Immigration

Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2020

Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act This bill expands Department of Homeland Security (DHS) authority to provide premium processing services for certain immigration-related applications and contains other related provisions. DHS may collect a fee to provide premium processing of an application for any immigration benefit that DHS considers appropriate, subject to certain requirements. Currently, DHS only has statutory authority to provide premium processing for employment-based applications. Under current law, DHS must use such premium fees to provide premium processing services and make infrastructure improvements. Under this bill, such fees shall be used for these purposes and other activities that offset the cost of providing adjudication and naturalization services. DHS may suspend premium processing of applications only if circumstances prevent the timely processing of a significant number of such applications. DHS shall provide those who have requested premium processing with access to case status information and communications channels to the premium processing units. DHS may expand premium processing to certain immigrant benefits and set fees for such processing without following certain rulemaking procedures if DHS meets certain requirements, such as limiting the premium fee to specified amounts. The bill also increases the premium fees charged to applicants. DHS may, subject to requirements, biennially adjust premium fees to reflect inflation without following certain rulemaking requirements.

A resolution recognizing the Chinese railroad workers who worked on the Transcontinental Railroad from 1865 to 1869 and the important contributions of those railroad workers to the growth of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 13 August 2020

This resolution recognizes the contributions of the Chinese immigrants who worked on the Transcontinental Railroad from 1865 to 1869. The resolution also acknowledges the risks they faced in completing the railroad's construction while enduring discrimination and unequal pay and treatment.

Justice is Not For Sale Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 August 2020

Justice is Not For Sale Act of 2020 This bill addresses various provisions related to the operation and administration of prisons, detention centers, and other correctional facilities, such as banning for-profit prisons, imposing requirements on financial and communication services available to inmates, and requiring alternatives to detention for family units apprehended under immigration authorities.

To amend the Head Start Act to extend the duration of grants under such Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 August 2020

This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to make grants to Head Start agencies to provide children with access to full-school-year and full-school-day services, provide access to additional service hours for migrant and seasonal agencies, or enhance the quality of existing services.

Southwest Border Security Technology Improvement Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2020

Southwest Border Security Technology Improvement Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to report to Congress an analysis of border security technology along the Southwest border. The report shall address the technology DHS needs to (1) prevent terrorists from entering the United States, (2) reduce cross-border criminal activity such as drug smuggling, and (3) facilitate legal trade flow. The report shall also address recent technological advancements and assess whether such advancements can help achieve these goals. DHS shall submit the report within a year of this bill's enactment and provide periodic updates for six more years.

Stop Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2020

Stop Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2020 This bill makes the misappropriation of trade secrets a ground for deporting or barring an alien from entry into the United States. Specifically, an alien may be denied entry into the United States if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the alien has violated, is violating, or is seeking entry to violate any U.S. law relating to the misappropriation of trade secrets or economic espionage. Similarly, an alien may be deported if the alien has violated, is violating, or after admission into the United States violates any U.S. law relating to the misappropriation of trade secrets or economic espionage.

OVERSIGHT OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 29 July 2020

Protecting America From Spies Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2020

Protecting America From Spies Act This bill expands the grounds for barring aliens who have engaged in acts relating to espionage or sabotage from entering the United States. Specifically, any alien shall be inadmissible if the alien has engaged in or will engage in an act that (1) violates a U.S. law relating to espionage or sabotage; (2) would violate any U.S. law relating to espionage or sabotage if it occurred in the United States; or (3) violates any U.S. law prohibiting the export of goods, technology, or sensitive information. Currently, an alien shall be inadmissible if the alien seeks to enter the United States to engage in such an action. Furthermore, the bill expands these grounds of inadmissibility and other security-related grounds to cover the spouse or child of the barred alien if the act occurred in the last five years. The bill also modifies the authority of the Department of Justice to waive certain security-related grounds of inadmissibility for an alien applying for a nonimmigrant visa.

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.

No Funds for Apportionment Exclusion Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2020

No Funds for Apportionment Exclusion Act This bill prohibits using federal funds to carry out the July 21, 2020, presidential memorandum ordering the exclusion of aliens without legal immigration status from being counted for the purposes of apportioning representation in the House of Representatives following the 2020 census.

Protect Children of Immigrant Workers Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2020

Protect Children of Immigrant Workers Act This bill provides protections for an alien minor whose parent is the principal beneficiary of an employment-based immigrant petition. Specifically, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall not detain or remove such a minor. The minor shall be eligible for nonimmigrant status, either dependent on the parent's status or otherwise, until a decision has been made on the minor's application for lawful permanent resident status. Such a minor shall also qualify as a derivative beneficiary child for immigrant visa purposes starting from the approval of the parent's employment-based immigration petition until a decision has been made on the minor's application for permanent resident status, even if the parent is deceased. These protections shall not apply if DHS determines that the minor poses a threat to public safety or national security.

Southwest Border Security Technology Improvement Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2020

Southwest Border Security Technology Improvement Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to report to Congress an analysis of border security technology along the Southwest border. The report shall address the technology DHS needs to (1) prevent terrorists from entering the United States, (2) reduce cross-border criminal activity such as drug smuggling, and (3) facilitate legal trade flow. The report shall also address recent technological advancements and assess whether such advancements can help achieve these goals. DHS shall submit the report within a year of this bill's enactment and provide annual updates for five more years.

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2020

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2021 This bill provides FY2021 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security. The bill provides appropriations for Departmental Management, Operations, Intelligence, and Oversight, including the Office of the Secretary and Executive Management; the Management Directorate; Intelligence, Analysis, and Operations Coordination; and the Office of the Inspector General. The bill provides appropriations for Security, Enforcement, and Investigations, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Secret Service. The bill provides appropriations for Protection, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The bill provides appropriations for Research, Development, Training, and Services, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, the Science and Technology Directorate, and the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office. The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

Defend New Americans Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2020

Defend New Americans Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to establish a section within the Department of Justice to investigate and litigate cases to revoke the citizenship of naturalized U.S. citizens.

Hong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2020

Hong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act This bill provides for immigration benefits related to Hong Kong in the event that China puts into effect national security legislation in Hong Kong that would curtail political freedoms. (Hong Kong is part of China but has a separate legal system. U.S. law provides Hong Kong with special treatment due to this autonomy.) If China promulgates the Hong Kong national security law, Hong Kong shall receive temporary protected status for 18 months. During this period, qualifying Hong Kong residents who have been continuously present in the United States since this bill's enactment and apply for such status shall have work authorization and may not be removed from the United States. If the President suspends Hong Kong's special treatment under U.S. law, Hong Kong shall continue for five years to be treated as a separate foreign state when calculating annual per-country caps under immigration law. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may provide special immigrant status to a qualifying Hong Kong resident who meets certain educational requirements or owns a company of a certain size. DHS may admit up to 50,000 principal aliens under this provision for each of the five fiscal years after this bill's enactment, and such aliens shall not be subject to other numerical limits. Qualifying Hong Kong residents who fear political persecution from China and apply for permanent resident status shall be deemed to have an approved petition. Certain provisions, such as requiring applicants to have a valid entry document, shall not apply to such individuals.

Coronavirus Containment Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2020

Coronavirus Containment Act of 2020 This bill requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to test an individual for COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) before removing or repatriating the individual from the United States. ICE shall also work with the receiving country to ensure the safe receipt of the individual. An individual who tests positive for COVID-19 may not be removed or repatriated until the individual exhibits no symptoms for at least 10 days and tests negative in two COVID-19 tests. These requirements shall be in effect until 180 days after the end of the declared COVID-19 public health emergency.

To provide supplemental appropriations to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2020

This bill provides FY2020 supplemental appropriations to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for maintaining the projected FY2020 and FY2021 levels of operations for immigration adjudication and naturalization services, including maintaining current staffing levels and current contracts at full performance. The bill designates the appropriations as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits. The bill also requires USCIS to add a 10% surcharge to premium processing fees for employment-based petitions and applications until the additional fees collected equal the amount of supplemental appropriations provided by this bill.

Immigration Enforcement Moratorium Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2020

Immigration Enforcement Moratorium Act This bill temporarily limits certain immigration enforcement activities during public health emergencies. During a public health emergency, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall, with certain exceptions, suspend all immigration enforcement activities including (1) removals of noncitizens, (2) arrests and apprehensions of noncitizens, and (3) required check-ins by certain noncitizens with immigration enforcement officials. DHS may carry out an enforcement activity if there is credible and individualized evidence that the noncitizen is a threat to another person or the community. During a public health emergency, DHS shall, with certain exceptions, parole a noncitizen into the United States if the noncitizen was (1) denied admission at a port of entry, or (2) apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection within 14 days of entering the United States without authorization. DHS is not required to parole such a noncitizen if there is credible and individualized evidence that the noncitizen is a threat to another person or the community. During this time, the Department of Justice shall (1) suspend all in-person immigration court proceedings, (2) allow for electronic appearances in and the electronic submission of documents for custody proceedings for detained individuals, and (3) suspend deadlines related to various immigration proceedings. DHS may not use federal funds to expel certain noncitizens using legal authority related to the prevention of the spread of communicable diseases.

Ban Birth Tourism Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020

Ban Birth Tourism Act of 2020 This bill provides statutory authority for the ban on admitting an alien into the United States as a nonimmigrant if the alien's primary purpose for entering is to give birth to a child in the United States in order to obtain U.S. citizenship for that child.

SAFE While Traveling Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2020

Securing All Fundamental Equipment While Traveling Act or the SAFE While Traveling Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to provide all its frontline personnel, including in U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Transportation Security Administration, with personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, eyewear that must be worn by such personnel when interacting with members of the public for the duration of the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency and any other public health emergency. Additionally, for the duration of the public health emergency, the Department of Transportation must direct air carriers, rail carriers, owners and operators of airports, and owners and operators of train stations to implement requirements relating to the use of personal protective equipment for its passengers, guests, and employees.

Secure Data and Privacy for Contact Tracing Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2020

Secure Data and Privacy for Contact Tracing Act of 2020 This bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to award grants to public health agencies in states, tribes, and territories to incorporate digital contact tracing technology in COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) contact tracing programs. This technology must meet requirements with respect to contact tracing functions, data security and privacy, and voluntary use. Grantees that develop or procure technology that does not meet these requirements lose eligibility for this funding and future funding for COVID-19 contact tracing technology. Furthermore, as a condition of receiving funding, grantees must (1) undertake an independent security assessment, and (2) develop a plan that delineates how the technology augments existing COVID-19 contact tracing and response efforts and addresses interoperability and protections to limit access to the data. In addition, the bill expressly applies federal privacy standards for the use and disclosure of personal health information by health care providers, health plans, health clearinghouses, and their business associates to contact tracing technology and its use. Current law provides an exception to these standards for personal health information used by, or disclosed to, a public health authority that is legally authorized to collect the information. The bill also prohibits the use of data derived from the contact tracing technology in legal proceedings or for immigration enforcement. The Government Accountability Office must evaluate this program within 90 days.

Kate's Law

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2020

Stop Illegal Reentry Act or Kate's Law This bill increases criminal penalties for certain aliens who illegally reenter the United States after removal or exclusion. Generally, an alien who had been denied entry into or removed from the United States and who later enters or attempts to enter the United States without prior approval from the Department of Homeland Security shall be fined, imprisoned for up to five years, or both. Current law requires a fine, imprisonment for up to two years, or both, for such an alien. An alien who had been denied entry or removed three or more times and who later enters or attempts to enter the United States shall be fined, imprisoned for up to 10 years, or both. An alien who was convicted of an aggravated felony or convicted at least two times before removal or departure and who subsequently enters or tries to enter the United States shall be imprisoned at least five years and for up to twenty years, and may also be fined. Currently, there is no minimum term of imprisonment for an alien who reenters after a conviction for an aggravated felony, and there are no criminal penalties for a reentering alien who had been convicted at least two times (other than the penalties for illegal reentry generally).

Recognizing the month of June as "Immigrant Heritage Month", a celebration of the accomplishments and contributions immigrants and their children have made in making the United States a healthier, safer, more diverse, prosperous country, and acknowledging their importance to the future successes of America.

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2020

This resolution recognizes Immigrant Heritage Month in honor of the contributions immigrants and their children have made to the United States throughout its history. The resolution also welcomes immigrants currently in the United States and those seeking to immigrate to the United States to contribute to the health, safety, diversity, and prosperity of the United States by finding their place in our vibrant, multiethnic, and integrated society.

Hong Kong People’s Freedom and Choice Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2020

Hong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act This bill provides for immigration benefits related to Hong Kong in the event that China puts into effect national security legislation in Hong Kong that would curtail political freedoms. (Hong Kong is part of China but has a separate legal system. U.S. law provides Hong Kong with special treatment due to this autonomy.) If China promulgates the Hong Kong national security law, Hong Kong shall receive temporary protected status for 18 months. During this period, qualifying Hong Kong residents who have been continuously present in the United States since this bill's enactment and apply for such status shall have work authorization and may not be removed from the United States. If the President suspends Hong Kong's special treatment under U.S. law, Hong Kong shall continue for five years to be treated as a separate foreign state when calculating annual per-country caps under immigration law. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may provide special immigrant status to a qualifying Hong Kong resident who meets certain educational requirements or owns a company of a certain size. DHS may admit up to 50,000 principal aliens under this provision for each of the five fiscal years after this bill's enactment, and such aliens shall not be subject to other numerical limits. Qualifying Hong Kong residents who fear political persecution from China and apply for permanent resident status shall be deemed to have an approved petition. Certain provisions, such as requiring applicants to have a valid entry document, shall not apply to such individuals.

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.

A resolution recognizing June 2020 as "Immigrant Heritage Month", a celebration of the accomplishments and contributions immigrants and their children have made in making the United States a healthier, safer, more diverse, and prosperous country, and acknowledging the importance of immigrants to the future successes of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2020

This resolution recognizes June 2020 as Immigrant Heritage Month in honor of the contributions immigrants and their children have made to the United States throughout its history. The resolution also welcomes immigrants currently in the United States and those seeking to immigrate to the United States to contribute to the health, safety, diversity, and prosperity of the United States by finding their place in our vibrant, multiethnic, and integrated society.

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.

Protecting America From Spies Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2020

Protecting America From Spies Act This bill expands the grounds for barring aliens who have engaged in acts relating to espionage or sabotage from entering the United States. Specifically, any alien shall be inadmissible if the alien has engaged in or will engage in an act that (1) violates a U.S. law relating to espionage or sabotage; (2) would violate any U.S. law relating to espionage or sabotage if it occurred in the United States; or (3) violates any U.S. law prohibiting the export of goods, technology, or sensitive information. Currently, an alien shall be inadmissible if the alien seeks to enter the United States to engage in such an action. Furthermore, the bill expands these grounds of inadmissibility and other security-related grounds to cover the spouse or child of the barred alien if the act occurred in the last five years. The bill also modifies the authority of the Department of Justice to waive certain security-related grounds of inadmissibility for an alien applying for a nonimmigrant visa.

Fair and Accurate Census Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2020

Fair and Accurate Census Act This bill extends the deadline for the U.S. Census Bureau to complete the 2020 decennial census of population and related tabulations and provides $400 million to address the impacts of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) on the census and to support enhanced census activities. The bill requires the bureau to report specified information, such as (1) the total number of field staff, sorted by category; (2) the anticipated schedule of census operations; (3) total spending on media, advertisements, and partnership specialists; and (4) post-enumeration survey schedule and completion progress, including anticipated schedule for release of results from the coverage measurement survey. An institution of higher education may provide to the bureau information requested for purposes of enumeration for the 2020 decennial census of population, subject to certain public notice requirements. The institution may not provide any information to the bureau on an individual's immigration or citizenship status. The bureau may not compile, produce, or publish any data product or tabulation as part of, in combination with, or in connection with the 2020 decennial census of population or any such census data that includes topics specific to the 2020 census that were not part of a report submitted on March 28, 2017, and the 2018 End-to-End Census Test conducted in Providence County, Rhode Island. The bill provides funding for specified activities, including expanded communications and advertising targeted to low self-response communities in rural and urban areas, Alaska Native villages, and on tribal lands.

National Security Innovation Pathway Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

National Security Innovation Pathway Act This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide special immigrant status to a qualified alien involved with research critical to U.S. national security. Generally, a qualified alien is one who (1) is employed by a U.S. employer to work and protect the National Security Innovation Base, (2) is engaged in Department of Defense-funded research at a U.S. institution of higher education, or (3) possesses scientific or technical expertise that will advance the development of certain technologies critical to national security. In addition, the Department of Defense (DOD) must confirm to DHS that the alien's admission is essential to developing critical technologies or otherwise serves national security interests. The spouse and children of a qualified alien may also be admitted. (The National Security Innovation Base is a network of persons and organizations engaged in research and production of technologies that support U.S. national security.) DHS may admit up to 100 principal aliens for FY2021 as special immigrants under this bill. This number shall gradually increase until FY2025. For FY2025 and each subsequent fiscal year, DHS may admit 500 principal aliens. Aliens admitted under this bill shall not count against various annual numerical limits. The Government Accountability Office shall report to Congress on an evaluation of the program by October 1, 2025.

Dismantle Mass Incarceration For Public Health Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

Dismantle Mass Incarceration For Public Health Act of 2020 This bill requires states and local governments, as a condition of receiving funds under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program, to release eligible individuals from correctional facilities (including juvenile facilities) during the COVID-19 emergency. The bill specifies the categories of individuals who are eligible for release, including an individual who is (1) awaiting trial, (2) subject to an immigration detainer issued by the Department of Homeland Security, (3) medically vulnerable, (4) over the age of 55, or (5) a primary caregiver or pregnant. The bill also requires states and local governments that receive funds under the program to implement recommendations released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in correctional facilities.

Immigration Enforcement Moratorium Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

Immigration Enforcement Moratorium Act This bill temporarily limits certain immigration enforcement activities during public health emergencies. During a public health emergency, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall, with certain exceptions, suspend all immigration enforcement activities including (1) removals of noncitizens, (2) arrests and apprehensions of noncitizens, and (3) required check-ins by certain noncitizens with immigration enforcement officials. DHS may carry out an enforcement activity if there is credible and individualized evidence that the noncitizen is a threat to another person or the community. During a public health emergency, DHS shall, with certain exceptions, parole a noncitizen into the United States if the noncitizen was (1) denied admission at a port of entry, or (2) apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection within 14 days of entering the United States without authorization. DHS is not required to parole such a noncitizen if there is credible and individualized evidence that the noncitizen is a threat to another person or the community. During this time, the Department of Justice shall (1) suspend all in-person immigration court proceedings, (2) allow for electronic appearances in and the electronic submission of documents for custody proceedings for detained individuals, and (3) suspend deadlines related to various immigration proceedings. DHS may not use federal funds to expel certain noncitizens using legal authority related to the prevention of the spread of communicable diseases.

End Chinese Communist Citizenship Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2020

End Chinese Communist Citizenship Act This bill specifies that an immigrant who is a current or former member or affiliate of the Chinese Communist Party is inadmissible into the United States. (The current statute generally prohibits the admission of current or former members or affiliates of the Communist Party or any other totalitarian party.) The bill also repeals two exceptions to this prohibition for an alien who does not pose a security threat to the United States, specifically (1) an exception for an alien who is no longer a member of the organization in question, and (2) a waiver for certain close family members of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

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.

Honor Our Commitment Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2020

Honor Our Commitment Act of 2020 This bill temporarily defers the removals of qualified Vietnamese nationals from the United States and contains other related provisions. A national of Vietnam shall qualify for deferral if that individual (1) has been ordered removed to Vietnam before this bill's enactment, and (2) resided in the United States on or before July 12, 1995. An otherwise qualifying alien shall not receive deferral if (1) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determines that the alien's removal is necessary because the alien is directly responsible for specific and significant harm to national security, or (2) the alien is subject to extradition. The deferral period shall be for 24 months starting from this bill's enactment. An alien receiving deferral under this bill shall receive work authorization and shall not be detained based on the alien's immigration status. DHS shall notify each Vietnamese national with a final order of removal about the provisions of this bill.

H–1B and L–1 Visa Reform Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2020

H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2020 This bill modifies requirements related to H-1B (specialty occupation) and L-1 (intracompany transfers) nonimmigrant visas and contains related provisions. Provisions relating to H-1B visas include requiring the Department of Labor to review petitions for indicators of fraud or misrepresentation of material fact; requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prioritize certain petitions, with top priority for workers with advanced degrees in science, technology, or engineering; requiring an H-1B worker to possess at minimum a bachelor's degree to meet specialty occupation requirements (currently, relevant experience may be used instead); and prohibiting an alien classifiable in certain H-1B categories from obtaining a B-1 (temporary business visitor) visa. Provisions relating to L-1 visas include requiring a waiver from Labor for an L-1 worker to be primarily stationed with an employer other than the petitioning employer; prohibiting an alien from receiving an L-1 visa to open or be employed in a new office if the alien has received two or more such visas in the last two years; and increasing the L-1 worker minimum wage to the highest of certain amounts, such as the median wage for the worker's occupational classification in the area of employment (currently, an L-1 worker must be paid at least the higher of the federal or state minimum wage). In regards to both visas, the bill (1) expands the authority of DHS and Labor to take various enforcement actions, and (2) directs DHS to conduct annual audits of a certain percentage of employers.

COVID–19 Vaccine Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2020

COVID-19 Vaccine Protection Act This bill requires enhanced vetting of Chinese nationals in the United States on student or exchange visitor visas and temporarily stops the issuance of such visas to Chinese nationals. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall conduct comprehensive background checks on any Chinese national (unless the individual is enrolled in elementary or secondary school) residing in the United States on an F, M, or J visa to determine if the individual is a national security threat or attempting to illegally obtain COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) vaccine research. When performing such background checks, DHS shall consult with the Department of State, the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the Department of Health and Human Services. DHS shall complete all such background checks within 120 days of this bill's enactment and may extend the deadline by 60 days if necessary. The State Department may not issue F, M, or J visas to Chinese nationals until DHS has reported to Congress the completed results of the background checks. DHS shall continuously vet any Chinese national holding an F, M, or J visa who has access to any COVID-19-related research, unless the individual is enrolled in elementary or secondary school.

H–1B and L–1 Visa Reform Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020

H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2020 This bill modifies requirements related to H-1B (specialty occupation) and L-1 (intracompany transfers) nonimmigrant visas and contains related provisions. Provisions relating to H-1B visas include requiring the Department of Labor to review petitions for indicators of fraud or misrepresentation of material fact; requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prioritize certain petitions, with top priority for workers with advanced degrees in science, technology, or engineering; requiring an H-1B worker to possess at minimum a bachelor's degree to meet specialty occupation requirements (currently, relevant experience may be used instead); and prohibiting an alien classifiable in certain H-1B categories from obtaining a B-1 (temporary business visitor) visa. Provisions relating to L-1 visas include requiring a waiver from Labor for an L-1 worker to be primarily stationed with an employer other than the petitioning employer; prohibiting an alien from receiving an L-1 visa to open or be employed in a new office if the alien has received two or more such visas in the last two years; and increasing the L-1 worker minimum wage to the highest of certain amounts, such as the median wage for the worker's occupational classification in the area of employment (currently, an L-1 worker must be paid at least the higher of the federal or state minimum wage). In regards to both visas, the bill (1) expands the authority of DHS and Labor to take various enforcement actions, and (2) directs DHS to conduct annual audits of a certain percentage of employers.

FIRST COVID–19 Care Delivery Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2020

Federal Implementation of Recruiting, Staffing, and Triage for COVID-19 Care Delivery Act of 2020 or the FIRST COVID-19 Care Delivery Act of 2020 This bill contains provisions to increase the number of health care professionals during an emergency period, in particular the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency, such as by relaxing certain immigration requirements. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall provide lawful permanent resident status to a qualifying alien who served as a physician or nurse during the COVID-19 emergency and is not otherwise ineligible for such status. To qualify, the alien must have (1) received an H (specialty profession) or J (exchange visitor) visa, (2) received temporary protected status, or (3) been covered under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program. For an alien seeking lawful permanent resident status under this bill, DHS shall waive (1) certain eligibility requirements, such as any applicable foreign residency requirements; and (2) any annual numerical limitations. During an emergency period, DHS shall waive (1) any annual numerical limitations for a qualified alien seeking admission under an H or J visa as a physician or nurse, and (2) the two-year foreign residency requirement for certain aliens seeking readmission as a physician or nurse. During an emergency period, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shall not impose any caps on the number of medical interns enrolled in any CMS-funded programs. In such a period, a state may waive licensing requirements for an alien physician or nurse admitted under an H or J visa.

Landscaping Workforce Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2020

Landscaping Workforce Act of 2020 This bill establishes that nonimmigrant H-2B visas (temporary nonagricultural workers) issued for landscaping or grounds keeping workers shall not count against the annual cap on such visas. The bill also eliminates an existing statutory exemption to the H-2B annual cap for visas for fish roe processing workers.

The Heroes Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020

Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act or the HEROES Act This bill responds to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak and its impact on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses. Among other things, the bill provides FY2020 emergency supplemental appropriations to federal agencies; provides payments and other assistance to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments; provides additional direct payments of up to $1,200 per individual; expands paid sick days, family and medical leave, unemployment compensation, nutrition and food assistance programs, housing assistance, and payments to farmers; modifies and expands the Paycheck Protection Program, which provides loans and grants to small businesses and nonprofit organizations; establishes a fund to award grants for employers to provide pandemic premium pay for essential workers; expands several tax credits and deductions; provides funding and establishes requirements for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing; eliminates cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatments; extends and expands the moratorium on certain evictions and foreclosures; and requires employers to develop and implement infectious disease exposure control plans. The bill also modifies or expands a wide range of other programs and policies, including those regarding Medicare and Medicaid, health insurance, broadband service, medical product supplies, immigration, student loans and financial aid, the federal workforce, prisons, veterans benefits, consumer protection requirements, the U.S. Postal Service, federal elections, aviation and railroad workers, and pension and retirement plans.

Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020

Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act This bill makes previously unused immigrant visas available to nurses and physicians who petition for such a visa before the date that is 90 days after the end of the declared national emergency relating to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak. The number of visas available shall be the total number of unused employment-based immigrant visas from FY1992-FY2020, up to 40,000. Of such visas, 25,000 shall be reserved for nurses and 15,000 for physicians. Certain family members may accompany the principal beneficiary of a visa provided under this bill, and visas for such family members shall (1) be made available from the unused visas from FY1992-FY2020, and (2) not be counted against the 40,000 cap. Visas provided under this bill shall be exempt from per-country limitations.

Haitian Deportation Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020

Haitian Deportation Relief Act This bill defers the removal of any national of Haiti who is physically present in the United States on the date of the bill's enactment. The deferral period shall last until the later of (1) the end of the emergency period in the United States stemming from the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak; or (2) the end of the COVID-19 emergency in Haiti, if such removals will not overwhelm Haiti's public health infrastructure. The Department of Homeland Security shall prioritize alternatives to detention for an alien whose removal is deferred under this bill, unless the alien poses a significant public safety risk.

FIRST Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2020

Federal Immigrant Release for Safety and security Together Act or the FIRST Act This bill imposes requirements during a communicable disease-related national emergency, such as requiring the release of certain aliens in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Covered aliens, specifically those who have certain health conditions, are at least 50 years old, or are 21 years of age or younger, shall be released from ICE custody without bond during such a national emergency, unless the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determines, by clear and convincing evidence, that the alien is likely to pose a substantial and specific risk of harming another. DHS shall review the files of any detained individual who is not a covered alien, and such an individual shall be released unless (1) alternatives to detention would not reasonably ensure the individual's appearance at removal proceedings; (2) the individual is likely to pose a substantial and specific risk of harming another; or (3) a final removal order has been entered, appeals have been exhausted, and removal of the alien is reasonably foreseeable. ICE shall not redetain aliens released under this bill solely due to the expiration of the national emergency. During such a national emergency, ICE shall suspend (1) requiring individuals under supervision to report in person; (2) immigration enforcement actions; and (3) warrantless enforcement in certain locations, such as an essential business during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. ICE shall also provide to detained individuals (1) access to no-cost telephonic or video communication, including unmonitored communications with legal providers; and (2) hygiene products.

Relaunching America’s Workforce Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2020

Relaunching America's Workforce Act This bill establishes several grant programs to address employment, the workforce, and education access in response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) national emergency. The Department of Labor must provide grants in response to the COVID-19 national emergency to provide training and employment for dislocated, unemployed, and underemployed workers; support youth employment; establish workforce information systems improvements; provide reentry employment opportunities for justice system-involved youth and young adults; and create or expand apprenticeship programs. Programs directed towards assisting Native Americans and migrant and seasonal farmworkers may be extended. The Department of Education must provide grants to expand the capacity of adult education providers to prioritize serving adults with low-literacy or numeracy levels negatively impacted by the COVID-19 national emergency, and to improve or expand career and technical education programs and programs of study to respond to state and local needs as a result of the COVID-19 national emergency.

PANDEMIC Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

Protect American Nationals During Emergencies by Mitigating the Immigration Crisis Act or the PANDEMIC Act This bill requires the removal from the United States of any unlawfully present alien in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody during a national emergency related to a communicable disease. This requirement does not apply to an alien facing charges for a crime of violence.

Health Care Workforce Protection Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

Health Care Workforce Protection Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to extend the authorized stay period for certain alien health care workers to until at least 60 days after the end of the declared emergency period stemming from the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak. This extension shall apply to an alien (1) who was admitted into the United States as a health care worker on an H-1B nonimmigrant visa (specialty professions); (2) who served as a health care worker in the United States during the emergency period; and (3) whose employment was terminated during the emergency period, unless the termination was for cause.

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.

Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act This bill makes previously unused immigrant visas available to nurses and physicians who petition for such a visa before the date that is 90 days after the end of the declared national emergency relating to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak. The number of visas available shall be the total number of unused employment-based immigrant visas from FY1992-FY2020, up to 40,000. Of such visas, 25,000 shall be reserved for nurses and 15,000 for physicians. Certain family members may accompany the principal beneficiary of a visa provided under this bill, and visas for such family members shall (1) be made available from the unused visas from FY1992-FY2020, and (2) not be counted against the 40,000 cap. Visas provided under this bill shall be exempt from per-country limitations.

Coronavirus Immigrant Families Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

Coronavirus Immigrant Families Protection Act This bill addresses immigration issues related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and otherwise makes changes to certain COVID-19 response activities, benefits, and programs. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) must temporarily limit in-person immigration proceedings, and, during the COVID-19 emergency, DHS, DOJ, and the Department of State shall not take certain adverse immigration actions. In addition, an individual's use of certain assistance related to COVID-19 may not be considered in current or future immigration determinations concerning that individual. The bill includes pandemics within the scope of specified disaster and emergency laws and modifies nutrition and other benefits during such emergencies. For example, states may receive Medicaid payments for COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and treatment for certain unlawful aliens, and individuals who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number may receive cash assistance related to the COVID-19 response. In addition, individuals may not be excluded from participating in COVID-19 response programs due to actual or perceived immigration status. To ensure the availability of information related to COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must (1) establish programs for eligible community-based organizations to develop preparedness materials that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, and (2) translate materials and operate telephone hotlines in specified languages. Agencies that receive funding under a law enacted in response to COVID-19 must also provide information about programs and opportunities in such languages.