Immigration

Relaunching America’s Workforce Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 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-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.

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

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2020

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

Landing Pass Extension Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020

Landing Pass Extension Act of 2020 This bill allows a qualified alien crew member of a vessel to obtain a permit to land temporarily in the United States for up to 180 days, where currently such permits generally do not allow for stays exceeding 29 days. Specifically, an immigration officer may grant a crew member a 180-day landing permit if the officer is satisfied that the crew member (1) intends to depart within the prescribed period on a vessel other than the vessel the crew member arrived on, and (2) will perform ship-to-ship cargo transfer operations to or from a vessel engaged in foreign trade.

FIRST Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 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.

COVID–19 Employment Authorization Document Extension Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2020

COVID-19 Employment Authorization Document Extension Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to automatically extend an alien's employment authorization if the authorization was valid when a public health emergency period begins. This extended authorization shall be valid until at least one year after the end of the emergency period. This extension shall apply retroactively to any alien with employment authorization on January 31, 2020, and the end of such an extension shall be calculated using the date when the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency period ends.

NO PORK Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2020

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

Coronavirus Immigrant Families Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 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.

Secure United States Bases Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2020

Secure United States Bases Act This bill revises requirements related to U.S.-based foreign military training programs. Specifically, the bill creates a visa category for certain aliens who have been accepted into a U.S.-based military training program; adds application, vetting, and monitoring requirements for foreign military trainees; and requires the Department of Defense to develop a method for classifying the relative risk, by country, of accepting foreign personnel into U.S. military training programs.

Prioritizing Pandemic Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2020

Prioritizing Pandemic Prevention Act This bill transfers any unobligated federal funds for constructing a physical barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border to the Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Agency for International Development to combat COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).

New Deal for New Americans Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

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

Shadow Wolves Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2020

Shadow Wolves Enhancement Act This bill authorizes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to reclassify officers assigned to the tactical patrol unit on Tohono O'odham Nation land (commonly known as Shadow Wolves ) as ICE special agents upon completing certain required training. The Government Accountability Office shall study the best processes for expanding the Shadow Wolves program to areas not located on tribal lands that are historically and culturally significant for tribal communities.

Secure United States Bases Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2020

Secure United States Bases Act This bill revises requirements related to U.S.-based foreign military training programs. Specifically, the bill creates a visa category for certain aliens who have been accepted into a U.S.-based military training program; adds application, vetting, and monitoring requirements for foreign military trainees; and requires the Department of Defense to develop a method for classifying the relative risk, by country, of accepting foreign personnel into U.S. military training programs.

Immigrants’ Mental Health Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2020

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

Labor Certainty for Food Security Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2020

Labor Certainty for Food Security Act of 2020 This bill establishes a new H-2C nonimmigrant visa for aliens coming temporarily to the United States to perform agricultural labor, directs the Department of Homeland Security to create a mandatory electronic employment eligibility verification system, and modifies the H-2A visa program for temporary agricultural workers.

Immigrants' Mental Health Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2020

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

To block the implementation of a recent presidential proclamation restricting individuals from certain countries from entering the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2020

This bill prohibits any federal agency from using any funds, resources, or fees made available by Congress to implement or enforce Presidential Proclamation 9983. The proclamation, which came into effect on February 21, 2020, imposes immigration restrictions on the nationals of Burma (Myanmar), Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Sudan, and Tanzania.

A bill to block the implementation of a recent presidential proclamation restricting individuals from certain countries from entering the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2020

This bill prohibits any federal agency from using any funds, resources, or fees made available by Congress to implement or enforce Presidential Proclamation 9983. The proclamation, which came into effect on February 21, 2020, imposes immigration restrictions on the nationals of Burma (Myanmar), Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Sudan, and Tanzania.

Hmong and Lao Refugee Deportation Prohibition Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2020

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

Case Backlog and Transparency Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2020

Case Backlog and Transparency Act of 2020 This bill amends reporting requirements related to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) efforts to address the backlog in immigration applications. DHS shall publish on its website and submit to Congress quarterly reports about the backlog. These reports shall include an annual report that contains information including (1) an analysis of factors contributing to the backlog, (2) a description of existing and planned policies to address the backlog, (3) state-by-state backlog data, and (4) approval and denial rates for each immigration benefit type. The Government Accountability Office shall publish on its website and submit to Congress reports every two years assessing DHS efforts to address the backlog and to ensure fair and accurate adjudication of immigration benefit applications.

To award a Congressional Gold Medal to Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th President of the United States whose visionary leadership secured passage of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965, Social Security Amendments Act (Medicare) of 1965, Civil Rights Act of 1964, Higher Education Act of 1965, and Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965.

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2020

This bill directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to President Lyndon B. Johnson in recognition of his contributions to the nation. The bill requires such medal to be given to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum following its award, where it will be available for display and research.

Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 15, 2019.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2020

This joint resolution terminates the national emergency related to the U.S.-Mexico border, declared by the President on February 15, 2019.

Strengthening Citizenship Services for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2020

Strengthening Citizenship Services for Veterans Act This bill directs U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to ensure that various naturalization-related services are available at a U.S. port of entry, embassy, or consulate that is accessible to noncitizen veterans. Specifically, USCIS must ensure that naturalization examinations, biometric collections, and naturalization ceremonies are available at such locations for noncitizen veterans. Such services must be available to a noncitizen veteran who has been removed from the United States or is inadmissible.

Global Migration Agreement Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020

Global Migration Agreement Act This bill directs the Department of State and the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States in both bilateral relationships and multilateral organizations to promote the adoption of a binding Global Migration Agreement. Such agreement should, among other things, address the root causes of migration, centralize the human rights of migrants, and provide global funding for crisis response involving at-risk migrants.

Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020

Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act This bill prohibits a state from receiving certain federal law enforcement grants if it takes certain immigration-related actions. Specifically, a state is barred from receiving such grants if it (1) issues a driver license to an individual who does not have proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the United States, or (2) prohibits a local or state government entity or official from sharing immigration enforcement information with the Department of Homeland Security.

Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020

Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act This bill prohibits a state from receiving certain federal law enforcement grants if it takes certain immigration-related actions. Specifically, a state is barred from receiving such grants if it (1) issues a driver license to an individual who does not have proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the United States, or (2) prohibits a local or state government entity or official from sharing immigration enforcement information with the Department of Homeland Security.

DHS Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Defense Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2020

DHS Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Defense Act This bill directs U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to annually report to Congress on its operations to identify and remediate illicit cross-border tunnels. CBP shall also develop and report to Congress a strategic plan to improve such operations.

No Public Charge Deportation Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2020

No Public Charge Deportation Act of 2019 This bill repeals the provision generally providing for the deportability of an alien who becomes a public charge (an alien who has received certain public benefits for a certain amount of time) within five years of entering the United States.

Moving H–2A to United States Department of Agriculture Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2020

Moving H-2A to United States Department of Agriculture Act of 2020 This bill moves administration of the H-2A (temporary agricultural workers) program from the Department of Labor to the Department of Agriculture.

Border Visibility and Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2020

Border Visibility and Security Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to install surveillance technology and take other actions with respect to the U.S.-Mexico border. DHS shall deploy the most practical and effective technology available to achieve situational awareness and operational control of the border. Such technology may include radar surveillance systems, tunnel detection technology, and unmanned aerial vehicles. DHS is authorized to waive legal requirements as necessary in order to implement the necessary surveillance technology along the border. DHS shall also (1) construct a navigable road along at least 700 miles of the southwest border, (2) permanently eradicate certain foliage that grows along the Rio Grande river, and (3) report to Congress a comprehensive strategy about the barriers and technologies needed to secure operational control along the border. Drug cartel funds that have been criminally forfeited to the U.S. government shall be reserved for security measures along the U.S.-Mexico border.

ENSURE Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2020

Eritrean Nationals' Safety from Unjust Removal or Expulsion Act or the ENSURE Act of 2020 This bill defers the removal of qualified Eritrean nationals for 24 months starting from this bill's enactment. To qualify, a Eritrean national must have been (1) ordered removed to Eritrea before this bill's enactment, and (2) continuously present in the United States since this bill's enactment. The Department of Homeland Security may not detain a qualified individual for immigration status reasons or because the individual moved to reopen certain immigration proceedings. Generally, a qualified individual shall have work authorization unless the individual is subject to extradition. An extradition based on a not-credible accusation that the individual committed crimes against humanity shall not disqualify the individual from receiving work authorization.

Neighbors Not Enemies Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2020

Neighbors Not Enemies Act This bill repeals provisions authorizing the President to apprehend and remove from the United States the citizens of a particular nation, if the United States has declared war against that nation or that nation has threatened an invasion against the United States.

Expressing support for designation of February 2020 as National Citizenship Month.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2020

This resolution supports the designation of a National Citizenship Month. The resolution also honors the contributions our immigrant community makes to our nation.

COURTS IN CRISIS: THE STATE OF JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE AND DUE PROCESS IN U.S. IMMIGRATION COURTS

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

Empowering Immigration Courts Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2020

Empowering Immigration Courts Act This bill authorizes immigration judges to impose a fine for contempt in accordance with the criminal code. Currently, the Department of Justice is authorized to prescribe regulations providing immigration judges with such authority, but has not done so.

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

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020

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

Access to Counsel Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2020

Access to Counsel Act of 2020 This bill establishes various protections for aliens in certain immigration-related proceedings or inspections. When an alien is undergoing certain types of inspections or is subject to a removal, exclusion, or deportation proceeding, the alien shall be entitled to representation by counsel of the alien's choice, at no cost to the government. The current statute only states that an alien is entitled to representation in removal proceedings. If such an alien is subject to detention or inspection at a port of entry and cannot meet with counsel, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shall provide for remote communication with counsel. If such an alien has been denied access to counsel, the alien may not submit paperwork to abandon lawful permanent resident status or to withdraw an application for admission. The detention of an individual at a port of entry or a CBP or ICE facility shall (1) be limited to the briefest term and the least restrictive conditions necessary, and (2) include access to food, water, and restrooms.