Immigration

Remote Naturalization Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2021

Remote Naturalization Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to establish procedures to provide for remote oath ceremonies for naturalization, including through the use of videoconferencing technology. Under this bill, the option to participate in a remote oath ceremony shall be available to an individual with an approved naturalization application who is unable to attend a ceremony in person, including if in-person ceremonies have been cancelled due to a declared national emergency.

Border Security for America Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2021

Border Security for America Act of 2021 This bill addresses border security and related issues. For example, the bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to resume all activities to construct a border barrier system along the U.S.-Mexico border that were underway or planned prior to January 20, 2021; requires DHS to deploy, in addition to physical barriers, tactical infrastructure and technology to achieve situational awareness and operational control of the southwest border; authorizes U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to carry out a program to acquire innovative commercial items through a competitive selection of proposals; imposes certain requirements for DHS border security technology acquisition programs that have a total expenditure of at least $300 million; requires CBP to implement certain technologies, including a program to establish a biometric exit data system at ports of entry; requires CBP to increase or maintain certain staffing levels for agents, officers, processing coordinators, and other positions; requires CBP to implement a workload staffing model for the U.S. Border Patrol and for CBP's Air and Marine Operations; and provides statutory authority through FY2026 for Operation Stonegarden, a Federal Emergency Management Agency program that provides grants to states and territories involved in certain active CBP border security operations.

Rescinding DHS’ Waiver Authority for Border Wall Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2021

Rescinding DHS' Waiver Authority for Border Wall Act This bill rescinds the authority of the Department of Homeland Security to waive legal requirements in order to ensure the expeditious construction of barriers and roads in the vicinity of the U.S. border.

Criminal Alien Removal Clarification Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2021

Criminal Alien Removal Clarification Act of 2021 This bill subjects to deportation an alien who at any time after admission has been convicted of a felony or two misdemeanors under state or federal law. Currently, an alien is subject to deportation for a single conviction for certain felonies (such as an aggravated felony), two or more convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude, or being a drug addict.

Improving Access for Afghan Refugees Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2021

Improving Access for Afghan Refugees Act This bill requires the Department of State to provide priority refugee status to eligible habitual residents of Afghanistan. To be eligible for such priority status, a habitual resident of Afghanistan must also be a national of Afghanistan or stateless. Such an individual shall receive priority refugee status if the individual (1) has suffered persecution or has a well-founded fear of persecution and worked in a specified field that makes the individual a target of persecution on account of race, religion, or other characteristics; (2) was employed for at least one year in Afghanistan by U.S.-based media or nongovernmental entities or an entity that received a contract or grant from the U.S. government; or (3) is the beneficiary of a visa petition sponsored by a relative who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The State Department may also provide priority status to other groups of individuals who are nationals and residents of Afghanistan. Certain annual numerical limits on refugee admissions shall not apply to individuals who receive priority status under this bill. For refugee applications under this bill, the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security shall ensure that all steps in the approval process in the U.S. government's control are completed within six months of an application's submission, with exceptions for cases that need more time to address national security concerns.

Global Migration Agreement Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2021

Global Migration Agreement Act This bill requires the Department of State to promote in bilateral relationships and multilateral organizations the adoption of a binding Global Migration Agreement. Among other purposes, such agreement should (1) address the root causes of migration; (2) centralize the human rights of migrants, recognizing the particular vulnerabilities of marginalized groups; and (3) provide global funding for crisis response involving both internal and cross-border migrants at risk.

LIKE Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2021

Let Immigrants Kickstart Employment Act of 2021 or the LIKE Act This bill establishes a new class of nonimmigrant visa (W visa) for qualifying start-up owners and essential employees (and the accompanying spouse or child of such aliens) and addresses related issues. Under this bill, a start-up is a U.S. entity that has lawfully conducted business and was formed in the five years preceding an application for a start-up owner visa. To be eligible for an initial visa as a start-up owner, an individual must (1) possess at least a 10% interest in the start-up; (2) play a central and active role in the start-up's management or operations; (3) possess knowledge, skills, or experience to substantially assist in the start-up's growth and success; and (4) provide evidence that the start-up has received certain investments, created jobs, or generated revenue. The holder of a nonimmigrant start-up owner visa may receive lawful permanent resident status upon meeting certain requirements, including by establishing that the start-up has created a certain number of jobs and has met certain revenue targets. To be eligible for a visa as an essential employee of a start-up, an individual must (1) have an offer of employment in an executive or managerial capacity at a start-up; and (2) possess knowledge, skills, or experience to substantially assist in the start-up's growth and success. The bill limits the number of employees on essential employee visas that a start-up may have.

Of inquiry requesting the President and directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Homeland Security to transmit, respectively, certain documents to the House of Representatives relating to unaccompanied alien children.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2021

This resolution directs the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services to provide to the House of Representatives certain information and documents about the treatment of unaccompanied alien children, including information about the health and welfare of such children in the care or custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection or the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The resolution also requests such information and documents from the President.

To prohibit the admission of aliens to the United States for 10 years, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2021

This bill prohibits the admission of any alien into the United States for 10 years starting from this bill's enactment.

No Fly for Illegals Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2021

No Fly for Illegals Act This bill limits using federal funds to compensate an airline for transporting an alien who is not lawfully present in the United States. Specifically, federal funds may not be used to compensate an airline for such an individual's entry into the United States or for relocation within the United States unless the transportation is to remove the individual from the United States or to protect the individual from an imminent threat to life or physical safety.

Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2021

Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2021 This bill eliminates the Optional Practical Training Program or any successor program, unless Congress expressly authorizes such a program. (The program provides an F-1 student visa holder temporary employment authorization before or after completion of the student's studies, or both.)

A bill to expand the definition of H-2A nonimmigrant for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act to include aliens engaged in seafood processing, horticultural commodities, or the care of horses.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2021

This bill expands the H-2A visa program (generally for temporary agricultural workers) to include workers entering the United States to perform labor related to (1) aquaculture or seafood processing, (2) cultivating or maintaining horticultural commodities, or (3) breeding or providing care of horses.

Securing Our Border States Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2021

Securing Our Border States Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to provide grants to states for building barriers and related infrastructure along the U.S.-Mexico border. Within 30 days of receiving a certification from a border state that it intends to use such grant funding for constructing a border barrier, Treasury must disburse funds to the state, with the amount based on the number of miles of border in that state that currently does not have a border barrier. The bill provides $22 billion of funding for this grant program and permanently rescinds $22 billion from funds made available for various assistance programs related to COVID-19.

Relief for Seasonal Businesses Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2021

Relief for Seasonal Businesses Act of 2021 This bill raises the annual numerical limit on H-2B (temporary nonagricultural workers) nonimmigrant visas and provides an exemption to this cap for certain applicants. Specifically, the bill raises the annual cap on such visas from 66,000 to 350,000. Furthermore, if a worker seeking an H-2B visa had been counted toward the annual cap in one of the three preceding fiscal years, that worker shall not be counted against the cap again.

Migrant Child Trafficking Prevention and Accountability Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2021

Migrant Child Trafficking Prevention and Accountability Act of 2021 This bill imposes sanctions on an alien parent (or guardian) of an unaccompanied alien child who arrives at any U.S. border or port of entry. Under current law, an alien may arrive in the United States (whether or not at a port of entry) and request asylum, subject to certain restrictions. If the parent is not a lawful permanent resident, that parent shall be permanently barred from adjusting immigration status and deemed inadmissible into the United States. In addition, such a parent shall be deemed to have violated certain crimes related to assisting or abetting an alien's attempt to enter into the United States in violation of immigration laws, even if the parent's actions would fall under an exception for a first offense in assisting or abetting certain family members. If the parent is a lawful permanent resident, that parent shall be ineligible for any federal public benefit.

REVEAL Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2021

Revealing and Explaining Visa Exclusions for Accountability and Legitimacy Act or the REVEAL Act This bill authorizes the Department of State to publicly disclose the identity of an alien who has been denied admission into the United States because that alien's entry would pose potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences. The State Department may also reveal the grounds that it relied on to make such a determination. The President must annually report to Congress a list of individuals denied a visa on such foreign policy grounds and another list of the instances when the State Department chose to not publicly disclose the identity of such an individual.

REVEAL Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2021

Revealing and Explaining Visa Exclusions for Accountability and Legitimacy Act or the REVEAL Act This bill authorizes the Department of State to publicly disclose the identity of an alien who has been denied admission into the United States because that alien's entry would pose potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences. The State Department may also reveal the grounds that it relied on to make such a determination. The President must annually report to Congress a list of individuals denied a visa on such foreign policy grounds and the justification for each denial. 

Uniting Families Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2021

Uniting Families Act of 2021 This bill establishes a nonimmigrant visa category for the adult alien children of a U.S. citizen who served in the Armed Forces. To obtain a visa, the alien's citizen parent must petition and receive approval from the Department of Homeland Security. The petition shall include (1) DNA evidence establishing the parent-child relationship, (2) a written statement that the parent will provide financial support until the alien receives lawful permanent resident status, and (3) proof of the parent's U.S. citizenship and active duty with the Armed Forces abroad. If the parent is deceased, an adult sibling of the alien may file the petition if the sibling is capable of providing financial support until the alien receives lawful permanent status. Such a petition must include evidence that the petitioner and the alien are siblings, such as birth certificates showing at least one common parent. The period of authorized admission for aliens with the visa is five years, and 5,000 principal aliens may be admitted each fiscal year. Holders of such a visa may adjust to lawful permanent resident status after meeting various requirements, such as being admissible as an immigrant.

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2021

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 This bill provides FY2022 appropriations to the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the science agencies, and several related agencies. The bill provides appropriations to the Department of Commerce for the International Trade Administration, the Bureau of Industry and Security, the Economic Development Administration, the Minority Business Development Agency, Economic and Statistical Analysis, the Bureau of the Census, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Departmental Management. The bill provides appropriations to DOJ for General Administration; the Executive Office for Immigration Review; the Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Parole Commission; Legal Activities; the U.S. Marshals Service; the National Security Division; Interagency Law Enforcement; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Federal Prison System. The bill also provides appropriations to DOJ for state and local justice activities, including the Office on Violence Against Women, the Office of Justice Programs, and Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). The bill provides appropriations for science agencies, including the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Space Council, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the National Science Foundation. The bill provides appropriations to related agencies, including the Commission on Civil Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. International Trade Commission, the Legal Services Corporation, the Marine Mammal Commission, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the State Justice Institute. The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations acts.

GRAD Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2021

Grant Residency for Additional Doctors Act of 2021 or the GRAD Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of State to take certain actions to expedite the processing of visas for aliens entering the United States for graduate medical education or training. Specifically, the State Department shall designate an officer or employee whose sole responsibility from March through June (and in any other time period as necessary) is to facilitate the expedited review of visa applications for such aliens. The State Department shall also provide relevant Foreign Service officers with training related to medical graduates and medical graduate programs in the countries where the officers are serving.

Fight Notario Fraud Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2021

Fight Notario Fraud Act of 2021 This bill prohibits certain types of fraud or misrepresentations related to immigration matters, provides for criminal penalties for such actions, and contains related provisions. Specifically, a person shall be subject to fines, imprisonment, or both, if that person knowingly executes a scheme related to immigration laws to (1) defraud another, or (2) receive anything of value from another based on false pretenses or representations. Such a person shall be subject to additional criminal penalties if that person (1) threatens to report another to federal or state authorities, (2) takes actions or makes attempts to adversely impact another's immigration status, or (3) demands or retains anything of value for services fraudulently performed or not performed. Similarly, a person shall be subject to fines, imprisonment, or both, if the person knowingly and falsely claims to be an attorney or an accredited representative in any matter arising under the immigration laws. (An accredited representative is an individual authorized by the Executive Office of Immigration Review to represent clients in certain immigration matters.) The bill provides for longer terms of imprisonment for a person who causes a cumulative loss of more than $10,000 through actions prohibited under this bill. The Department of Justice shall establish at least 15 Special U.S. Attorney positions to enforce these provisions and take other actions related to enforcement and protecting consumers from fraudulent immigration schemes.

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2022

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2021

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2022 This bill provides FY2022 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.

OH, CANADA! HOW OUTDATED U.S. IMMIGRATION POLICIES PUSH TOP TALENT TO OTHER COUNTRIES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 13 July 2021

SHIELD Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2021

Securing the Homeland from International Entrants with Life-threatening Diseases Act or the SHIELD Act This bill suspends for one year the admission and parole into the United States of certain categories of individuals who are from or were recently in a country that fails to meet certain criteria related to COVID-19. This restriction applies to certain individuals entering the United States from Mexico or Canada through a port of entry or U.S. Border Patrol station and (1) whose country of origin has not been categorized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a low-risk country for COVID-19, or (2) who was in such a country at any time in the 30 days before arriving in the United States. The bill exempts certain individuals from this restriction, including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, members of the Armed Forces, and persons from a foreign country who arrive at a designated port of entry with valid travel documents. The Department of Homeland Security shall transport barred individuals to a foreign location, such as an individual's country of origin, to the extent practicable.

SHIELD Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2021

Securing the Homeland from International Entrants with Life-threatening Diseases Act or the SHIELD Act This bill suspends for one year the admission and parole into the United States of certain categories of individuals who are from or were recently in a country that fails to meet certain criteria related to COVID-19. This restriction applies to certain individuals entering the United States from Mexico or Canada through a port of entry or U.S. Border Patrol station and (1) whose country of origin has not been categorized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a low-risk country for COVID-19, or (2) who was in such a country at any time in the 30 days before arriving in the United States. The bill exempts certain individuals from this restriction, including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, members of the Armed Forces, and persons from a foreign country who arrive at a designated port of entry with valid travel documents. The Department of Homeland Security shall transport barred individuals to a foreign location, such as an individual's country of origin, to the extent practicable.

Responsibility for Unaccompanied Minors Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2021

Responsibility for Unaccompanied Minors Act This bill amends provisions relating to responsibilities of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the care of unaccompanied alien children. The Office of Refugee Resettlement of HHS may provide care for an unaccompanied alien child until the conclusion of the child's immigration proceedings or the child reaching 18 years of age, whichever occurs first. Before placing an unaccompanied alien child with a sponsor, the office shall evaluate the child's future need for follow-up services. Before placing an accompanied alien child, HHS shall (1) require the proposed sponsor to execute a sponsor care agreement, (2) notify the welfare agency of the state where the child will be placed, and (3) conduct a background check of the sponsor and all adults living in the household in which the child will reside. Under the care agreement, each sponsor shall agree to (1) provide for the child's physical and mental well-being, and (2) ensure the child's presence at immigration proceedings and compliance with all court and agency orders. HHS shall assume physical custody of a child if the non-parent or legal guardian sponsor fails to comply with the care agreement. HHS shall periodically report to Congress on instances where a sponsor failed to comply with a care agreement. The Department of Justice shall increase the number of immigration judge teams by at least 225.

Repatriate Our Patriots Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2021

Repatriate Our Patriots Act This bill protects certain veterans of the Armed Forces from removal from the United States and provides such veterans with an expedited procedure for naturalization. The bill applies to special veterans , defined as persons who served in the active Armed Forces who were (1) honorably discharged or released; (2) not convicted of various crimes, including voluntary manslaughter, murder, rape, or terrorism; and (3) not a child abuser or pedophile. Special veterans shall not be removed from the United States, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall cancel any pending removal proceedings or orders against any such veterans. DHS shall establish a program to permit such veterans who were already removed from the United States to return to as an alien with permanent residence status. Special veterans shall be naturalized upon filing an application, paying the relevant fees, and taking an oath of allegiance. DHS shall take steps to ensure such naturalization applications are pending for no longer than 90 days.

To prohibit the issuance of F or J visas to researchers affiliated with the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2021

This bill bars individuals affiliated with the Chinese military from entering the United States on visas for students (F visa) or work-and-study exchange (J visa). The President shall publish a list identifying research, engineering, and scientific institutions affiliated with or funded by China's People's Liberation Army. Aliens who are or were previously employed, sponsored, or funded by any institution on the list shall be subject to the bar. When a Chinese national applies for an F or J visa for an academic field related to an item on the Commerce Control List (a list of items subject to export controls), the consular officer handling the application shall request a special background check on the applicant.

America’s CHILDREN Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2021

America's Cultivation of Hope and Inclusion for Long-term Dependents Raised and Educated Natively Act of 2021 or the America's CHILDREN Act of 2021 This bill provides lawful permanent resident status to certain college graduates who entered the United States as children and addresses other immigration-related issues. Specifically, this bill allows an alien to apply for lawful permanent resident status if the alien (1) was lawfully admitted into the United States as a dependent child of an alien on a temporary worker visa, (2) was in the United States with such status for at least four years, (3) has graduated from an institution of higher education in the United States, and (4) is not deportable or otherwise inadmissible. In addition, the alien must have been lawfully present in the United States for at least 10 years at the time of the application. The bill also modifies various provisions related to the calculation of an alien's age for immigration purposes and the priority date of certain immigration-related applications.

Workforce for an Expanding Economy Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2021

Workforce for an Expanding Economy Act This bill establishes a new nonimmigrant visa for temporary nonagricultural workers (H-2C visa) to fill jobs that have remained open for a certain amount of time and are located in an area where the unemployment rate is 4.9% or less. This visa shall only be available for certain occupations, and those requiring a bachelor's degree or higher level of education shall not be eligible. The bill imposes various requirements related to H-2C positions, such as requiring that the employer make certain efforts to recruit a U.S. worker beforehand. The employer must register the opening before filling it with an H-2C worker, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall maintain a publicly available registry of registered positions. For the first fiscal year after the bill's enactment, no more than 65,000 positions may be registered. For subsequent fiscal years, the number shall be increased or decreased depending on how many positions were registered the previous year and how quickly the allotment was filled. A certain number of allocations shall be reserved for small businesses. An employer seeking to hire H-2C workers shall register with DHS and provide documentation establishing that the employer meets various qualifications. An employer may become ineligible for registration for certain actions, such as having been penalized for a pattern of willful violation of wage and hour laws. H-2C workers shall not be entitled to certain federal public benefits. The Bureau of the Census shall report to Congress on the impact of the H-2C program.

Deferred Removal for Iraqi Nationals Including Minorities Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2021

Deferred Removal for Iraqi Nationals Including Minorities Act of 2021 This bill defers the removal of qualified Iraqi nationals from the United States for two years from the date of the bill's enactment. To qualify, an Iraqi national shall (1) have been ordered removed to Iraq before the date of the bill's enactment, and (2) have resided in the United States on or before January 1, 2016. Aliens under removal deferral under this bill (1) shall be authorized for employment, and (2) may not be detained for immigration status-related reasons or for a motion by the alien to reopen removal proceedings. An alien shall not receive removal deferral under this bill where (1) the Department of Homeland Security determines that the alien is directly responsible for specific and significant harm to U.S. security, (2) the alien voluntarily returns to Iraq, or (3) the alien is subject to extradition.

Hong Kong People’s Freedom and Choice Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2021

Hong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act of 2021 This bill provides for temporary protected status (TPS) for qualifying Hong Kong residents and contains other immigration-related provisions. Hong Kong shall be treated as a TPS-designated territory for 18 months starting from this bill's enactment. (Qualifying nationals of a TPS-designated territory or country may not be removed from the United States and shall have employment authorization while the designation is in effect.) Furthermore, Hong Kong shall be treated as separate from China for the purposes of various numerical limitations on immigrant visas. (In the treaty that transferred sovereignty of Hong Kong to China, China pledged that Hong Kong "will enjoy a high degree of autonomy.") The bill also establishes Priority Hong Kong Resident status for qualified individuals. To obtain such status, an individual must meet certain requirements, such as having resided in Hong Kong for at least ten years as of the day of this bill's enactment and not having citizenship in any jurisdiction other than China, Hong Kong, or Macau. For seeking refugee status or asylum, a Priority Hong Kong Resident may establish a well-founded fear of persecution based on various factors, such as fear based on the individual's significant role in certain protests against China's encroachment into Hong Kong's autonomy. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Department of State may provide special immigrant status to an eligible Priority Hong Kong Resident with a bachelor's or graduate degree if DHS determines that doing so would provide a significant benefit to the United States.

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 the importance of immigrants and their children to the future successes of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2021

This resolution recognizes Immigrant Heritage Month in honor of the contributions immigrants and their children have made to the United States. It also welcomes immigrants presently in the United States and individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States to contribute to the health, safety, diversity, and prosperity of the United States.

DHS Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Defense Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2021

DHS Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Defense Act This bill authorizes for FY2022 and FY2023 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) activities to identify and remediate illicit cross-border tunnels. CBP shall also develop and report to Congress a strategic plan to improve such operations.

Migrant Accountability Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2021

Migrant Accountability Act of 2021 This bill modifies the treatment of unaccompanied alien children, including by transferring functions for the care and custody of such children from the Office of Refugee Settlement within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Currently, the office provides care for apprehended unaccompanied children, while DHS is typically responsible for detained alien adults. Under this bill, if an immigration officer determines that a qualifying unaccompanied child is inadmissible, the officer may return that child to the child's country of nationality or country of last habitual residence. Currently, only an unaccompanied child who is a national or habitual resident of a country bordering the United States may be returned. The Department of State must negotiate with other countries concerning the repatriation of children. Currently, the State Department is only required to negotiate such agreements with countries bordering the United States. For an unaccompanied child who reaches 18 years of age while in custody, the bill repeals a requirement for DHS to consider the least restrictive setting available for that individual's custody or supervision. Currently, DHS must make such a consideration when such an individual reaches 18 years of age. Before placing an unaccompanied child with a sponsor claiming to be the child's biological relative, DHS must confirm this relationship using DNA technology. A state may refuse placement of an unaccompanied child in the state, including at a federal facility, unless the placement is with a sponsor who is the child's confirmed biological relative.

No Taxpayer Funding for the Central American Minors Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2021

No Taxpayer Funding for the Central American Minors Program Act This bill prohibits using federal funds to carry out the Central American Minors program, a Department of Homeland Security and Department of State program that reunites qualified children from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras with their parent who is lawfully present in the United States.

The People’s Response Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2021

The People's Response Act This bill establishes multiple grant programs and requirements to promote qualified approaches to community safety. These are programs or services that are disconnected from carceral institutions (e.g., law enforcement, child welfare services, and immigration enforcement). Specifically, the bill establishes the Division of Community Safety within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer the grants and carry out related activities. These include grants for community-based organizations to support qualified approaches to community safety, such as unarmed first responder agencies and 9-1-1 diversion programs; neighborhood-level interventions, including safe passage to school and violence interruption programs; behavioral health treatment, nutrition support, and other public health programs; housing security programs; and programs for youth and families, survivors of violence, and individuals exiting incarceration or criminal supervision. Additionally, the division must administer grants pertaining to qualified approaches for community safety for state and local governments and hiring and training first responders. The bill also establishes an advisory board to oversee the division's activities. Membership on the board must reflect the racial, ethnic, and other demographic diversities of the United States. The board must also include members who have personal experience with the criminal justice system. Furthermore, HHS must set up (1) a federal health response unit to respond to any public health emergency, assist with qualified approaches to community safety, and provide resources for safe and inclusive schools; and (2) an interagency task force to promote qualified approaches to community safety across federal programs.

Recognizing the border crisis as a threat to national security and supporting Governor Greg Abbott's initiative in completing the border wall.

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2021

This resolution supports the initiative of Governor Greg Abbott to complete a border wall in Texas and calls on other border state governors to follow suit. It also states that the status quo relating to border security is unsustainable, irresponsible, and dangerous.

Golden Visa Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

Golden Visa Accountability Act This bill requires the Department of State to establish and maintain a database containing information about investor visa denials due to the applicant's involvement in corruption or serious human rights abuses. (Generally, the United States offers immigrant visas to qualified individuals who invest in the United States and create a certain number of full-time jobs.) Initially, the database must include records related to such denials of U.S. investor visas. The bill also requires the State Department to eventually expand the database to include records of such denials of investor visas in other countries. The State Department shall prioritize including records from European Union countries and from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The State Department may admit a foreign country to be part of the database if the State Department determines (1) that country will be honest and forthcoming with its records, and (2) that country's investor visa program is at risk of abuse by corrupt foreign officials.

Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2021 This bill provides permanent resident status and citizenship eligibility to certain noncitizen veterans and addresses related issues. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must establish a program that allows (1) eligible noncitizen veterans outside of the United States to be admitted as permanent residents, and (2) eligible noncitizen veterans in the United States to obtain permanent resident status.  Generally, an eligible noncitizen veteran under this bill is one who was not removed from the United States for certain crimes related to violence or national security. DHS may waive these eligibility requirements for humanitarian, family unity, public interest, or exceptional military service reasons. A noncitizen veteran who obtains permanent resident status under this bill shall be eligible for (1) naturalization through service in the Armed Forces, and (2) military and veterans benefits as if they had not been removed (or ordered removed) from the United States. For a noncitizen veteran in removal proceedings or subject to a final removal order, the Department of Justice (DOJ) must determine whether the veteran is eligible for permanent resident status under this bill. If the veteran is eligible, DOJ must adjust the veteran's status. The bill also protects noncitizen veterans or service members from being removed from the United States unless the veteran has been convicted of a crime of violence.

HOPE Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

Healthcare Opportunities for Patriots in Exile Act or the HOPE Act This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to parole into the United States an alien veteran who (1) is seeking temporary admission to receive health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and (2) is outside the United States after having been ordered removed or voluntarily departed from the United States. Such parole may not be available for an alien who is inadmissible due to a criminal conviction for a crime of violence, excluding a purely political offense, or a crime that endangers U.S. national security, for which the alien has served at least five years in prison.

A bill to temporarily increase the availability of temporary nonimmigrant nonagricultural workers for the purposes of restoring American forests, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

This bill temporarily exempts certain workers involved with forest health or conservation from the annual limit on visas for temporary nonagricultural workers (H-2B visas). Specifically, for five years starting from the bill's enactment, a visa for a temporary nonagricultural worker entering the United States to perform certain work (such as orchard work, tree planting, nursery care, or harvesting minor forest products) shall not count against the annual limit on H-2B visas. (Currently, only 66,000 H-2B visas may be issued each year, with exemptions for certain types of workers.)

Save Our Afghan Allies Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

Save Our Afghan Allies Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to report to Congress a plan for admitting and relocating to the United States citizens of Afghanistan under an existing program. (The program provides special immigrant visas to eligible individuals who worked for U.S. or NATO forces in Afghanistan on or after October 7, 2001.)

Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2021 This bill provides permanent resident status and citizenship eligibility to certain noncitizen veterans and addresses related issues. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must establish a program that allows (1) eligible noncitizen veterans outside of the United States to be admitted as permanent residents, and (2) eligible noncitizen veterans in the United States to obtain permanent resident status.  Generally, an eligible noncitizen veteran under this bill is one who was not removed from the United States for certain crimes related to violence or national security. DHS may waive these eligibility requirements for humanitarian, family unity, public interest, or exceptional military service reasons. A noncitizen veteran who obtains permanent resident status under this bill shall be eligible for (1) naturalization through service in the Armed Forces, and (2) military and veterans benefits as if they had not been removed (or ordered removed) from the United States. For a noncitizen veteran in removal proceedings or subject to a final removal order, the Department of Justice (DOJ) must determine whether the veteran is eligible for permanent resident status under this bill. If the veteran is eligible, DOJ must adjust the veteran's status. The bill also protects noncitizen veterans or service members from being removed from the United States unless the veteran has been convicted of a crime of violence.

A resolution 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 the importance of immigrants and their children to the future successes of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

This resolution recognizes June 2021 as Immigrant Heritage Month in honor of the contributions immigrants and their children have made to the United States. It also welcomes immigrants presently in the United States and individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States to contribute to the health, safety, diversity, and prosperity of the United States.

I–VETS Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021

Immigrant Veterans Eligibility Tracking System Act or the I-VETS Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to identify aliens who are serving or have served in the Armed Forces when such an alien applies for an immigration benefit or is placed in an immigration enforcement proceeding. Such information shall be reflected in DHS records and may not be used to remove an alien from the United States.

HONORING VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES: AN EXAMINATION OF IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP POLICIES FOR US MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS, VETERANS, AND THEIR FAMILIES

United States · United States Senate · 23 June 2021

Restoring Northern Border Travel Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2021

Restoring Northern Border Travel Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expand the list of permitted essential travel into the United States through land ports of entry along the U.S.-Canada border. Specifically, it shall be permitted essential travel to enter the United States through the U.S.-Canada land border to (1) visit a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, (2) visit property that the traveler owns or leases, (3) attend business meetings or site visits, or (4) board a flight for travel. Within 20 days of this bill's enactment, DHS must report to Congress a plan to fully restore nonessential travel into the United States through this land border. 

Expressing disapproval of the failure to uphold the constitutional duty to "take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed" and the usurpation of the legislative authority of Congress by the President of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2021

This resolution calls on the President to remove and replace Alejandro Mayorkas as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Transparency of Migration Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2021

Transparency of Migration Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make publicly available online certain information about individuals unlawfully present in the United States who are (1) apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and sent to a federal detention center or released into the United States, or (2) processed through an HHS facility. This information must be updated weekly and must include daily numbers, the country of origin of such individuals, and other details.