Asylum

Amended proposal for a Council Directive on minimum standards on procedures in Member States for granting and withdrawing refugee status

European Union · European Commission · 3 July 2002

7 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the need for an independent international inquiry into events in the Jenin refugee camp during the incursion by Israeli security forces during April 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14825/02]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 27 June 2002

7 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the need for an independent international inquiry into events in the Jenin refugee camp during the incursion by Israeli security forces during April 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14825/02]

SAFER Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2002

Securing America's Freedom through Enforcement Reform Act of 2002 (SAFER Act) - Sets forth provisions, and amends specified Acts, with respect to: (1) prevention and punishment of alien smuggling, and transporting and harboring of aliens; (2) border patrol increases; (3) use of the military along the border; (4) visas, including the visa waiver program, and consular interviews of applicants; (5) alien terrorist removal, deportability, and asylum requests; (6) alien criminal removal; (7) alien human rights violator removal, deportability, and bar to status adjustment, including criminal penalties for reentry and aiding human rights violators to enter the United States; (8) document security (birth certificates, drivers licenses, social security cards); (9) employment eligibility verification; (10) increased Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) investigative personnel, (11) expedited exclusion; (12) criminal and civil penalties for improper entry of aliens; (13) voluntary departure; (14) detention facilities; (15) removal proceedings; (16) establishment of a Federal election-related Citizenship Verification Program; (17) establishment of an Office of Citizenship; (18) treatment of nationals of state sponsors of terrorism; (19) refugee admissions, and extended family and employment preferences; (20) elimination of diversity immigrant program; (21) temporary protected status; (22) designation of foreign terrorist organizations; (23) foreign students; (24) INS attorneys; (25) alien proof of identity; and (26) information on foreign crimes.

Access for Afghan Women Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2002

Access for Afghan Women Act - Directs the United States to undertake a variety of measures to guard and enhance the quality of life of Afghan women, including: (1) incorporating the perspectives and advice of Afghan women's organizations and leaders in U.S. policymaking related to the governance of Afghanistan; (2) promoting the inclusion of a significant number of women in the Loya Jirga and future legislative bodies to ensure that women's human rights are included in any constitution for Afghanistan; (3) ensuring a significant portion of U.S. assistance is channeled to local and U.S.-based Afghan organizations, particularly Afghan women's organizations, and to high-quality comprehensive health care programs and education and training programs in Afghanistan; (4) training on the protection, rights, and the particular needs of women with respect to training for military and police forces in Afghanistan; and (5) ensuring that women refugees and those internally displaced in camps, urban areas, and villages are receiving food aid, health and medical services, and are free from sexual exploitation.

Amended proposal for a Council Directive on minimum standards on procedures in Member States for granting and withdrawing refugee status

European Union · European Commission · 18 June 2002

Betreuungsstellen für Asylwerber im Bundesland Salzburg

Austria · National Council · 13 June 2002

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Eduard Mainoni, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Inneres betreffend Betreuungsstellen für Asylwerber im Bundesland Salzburg

Reform der Flüchtlingsbetreuung

Austria · National Council · 23 May 2002

Antrag der Abgeordneten Mag. Walter Posch, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Reform der Flüchtlingsbetreuung

A Concurrent Resolution expressing the sense of Congress regarding North Korean refugees in China and those who are returned to North Korea where they face torture, imprisonment, and execution.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2002

Declares that Congress encourages the Government of China to honor its obligations under the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees of 1951 by: (1) identifying and protecting the refugees among the North Korean migrants encountered by Chinese authorities; (2) allowing the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to have access to all North Korean asylum seekers and refugees in China; (3) halting the forced repatriation of North Korean refugees seeking asylum; and (4) cooperating with the High Commissioner in efforts to resettle such refugees to other countries. Encourages: (1) the Chinese Government to permit access to the High Commissioner in order to evaluate the asylum claims and facilitate resettlement; and (2) the U.S. Government to consider asylum and refugee claims of North Koreans arising from a well-founded fear of persecution.

Fonds zur Integration von Flüchtlingen und zur Flüchtlingspolitik

Austria · National Council · 15 May 2002

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Rudolf Parnigoni, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Inneres betreffend Fonds zur Integration von Flüchtlingen und zur Flüchtlingspolitik

Commemorating the independence of East Timor and commending the President for promptly establishing diplomatic relations with East Timor.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2002

Congratulates and honors the courageous people of East Timor and their leaders. Supports the efforts of United Nations and international organizations to support reconstruction and development in East Timor, and of UN and international peacekeeping forces to safeguard East Timor's security, including continuing periodic visits by U.S. military forces. Expresses concern about specified matters relating to East Timorese refugees in West Timor, and the lack of justice in the region. Urges the President and the Secretary of State to: (1) extend immediately to East Timor the diplomatic relations afforded to other sovereign nations, including a U.S. embassy in East Timor; (2) maintain a level of U.S. assistance for East Timor; (3) work to fund East Timor's financing gap in its recurrent and development budgets; (4) focus bilateral assistance for East Timor on specified areas; (5) strongly urge the Indonesian Government to step up efforts to disarm and disband all militia, hold them accountable to the rule of law, ensure stability along the border, and promptly reunite East Timorese children separated from their parents through coercion or force; and (6) review thoroughly information from the East Timorese Commission for Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation, and use all diplomatic resources at their disposal to ensure that those officials responsible for crimes against humanity and war crimes against the East Timorese people are held accountable, and that the Indonesian Government fully cooperates with the East Timorese judicial system.

Eleventh convention between the EC and UNWRA concerning aid to refugees in the Near East for 2002-2005

European Union · European Parliament · 13 May 2002

A bill to extend eligibility for refugee status of unmarried sons and daughters of certain Vietnamese refugees.

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2002

Extends through FY 2003 authority to process in-country certain unmarried sons and daughters of qualified Vietnamese nationals for U.S. admission as refugees of special humanitarian concern. Requires such an alien to be at least 21 years old, and to have been unmarried as of the date of acceptance of the alien's parent for resettlement under the Orderly Departure Program or through the United States Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate). Defines "qualified national" as a Vietnamese national who: (1) was interned in a reeducation camp by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, or is the widow or widower of such a person; (2) qualified and is or was accepted under the Orderly Departure Program or through the Consulate for U.S. admission as a refugee or immediate relative status immigrant; and (3) is presently maintaining a U.S. residence, or is awaiting departure formalities from Vietnam.

A concurrent resolution commemorating the independence of East Timor, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002

Congratulates the people and leaders of East Timor. Expresses support for: (1) United Nations (UN) and other multilateral efforts to support reconstruction and development in East Timor; and (2) UN and other multilateral peacekeeping forces safeguarding East Timor's security. Expresses concern about specified matters relating to East Timorese refugees in West Timor and the lack of justice in the region. Urges the President to: (1) extend diplomatic relations to and establish an embassy in East Timor; (2) maintain a robust level of U.S. assistance for East Timor; (3) work to fund East Timor's financing gap in its recurrent and development budgets; (4) focus bilateral assistance on specified areas; (5) urge the Indonesian Government to step up efforts to disarm and disband all militia, hold them accountable to the rule of law, ensure stability along the border, and promptly reunite East Timorese children separated from their parents through coercion or force; and (6) review information from the East Timorese Commission for Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation and use all diplomatic resources to ensure that officials responsible for crimes against humanity and war crimes against the East Timorese people are held accountable and that the Indonesian Government cooperates with the East Timorese judicial system.

Flüchtlingsbetreuung (Errichtung einer Flüchtlingsbetreuungsstätte am Gelände der ehemaligen Struber-Kaserne in Salzburg, Stadtteil Taxham)

Austria · National Council · 7 May 2002

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Stefan Prähauser, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Inneres betreffend Flüchtlingsbetreuung <i>(Errichtung einer Flüchtlingsbetreuungsstätte am Gelände der</i> <i>ehemaligen Struber-Kaserne in Salzburg, Stadtteil Taxham)</i>

A bill to enhance United States diplomacy, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2002

Directs the Secretary of State to establish certain journalism, library, English language teaching, sister city partnership, youth ambassador, J. William Fulbright Education Exchange Program, and Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship initiatives with countries with predominantly Muslim populations as part of the Department of State's educational and cultural exchange programs. Directs the Secretary of State to establish and maintain a database listing all American and foreign alumni of such program initiatives in order to encourage networking, interaction, and communication with alumni. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on implementation of certain provisions of the Human Rights, Refugee, and Other Foreign Relations Provisions Act of 1996 directing the Director of the U.S. Information Agency to take appropriate steps to provide opportunities for participation of human rights and democracy leaders in educational and cultural exchange programs in countries whose people do not fully enjoy freedom and democracy (including but not limited to China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Tibet, and Burma).

Proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion of the Convention between the European Community and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) concerning aid to refugees in the countries in the Near East for 2002-2005

European Union · European Commission · 3 May 2002

Immigration, Reform, Accountability, and Security Enhancement Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2002

Immigration Reform, Accountability, and Security Enhancement Act of 2002 - Abolishes the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish in the Department of Justice (Department) the Immigration Affairs Agency, which shall be headed by a Director of Immigration Affairs. States that the Agency shall perform the following functions: (1) policy, administration, and inspection; (2) service and adjudication; and (3) enforcement. Establishes within the Agency: (1) a General Counsel; (2) a Chief Financial Officer; (3) a Chief of Policy and Strategy; (4) a Chief of Congressional, Intergovernmental, and Public Affairs; (5) the Bureau of Immigration Services and Adjudications; and (6) the Bureau of Enforcement and Border Affairs. Sets forth Agency and Bureau offices and authorities. Establishes within the Department the Office of the Ombudsman. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to establish within the Department's Bureau of Justice Statistics the Office of Immigration Statistics. Provides for the transfer and allocation of functions, personnel, an other resources from INS and the Department to the Agency. Establishes in the Treasury the Immigration Affairs Agency Transition Account. Amends Federal law to set forth personnel flexibilities respecting the Agency, including voluntary separation incentives. Unaccompanied Child Protection Act of 2002 - Establishes within the Department the Office of Children's Services which shall: (1) not be an INS office; and (2) be responsible for coordinating and implementing law and policy, including foster care, for unaccompanied alien children. Establishes an Interagency Task Force on Unaccompanied Alien Children. Sets forth: (1) procedures for unaccompanied children found within the United States, or along the border or at ports of entry; and (2) a family reunification preference order. Prohibits, with an exception for violent children, detention in adult or delinquent children facilities. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Government should take efforts to ensure that alien children are not repatriated to unsafe settings. Directs the Office to provide that each unaccompanied child have counsel and guardian ad litem. Directs the Attorney General to establish a related pilot program. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a special immigrant juvenile visa (J Visa). Expresses congressional commendation of the Immigration and Naturalization Service' s issuance of its "Guidelines for Children's Asylum Claims." Provides related training for immigration officers. Amends the Act to exempt unaccompanied alien children from certain removal and asylum filing provisions. Provides for: (1) establishment of an Internet-based system for accessing immigration-related benefit filings; (2) conduct an on-line filing and improved processing feasibility study; and (3) establish a Technology Advisory Committee. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the utilization of alternatives to asylee detention.

Missbrauch des Asylrechts

Austria · National Council · 18 April 2002

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Anna Elisabeth Achatz, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Inneres betreffend Missbrauch des Asylrechts

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate with respect to the protection of Afghan refugees, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2002

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President and the Secretary of State should: (1) urge the Government of Pakistan and other governments in the region to cooperate with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in protecting Afghan refugees and to allow humanitarian assistance agencies open access to refugees; (2) call on the Governments of Pakistan and Iran to cease any forcible return of, and end mistreatment of, Afghan refugees; (3) condemn any actions by Pakistan, Iran, or other governments to prematurely return refugees to Afghanistan against their will; (4) support the provision of impartial information about human rights, the presence of land mines, and humanitarian conditions in their areas of origin to all refugees to ensure that any decision to return is truly voluntary; (5) support repatriation of Afghan refugees only when conditions in Afghanistan allow their voluntary, safe return, with full respect for their human rights and an adequate screening process in place to identify those who are still in need of protection; and (6) establish a resettlement program for Afghans whose needs for protection require resettlement in a third country.

Immigration and Naturalization Service Reorganization Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2002

Immigration and Naturalization Service Reorganization Act of 2002 - Abolishes the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish in the Department of Justice the Bureau for Immigration Enforcement which shall perform border patrol, inspection, removal, and other enforcement functions. States that the head of such Bureau shall be the Director for Immigration Enforcement. Establishes in the Department of State an Assistant Secretary of State for Immigration Affairs, an Assistant Secretary of State for Refugee Admissions and Asylum Affairs, and an Assistant Secretary of State for Citizenship and Passport Services. States that such Secretaries shall be under the supervision of an Under Secretary of State for Citizenship, Immigration, and Refugee Admissions. States that the Secretary of Labor shall be responsible for enforcement of immigration laws relating to: (1) verification of employment authorization; and (2) enforcement of terms and conditions of employment. Provides for the transfer and allocation of related appropriations and personnel.

GAINS for Women and Girls Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2002

Global Action and Investments for New Success for Women and Girls Act of 2002 (or GAINS for Women and Girls Act of 2002) - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and other specified Federal law to require administration of such law with particular attention to programs, projects, and activities which integrate women into the national economies of developing countries. Requires the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to appoint a head of the Office of Women in Development (WID) at the Deputy Assistant Administrator level or higher. Authorizes the President to establish a coordinating council to promote the advancement of women and girls in all Federal agency policies and programs. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, the USAID Administrator, and the Secretary of the Treasury to take certain actions with respect to: (1) reducing women's poverty in developing countries; (2) supporting women's businesses through access to resources and financial markets; and (3) improving the terms and conditions of women's work. Women and International Trade Act of 2002 - Directs the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to: (1) establish a Trade, Gender, and Development Policy Advisory Committee to provide policy advice on issues involving trade, gender, and international development; and (2) review (with other specified Federal agency heads) the impacts of trade liberalization on women and their communities. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to: (1) quality education for women and girls in developing countries; and (2) tuberculosis treatment for very poor, at-risk, and affected populations. Directs the USAID Administrator to carry out programs of: (1) child survival and maternal health assistance to individuals in developing countries; (2) gender-sensitive sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV prevention; and (3) topical microbicide development. Requires U.S. international programs to incorporate certain measures with respect to family planning and reproductive health and rights. Urges that funds for programs addressing female genital mutilation be targeted toward certain local nongovernmental organizations. Requires the USAID Administrator and other Federal agency heads to carry out projects to assist: (1) women farmers in accessing global and domestic markets; and (2) governments of developing countries to eliminate de jure discrimination against women. Expresses support for certain international conventions regarding economic, social, and cultural rights of women and girls, children, and migrant workers and their families, as well as civil and political rights. Requires the President to carry out programs in foreign countries to prevent trafficking in women and children. Access for Afghan Women Act of 2002 - Prescribes requirements relating to U.S. activities in Afghanistan and other Central Asian countries, especially with respect to women. Urges the Senate to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. Requires U.S. international programs to incorporate activities and measures to: (1) prevent violence against women and girls; (2) support women's efforts in conflict prevention and resolution and post-conflict stability; (3) provide protection and assistance to refugee and internally displaced women; and (4) increase women's leadership and participation in civic life. Supports Senate ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict. Authorizes the President to establish a U.S. International Fund for Women's Leadership to award grants to women's organizations in developing countries. Supports establishment of an International Museum of Women. Requires U.S. international environmental programs to take specified measures with respect to women, children, and men in developing countries. Requires the Secretary of State to take into account women's roles in natural resource management as well as the health impacts of environmental toxins on women's health when negotiating international environmental treaties and protocols. Supports Senate ratification of the United Nations Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Directs the Secretary of State to the U.S. representatives to the Global Environment Facility Council and Assembly to urge the Facility to integrate women's special needs into its programming in developing and transitional countries.

Refugee Protection Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2002

Refugee Protection Act of 2002 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to refugee provisions to limit summary inspection procedures to emergency migration situations in which numbers of arriving aliens substantially exceed inspection capacities. Grants the Attorney General sole authority to make such determination, which shall last 90 days unless extended after consultation with the appropriate congressional committees. Revises provisions respecting inspection of aliens seeking U.S. admission, including requiring: (1) an alien to be informed of certain rights prior to removal or withdrawal of his or her admission application, and (2) review of a removal order by an immigration judge, with the right of the alien to personally appear and be represented (at his or her expense). Exempts from expedited removal procedures certain Western Hemisphere nationals or unaccompanied children. Revises the procedure used to determine whether an applicant for asylum has a credible fear of persecution. Eliminates certain: (1) limitations on judicial review of exclusion orders or asylum claims; (2) time limits on asylum applications; (3) numerical limitations on asylee adjustments; and (4) numerical limitations on population control-related refugee admissions. Makes certain mandatory asylee detention provisions discretionary. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) develop alternatives to detention of asylum seekers, including supervised shelters and noninstitutional settings for minors; (2) enter into contracts with nongovernmental agencies for alternative detention programs; and (3) establish a National Legal Orientation Support and Training Center. Requires asylum seekers not eligible for parole or alternative detention to be detained only in Immigration and Naturalization Service or approved facilities.

Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2002

Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance for Afghanistan through 2004 for the following activities: (1) urgent humanitarian needs; (2) repatriation and resettlement of refugees and internally displaced persons; (3) counternarcotics efforts; (4) reestablishment of food security, rehabilitation of the agriculture sector, improvement in health conditions, and the reconstruction of basic infrastructure; (5) reestablishment of Afghanistan as a viable nation-state through support for the development and expansion of democratic and market-based institutions; and (6) support for the establishment of a market economy, private financial institutions, the development of a telecommunications infrastructure, and trade and commercial links. Earmarks funds for assistance in the major opium producing regions, including areas within the Badakshan, Helmand, and Qandahar provinces. Urges the President to: (1) designate within the Department of State a coordinator for such assistance and U.S. interests in Afghanistan; and (2) utilize the expertise of Afghan-Americans. Expresses the sense of Congress that, during the transition to fully representative government, the U.S. should support: (1) the development of a civilian-controlled and centrally-governed standing Afghanistan army that respects human rights; (2) the creation and training of a professional civilian police force that respects human rights; and (3) a multinational security force in Afghanistan. Authorizes the President to provide and direct the drawdown of defense articles and services and military education to the Government of Afghanistan. Makes other foreign countries or international organizations eligible for such assistance. Permits the provision of counter-narcotics, crime control, police training services and other specified support.

Verbleib von Asylanten

Austria · Federal Council · 15 March 2002

Anfrage der Bundesräte Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Bernd Lindinger, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Inneres betreffend den Verbleib von Asylanten

Calling for effective measures to end the sexual exploitation of refugees.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2002

Declares that Congress supports the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) in condemning the sexual exploitation of children by humanitarian aid workers. Urges the UN Office of Investigative Oversight Services to investigate sexual exploitation of refugees by such workers of both non-governmental organizations and government-sponsored agencies. Urges the President to: (1) affirm the U.S. commitment to protecting the well-being and human rights of women and girls; and (2) instruct the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Secretary of Agriculture to review the distribution of food assistance to refugee communities to ensure that the provision of U.S. humanitarian assistance is respectful of the human rights of women and girls and supports young girls identified as victims of sexual exploitation.

The common asylum policy and internal security

European Union · European Parliament · 11 March 2002

Restoration of Fairness in Immigration Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2002

Restoration of Fairness in Immigration Act of 2002 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to due process in immigration proceedings, including due process in expedited removal proceedings, judicial review in immigration proceedings, and detention proceedings and detention alternatives. Directs the Attorney General to make periodic reports with respect to persons detained after September 11, 2001. Directs the Secretary of State to establish a Board of Visa Appeals. Revises provisions with respect to: (1) removal proceedings; (2) five-year bars to admission and other grounds for exclusion; (3) family reunification-related visas and grounds of admissibility; (4) voluntary departure; (5) public charge determinations and affidavits of support; (6) asylum and refugee proceedings; (7) asset forfeiture; (8) parole authority; and (9) State personnel performing immigration functions. Directs the Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service to establish an Office of Border Patrol Recruitment and Retention.

A resolution condemning human rights violations in Chechnya and urging a political solution to the conflict.

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2002

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the war on terrorism does not excuse, and is undermined by, abuses by Russian security forces against the civilian population in Chechnya; and (2) the Government of the Russian Federation and the elected leadership of the Chechen Government should seek a negotiated settlement. Calls for the President of the Russian Federation to: (1) act to end and to investigate human rights violations by Russian soldiers in Chechnya and to initiate prosecutions against those accused; (2) provide access into and around Chechnya by international monitors and humanitarian organizations to report on the situation, investigate alleged atrocities, and distribute assistance; and (3) ensure that refugees and displaced persons in the North Caucasus are registered in accordance with Russian and international law, receive adequate assistance, and are not forced against their will to return to Chechnya. Urges the President of the United States to: (1) ensure that no security forces or intelligence units that are the recipients of U.S. assistance or participants in joint operations, exchanges, or training with U.S. or North Atlantic Treaty Organization forces, are implicated in abuses; (2) seek information from the Russian Federation Government on investigations of reported human rights abuses in Chechnya and prosecutions against individuals accused of those abuses; (3) promote peace negotiations between the Government of the Russian Federation and the elected leadership of the Chechen Government; and (4) re-examine the status of Chechen refugees.

Ausgliederung der Bundesbetreuungsstellen

Austria · National Council · 31 January 2002

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Rudolf Parnigoni, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Inneres betreffend Ausgliederung der Bundesbetreuungsstellen