Asylum

Protect Asylum Seekers Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2020

Protect Asylum Seekers Act This bill limits the separation of alien families and provides protections for asylum seekers. Certain civil and criminal penalties related to improper entry into the United States shall not apply if, after entering the United States, an alien without delay communicates to an immigration or asylum officer a non-fraudulent (1) desire to seek asylum, or (2) fear of persecution. The Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Justice, and Health and Human Services shall not separate a child from a parent or legal guardian unless a state court terminates the parent or legal guardian's rights; a state child welfare agency or court determines it is in the child's best interests to be removed; or the child is determined to be a trafficking victim or at risk of becoming one, the accompanying adult is most likely not the parent or legal guardian, or the child is in danger of abuse or neglect. An agency may not separate a child from a parent or legal guardian solely to deter migration into the United States or to promote compliance with immigration laws. DHS shall develop (1) training related to the bill's family separation requirements, and (2) guidance for how parents and legal guardians may locate a separated child. DHS shall provide parents and legal guardians periodic status updates about a separated child. The Government Accountability Office shall report to Congress on the criminal prosecution of asylum seekers.

Fairness for Immigrant Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2020

Fairness for Immigrant Families Act This bill addresses various immigration-related issues, including by (1) repealing certain provisions barring an alien from admission into the United States if that alien had been previously removed, (2) making it unlawful to fraudulently provide immigration services or make certain misrepresentations related to such services, and (3) establishing a National Office of New Americans to support the integration of immigrants and refugees.

COVID–19 in Immigration Detention Data Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2020

COVID-19 in Immigration Detention Data Transparency Act This bill requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to collect and report various information about detained individuals, including data on COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) testing. During the COVID-related declared public health emergency and for one year after, ICE, CBP, and ORR shall publicly post on a website certain data about its detention facilities, including COVID-19 testing numbers for detained individuals and detention facility staff, COVID-19 case outcomes, and COVID-related information about detained individuals who were released or removed from the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shall issue guidance as to the COVID-related data that ICE, CBP, and ORR must collect and report weekly to the CDC. The CDC shall periodically report to Congress a summary of this data and an analysis of the trends and pattern of the spread of the disease. ICE, CPB, and ORR shall also ensure that each detained individual receives all medical records related to any COVID-19 test administered to the individual. ICE, CPB, and ORR shall also report to Congress on (1) the COVID-19 safety protocols in their facilities, and (2) their efforts to ensure that each detained individual has access to legal counsel. This bill's data collection and reporting requirements that apply to ICE, CPB, and ORR shall also apply to any contract facilities that they use to hold detained individuals.

COVID–19 in Immigration Detention Data Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2020

COVID-19 in Immigration Detention Data Transparency Act This bill requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to collect and report various information about detained individuals, including data on COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) testing. During the COVID-related declared public health emergency and for one year after, ICE, CBP, and ORR shall publicly post on a website certain data about its detention facilities, including COVID-19 testing numbers for detained individuals and detention facility staff, COVID-19 case outcomes, and COVID-related information about detained individuals who were released or removed from the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shall issue guidance as to the COVID-related data that ICE, CBP, and ORR must collect and report weekly to the CDC. The CDC shall periodically report to Congress a summary of this data and an analysis of the trends and pattern of the spread of the disease. ICE, CPB, and ORR shall also ensure that each detained individual receives all medical records related to any COVID-19 test administered to the individual. ICE, CPB, and ORR shall also report to Congress on (1) the COVID-19 safety protocols in their facilities, and (2) their efforts to ensure that each detained individual has access to legal counsel. This bill's data collection and reporting requirements that apply to ICE, CPB, and ORR shall also apply to any contract facilities that they use to hold detained individuals.

A resolution supporting efforts to strengthen protection, assistance, and solutions for Venezuelan women and children.

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2020

This resolution recognizes and supports measures to protect and assist Venezuelan refugees and migrants, with particular emphasis on the humanitarian needs of women and children impacted by the displacement crisis and COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).

Legal Immigration for the U.S. Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2020

Legal Immigration for the U.S. Act This bill makes various changes to immigration law, including by (1) limiting the number of refugees and aliens granted asylum who may receive legal permanent residence to 50,000 each fiscal year, (2) denying a tax deduction for wages and benefits paid to or on behalf of an unauthorized alien, (3) eliminating the EB-5 investor visa, and (4) requiring certain nonimmigrant aliens to post a bond prior to receiving a U.S. entry visa.

End Transfers of Detained Immigrants Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2020

End Transfers of Detained Immigrants Act This bill imposes requirements related to individuals in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency declared by the Department of Health and Human Services. ICE may not transfer an individual between ICE facilities until the COVID-19 transmission rate in the United States meets or drops below a certain threshold. In addition, ICE may not apprehend or transfer an individual between an ICE detention facility and a facility operated by an outside entity, such as a state or local prison, unless the individual is tested for COVID-19 and placed in quarantine (1) for 14 consecutive days, or (2) until the test comes back negative. These two requirements shall not prohibit the transfer of (1) an individual solely to process that individual's release from custody, or (2) a minor from ICE custody to the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement. If ICE cannot ensure compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for mitigating the spread of COVID-19 (including maintaining social distancing requirements at all times) in any ICE facility, ICE shall (1) immediately review the custody of all detained individuals in that facility, and (2) release individuals found eligible for release.

Urging the United States to uphold its commitments under international treaties related to refugees and asylum-seekers and halt deportations of Cameroonian citizens.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2020

This resolution urges the United States to uphold its commitments under U.S. law and international treaties related to asylum seekers and also urges the Department of Homeland Security to stop detentions for legitimate asylum seekers. The resolution also calls on the government of Cameroon to respect the fundamental rights of its citizens.

Hong Kong People’s Freedom and Choice Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2020

Hong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act of 2020 This bill provides for temporary protected status (TPS) and refugee status for qualifying Hong Kong residents and contains other immigration-related provisions. Hong Kong shall be treated as a TPS-designated country for 18 months starting from this bill's enactment. (Qualifying nationals of a TPS-designated country may not be removed from the United States and shall have employment authorization while the designation is in effect.) Furthermore, Hong Kong shall be treated as separate from China for the purposes of various numerical limitations on immigrant visas. (Hong Kong is part of China but has a largely separate legal and economic system.) The bill also establishes Priority Hong Kong Resident status for qualified individuals. To obtain such status, an individual must meet certain requirements, such as having resided in Hong Kong for at least ten years and not having citizenship in any jurisdiction other than China, Hong Kong, or Macau. For the purposes of seeking refugee status or asylum, a Priority Hong Kong Resident (and certain family members of such an individual) may establish that the individual has a well-founded fear of persecution if the individual asserts such fear and (1) had a significant role in an organization that supported the 2019 or 2020 protests related to China's encroachment into Hong Kong's autonomy or the Hong Kong National Security Law enacted in 2020; or (2) was arrested, charged, detained, or convicted for participating in the nonviolent exercise of certain rights.

Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2020

Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2020 This bill expands the President's authority to impose sanctions related to Belarus to include activities surrounding the disputed 2020 Belarusian presidential election and subsequent government crackdown. The bill also expands authorized assistance to Belarus. The President may impose visa-blocking sanctions on any alien who (1) is a member of the Central Election Commission of Belarus or assisted in the manipulation of the August 9, 2020, presidential election, (2) is a government official responsible for the crackdown on independent media, (3) is an official of the Union State (an international organization consisting of Belarus and Russia), or (4) is a Russian individual who has significantly participated in the crackdown on the press or human rights abuses related to political repression in Belarus. (The President already has authority to impose such sanctions on certain aliens, such as senior leaders in the government of Belarus.) The bill also expands authorized assistance related to Belarus to include assistance to (1) counter internet censorship and surveillance technology, (2) support the work of women advocating for freedom and human rights, and (3) support political refugees fleeing the crackdown in Belarus.

End Transfers of Detained Immigrants Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2020

End Transfers of Detained Immigrants Act This bill imposes requirements related to individuals in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency declared by the Department of Health and Human Services. ICE may not transfer an individual between ICE facilities until the COVID-19 transmission rate in the United States meets or drops below a certain threshold. In addition, ICE may not apprehend or transfer an individual between an ICE detention facility and a facility operated by an outside entity, such as a state or local prison, unless the individual is tested for COVID-19 and placed in quarantine (1) for 14 consecutive days, or (2) until the test comes back negative. These two requirements shall not prohibit the transfer of (1) an individual solely to process that individual's release from custody, or (2) a minor from ICE custody to the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement. If ICE cannot ensure compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for mitigating the spread of COVID-19 (including maintaining social distancing requirements at all times) in any ICE facility, ICE shall (1) immediately review the custody of all detained individuals in that facility, and (2) release individuals found eligible for release.

Hong Kong Refugee Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2020

Hong Kong Refugee Protection Act This bill removes statutory authority for the President to allow the admission of more than 50,000 refugees in a fiscal year for humanitarian concerns or national interest considerations and suspends the diversity visa program through FY2025. (The program makes immigrant visas available to aliens from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States.) The bill also provides certain Hong Kong residents with priority refugee status or special visas. An individual and certain family members shall have priority refugee status if the individual (1) is a Hong Kong resident who suffered persecution or has a well-founded fear of persecution as a result of peaceful political activity; or (2) has been formally charged, detained, or convicted for certain peaceful actions. The general presumption that an alien is seeking immigrant status shall not apply to certain Hong Kong residents (generally, those who participated in pro-democracy protests in 2019 and 2020) seeking asylum. (Typically, an alien seeking admission as a nonimmigrant must establish that the alien does not intend to immigrate to the United States.) The Department of Homeland Security shall admit up to 30,000 eligible Hong Kong residents as immigrants using a points system each year through FY2025. Points shall be awarded to an individual based on various characteristics including age, educational attainment, commitment to invest certain amounts in the United States, and salary. Every six months, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services shall invite the individuals with the highest point totals to apply for admission.

America LEADS Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

America Labor, Economic competitiveness, Alliances, Democracy and Security Act or the America LEADS Act This bill addresses science and technology development, global infrastructure, U.S. manufacturing, foreign relations, and other topics. Provisions of the bill include those authorizing through FY2025 various federal research and development activities; requiring the Department of State to take actions to advance the development and adoption of quality global infrastructure; requiring the use of domestically produced aluminum in certain federal projects; requiring the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of the Treasury, and the Department of Commerce to take actions to encourage the development and production of measurably secure microelectronics and semiconductors; expanding disclosure requirements for U.S. institutions of higher education that receive foreign gifts; authorizing various programs to support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics training, as well as language skills education; requiring the President to impose sanctions to combat malign behavior by China's government and related persons; authorizing annual contributions to the World Bank's Clean Technology Fund and the United Nations's Green Climate Fund; prohibiting the use of federal funds to withdraw or reduce the presence of the Armed Forces or DOD in Japan or South Korea; prioritizing the transfer of excess defense articles to certain allies in the Indo-Pacific region; authorizing the State Department to provide assistance to increase maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region; authorizing the United States to cofinance infrastructure projects that would otherwise be included within China's Belt and Road initiative; requiring the President to establish a Special Representative for the Arctic; and providing priority refugee status to certain residents of Hong Kong or Xinjiang.

Improving Opportunities for New Americans Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 14 August 2020

Improving Opportunities for New Americans Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Labor to study and report on the factors affecting employment opportunities for immigrants and refugees with professional credentials obtained in other counties, including policy recommendations for assisting those individuals in obtaining skill-appropriate employment in the United States.

Condemning targeted terrorist attacks against members of the Sikh, Hindu, and other religious minority communities in Afghanistan and supporting refugee protection for Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan in recognition of the systematic religious persecution, discrimination, and existential danger faced by the members of these communities.

United States · United States Congress · 14 August 2020

This resolution condemns terrorist attacks and religious persecution against Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan. The resolution supports the resettling of Sikhs and Hindus from Afghanistan as refugees in the United States.

A resolution commemorating June 20, 2020, as World Refugee Day.

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020

This resolution reaffirms the goals of World Refugee Day and the bipartisan U.S. commitment to promote the safety, health, well-being, and education of refugees.

Protecting Benefits for Elderly Refugees and Refugees with Disabilities During COVID–19 Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2020

Protecting Benefits for Elderly Refugees and Refugees with Disabilities During COVID-19 Act of 2020 This bill extends the eligibility period for certain aliens to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The bill also waives naturalization fees for SSI recipients. Currently, certain aliens, such as refugees and victims of trafficking, are eligible to receive SSI benefits for a seven-year period. For such an alien whose eligibility expired after January 31, 2020, this bill extends that alien's eligibility to September 30, 2021. Furthermore, during the period from January 31, 2020, to September 30, 2021, such a qualifying alien's eligibility for SSI benefits shall not expire while the alien has (1) a pending naturalization application, (2) an application on appeal, or (3) an accepted application but the alien has not yet sworn in as a U.S. citizen.

Condemning war crimes committed in Idlib, Syria, by the regime of Bashar Al-Assad and its backers and calling for a political solution to the Syrian civil war.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2020

This resolution condemns the Assad regime, Russia, and associated forces for violating ceasefire agreements and for attacking medical personnel and institutions, targeting civilians, or committing other war crimes and gross violations of human rights. Further, it expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) the United States and the international community should support the ceasefire and work to ensure humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees and vulnerable populations in Syria, and (2) Syria should seek a political solution that promotes a road map for peace in the country.

Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2020

Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act This bill designates certain Hong Kong residents with priority status for refugee consideration and contains other related provisions. An individual and certain family members shall have such priority status if the individual (1) is a Hong Kong resident who suffered persecution or has a well-founded fear of persecution as a result of peaceful political activity; or (2) has been formally charged, detained, or convicted for certain peaceful actions. An individual receiving refugee status under this bill shall not be counted against various numerical limitations. When determining whether an individual shall be admitted as a refugee under this bill, an individual whose citizenship, nationality, or residency was revoked for submitting a nonfrivolous application for a U.S. immigration benefit shall be considered to have suffered persecution on account of political opinion. The general presumption that an alien is seeking immigrant status shall not apply to certain Hong Kong residents seeking asylum into the United States. (Typically, an alien seeking admission as a nonimmigrant must establish that the alien does not intend to immigrate to the United States.) This exception to the presumption shall apply to certain individuals involved in the 2019 and 2020 protests against China's encroachment into Hong Kong's autonomy (Hong Kong is a part of China but has a separate legal and economic system). An individual from Hong Kong may not be denied admission into the United States if the primary reason for the denial is a politically motivated government action against the individual's involvement in protests.

Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2020

Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act This bill designates certain Hong Kong residents with priority status for refugee consideration and contains other related provisions. An individual and certain family members shall have such priority status if the individual (1) is a Hong Kong resident who suffered persecution or has a well-founded fear of persecution as a result of peaceful political activity; or (2) has been formally charged, detained, or convicted for certain peaceful actions. An individual receiving refugee status under this bill shall not be counted against various numerical limitations. When determining whether an individual shall be admitted as a refugee under this bill, an individual whose citizenship, nationality, or residency was revoked for submitting a nonfrivolous application for a U.S. immigration benefit shall be considered to have suffered persecution on account of political opinion. The general presumption that an alien is seeking immigrant status shall not apply to certain Hong Kong residents seeking asylum into the United States. (Typically, an alien seeking admission as a nonimmigrant must establish that the alien does not intend to immigrate to the United States.) This exception to the presumption shall apply to certain individuals involved in the 2019 and 2020 protests against China's encroachment into Hong Kong's autonomy (Hong Kong is a part of China but has a separate legal and economic system). An individual from Hong Kong may not be denied admission into the United States if the primary reason for the denial is a politically motivated government action against the individual's involvement in protests.

Hong Kong Victims of Communism Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020

Hong Kong Victims of Communism Support Act This bill makes certain Hong Kong residents eligible for asylum status. To qualify, an individual must have the right of abode in Hong Kong since birth and must have maintained continuous residency in Hong Kong since birth. Under this bill, an otherwise qualified individual shall not be denied asylum due to a politically motivated adverse government action, such as an arrest, against the applicant. The Department of State shall report to Congress a strategy for providing assistance to other countries offering to provide migration services and asylum to eligible Hong Kong permanent residents.

COVID–19 International Response and Recovery Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2020

COVID-19 International Response and Recovery Act of 2020 This bill addresses the role of the United States in the global response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and future pandemics. Specifically, the bill authorizes measures to facilitate the repatriation of U.S. nationals who are abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill also provides support for international organizations, including through (1) providing payments to organizations that address global humanitarian needs, and (2) advocating for the establishment of a World Bank Trust Fund to aid countries responding to epidemics and pandemics. Further, the bill establishes measures related to refugee, humanitarian, and migration matters during the pandemic, such as those facilitating humanitarian assistance to countries affected by COVID-19, addressing threats to women and girls, and restricting deportation of foreign nationals. The bill establishes leadership roles for the U.S. Agency for International Development, the State Department, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should an infectious disease with pandemic potential break out outside the United States. The bill also creates the role of Special Advisor to the President for Global Health Security, who shall coordinate the U.S. response to global health security emergencies. Further, the bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to automatically extend certain immigration-related statuses, such as employment authorizations, that would otherwise expire during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill also allows a Peace Corps volunteer whose period of service was terminated due to COVID-19 to file for pandemic-related unemployment benefits.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives to recognize the resettlement of Southeast Asian refugees, commemorate the contributions of Southeast Asian Americans to the United States, urge the President to halt the deportation of Southeast Asian refugees, and advance equitable policies for Southeast-Asian-American communities.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

This resolution commemorates the 45 years since Southeast Asian refugees began resettling in the United States and honors the sacrifices made by Southeast-Asian-American communities on behalf of the United States. The resolution recognizes the contributions of Southeast Asian Americans to the economic, educational, military, political, and social culture of the United States. The resolution opposes the deportation of Southeast Asian Americans who resettled to the United States as refugees from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. The resolution urges President Trump and his administration to place an immediate moratorium on the deportation of thousands of Southeast Asian Americans whose crimes occurred more than 10 years ago. Finally, the resolution calls for continued pursuit of comprehensive policies that ensure equity and justice for Southeast-Asian-American communities.

Recognizing the historical significance and the heroic struggles and sacrifices of the Vietnamese people who fled their war-torn country by boat and other means in search of freedom and democracy.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2020

This resolution recognizes the hardships, sacrifice, and heroism of the Vietnamese refugees who fled their country by boat and other means 45 years ago, since April 30, 1975. It also applauds their accomplishments and significant contributions to the United States since their resettlement.

NO PORK Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2020

Negating Outlandish Pork in Our Reinvestment Kit Act or the NO PORK Act This bill rescinds specified funding that was provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) for the Department of State's migration and refugee assistance programs. The bill also provides additional funding for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.

A resolution commemorating March 17, 2020, as the 40th anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980, including the amendments made by that Act, at a time when the need for bipartisan support of the refugee resettlement program of the United States is critical to the survival of the program.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2020

This resolution affirms the Senate's commitment to abide by domestic and international legal obligations to protect refugees and to recognize the importance of the refugee resettlement program as a function of U.S. global leadership. Further, it calls upon the U.S. government to (1) provide funding for refugee protection and resettlement, (2) work with the international community to find solutions to existing conflicts and prevent new conflicts from beginning, and (3) ensure the U.S. refugee resettlement program is equipped to protect and support refugees.

Commemorating March 17, 2020, as the 40th anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980, and the amendments made by that Act, at a time when the need for bipartisan support of the refugee resettlement program of the United States is critical to the survival of the program.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2020

This resolution affirms the House of Representatives' commitment to abide by domestic and international legal obligations to protect refugees and to recognize the importance of the refugee resettlement program as a function of U.S. global leadership. Further, it calls upon the U.S. government to (1) provide funding for refugee protection and resettlement, (2) work with the international community to find solutions to existing conflicts and prevent new conflicts from beginning, and (3) ensure the U.S. refugee resettlement program is equipped to protect and support refugees.

New Deal for New Americans Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

New Deal for New Americans Act of 2020 This bill provides assistance to immigrants and addresses issues related to naturalization. The bill establishes the National Office of New Americans to (1) welcome and support immigrants, (2) promote and support immigrant integration, and (3) promote the pursuit of U.S. citizenship among immigrants. The bill also establishes grant programs for eligible entities that provide (1) legal services for immigrants, (2) English language education that focuses on integrating students into society, and (3) workforce development training that supports the economic integration of immigrants. The bill also reauthorizes the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS shall establish a nonprofit entity to spur innovation in the expansion of citizenship preparation programs and to support assistance for immigrants seeking permanent resident status or citizenship. The bill also requires the Department of Homeland Security to (1) report to Congress before increasing fees for immigration adjudication and naturalization services above the levels of such fees on January 1, 2019, and (2) waive or reduce certain immigration-related fees for low-income aliens. The bill also (1) waives the English proficiency requirement for the naturalization of certain permanent residents, (2) repeals the public charge ground for deportation, (3) requires states to provide for automatic voter registration to qualifying new citizens unless that individual declines, and (4) sets a floor of 110,000 to the maximum number of refugees who may be admitted into the United States each year.

Immigrants’ Mental Health Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2020

Immigrants' Mental Health Act of 2020 This bill directs Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to take steps to address mental health issues among immigrants and CBP agents and officers. It also restricts the sharing of mental health information for use in certain immigration proceedings. CBP shall develop training to enable its agents and officers to (1) identify mental health issues and risk factors in immigrants and refugees, (2) provide crisis intervention using a trauma-informed approach, and (3) better manage work-related stress and psychological pressures. CBP shall assign at least one qualified mental or behavioral health expert to each Border Patrol station, port of entry, checkpoint, forward operating base, secondary inspection area, and short-term custody facility. The Department of Health and Human Services may not provide to the Department of Homeland Security information about the mental health of an alien that was obtained by a mental health professional while the alien was in federal government custody if the information will be used for (1) an asylum determination, (2) an immigration hearing, or (3) a deportation hearing.

Immigrants' Mental Health Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2020

Immigrants' Mental Health Act of 2020 This bill directs Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to take steps to address mental health issues among immigrants and CBP agents and officers. It also restricts the sharing of mental health information for use in certain immigration proceedings. CBP shall develop training to enable its agents and officers to (1) identify mental health issues and risk factors in immigrants and refugees, (2) provide crisis intervention using a trauma-informed approach, and (3) better manage work-related stress and psychological pressures. CBP shall assign at least one qualified mental or behavioral health expert to each Border Patrol station, port of entry, checkpoint, forward operating base, secondary inspection area, and short-term custody facility. The Department of Health and Human Services may not provide to the Department of Homeland Security information about the mental health of an alien that was obtained by a mental health professional while the alien was in federal government custody if the information will be used for (1) an asylum determination, (2) an immigration hearing, or (3) a deportation hearing.

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

United States · United States Senate · 2 March 2020

Hmong and Lao Refugee Deportation Prohibition Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2020

Hmong and Lao Refugee Deportation Prohibition Act of 2020 This bill defers the removal of qualified individuals to Laos for 72 months beginning from this bill's enactment. To qualify for deferral, an individual must (1) be born in Laos or the French colonial administration that preceded the present-day country of Laos, (2) have been ordered removed to Laos before this bill's enactment, and (3) have resided in the United States on or before January 1, 2011. An individual receiving deferral under this bill shall be authorized for employment.

THE CURRENT STATE OF THE. U.S. REFUGEE PROGRAM

United States · United States House of Representatives · 27 February 2020

Equal Rights and Access for the Women of South Sudan Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2020

Equal Rights and Access for the Women of South Sudan Act This bill requires that activities carried out by the United States in South Sudan relating to governance, post-conflict reconstruction and development, police and military training, or refugee relief and assistance support the human rights of women and their full political, social, and economic participation.

Special Envoy for Refugees Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2020

Special Envoy for Refugees Act This bill requires the President to appoint a Special Envoy for Refugees whose duties shall include (1) representing the United States in diplomacy related to global displacement, migration, refugees, asylum-seekers, and internally displaced and stateless individuals; and (2) leading interagency coordination to oversee research related to the global refugee crisis and the U.S. refugee program.

A resolution recognizing January 27, 2020, as the anniversary of the first refugee and Muslim ban, calling on Congress to defund the Migrant Protection Protocols, and urging the President to restore refugee resettlement to historic norms.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020

This resolution reaffirms the United States' proud history of refugee resettlement, recognizes January 27, 2020, as the anniversary of the first refugee and Muslim ban, and calls on the United States to resettle a robust number of refugees to meet global needs in FY2020 and FY2021.

Supporting efforts to preserve Vietnamese and Vietnamese-American heritage and history and recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of Vietnamese Americans.

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2020

This resolution (1) supports preserving Vietnamese-American history and heritage, (2) recognizes the U.S. Refugee Admission Program for facilitating entry into the United States and permanent status for many Vietnamese Americans, and (3) condemns human rights violations by Vietnam and calls on that government to end such violations.