Immigration

Trade Enforcement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2009

Trade Enforcement Act of 2009 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish: (1) within the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) a Trade Enforcement Division; (2) the position of Deputy USTR for Trade Enforcement to head the Division; and (3) within the Division the Office of Trade Assistance for Small Business. Requires the USTR to identify and report annually to Congress on: (1) U.S. trade enforcement priorities; (2) U.S. trade enforcement actions taken during the previous year and their impact on trade barriers in foreign countries; and (3) priority foreign trade practices on which the USTR will focus U.S. trade enforcement efforts. Requires the USTR, with respect to a priority foreign country trade practice, to initiate: (1) dispute settlement consultations in the World Trade Organization (WTO); (2) dispute settlement consultations under any bilateral or regional trade agreement to which the United States is a party; (3) an investigation to determine whether the priority foreign country trade practice violates the rights of the United States under a trade agreement or is unjustifiable and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce; (4) negotiations that seek an agreement for the elimination of the priority foreign country trade practice or, if elimination is not feasible, an agreement that provides for compensatory trade benefits; or (5) any other action to eliminate the priority foreign country trade practice. Establishes within the Office of the USTR the position of Chief Manufacturing Negotiator. Requires the Deputy USTR for Trade Enforcement to submit to Congress a plan to address nontariff barriers to market access by U.S. companies in a country in cases where the United States has entered into, or is negotiating, a bilateral or regional trade agreement with such country. Establishes within the Department of the Treasury the position of Director of Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement, who shall develop an annual strategic plan for the enforcement of intellectual property rights. Directs the Commissioner responsible for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Assistant Secretary for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to appoint coordinators of intellectual property rights enforcement activities. Delineates enforcement activities to combat the counterfeiting and piracy of products. Authorizes the Chief Counsel of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to commence and participate in certain civil forfeiture proceedings. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, acting through the Commissioner and the Assistant Secretary, to establish an Advisory Committee on Import Safety and Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement. Authorizes appropriations to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for additional personnel to carry out specified responsibilities.

Complete the Fence Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2009

Complete the Fence Act - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to: (1) provide that fencing that does not effectively restrain pedestrian traffic may not be used to meet the requirement that the Secretary of Homeland Security construct reinforced fencing along not less than 700 miles of the southwest U.S. border; (2) require the Secretary to complete construction of such fencing and installation of related equipment by December 31, 2010; and (3) prohibit any amounts appropriated for such fencing from being withheld because of the Secretary's failure to comply fully with consultation requirements regarding its impact on nearby communities and residents. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress by December 31, 2009, on progress made in completing such fencing and on plans for completing it by the deadline.

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2009

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), by January 1, 2010, to establish the APEC Business Travel Program to issue Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards (ABTCs) to eligible U.S. citizen business leaders and senior U.S. government officials actively engaged in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) business. Requires the Secretary to: (1) integrate application procedures for and issuance of ABTCs with other international registered traveler programs of DHS, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI; and (2) work in conjunction with private sector entities to ensure that applicants satisfy ABTC requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) utilize such entities to enroll and issue ABTCs; and (2) impose and modify an ABTC issuance fee.

Photo Identification Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2009

Photo Identification Security Act - Restricts the forms of individual identification that may be accepted by the federal government or by financial institutions to the following: (1) a Social Security card accompanied by a photo identification card issued by the federal or a state government; (2) a driver's license or identification card issued by a state that is in compliance with the REAL ID Act of 2005; (3) a passport issued by the United States or a foreign government; and (4) a photo identification card issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security (acting through the Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).

ARTS Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2009

Arts Require Timely Service Act or the ARTS Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to adjudicate a visa petition filed by an employer on behalf of an alien with extraordinary ability in the arts (O- and P- visas other than athletes) and an accompanying alien not later than 30 days after: (1) the date on which the petitioner submits the petition with a written advisory opinion, letter of no objection, or request for a waiver; or (2) the date on which the 15-day period to comment upon a petition has expired if the petitioner has had an opportunity, as appropriate, to supply rebuttal evidence. Requires the petitioner to be provided premium-processing services without a fee if such petition is not adjudicated within the required time frame and the petitioner is a qualified nonprofit organization or is petitioning on behalf of a qualified nonprofit organization.

FACE Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2009

Foreign Adopted Children Equality Act or the FACE Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to set forth automatic citizenship criteria for a child adopted outside the United States by a U.S. citizen parent. Deems such an adopted child to be a U.S. citizen at birth. Deems to be a U.S. citizen at birth, after the approval of an application filed within the United States or with a U.S. Embassy, a person who: (1) is older than 18 years of age; (2) was born outside the United States and was adopted by a U.S. citizen parent before such person reached 18 years of age; and (3) was adopted under 16 years of age and has lived with the adoptive parents for at least two years, was abused, or is an orphan who was under 16 years of age at the time an immediate relative status petition was filed on his or her behalf. Includes within the definition of nonimmigrant an individual brought to the United States as a child to be adopted by a U.S. citizen. Expresses the sense of Congress that the government of each foreign country from which children are adopted by U.S. citizens should provide the adoptive family with birth history documentation.

FACE Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009

Foreign Adopted Children Equality Act or the FACE Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to set forth automatic citizenship criteria for a child adopted outside the United States by a U.S. citizen parent. Deems such an adopted child to be a U.S. citizen at birth. Deems to be a U.S. citizen at birth, after the approval of an application filed within the United States or with a U.S. Embassy, a person who: (1) is older than 18 years of age; (2) was born outside the United States and was adopted by a U.S. citizen parent before such person reached 18 years of age; and (3) was adopted under 16 years of age and has lived with the adoptive parents for at least two years, was abused, or is an orphan who was under 16 years of age at the time an immediate relative status petition was filed on his or her behalf. Includes within the definition of nonimmigrant an individual brought to the United States as a child to be adopted by a U.S. citizen. Expresses the sense of Congress that the government of each foreign country from which children are adopted by U.S. citizens should provide the adoptive family with birth history documentation.

International Adoption Simplification Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include in the definition of "child," and thus in the exemption from required admissions vaccination documentation, certain children who have been adopted in a foreign country that is a signatory to the Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Convention) or who are emigrating from such a country for U.S. adoption. Includes in such definition and exemption a child who is under the age of 18 at the time an immediate relative status petition is filed on his or her behalf, has been adopted abroad or is coming for U.S. adoption, and is the natural sibling of: (1) an adopted child from a Hague Convention signatory country; (2) a child adopted under the age of 16 who has lived with the adoptive parents for at least two years, or a child who has been abused; or (3) an orphan who was under the age of 16 at the time an immediate relative status petition was filed on his or her behalf.

A bill to require the accreditation of English language training programs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require that a nonimmigrant foreign student seeking to enter the United States to study at a language training program enroll at a language program that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of Education. Provides for a specified three-year exception to such requirement.

Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009

Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act of 2009 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt from worldwide or numerical immigrant limitations aliens who are the children of Filipino World War II veterans naturalized pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990.

Directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to transmit to the House of Representatives all information in the possession of the Department of Homeland Security relating to the immigration status of any detainees and foreign persons suspected of terrorism.

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2009

Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to transmit to the House of Representatives copies of any portions of all documents, records, and communications in the possession of the Department relating to the immigration status of any detainee or foreign person captured in Afghanistan who: (1) was notified of the person's Miranda rights by the Department of Justice (DOJ); (2) is in Department of Defense (DOD) custody or control; (3) may be suspected of terrorism; and (4) may be subject to transfer or release into the United States for civilian or military court proceedings.

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2009

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY2010 for: (1) the Offices of the Secretary, the Under Secretary for Management, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Information Officer, the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, and the Inspector General; (2) United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including for border security fencing, infrastructure, and technology; (3) United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including to identify and remove aliens who have been convicted of a crime once they are judged deportable; (4) the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), including for transportation security support and for Federal Air Marshals; (5) the Coast Guard; (6) the United States Secret Service; (7) the Office of the Under Secretary for National Protection and Programs Directorate, including for the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (U.S.-VISIT) project, the Federal Protective Service, and the Office of Health Affairs; (8) the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including for the United States Fire Administration; (9) United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), including for the E-Verify program to assist U.S. employers maintain a legal workforce; (10) the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center; (11) the Office of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology; and (12) the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office. Prohibits the use of funds under this Act: (1) to amend the oath of allegiance required under the Immigration and Nationality Act; (2) to prevent an individual not in the business of importing a prescription drug from importing a prescription drug from Canada that complies with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for personal use; (3) for planning, testing, piloting, or developing a national identification card; or (4) to operate the Loran-C signal after January 4, 2010 only if the Commandant of the Coast Guard certifies that its termination will not adversely impact the safety of maritime navigation and that the Loran-C system infrastructure is not needed as a backup to the Global Positioning System or any other federal navigation requirement. Requires: (1) the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (TSA) to work with air carriers and airports to ensure that the screening of cargo carried on passenger aircraft increases incrementally each quarter; (2) the FEMA Administrator to submit to Congress, and publish on the FEMA website, a report summarizing damage assessment information used to make a declaration that a major disaster exists, with a national security limitation; and (3) the Secretary of Homeland Security to consult with the Secretaries of Defense and Transportation and develop a concept of operations for unmanned aerial systems in the national airspace system for border and maritime security operations.

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security to waive certain requirements under the visa waiver program for an additional 2 years.

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2009

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend for two years the Secretary of Homeland Security's (DHS) authority to waive the low nonimmigrant visa refusal rate requirement under the visa waiver program.

Travel Promotion Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2009

Travel Promotion Act of 2009 - Establishes the Corporation for Travel Promotion as a nonprofit corporation that is not an agency or establishment of the U.S. government. Makes the Corporation subject to the provisions of the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Corporation should not engage in lobbying activities. Requires the Corporation, among other things, to provide useful information to people interested in traveling to the United States, identify and address perceptions regarding U.S. entry policy, and promote U.S. travel. Establishes in the Treasury the Travel Promotion Fund. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require (under current law, authorize) the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish and collect a fee for the use of an electronic data sharing system concerning the admissibility of certain aliens into the United States that will ensure recovery of the full costs of providing and administering such system. Terminates such fee following FY2014. Authorizes the Corporation to impose an annual assessment on U.S. members of the travel and tourism industry. Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to: (1) revise the membership of the Tourism Policy Council; and (2) require the Council to provide the Corporation with certain information concerning U.S. admission procedures and travel promotion strategies. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study to assess barriers to entry into the United States by foreign travelers.

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2009

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY2010 for: (1) the Offices of the Secretary, the Under Secretary for Management, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Information Officer, the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, and the Inspector General; (2) Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including for border protection fencing, infrastructure, and technology; (3) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including for detention and removal operations (including to identify and remove aliens who have been convicted of a crime once they are judged deportable) and the Federal Protective Service; (4) the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), including for screening operations and for Federal Air Marshals; (5) the Coast Guard; (6) the Secret Service; (7) the Office of the Under Secretary for National Protection and Programs Directorate, including for the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (U.S.-VISIT) project and the Office of Health Affairs; (8) the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including for the United States Fire Administration; (9) Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS); (10) the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center; (11) the Office of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology; and (12) the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to research, develop, and procure new technologies to screen air cargo on passenger aircraft. Requires incremental quarterly increases in the screening of such cargo. Directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (TSA) to report to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees on how TSA plans to meet the requirement for screening all air cargo on passenger aircraft by the statutory deadline. Prohibits the use of funds under this Act: (1) to prevent an individual not in the business of importing a prescription drug from importing a prescription drug from Canada that complies with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for personal use; or (2) for planning, testing, piloting, or developing a national identification card. Directs the FEMA Administrator to submit to Congress, and publish on the FEMA website, a report summarizing damage assessment information used to make a declaration that a major disaster exists, with a national security limitation. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, as part of a plan regarding the proposed disposition of any individual detained, as of April 30, 2009, at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to conduct a threat assessment for each such individual proposed to be transferred to the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, the District of Columbia, or the U.S. territories that is determined to pose a risk of instigating a terrorist act and of advocating or inciting violent extremism, ideologically motivated criminal activity, or terrorist acts among inmate populations at incarceration facilities.

THE FISCAL YEAR 2010 BUDGET FOR IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT, CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, AND THE U.S. COAST GUARD

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 June 2009

Orphans, Widows, and Widowers Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2009

Orphans, Widows, and Widowers Protection Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise the definition of "immediate relative" to: (1) permit a widow or widower of a U.S. citizen to seek permanent resident status if married less than two years by showing through a preponderance of the evidence that the marriage was entered into in good faith and not solely to obtain an immigration benefit; and (2) include an alien who was the child or parent of a U.S. citizen at the time of the citizen's death if the alien parent files a petition within two years after such date or the alien child files a petition prior to reaching 21 years old. Provides specified relief for orphans and spouses regarding: (1) petitions for immediate relative status; (2) parole eligibility; (3) permanent resident status adjustment; and (4) processing of immigrant visas.

Criminal Alien Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2009

Criminal Alien Accountability Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish minimum imprisonment terms for specified categories of aliens subject to criminal fines, imprisonment, or both, for reenrty as removed aliens. (Such provision does not apply to aliens removed for security or terrorist grounds.) Subjects an individual who knowingly aids or conspires to allow, procure, or permit any such alien to reenter the United States to criminal penalty, the same imprisonment term as applies to the alien so aided, or both.

A bill to amend chapter 63 of title 5, United States Code, to modify the rate of accrual of annual leave for administrative law judges, contract appeals board members, and immigration judges.

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2009

Modifies the rate of accrual of annual leave for administrative law judges, contract appeals board members, and immigration judges to require accrual of one day of annual leave for each full biweekly pay period.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2009

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Improvement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of State to adjudicate U.S. passport applications in an individualized, evidence-based manner. Requires the passport application adjudicatory process to be based on an assessment of individual circumstances and evidence. Prohibits an applicant's race, ethnicity, or ancestry from being taken into account in the passport application adjudicatory process. Requires: (1) an applicant to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the applicant is a U.S. citizen or national; (2) the preponderance of the evidence standard to be applied in a uniform and consistent manner to all passport applications; and (3) any determination that an applicant has not met the burden of proving U.S. citizenship or nationality by a preponderance of the evidence to be made in writing, state the reasons for the determination, and be provided to the applicant in a timely manner. States that a birth certificate signed by a person authorized under state law to sign such a document, or a previously-issued U.S. passport, shall constitute prima facie evidence of U.S. citizenship or nationality and, absent individualized evidence that a birth did not take place in the United States, shall satisfy the preponderance of the evidence standard.

A bill to amend the Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992 to eliminate the offset in per country numerical level required under that Act.

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2009

Amends the Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992 to eliminate the provision requiring the reduction of annual People's Republic of China (PRC) immigrant visas to offset status adjustments under such Act.

Reuniting Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2009

Reuniting Families Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to establish the fiscal year worldwide level of employment-based immigrants at 140,000 plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY1992-FY2007. Establishes the fiscal year worldwide level of family-sponsored immigrants at 480,000 plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY1992-FY2007. Revises the definition of "immediate relative" to: (1) mean a child, spouse, or parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (and for each family member of a citizen or resident, such individual's accompanying spouse or child), except that in the case of parents such citizens shall be at least 21 years old; (2) permit a widow or widower of a U.S. citizen or resident to seek permanent resident status if married at least two years at the time of the citizen's or resident's death or, if married less than two years, by showing through a preponderance of the evidence that the marriage was entered into in good faith and not solely to obtain an immigration benefit; and (3) include an alien who was the child or parent of a U.S. citizen or resident at the time of the citizen's or resident's death if the alien files a petition within two years after such date or prior to reaching 21 years old. Increases immigration visas for: (1) unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens; and (2) brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. Provides a 60,000 visa allocation for the unmarried sons and daughters of permanent resident aliens. Increases annual per country (10% of annual total) and dependent area (5% of annual total) limits for employment-based and family-sponsored immigrant visas. Expands specified family-unity exceptions to unlawful presence-based inadmissibility. Provides specified relief for orphans and spouses regarding: (1) petitions for immediate relative status; (2) parole eligibility; (3) permanent resident status adjustment; and (4) processing of immigrant visas. Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act - Exempts children of naturalized Filipino World War II veterans from worldwide or numerical immigrant limitations. Makes a minor child of an alien fiancee/fiance or of an alien spouse of a U.S. citizen eligible for derivative K-visa status provided that the child's age is determined using such child's age at the date that the petition to classify such child's parent as a K-visa alien is filed with the Secretary of Homeland Security. Authorizes the Secretary or the Attorney General to adjust the status of a finacee/fiance or alien spouse and any minor children (K-visa) to conditional permanent resident status if such alien marries the petitioner within three months after U.S. admission. Redefines "child" for purposes of titles I and II of the Act to include a stepchild under 21 years old. (Current law includes a stepchild who has not reached 18 years old at the time the marriage creating the status of stepchild occurred.) Uniting American Families Act of 2009 - Amends INA to include a "permanent partner" within the scope of such Act. Defines "permanent partner" as an individual 18 or older who: (1) is in a committed, intimate relationship with another individual 18 or older in which both individuals intend a lifelong commitment; (2) is financially interdependent with the other individual; (3) is not married to, or in a permanent partnership with, anyone other than the individual; (4) is unable to contract with the other individual a marriage cognizable under this Act; and (5) is not a first, second, or third degree blood relation of the other individual. Defines "permanent partnership" as the relationship existing between two permanent partners. Defines "alien permanent partner" as the individual in a permanent partnership who is being sponsored for a visa.

THE UNITING AMERICAN FAMILIES ACT: ADDRESSING INEQUALITY IN FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LAW

United States · United States Senate · 3 June 2009

P.R.O.U.D. Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2009

People Resolved to Obtain an Understanding of Democracy Act; or the P.R.O.U.D. Act - Amends the Immigration and Naturalization Act to provide for the naturalization of certain graduates of U.S. high schools who are under 25 years of age on the date of application for naturalization.

To extend certain immigration programs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2009

Employee Verification Amendment Act of 2009 - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to extend the employment eligibility confirmation pilot programs (which includes the E-Verify basic pilot program) until September 30, 2014. Directs the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Homeland Security to enter into a fiscal year agreement which shall: (1) provide funds to the Commissioner for such programs' full costs in quarterly advances; and (2) require an annual accounting and reconciliation of costs incurred and funds provided. Provides for funding continuation in the absence of an agreement. Requires that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct studies regarding: (1) erroneous tentative nonconfirmations under the E-Verify program; and (2) such program's effects on small entities. Amends the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 to extend the alien investor (EB-5) regional center program through FY2014. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend the special immigrant program for non-minister religious workers until September 30, 2014. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994 to extend the J-1 visa waiver (Conrad state 30/medical services in underserved areas) program until September 30, 2014.

Honoring and congratulating the U.S. Border Patrol on its 85th anniversary.

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2009

Expresses support for the Border Patrol's goals and objectives. Congratulates the Border Patrol and its exemplary workforce on 85 years of service to the United States.

Alejandro N. Mayorkas, of California, to be Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security, vice Emilio T. Gonzalez.

United States · United States Senate · 20 May 2009

Reuniting Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Reuniting Families Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish the fiscal year worldwide level of employment-based immigrants at 140,000 plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY1992-FY2007. Establishes the fiscal year worldwide level of family-sponsored immigrants at 480,000 plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY1992-FY2007. Revises the definition of "immediate relative" to: (1) mean a child, spouse, or parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (and for each family member of a citizen or resident, such individual's accompanying spouse or child), except that in the case of parents such citizens shall be at least 21 years old; (2) permit a widow or widower of a U.S. citizen or resident to seek permanent resident status if married at least two years at the time of the citizen's or resident's death or, if married less than two years, by showing through a preponderance of the evidence that the marriage was entered into in good faith and not solely to obtain an immigration benefit; and (3) include an alien who was the child or parent of a U.S. citizen or resident at the time of the citizen's or resident's death if the alien files a petition within two years after such date or prior to reaching 21 years old. Increases immigration visas for: (1) unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens; and (2) brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. Provides a 60,000 visa allocation for the unmarried sons and daughters of permanent resident aliens. Increases annual per country (10% of annual total) and dependent area (5% of annual total) limits for employment-based and family-sponsored immigrant visas. Expands specified family-unity exceptions to unlawful presence-based inadmissibility. Provides specified relief for orphans and spouses regarding: (1) petitions for immediate relative status; (2) parole eligibility; (3) permanent resident status adjustment; and (4) processing of immigrant visas. Exempts children of naturalized Filipino World War II veterans from worldwide or numerical immigrant limitations. Makes a minor child of an alien fiancee/fiance or of an alien spouse of a U.S. citizen eligible for derivative K-visa status provided that the child's age is determined using such child's age at the date that the petition to classify such child's parent as a K-visa alien is filed with the Secretary of Homeland Security. Authorizes the Secretary or the Attorney General to adjust the status of a finacee/fiance or alien spouse and any minor children (K-visa) to conditional permanent resident status if such alien marries the petitioner within three months after U.S. admission. Redefines "child" for purposes of titles I and II of the Act to include a stepchild under 21 years old. (Current law includes a stepchild who has not reached 18 years old at the time the marriage creating the status of stepchild occurred.)

A bill to prohibit the release of enemy combatants into the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Defines "covered individual" as any individual who: (1) has been determined by a Combatant Status Review Tribunal to be an enemy combatant or is awaiting the determination of such a tribunal; (2) is in U.S. custody at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; and (3) is not a U.S. citizen or an alien admitted for permanent residence. Prohibits: (1) a court from ordering a covered individual's release into the United States; and (2) the Secretary of State from issuing any visa and the Secretary of Homeland Security from admitting or providing any type of status to a covered individual that permits such individual's entry or admission into the United States. States that a covered individual who is no longer held as an enemy combatant shall be: (1) released into the Secretary of Homeland Security's custody for expeditious transfer to such individual's country of nationality or to another country; and (2) housed separately from aliens detained as enemy combatants in a manner consistent with the safety of U.S. personnel.

Emergency Nursing Supply Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Emergency Nursing Supply Relief Act - Amends the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000 to lift until September 30, 2012, the numerical limitations on employment-based immigrants (and accompanying family members) hired as nurses and physical therapists, subject to a cap of 20,000 visas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award annual grants to nursing schools to increase the number of faculty and students at such schools. Establishes in the Treasury a Domestic Nursing Enhancement Account to fund such grant program. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) allow an alien who has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence and is a physician or other health care worker to work in a candidate country (defined to include a lower middle income country or one experiencing a natural disaster) without losing eligibility for naturalization; and (2) make inadmissible alien physicians or health care workers who have an outstanding obligation to their country of origin based upon financial assistance received from such country for medical training. Allows a waiver of inadmissibility under certain circumstances. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a partnership program to award grants to certain healthcare and training entities to provide education to nurses and create a pipeline to nursing for incumbent ancillary health care workers who wish to advance their careers. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to collect and report to Congress on specified data on alien workers employed as professional nurses or physical therapists.

Protecting America's Communities Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2009

Protecting America's Communities Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the admission, asylum entry, or parole entry into the United States of an alien who, as of January 1, 2009, was being detained by the Department of Defense (DOD) at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. Requires the additional six-month detainment of such an alien ordered removed if the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) certifies that: (1) the alien cannot be removed due to the refusal of all countries designated by the alien to receive the alien; and (2) the Secretary is making reasonable efforts to find alternative means for removing the alien. Authorizes the Secretary to renew such certification after providing the alien with an opportunity to request and provide evidentiary support for reconsideration of the detainment certification. Prohibits: (1) an immigration judge or official of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement from releasing a detained alien on bond or parole; and (2) the Secretary from delegating certification authority to an official below the level of the Assistant Secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Directs the Attorney General to take into custody upon release an alien who, as of January 1, 2009, was being detained by DOD at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. Reaffirms that: (1) the United States is in an armed conflict with Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and associated forces; and (2) the President is authorized to detain enemy combatants in connection with such conflict regardless of their place of capture.

Social Security Number Fraud and Identity Theft Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2009

Social Security Number Fraud and Identity Theft Prevention Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Secretary of Labor, and the Attorney General to require an individual to provide the individual's Social Security account number for inclusion in any: (1) record of the individual maintained by either such Secretary or the Attorney General; or (2) any application, document, or form provided under or required by the immigration laws. (Currently, the Attorney General is authorized to require any alien to provide a Social Security account number for inclusion in any record maintained by the Attorney General or the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.) Requires the Commissioner of Social Security, if a Social Security account number has been used multiple times, to provide the DHS Secretary with information regarding: (1) the name, date of birth, and address of each individual who used the same Social Security account number; and (2) the name and address of the person reporting the earnings for each such individual. Requires the Commissioner to provide such information to the DHS Secretary, in an electronic form, if more than one person reports earnings for an individual during a single tax year. Directs the Commissioner, at the DHS Secretary's request and expense, to perform and report on a search or manipulation of Social Security Commission records if the Secretary certifies that the purpose is to obtain information likely to assist in identifying individuals (and their employers) who are: (1) using false names or Social Security account numbers; (2) sharing a single valid name and Social Security account number among multiple individuals; (3) using the Social Security account number of a person who is deceased, too young to work, or not authorized to work; or (4) otherwise engaged in a violation of the immigration laws. Declares inadmissible to receive visas and to be admitted to the United States any alien who falsely represents himself or herself to be a U.S. national for any purpose or benefit under immigration and nationality or any other federal or state law.

AgJOBS Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits, and Security Act of 2009 or the AgJOBS Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to confer "blue card status" upon an alien who: (1) has performed agricultural employment in the United States for at least 863 hours or 150 work days during the 24-month period ending on December 31, 2008; (2) applied for such status during the 18-month application period beginning on the first day of the seventh month that begins after the date of enactment of this Act; (3) is otherwise admissible to the United States; and (4) has not been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor, an element of which involves bodily injury, threat of serious bodily injury, or harm to property in excess of $500. Limits the number of blue cards that may be issued during the five-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to adjust a blue card alien (and spouse and minor children) to permanent resident status if the alien has fulfilled specified periods of agricultural employment. Amends the Social Security Act to exempt blue card aliens from prosecution for social security-related identity or payment false statements if such conduct occurred prior to the granting of blue card status. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise H-2A visa (agricultural labor or temporary or seasonal services) provisions. Replaces the existing labor certification requirement with a labor attestation requirement containing: (1) a description of the nature and location of the job; (2) the job's expected beginning and ending dates; (3) the number of jobs; and (4) specified labor assurances respecting job opportunities covered by collective bargaining agreements and non-covered job opportunities.

AgJOBS Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits, and Security Act of 2009 or the AgJOBS Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to confer "blue card status" upon an alien who: (1) has performed agricultural employment in the United States for at least 863 hours or 150 work days during the 24-month period ending on December 31, 2008, or earned at least $7,500 from U.S. agricultural employment; (2) applied for such status during the 18-month application period beginning on the first day of the seventh month that begins after the date of enactment of this Act; (3) is otherwise admissible to the United States; and (4) has not been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor, an element of which involves bodily injury, threat of serious bodily injury, or harm to property in excess of $500. Limits the number of blue cards that may be issued during the five-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to adjust a blue card alien (and spouse and minor children) to permanent resident status if the alien has fulfilled specified periods of agricultural employment. Amends the Social Security Act to exempt blue card aliens from prosecution for social security-related identity or payment false statements if such conduct occurred prior to the granting of blue card status. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise H-2A visa (agricultural labor or temporary or seasonal services) provisions. Replaces the existing labor certification requirement with a labor attestation requirement containing: (1) a description of the nature and location of the job; (2) the job's expected beginning and ending dates; (3) the number of jobs; and (4) specified labor assurances respecting job opportunities covered by collective bargaining agreements and non-covered job opportunities.

Charlie Norwood CLEAR Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal Act of 2009 or the Charlie Norwood CLEAR Act of 2009 - States that: (1) state and local law enforcement personnel, in the course of their routine duties, have the inherent authority to investigate, apprehend, or transfer to federal custody aliens in the United States (including interstate transportation of such aliens to detention centers) in order to assist in the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws; and (2) effective two years after enactment of this Act, a state that has in effect a statute, policy, or practice prohibiting such law enforcement assistance shall not receive certain federal incarceration assistance. Provides for the listing of immigration violators in the National Crime Information Center database. Directs states and localities to provide the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) with specified information about apprehended aliens who are believed to be in violation of U.S. immigration laws. Provides federal reimbursement for related state and local costs. (States that such provision shall not require state or local enforcement officials to provide DHS with information related to a victim of a crime or witness to a criminal offense.) Directs the Secretary to make grants to states and political subdivisions that enforce immigration laws in the course of their routine law enforcement duties for special equipment and facilities related to arresting, detaining, or transporting illegal aliens. Directs the Secretary to: (1) construct or acquire 20 additional detention facilities for aliens detained pending removal (or a decision on removal); and (2) consider the transfer of military installations under base closure laws for such purposes. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act regarding illegal aliens apprehended by state or local authorities to provide for: (1) federal custody upon state or local request; and (2) state or local compensation for related incarceration and transportation costs. Directs the Attorney General or the Secretary to ensure that the detention of an alien subject to removal is in an adequate state or local prison, detention center, or other comparable facility prior to his or her removal examination. Directs the Secretary to establish immigration-related training for state and local personnel. Provides: (1) personal liability immunity to the same extent as corresponding federal immunity for state or local personnel enforcing immigration laws within the scope of their duties under this Act; and (2) civil rights money damage immunity for state or local agencies enforcing immigration laws unless their personnel violated criminal law in such enforcement. Continues the institutional removal program (IRP), which shall be expanded to all states. Authorizes state or local detention of an illegal alien after completion of such alien's prison sentence for: (1) up to 14 days to facilitate federal transfer; or (2) until transfer to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010 and subsequent fiscal years for the state criminal alien assistance program (SCAAP).

Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt sons and daughters of Filipino World War II veterans who were naturalized under the Immigration Act of 1990 from worldwide or numerical limitations on immigrant visas.

Travel Promotion Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009

Travel Promotion Act of 2009 - Establishes the Corporation for Travel Promotion as a nonprofit corporation that is not an agency or establishment of the U.S. government. Makes the Corporation subject to the provisions of the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Corporation should not engage in lobbying activities. Requires the Corporation, among other things, to provide useful information to people interested in traveling to the United States, counter and correct misperceptions regarding U.S. entry policy, and promote U.S. travel. Requires the Corporation to establish and maintain a publicly accessible website. Establishes in the Treasury the Travel Promotion Fund. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require (under current law, authorize) the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish and collect a fee for the use of an electronic data sharing system concerning the admissibility of certain aliens into the United States that will ensure recovery of the full costs of providing and administering such system. Terminates such fee following FY2014. Authorizes the Corporation to impose an annual assessment on U.S. members of the travel and tourism industry represented on the Board of Directors of the Corporation. Establishes in the Department of Commerce the Office of Travel Promotion, to be headed by a Director. Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to require that the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries expand its research and development activities to promote international travel to the United States.

To require the accreditation of English language training programs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require that a nonimmigrant foreign student seeking to enter the United States to study at a language training program enroll at a language program that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of Education. Provides for a specified three-year exception to such requirement.

Proud to Be an American Citizen Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009

Proud to Be an American Citizen Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to make funds available annually to the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or to approved public or private nonprofit entities to support public ceremonies for administering oaths of allegiance to naturalizing legal immigrants. States that such ceremonies shall: (1) be held on a date that is on or near Independence Day; and (2) include appropriate outreach, ceremonial, and celebratory activities. Specifies: (1) ceremony fund limits ($5,000); and (2) permitted fund uses.

SAFE for America Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009

Security and Fairness Enhancement for America Act of 2009 or SAFE for America Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the diversity immigrant program.

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to reauthorize the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security, in carrying out the state criminal alien assistance program (SCAAP), to give priority to compensating states and state political subdivisions: (1) located on the U.S. border with Canada or Mexico; or (2) having one of the five largest populations of unauthorized aliens. Authorizes appropriations for SCAAP through FY2014.

To designate Greece as a program country for purposes of the visa waiver program established under section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2009

Deems Greece to be designated as a visa waiver country under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Liberian Refugee Immigration Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2009

Liberian Refugee Immigration Protection Act of 2009 - Provides for the permanent resident status adjustment of certain Liberian nationals who were granted, or are eligible to apply for, temporary protected status on or after March 27, 1991.

COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM IN 2009: CAN WE DO IT AND HOW?

United States · United States Senate · 30 April 2009

A resolution expressing support for designation of May 2, 2009, as "Vietnamese Refugees Day".

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009

Supports the designation of May 2, 2009, as Vietnamese Refugees Day to commemorate the arrival and integration of Vietnamese refugees in the United States.

Posthumous Citizenship for Binghamton Victims Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2009

Posthumous Citizenship for Binghamton Victims Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide for the granting of citizenship as of April 2, 2009, to an individual otherwise eligible for naturalization who: (1) was, as of April 2, 2009, an alien or U.S. national; (2) died as a result of an injury incurred during the April 3, 2009, shooting at the American Civic Association Community Center in Binghamton, New York; and (3) was not culpable for an act that was a cause of an injury during such shooting. Prohibits the granting of derivative immigration benefits to surviving relatives of an individual granted posthumous citizenship under this Act.

H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009

H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2009 - Amends the the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise employer and government provisions regarding H-1B (specialty occupation) and L-1 (intracompany transfer) nonimmigrant aliens. Amends H-1B employer application requirements to: (1) revise wage determination requirements; (2) require Internet posting and description of employment positions; (3) lengthen U.S. worker displacement protection: (4) apply certain requirements to all H-1B employers rather than only to H-1B dependent employers; (5) prohibit employer advertising that makes a position available only to, or gives priority to, H-1B nonimmigrants; and (6) limit the number of H-1B and L-1 employees that an employer of 50 or more workers in the United States may hire. Revises application review provisions. Authorizes the Department of Labor (DOL) to: (1) investigate applications for fraud; and (2) conduct H-1B compliance audits. Directs DOL to conduct annual audits of companies with large numbers of H-1B workers. Authorizes DOL to initiate H-1B employer application investigations. Increases employer penalties. Revises provisions regarding initiation of employer violation investigations by DOL. Provides for information sharing between DOL and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services regarding employer noncompliance. Authorizes DOL to hire 200 additional employees to administer H-1B programs. Prohibits, with a specified waiver by the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), an employer from hiring an L-1 nonimmigrant for more than one year who will: (1) serve in a capacity involving specialized knowledge; and (2) be stationed primarily at the worksite of an employer other than the petitioning employer. Specifies L-1: (1) employer petition requirements for employment at a new office; (2) wage rates and working conditions; and (3) employer penalties. Authorizes the Secretary to initiate an L-1 employer investigation. Requires a report to Congress regarding the L-1 blanket petition process.

A resolution recognizing June 6, 2009, as the 70th anniversary of the tragic date when the M.S. St. Louis, a ship carrying Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany, returned to Europe after its passengers were refused admittance to the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009

Recognizes that June 6, 2009, marks the 70th anniversary of the date when the M.S. St. Louis returned to Europe after its passengers were refused admittance to the United States and other Western Hemisphere countries. Honors the memory of the 937 refugees aboard the M.S. St. Louis, most of whom were Jews fleeing Nazi oppression, and 254 of whom subsequently died during the Holocaust. Recognizes such anniversary as an opportunity to raise awareness about an important historical event whose lessons are relevant to current and future generations.

Border Sovereignty and Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009

Border Sovereignty and Protection Act - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to require that: (1) at least 350 miles of fencing along the southwest border be two layers of reinforced fencing separated by a Border Patrol access road; (2) such work shall be completed within one year of enactment of this Act; and (3) fencing existing as of April 1, 2009, shall not be considered in meeting the mileage requirement. Gives the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) full authority, concurrent with that of the Department of Justice, to investigate violations of the Controlled Substances Act or the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act. Amends the federal criminal code to provide for a fine and/or at least 15 years imprisonment for firearms smuggling in connection with a crime of violence or drug trafficking. Makes a state or local subdivision ineligible for state criminal alien assistance program (SCAAP) funding if such state or subdivision: (1) has in effect any law, policy, or procedure prohibiting or restricting communication with the Immigration and Naturalization Service or other government entity regarding an individual's citizenship or immigration status; or (2) prohibits state or local law enforcement officials from gathering information regarding an individual's citizenship or immigration status. Sets forth provisions regarding the expedited removal of: (1) inadmissible arriving aliens; and (2) criminal aliens. Makes the basic pilot employment verification (E-Verify) program permanent. Sets forth the following E-Verify compliance schedule: (1) one year from enactment of this Act for federal agencies, federal contractors, and employers of more than 250 persons; (2) two years from enactment for employers of 100 or more persons; (3) three years from enactment for employers of 30 or more persons; and (4) four years from enactment for all employers.

Border Security and Responsibility Act 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009

Border Security and Responsibility Act 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary), the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with tribal, state, and local officials, to submit to Congress a border protection strategy for the international land borders of the United States. Specifies strategy elements. Amends the the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to revise international land border security provisions, including: (1) eliminating existing southwest border fencing requirements; (2) requiring that border control actions be in accordance with the border strategy required under this Act; and (3) giving priority to the use of remote cameras, sensors, removal of nonnative vegetation, incorporation of natural barriers, additional manpower, unmanned aerial vehicles, or other low impact border enforcement techniques. Prohibits construction of border fencing, physical barriers, roads, lighting, cameras, sensors, or other tactical infrastructure prior to 90 days after such border strategy's submission to Congress. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, and the heads of appropriate state and tribal wildlife agencies, to implement a comprehensive monitoring and mitigation plan to address the ecological and environmental impacts of security infrastructure and activities along the international land borders of the United States. Specifies plan requirements.