Asylum

A resolution condemning the mass atrocities committed against the Rohingya in Burma and urging accountability for the Burmese military.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2018

Condemns the Burmese military's atrocities against Burma's minority Rohingya population, and calls on the Department of State to formally determine whether such acts amount to genocide. Commends the government of Bangladesh for receiving Rohingya refugees, and calls on Burma's government to immediately release journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo.

Refugee Sanitation Facility Safety Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2018

Refugee Sanitation Facility Safety Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of State, when providing overseas assistance for refugees, to ensure the provision of safe and secure access to sanitation facilities, with a special emphasis on women, girls, and vulnerable populations.

ADAPT Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2018

Asylum at Designated Arrival Ports and Terminals Act 2018 or the ADAPT Act of 2018 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require asylum applicants to arrive in the United States only at a designated port of arrival. Current law allows aliens to seek asylum whether or not they arrive at a designated port. The bill also requires asylum seekers to file their applications immediately upon arrival, where currently they have one year to do so.

Families, Not Facilities Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2018

Families, Not Facilities Act of 2018 This bill amends the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 regarding the treatment of minor aliens that enter the United States unaccompanied by a guardian. When placing an unaccompanied alien child with a proposed custodian, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall not consider the proposed guardian's immigration status. This bill also limits the use of information obtained for placing an unaccompanied alien child with a custodian, if such information was obtained from the child or the Department of Health and Human Services. DHS shall not use such information to apprehend, detain, or deport: the child, a proposed or current custodian or sponsor, or a person living with the proposed or current custodian or sponsor. The Office of Refugee Settlement shall provide case management services for unaccompanied alien children after they have been released and facilitate efforts to connect the children with legal representation for immigration proceedings. This bill also establishes the Office of Refugee Resettlement Advisory Committee on Shelters for Accompanied Alien Children. The advisory committee may conduct unannounced inspections of Office of Refugee Settlement shelters that hold unaccompanied alien children. The advisory committee shall issue a report on its investigations and recommendations regarding the shelters.

End Catch and Release Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2018

End Catch and Release Act This bill modifies provisions related to unaccompanied inadmissible alien children, such as directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to repatriate such children, where DHS currently has discretion whether to do so. It also modifies provisions relating to asylum seekers, including raising the standard of proof required to establish a credible fear of persecution.

No Internment Camps Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2018

No Internment Camps Act This bill prohibits the use of funds, including previously authorized funds beginning one year after enactment of this bill, to operate or construct a family residential center, whether operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or by another governmental or nongovernmental contractor. The bill transfers funds obligated for family detention centers to the Alternatives to Detention Account (established by this bill) to implement the Family Case Management Program and additional community-based non-detention programs for alien families. The bill establishes, and funds through FY2024, the Emergency Fund for Asylum Seekers. The Department of Homeland Security may determine the number of alien families who have entered the United States seeking asylum in a fiscal year and based on specified percentage increases in such numbers receive amounts from the fund for the processing of such asylum seekers.

Lady Liberty Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2018

Lady Liberty Act of 2018 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the President to set the number of post-FY2018 refugee admissions at not less than 110,000 persons per fiscal year.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Presidential Determination of the annual refugee admissions limit in fiscal year 2019 shall be no less than 110,000 and that President Trump and his administration must operate the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) in good faith.

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2018

Reaffirms the bipartisan commitment of the United States to promote the safety, health, and well-being of refugees, including through U.S. resettlement for those who cannot return home. Urges President Trump and his administration to affirm the importance of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and to make a presidential determination for FY2019 that the admission of at least 110,000 refugees is justified. (Under the program, such determination establishes the overall admissions levels and regional allocations of all refugees for an upcoming fiscal year.)

Responsibility for Unaccompanied Minors Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2018

Responsibility for Unaccompanied Minors Act This bill amends provisions relating to responsibilities of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the care of unaccompanied alien children. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended to authorize the Office of Refugee Resettlement of HHS to: (1) care for an unaccompanied alien child until the earlier of the conclusion of the child's immigration proceedings or until the child reaches 18 years of age, and (2) evaluate a child's need for follow-up services prior to placement with a sponsor. The William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 is amended to require a sponsor of an unaccompanied alien child to execute a sponsor care agreement with HHS. An agreement must provide for the child's physical and mental well-being, ensure the child's presence at immigration hearings, and ensure compliance with federal court or agency orders. HHS shall (1) reassume physical custody of a child if a non-parent or legal guardian sponsor fails to comply with a sponsorship agreement, and (2) notify state welfare agencies before releasing children to sponsors within a state. HHS shall perform background checks on potential sponsors and other adult household members before releasing a child to a sponsor. The Department of Justice shall increase the number of immigration judge teams.

Palestinian Assistance Reform Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2018

Palestinian Assistance Reform Act of 2018 This bill authorizes the redirection of  U.S. funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees in the Near East, if specified reforms are not achieved by the UNRWA and certified by June 30, 2020, to other entities to be used for assistance to Palestinians living in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, Jordan, Syria, or Lebanon.

Alternatives to Detention Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 31 August 2018

Alternatives to Detention Act of 2018 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish programs for providing alternatives to detaining individuals under the immigration laws, including community-based supervision and community support programs. DHS may not detain and must place in an alternative detention program individuals deemed members of a vulnerable population (e.g., asylum seekers, pregnant or nursing women, or crime victims), a parent of a child under age 18, or a caregiver. DHS must establish the position of Coordinator of Alternatives to Detention and Family Reunification to coordinate the use of alternative detention programs and to reunify parents with children separated from them.

Clean Air Refugee Assistance Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 28 August 2018

Clean Air Refugee Assistance Act of 2018 This bill authorizes the President, in carrying out the Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to provide transitional shelter assistance to individuals living in an area where the air quality index is determined to be unhealthy for not less than three consecutive days as a result of a wildfire declared by the President to be a major disaster or declared to be a major disaster by the governor of the state in which the individuals are located.

Asylum Abuse Reduction Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 August 2018

Asylum Abuse Reduction Act This bill provides that if an alien seeking asylum attempts to enter the United States from Canada or Mexico at a land port of entry without a valid visa or appropriate entry documents the inspecting immigration officer: may not admit the alien, and shall advise the alien to schedule an asylum hearing at a U.S. embassy or consulate in Canada or Mexico. Such alien may not be admitted into the United States unless the asylum officer has conducted an in-person interview and concluded that the alien: has been persecuted in his or her country of origin because of race, religion, nationality, social group membership, or political opinion; or would be subject to torture upon return. The bill requires each federal judicial district to appoint at least one magistrate or district court judge who, upon a showing of probable cause, shall issue an arrest warrant for an alien under a final removal order who has failed to leave the United States. The Department of Homeland Security shall establish an alternative to detention pilot program in which aliens may be released to the supervision of a qualified organization that has contracted with the federal government to facilitate such aliens' compliance with all stages of the immigration proceedings. An alien who fails to comply with program requirements may be subjected to arrest, detention, and expedited removal.

Afghan and Iraqi Allies Resettlement Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 August 2018

Afghan and Iraqi Allies Resettlement Improvement Act This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to survey long-term outcomes, such as employment, housing, and education, of Afghan and Iraqi special immigrant visa (SIV) holders as part of the Annual Survey of Refugees. SIV holders are persons who worked with the U.S. Armed Forces or under Chief of Mission authority as a translator or interpreter in Iraq or Afghanistan. The Department of State shall deliver information in Dari, Pashto, or Urdu to prospective SIV holders about resettlement in the United States to assist with their adjustment process. The State Department and the Department of Defense shall jointly establish a temporary program to offer SIV holders employment as translators, interpreters, and cultural awareness instructors.

Humane Treatment of Migrant Children Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2018

Humane Treatment of Migrant Children Act This bill prohibits an agent or officer of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), or the Department of Health and Human Services from removing a child (i.e., an individual who has not reached the age of 18 and has no permanent immigration status) from a parent or legal guardian at or near the port of entry or within 100 miles of the U.S. border unless: (1) a state court determines that such removal is in the best interests of the child, (2) a state child welfare agency makes a similar determination because the child is in danger or abuse or neglect, or (3) the Chief Patrol Agent or the Area Port Director authorizes separation based on a finding that the child is a victim of trafficking or is in danger of abuse or neglect. The bill establishes a strong presumption in favor of family unity and a presumption that detention is not in the best interest of families and children. It further requires DHS to ensure that sibling groups remain intact. DHS must: (1) publish final public guidance that describes the manner in which a parent or legal guardian may locate a child who has become separated; (2) provide the parent or legal guardian of a separated child basic information about the child's activities, education and health, and immigration status; and (3) report to Congress annually on family separation. The Government Accountability Office must study, and report on, the prosecution of asylum seekers during the period beginning on January 1, 2008, and ending on December 31, 2018. The bill requires that unaccompanied alien children be provided free legal counsel in immigration proceedings and that DHS provide access to counsel for all aliens detained in immigration detention facilities. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shall use its resources to detain aliens who pose a threat to national security or public safety. Aliens shall not be detained if they are known to be suffering from serious physical or mental illness, have a disability, are elderly, pregnant, or nursing, are minors, are the primary caretakers of a minor or an inform person, or that their detention is otherwise not in the public interest. DHS must provide sufficient funding to cover alternatives to detention programs. DOJ must increase the total number of immigration judges and DHS must increase the number of its personnel responsible for processing refugee applications.

UNRWA Reform and Refugee Support Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2018

UNRWA Reform and Refugee Support Act of 2018 This bill states that it shall be U.S. policy to recognize the refugee status of a Palestinian receiving assistance through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) if such person, or the person's spouse or minor child: resided, between June 1946 and May 1948, in the region controlled by Britain known as Mandatory Palestine; was personally displaced as a result of the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict; and has not accepted an offer of legal residency status, citizenship, or other permanent adjustment in status in another country. In applying such criteria to refugees under UNRWA it shall be U.S. policy, consistent with the definition of a refugee under the Immigration and Nationality Act, that: derivative refugee status may only be extended to the spouse or minor child of such a refugee, and an alien who was firmly resettled in any country is not eligible to retain refugee status.

Condemning the Attorney General's decision in "Matter of A-B-" seeking to declare domestic violence and gang violence as invalid grounds for seeking asylum.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2018

Condemns the Attorney General's decision in Matter of A-B- seeking to declare domestic violence and gang violence as invalid grounds for seeking asylum.

Reunite Separated Families Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2018

Family Unity Rights and Protection Act This bill requires the Departments of Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, State, and Defense to ensure that alien children (i.e., children under the age of 18 removed from their parents or legal guardians at or near a port of entry or within 100 miles of the U.S. border pursuant to a zero tolerance policy for criminal illegal reentry) are reunited at the earliest possible date with their parents and guardians from whom they were separated. It also requires notification of parents and guardians of procedures for reuniting with such children and for the location of such children. The bill requires the creation of an electronic registry for information used to locate such alien children and their parents and guardians. The information in such registry may only be used for locating such children and may not be used in any criminal prosecution or other immigration proceeding. The bill also sets forth conditions on the termination of parental rights in immigration proceedings and requires the consolidation of asylum and immigration proceedings involving alien children.

Family Unity Rights and Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2018

Family Unity Rights and Protection Act This bill requires the Departments of Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, State, and Defense to ensure that alien children (i.e., children under the age of 18 removed from their parents or legal guardians at or near a port of entry or within 100 miles of the U.S. border pursuant to a zero tolerance policy for criminal illegal reentry) are reunited at the earliest possible date with their parents and guardians from whom they were separated. It also requires notification of parents and guardians of procedures for reuniting with such children and for the location of such children. The bill requires the creation of an electronic registry for information used to locate such alien children and their parents and guardians. The information in such registry may only be used for locating such children and may not be used in any criminal prosecution or other immigration proceeding. The bill also sets forth conditions on the termination of parental rights in immigration proceedings and requires the consolidation of asylum and immigration proceedings involving alien children.

Protect Kids and Parents Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2018

Protect Kids and Parents Act This bill requires that a child of alien parents or legal guardians who are asylum applicants must be detained in the same facility. A "child" is defined as an individual who has not reached the age of 18, has no permanent immigration status, and was in the custody and presence of a parent or legal guardian when the parent or legal guardian was detained for illegally entering the United States. The bill also: directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to increase the total number of immigration judges and Board of Immigration staff attorneys; directs Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to increase the total number of DHS personnel who process asylum applications; requires DOJ and DHS to establish procedures for expedited consideration and processing of asylum applications; requires expedited removal of asylum applicants whose applications have been denied; establishes a strong presumption in favor of family unity; requires DHS to publish guidance for locating separated children; and requires the Government Accountability Office to study, and report on, the prosecution of asylum seekers between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2018.

Families First Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2018

Families First Act of 2018 This bill amends rules for the treatment of unaccompanied alien children and asylum-seeking families, and for detaining and removal of various types of aliens.

Reunite Children With Their Parents Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2018

Reunite Children With Their Parents Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to reunite an alien who entered the United States with the alien's minor child (under the age of 18) who was separated from the child pending prosecution for improper entry or the adjudication of an asylum application.

A resolution commemorating June 20, 2018, as "World Refugee Day".

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2018

Calls upon the U.S. government to uphold its international leadership role by responding to the global refugee crisis with humanitarian assistance and to reaffirm the long-standing tradition of resettling refugees in the United States regardless of nationality or religion.

Keep Families Together Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2018

Keep Families Together Act This bill prohibits an agent or contractor of the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, or the Department of Health and Human Services from removing a child who is under the age of 18 and has no permanent immigration status from his or her parent or legal guardian at or near the port of entry or within 100 miles of the U.S. border unless: an authorized state court determines that it is in the child's best interests to be removed; a state or county child welfare official with expertise in child trauma and development determines that it is in the child's best interests to be removed because of abuse or neglect; or the Chief Patrol Agent or the Area Port Director authorizes separation based on a documented finding that the child is a trafficking victim or is at significant risk of becoming a victim, a strong likelihood exists that the adult is not the parent or legal guardian, or the child is in danger of abuse or neglect. A child may not be removed from a parent or guardian unless an independent licensed child welfare expert authorizes the separation within 48 hours of such removal. An agency may not remove a child from a parent or legal guardian solely for the policy goals of deterring migration to the United States or of promoting immigration law compliance. The bill sets forth presumptions: (1) in favor of family and sibling unity and parental rights, and (2) that detention is not in the best interests of families and children. The bill limits the prosecution of asylum seekers.

Equal Protection of Unaccompanied Minors Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2018

Equal Protection of Unaccompanied Minors Act This bill establishes rules for the care of unaccompanied alien children (under age 18) in detention. It also revises rules for the detention of aliens who commit violent crimes and expands the grounds of inadmissibility and deportability for alien gang members. The bill revises asylum provisions and imposes criminal penalties for asylum fraud.

Border Security and Immigration Reform Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2018

Border Security and Immigration Reform Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to achieve situational awareness and operational control of the border, including by increasing enforcement personnel. The bill provides funding for infrastructure, law enforcement, and border security, including funds for a border wall along the southern border. The bill provides for: (1) an Integrated Border Enforcement Team Program within DHS; (2) Tunnel Task Forces; (3) a pilot program on the use of electromagnetic spectrum to support border control operations; (4) a Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program; (5) construction of new border ports of entry; (6) a biometric exit data system at certain airports, seaports, and land ports of entry; (7) electronic passport screening and biometric matching; and (8) protections for children apprehended at the border from parental separation and for children in DHS custody. DHS may provide assistance to a foreign country to address migrant flows affecting the United States. DHS may provide six-year renewable contingent nonimmigrant status for certain aliens who were under the age of 16 when they first entered the United States. Adjustment to immigrant status is provided based on a point system. Children of long-term temporary foreign workers are also eligible for such status adjustment. DHS may designate certain groups as a criminal gang. Such individuals may not seek asylum, withholding of removal, or temporary protected status. Indemnification is provided for law enforcement entities sued for complying with DHS detainers. DHS detainer authority is revised. The bill creates a private right of action against a state or local jurisdiction that declines to honor a DHS detainer for a convicted illegal alien who then commits murder, rape, or sexual abuse of a minor. The bill eliminates: (1) the diversity visa program, (2) certain family-based visa categories, and (3) the per-country limit for employment-based immigrants. The per-country limit for family based-immigrants is increased. Asylum and visa screening provisions are revised.

Protect Kids and Parents Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2018

Protect Kids and Parents Act This bill requires that a child of alien parents or legal guardians who are asylum applicants must be detained in the same facility. A "child" is defined as an individual who has not reached the age of 18, has no permanent immigration status, and was in the custody and presence of a parent or legal guardian when the parent or legal guardian was detained for illegally entering the United States. The bill also: directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to increase the total number of immigration judges and Board of Immigration staff attorneys; directs Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to increase the total number of DHS personnel who process asylum applications; requires DOJ and DHS to establish procedures for expedited consideration and processing of asylum applications; requires expedited removal of asylum applicants whose applications have been denied; establishes a strong presumption in favor of family unity; requires DHS to publish guidance for locating separated children; and requires the Government Accountability Office to study, and report on, the prosecution of asylum seekers between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2018.

Palestinian Authority Educational Curriculum Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2018

Palestinian Authority Educational Curriculum Transparency Act This bill directs the Department of State to report annually to Congress on curricula used in schools controlled by the Palestinian Authority (PA) or the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the West Bank and Gaza, including determinations of whether: (1) violent or intolerant content toward other nations or ethnic groups has been removed; (2) the PA and UNRWA are reforming such curricula to conform with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization standards; and (3) the PA or UNRWA is using U.S. assistance to fund dissemination of such curricula. The State Department shall make such reports publicly available.

Keep Families Together Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2018

Keep Families Together Act This bill prohibits an agent or contractor of the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, or the Department of Health and Human Services from removing a child who is under the age of 18 and has no permanent immigration status from his or her parent or legal guardian at or near the port of entry or within 100 miles of the U.S. border unless: an authorized state court determines that it is in the child's best interests to be removed; a state or county child welfare official with expertise in child trauma and development determines that it is in the child's best interests to be removed because of abuse or neglect; or the Chief Patrol Agent or the Area Port Director authorizes separation based on a documented finding that the child is a trafficking victim or is at significant risk of becoming a victim, a strong likelihood exists that the adult is not the parent or legal guardian, or the child is in danger of abuse or neglect. An agency may not remove a child from a parent or legal guardian solely for the policy goals of deterring migration to the United States or of promoting immigration law compliance. The bill sets forth presumptions: (1) in favor of family and sibling unity and parental rights, and (2) that detention is not in the best interests of families and children. The Government Accountability Office shall conduct a study of the prosecution of asylum seekers.

Ronald Mortensen, of Utah, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Population, Refugees, and Migration), vice Anne Claire Richard.

United States · United States Senate · 24 May 2018

Northern Mariana Islands U.S. Workforce Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2018

Northern Mariana Islands U.S. Workforce Act of 2018 (Sec. 3) This bill extends by 10 years, through 2029, and revises the immigration transition program for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The Governor of the CNMI must submit to the Department of Labor, and Labor must approve, a plan for using fees collected for vocational education. Labor must report on the number of asylum seekers it anticipates at the end of the transition program and its efforts to prepare for the asylum seekers. The bill revises the Commonwealth Only Transitional Worker permit system, including to limit the validity of a permit to a one-year period, at most. Employers petitioning for one or more such permits must pay a specified fraud prevention and detection fee. Before an employer's petition for a permit may be approved by Labor, the employer must apply to Labor for a temporary labor certification that confirms (1) there are not sufficient U.S. workers in the CNMI who are able, willing, qualified, and available to perform the work involved in the petition; and (2) employment of the nonimmigrant worker will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers. Workers under permits must be paid the highest of CNMI minimum wage, federal minimum wage, or the prevailing wage for the occupation. The bill provides for renewal of permits and three-year permits for workers permitted since FY2015. The bill caps the number of permits that may be issued each fiscal year. The cap is lowered each year.

UNRWA Accountability Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2018

UNRWA Accountability Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of State to report to Congress on the long-term strategy for funding and policy towards the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. The report shall include the national security impact of any such funding changes.

INA Jurisdiction Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2018

INA Jurisdiction Act of 2018 This bill amends the federal judicial code to specify that the U.S. Supreme Court and immigration courts are the only courts that have jurisdiction over (and in which a claimant has standing to raise) issues regarding immigration, naturalization, refugee status, asylum, and any other related matter involving a claimed legal right to enter or remain in the United States, or any case or controversy of any provision of the immigration laws, or any order issued or rule made pursuant to immigrations laws.

Recognizing the contributions of the Montagnard indigenous tribespeople of the Central Highlands of Vietnam to the United States Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, and condemning the ongoing violation of human rights by the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2018

Recognizes: (1) the contributions of the Montagnards who fought loyally and bravely with U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and who continue to suffer persecution in Vietnam as a result of this relationship, and (2) that eligible Montagnards should be provided access to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for resettlement in the United States and in other countries. Condemns actions taken by the government of Vietnam to suppress the basic human rights and civil liberties of its citizens. Calls on Vietnam to allow human rights groups access to all regions of the country and to end restrictions of basic human rights, including the right for Montagnards to practice their Christian faith freely, the right to land and property, freedom of movement, the right to retain ethnic identity and culture, and access to an adequate standard of living. Urges the President and Congress to develop policies that: (1) support Montagnards and other marginalized ethnic minority and indigenous populations, and (2) reflect U.S. interests and commitment to upholding human rights and democracy abroad.

NO ASSISTANCE FOR ASSAD ACT; IRAN HUMAN RIGHTS AND HOSTAGE-TAKING ACCOUNTABILITY ACT; STRONGLY CONDEMNING THE SLAVE AUCTIONS OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES IN LIBYA, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; AND RECOGNIZING AND SUPPORTING THE EFFORTS OF THE UNITED BID COMMITTEE TO BRING THE 2026 FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (FIFA) WORLD CUP COMPETITION TO CANADA, MEXICO, AND THE UNITED STATES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 March 2018

Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2018

Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to adjust to permanent resident status a qualifying Liberian national who: (1) has been continuously present in the United States between November 20, 2014, through the date of status adjustment application; or (2) is the spouse, child, or unmarried son or daughter of such an alien. Adjustment applications must be filed not later than one year after the date of enactment of this bill.

D'ARC Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018

Demand the end of Assault in Refugee Camps Act or the D'ARC Act This bill amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the annual human rights reports to include descriptions of the extent to which: the government of a country is failing to address, reduce, or prosecute instances of sexual assault in refugee camps; and the United States has taken or will take action to end such practices, including by training personnel to address the crime of sexual assault.

Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018

Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make an alien: (1) inadmissible if a consular officer, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or the Department of Justice (DOJ) knows or has reason to believe that such person is or has been a member of a criminal gang or has participated in criminal gang activities; and (2) deportable if such person is or has been a member of a criminal gang or has participated in criminal gang activities. A "criminal gang" is defined as an ongoing group, club, organization, or association of five or more persons (group): (1) one of the primary purposes of which is the commission of one or more specified criminal offenses and the members of which engage, or have engaged within the past five years, in a continuing series of such offenses; or (2) that has been designated as a criminal gang by DHS. DHS may: (1) designate a group as a criminal gang based upon its conduct, and (2) revoke a designation for national security interests or if the group no longer conducts such criminal activities. Such designation shall be effective until revoked or judicially set aside. Congress may block or revoke a designation. A group may file a petition for revocation: (1) prior to designation, with DHS, and (2) after designation, with the U.S. Court of Appeals, DC Circuit. The bill: (1) provides for mandatory detention of alien gang members; and (2) makes alien gang members ineligible for asylum, temporary protected status, special immigrant juvenile status, and parole (unless such an alien is assisting the United States in a law enforcement matter).

A resolution recognizing January 27, 2018, as the anniversary of the first refugee and Muslim ban, and urging the President to demonstrate true leadership on refugee resettlement.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2018

Reaffirms: (1) the proud U.S. history of refugee resettlement, and (2) the strong bipartisan commitment to promote the safety, health, and well-being of refugees. Recognizes: (1) January 27, 2018, as the anniversary of the first refugee and Muslim ban; and (2) the profound consequences faced by refugees and their families who have been stranded, separated, and scarred by current U.S. policies. Underscores the importance of the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program as a critical tool for U.S. global leadership. Calls upon the U.S. government to: (1) resettle 45,000 refugees in FY2018 and at least 75,000 refugees in FY2019, (2) uphold its international leadership role in responding to displacement crises with humanitarian assistance and protection of the most vulnerable populations, and (3) recommit to offering freedom from oppression and to resettling the most vulnerable refugees regardless of their country of origin or religious beliefs.

Next Steps for Refugee and Migrant Youth in Europe January 23, 2018

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2018

A resolution urging the Governments of Burma and Bangladesh to ensure the safe, dignified, voluntary, and sustainable return of the Rohingya refugees who have been displaced by the campaign of ethnic cleansing conducted by the Burmese military.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2018

Condemns: (1) the violence and displacement inflicted on Burma's (Myanmar's) Rohingya and other ethnic minorities, and (2) the attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army militant group. Calls for an immediate halt to all hostilities by Burmese authorities. Calls on: the government of Burma to allow full access to Rakhine State and to ensure the full participation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and that the voices of refugees are represented, the UNHCR and international nongovernmental organizations to play a role in monitoring repatriation efforts by the governments of Bangladesh and Burma, and the United Nations to consider the feasibility of Bangladesh's proposal for a safe zone or for a peacekeeping mission to protect vulnerable communities under international supervision. Commends: (1) the positive role of the government of Bangladesh in receiving Rohingya refugees and urges that government to continue allowing the full participation of the UNHCR and human rights organizations in accessing refugee camps, and (2) the Bangladesh's efforts to provide shelter and relief for such refugees. Calls for any return of Rohingya to include specified guarantees. Recognizes that any forced relocation of Rohingya refugees into areas not of their choosing is unacceptable. Calls on the government of Burma to: allow for a flexible and practical approach to dealing with evidence of Rohingya residence in Burma; address root causes consistent with the Rakhine Advisory Commission recommendations and fully implement such recommendations; address the issue of statelessness for the Rohingya, the deprivation of rights, and institutionalized and pervasive discrimination; and release journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo. Calls on the government of Bangladesh to ensure that all refugees have freedom of movement and are not subject to unsafe, involuntary, precipitous, or uninformed returns to Burma.

Asylum Protection Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2018

Asylum Protection Act of 2018 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) replace the current deadline for an asylum application from 1 year to 30 days from the date an asylum seeker enters the United States, and (2) require an applicant who arrives at a designated port of entry to begin the asylum application at the time of arrival.

Securing America's Future Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2018

Securing America's Future Act of 2018 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise immigrant visa allocation provisions, including family-related visas. A nonimmigrant classification for parents of adult U.S. citizens is created. The diversity visa program is eliminated. Annual immigration levels are revised. The limit on the worldwide level of employment-based immigrants is increased. The H-2C visa temporary agricultural worker program is revised. A trust fund is established to provide incentives for such workers to return to their country of origin. DNA testing to establish family relationships is authorized. Employment eligibility verification provisions are revised. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall establish an employment verification system. No federal, state, or local government entity or individual may prohibit or restrict a federal, state, or local government entity or official from complying with the immigration laws or assisting related federal law enforcement activities. The bill revises provisions regarding: (1) detention of aliens in removal proceedings; (2) illegal entry and reentry; (3) inadmissibility and deportability of criminal aliens, gang members, drunk drivers, and sex offenders; (4) repatriation; (5) asylum and asylum fraud; (6) unaccompanied alien children; (7) foreign students; and (8) visa fraud. The bill: (1) transfers authority for strengthening the southern border from the Department of Justice to DHS; (2) revises border security provisions; (3) provides for additional border security personnel; (4) authorizes new ports of entry along the northern border and southern borders; (5) authorizes National Guard border security activities; (6) provides contingent nonimmigrant status for certain aliens who entered the United States as minors; (7) authorizes appropriations for specified border barriers and infrastructure; and (8) establishes Operation Stonegarden to make border security grants to law enforcement agencies. DHS shall: (1) submit a southern border threat analysis, (2) establish the Integrated Border Enforcement Team program, (3) implement the Border Security Deployment Program, (4) review social media activities of visa applicants, and (5) establish a biometric exit data system.

Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2018

Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to adjust to permanent resident status a qualifying Liberian national who: (1) has been continuously present in the United States between November 20, 2014, through the date of status adjustment application; or (2) is the spouse, child, or unmarried son or daughter of such an alien. Adjustment applications must be filed not later than one year after the date of enactment of this bill.