistance activities and debt restructuring; (18) international organizations, financial institutions, and clean energy technology; (19) the Enterprise of the Americas Multilateral Investment Fund; (20) the Asian Development Fund; and (21) the African Development Fund. Makes FY2009 appropriations for: (1) international military education and training; (2) foreign military financing grants; and (3) international peacekeeping operations. Makes FY2009 appropriations for: (1) the Export-Import Bank, including the Office of Inspector General, direct and guaranteed loan and insurance programs, and administrative expenses; (2) Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) credit and insurance programs, including administrative expenses, and for the cost of direct and guaranteed loans; and (3) the Trade and Development Agency. Sets forth certain limits and prohibitions on the use of appropriations for specified activities.

Tibetan Refugee Assistance Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008

Tibetan Refugee Assistance Act of 2008 - Makes 3,000 immigrant visas in FY2010-FY2012 available to individuals who: (1) were born in Tibet; and (2) have been continuously residing in India or Nepal prior to the date of the enactment of this Act. Makes such visas available to the sons, daughters, grandsons, or granddaughters of such individuals.

To increase global stability and security for the United States and the international community by reducing the number of individuals who are de jure or de facto stateless and at risk of being trafficked.

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2008

States that: (1) it shall be U.S. policy that the President and the Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations work with the international community to increase political and financial support for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to prevent and resolve problems related to de jure and de facto statelessness and to promote the rights of de jure or de facto stateless persons; (2) the President shall make prevention and reduction of de jure or de facto statelessness an important goal of U.S. foreign policy and human rights efforts; and (3) it shall be U.S. policy to comply with the 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. Directs the Secretary of State to increase staff and resources in the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration to work toward the prevention and resolution of de jure and de facto statelessness and the protection of de jure or de facto stateless persons.

Iraqi Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and Security Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2008

Iraqi Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and Security Act of 2008 - Expresses the sense of Congress concerning Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons. Directs the Secretary of State, with respect to vulnerable populations in Iraq (including internally displaced persons) and with respect to countries containing a significant population of Iraqi refugees (including Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, and Iran), to provide such countries or appropriate international organizations and nongovernmental organizations with specified humanitarian assistance. Directs the Secretary to make every effort to ensure that the humanitarian needs of vulnerable populations (including internally displaced persons) in Iraq and Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries are met. Authorizes appropriations to Jordan for humanitarian assistance to Iraqi refugees and to provide the necessary infrastructure to support both the needs of Iraqi refugees and the Jordanian people. Requires that related fund monitoring mechanisms be established. Increases refugee admission limitations for the purpose of admitting Iraqi citizens or nationals who became refugees on or after March 19, 2003. Directs the Secretary, by a specified date and subject to the availability of appropriations, to have increased by 100% the number of federal personnel in Iraq and in other appropriate countries who are conducting security reviews of Iraqi refugee applicants. Directs the Secretary to work with the international community to provide: (1) financial assistance to vulnerable populations in Iraq (including internally displaced persons) and to Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries; and (2) technical and financial assistance to international organizations in order to process refugees. Defines "vulnerable populations in Iraq."

A bill to develop a policy to address the critical needs of Iraqi refugees.

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2008

Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the position of White House Coordinator for Iraqi Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons who shall: (1) develop and implement U.S. policies, and coordinate federal functions, to address the protection, resettlement, and assistance needs of Iraqi refugees and displaced persons; (2) monitor the development and implementation of assistance strategies to countries in the Middle East hosting Iraqi refugees; (3) ensure that the President's budget requests to Congress are sufficient to meet the needs of such persons, including providing assistance for international efforts on behalf of such persons; (4) serve as principal liaison with the government of Iraq and the international community and organizations that are assisting such persons; and (5) ensure that the U.S. government will encourage refugee returns only when conditions permit safe and voluntary returns.

To develop a policy to address the critical needs of Iraqi refugees.

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2008

Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the position of White House Coordinator for Iraqi Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons who shall: (1) develop and implement U.S. policies, and coordinate federal functions, to address the protection, resettlement, and assistance needs of Iraqi refugees and displaced persons; (2) monitor the development and implementation of assistance strategies to countries in the Middle East hosting Iraqi refugees; (3) ensure that the President's budget requests to Congress are sufficient to meet the needs of such persons, including providing assistance for international efforts on behalf of such persons; (4) serve as principal liaison with the government of Iraq and the international community and organizations that are assisting such persons; and (5) ensure that the U.S. government will encourage refugee returns only when conditions permit safe and voluntary returns.

Joining the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in observance of World Refugee Day and calling on the United States Government, international organizations, and aid groups to take immediate steps to secure urgently needed humanitarian relief for the more than 2,000,000 people displaced by genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan.

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2008

Reaffirms the historic commitment of the United States as a nation founded by refugees. Calls on: (1) the Department of State to support the refugee assistance efforts of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and of nongovernmental organizations; (2) the U.S. government to continue its international leadership role in response to the people of the Darfur region of Sudan who have been displaced by Sudan's genocide; and (3) the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate the resettlement of an appropriate number of Darfuris. Urges the parties to the conflicts in and between Chad and Sudan to conclude a cessation of hostilities agreement. Calls upon the Joint African Union-United Nations Special Representative for Darfur to ensure that displaced persons are fairly represented in peace negotiations. Affirms the goals of World Refugee Day and reiterates a strong commitment to protecting the millions of refugees who live without material, social, and legal protections.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the human rights crisis of Laotian and Hmong people in Laos and Thailand.

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2008

Urges the Lao government to: (1) cease military and security force attacks and actions against Lao and Hmong civilians and dissident Laotian political and minority religious groups; (2) provide international access to closed areas and military zones in Laos where Laotians and Hmong are being killed, persecuted, or have been internally displaced or fled; and (3) release the leaders of the Lao Students Movement for Democracy of October 1999 and other Lao political and religious opposition leaders and prisoners of conscience. Urges His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, the Royal Thai government, and commanders of the Thai Army and military to: (1) allow access to, and relief for, the Lao and Hmong political refugees and asylum seekers at Ban Huay Nam Khao and elsewhere in Thailand; (2) allow Lao and Hmong refugees and asylum seekers to have sanctuary in Thailand until they can be assisted by the international community; and (3) refrain from further repatriation of Lao and Hmong refugees and asylum seekers in Thailand.

Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2008

Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act - Sets forth provisions regarding procedures and standards applicable to aliens detained in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) custody and the conditions of such custody, which shall address: (1) fair and humane treatment; (2) solitary confinement limitations; (3) investigation of grievances; (4) access to telephones and legal assistance; (5) detainee transfers; (6) translation capabilities; (7) medical care; (8) vulnerable populations; (9) standards for non-criminal detainees; (10) personnel training; and (11) reporting of detainee deaths. Establishes in DHS: (1) an Office of Detention Oversight; and (2) a detention alternatives program under which detainees may be released under enhanced supervision. Provides for: (1) legal orientation for immigration and asylum detainees; (2) construction or use of less restrictive detention facilities, including facilities for families with children; and (3) quality assurance procedures regarding expedited removal interviews.

Noting that the Government of Iraq will likely enjoy $32 billion in surplus oil revenues in 2008 and requesting the Government of Iraq to dedicate $1 billion to address the needs of Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008

Calls on the governments of the United States and Iraq to work together in easing the suffering of the refugees and internally displaced persons. Suggests that the Iraqi Government significantly augment its contribution to efforts on behalf of this displaced population. Requests that Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki propose in his supplemental budgetary request to the Iraqi Parliament in June 2008 that $1 billion be dedicated to meeting the needs of this community. Requests that the Iraqi Parliament accept this budgetary request.

Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2008

States that any person who served honorably as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces (Armed Forces) in support of contingency operations shall be eligible for naturalization as if the person had served during a period of presidentially-designated military hostilities. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend the period for filing a naturalization application after completion of eligible military service. Eliminates conditional permanent resident status for certain alien spouses (and sons or daughters) who are members or veterans of the Armed Forces. Sets forth factors to be considered in initiating removal proceedings against active duty members of the Armed Forces or veterans. Prohibits removal of an alien who is a member or veteran of the Armed Forces based upon: (1) illegal reentry; (2) expedited removal for commission of certain crimes; or (3) inspection for admissions or asylum. Exempts from specified grounds of inadmissibility or deportation an alien who is a member or veteran of the Armed Forces or an alien who is the spouse, child, son, daughter, parent, or minor sibling of a member serving in the Armed Forces. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General to waive other grounds (with specified exceptions) for such removal. Sets forth waiver factors. Exempts from worldwide immigrant visa numerical limitations an alien who is eligible for a family-sponsored immigrant visa and is either the spouse or child of a permanent resident alien who is serving in the Armed Forces. Directs the Secretary to adjust to permanent resident status an alien who is a parent, spouse, child, son or daughter, or minor sibling of a citizen or person eligible for naturalization through military service who is serving or has served in the Armed Forces during specified periods of hostilities. Permits posthumous benefits under specified circumstances. Waives certain grounds of inadmissibility.

NO DIRECTION HOME: AN NGO PERSPECTIVE ON IRAQI REFUGEES AND IDPs

United States · United States House of Representatives · 1 May 2008

Recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2008

Recognizes the tenth anniversary of the signing of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA) and the fundamental importance of religious freedom within U.S. historical experience and foreign policy. Urges all United Nations member states to respect their obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Calls on the President to appoint a National Security Advisor on International Religious Freedom, promote respect for religious freedom, and address the findings and recommendations of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom regarding asylum-seekers in the United States. Calls on the Secretary of State to: (1) ensure that no foreign government official who has been directly involved in particularly severe violations of religious freedom receives a U.S. visa; (2) ensure that religious freedom is a key part of dialogue with all countries where concerns exist; (3) ensure that U.S. foreign aid program funding promotes respect for religious freedom; (4) ensure that religious freedom and other human rights training is required of all foreign service officers; and (5) develop strategies to address new religious freedom concerns.

Iraq Responsibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008

Iraq Responsibility Act - Requires that: (1) funds appropriated or otherwise made available for assistance to Iraq for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for FY2009, FY2010, or FY2011, shall be made available only to the extent that the government of Iraq matches such assistance on a dollar-for-dollar basis; and (2) the Secretary of State certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that such requirement has been met before the initial obligation of any such funds. Exempts from such requirement funds for: (1) grants and cooperative agreements for democracy and human rights programs; (2) humanitarian demining; or (3) assistance for refugees and internally displaced persons.

OSCE PARTNER STATES AND NEIGHBORS OVERWHELMED BY IRAQI REFUGEES: BAND- AID SOLUTIONS TO IMPLOSION IN THE MIDDLE EAST?

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008

NEGLECTED RESPONSIBILITIES: THE U.S. RESPONSE TO THE IRAQI REFUGEE CRISIS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 March 2008

Calling on the United States Government and the international community to promptly develop, fund, and implement a comprehensive regional strategy to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian operations, contain and reduce violence, and contribute to conditions for sustainable peace and good governance in Chad, as well as in the wider region that includes the northern region of the Central African Republic and the Darfur region of Sudan.

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2008

Expresses concern about the safety and well-being of innocent civilians in Chad and the refugees from Darfur and the Central African Republic. Condemns Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and the National Congress Party for their support of the armed rebellion in Chad. Calls on all parties to seek a negotiated settlement. Calls on the President to: (1) continue U.S. humanitarian assistance to the refugees and internally displaced persons in Chad and the Central African Republic; (2) provide support to strengthen democratic institutions and respect for human rights; and (3) seek punitive measures against the government of Sudan by the U.N. Security Council for its aggression and destructive activities in Chad and the region.

Expressing the Sense of Congress on the Humanitarian Crisis in Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Iraqi refugee crisis must be addressed before it becomes a major factor in the destabilization of Iraq and an increasing threat to U.S. security; and (2) the United States should support the Iraqi Red Crescent Organization in their work to provide humanitarian relief to the people of Iraq.