Immigration

Honor Our Commitment Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023

Honor Our Commitment Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the detention or removal of a national of Vietnam who entered the United States on or before July 12, 1995, has continuously resided in the United States since entry, and is subject to a final order of removal (i.e., covered individual). This prohibition does not apply to an individual who (1) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has determined is directly responsible for harming the security of the United States, or (2) is subject to extradition. Under the bill, a covered individual shall receive work authorization.  The bill directs DHS to provide notice of the bill’s provisions to covered individuals. The notice shall include information explaining the requirements and instructions for filing a motion to reopen removal proceedings. 

To prohibit the use of Federal funds to provide to certain aliens covered shelter or housing on military installations located in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023

This bill prohibits federal funds from being spent on providing shelter or housing to certain non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) on military installations in any state or the District of Columbia. Specifically, this prohibition shall apply to non-U.S. nationals who were not admitted into the United States. 

UNLOCKING AMERICA'S POTENTIAL: HOW IMMIGRATION FUELS ECONOMIC GROWTH AND OUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

United States · United States Senate · 13 September 2023

African Diaspora Heritage Month Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2023

African Diaspora Heritage Month Act of 2023 This bill requires the President to designate by proclamation African Diaspora Heritage Month. The proclamation shall be issued every year and urge the observation of African Diaspora Heritage Month by state and local governments. 

African Diaspora Heritage Month Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2023

African Diaspora Heritage Month Act of 2023 This bill requires the President to designate by proclamation African Diaspora Heritage Month. The proclamation shall be issued every year and urge the observation of African Diaspora Heritage Month by state and local governments. 

Higher Wages for American Workers Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2023

Higher Wages for American Workers Act of 2023 This bill increases the federal minimum wage, permanently establishes the E-Verify system and requires its use, and contains other related provisions. Specifically, the bill increases the minimum wage to $11 per hour, phased in over five years (six years for businesses with fewer than 20 employees), from the current rate of $7.25 per hour. The bill also phases in over three years an increase of the minimum wage for new employees younger than 20 years old from $4.25 to $6 per hour, and increases the length of time an employee may be paid this lower minimum wage. Both minimum wages shall be adjusted according to the rate of inflation every two years thereafter. The bill also requires employers to use E-Verify to electronically verify the employment eligibility of new employees, with phased-in deadlines that generally require all employers to comply within 18 months of this bill's enactment. This bill provides for various requirements related to E-Verify, including requiring employers to examine and verify certain identifying documents belonging to the employee. The bill increases civil penalties for various violations related to hiring, recruiting, and referring ineligible individuals. Repeated violators may be debarred from receiving federal contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements. The bill also increases criminal fines for violators that engage in a pattern or practice of violations.  

Safeguarding Endangered Children, Unaccompanied and at Risk of Exploitation Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2023

Safeguarding Endangered Children, Unaccompanied and at Risk of Exploitation Act of 2023 or SECURE Act of 2023 This bill requires regular reports to Congress detailing the status of unaccompanied non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) children. The bill also rescinds certain funding for the agencies responsible for the report for each day that a report is late. Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation must jointly report to Congress every 60 days on such children that have been in the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) since January 1, 2021, and have been released to a parent, family member, or sponsor within the United States. This report must provide each child’s age, sex, location, and detail the child’s health and well-being. Additionally, the report must provide specified information about adults living in the child’s home, such as whether adults in the home have been subject to a fingerprint-based check of national crime information databases. The report must also specify the number of children that ORR has tried to contact without success on at least three separate attempts. The report must be provided for up to three years or until all of the specified children have been accounted for.  The bill also rescinds certain funding from HHS, DHS, and the FBI for each day that a report is late. Up to $10 million may be rescinded from each agency for each fiscal year. 

Acknowledging that in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, individuals experienced hate and were targeted by the government on account of their faith, race, national origin and immigration status, and suggesting various forms of relief to support those affected.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2023

This resolution condemns racism, xenophobia, discrimination, scapegoating, and ethnic and religious bigotry. It acknowledges the climate of hate that Arab, Muslim, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Sikh communities have experienced since September 11, 2001, and suggests specified relief to support those affected.

DOCTORS Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2023

Michel O. Maceda Memorial Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 August 2023

Michel O. Maceda Memorial Act This bill designates the Air and Marine Operations Marine Unit of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection located in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, as the  Michel O. Maceda Marine Unit .

Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 August 2023

Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the federal government from using certain federally administered lands to provide housing to any non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who have not been admitted into the United States. Specifically, this prohibition shall apply to any land under the administrative jurisdiction of the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, or the Forest Service.

Condemning the atrocities that occurred in 1811, in Louisiana, in which enslaved people revolted for freedom and were brutalized, terrorized, and killed in response, and reaffirming the commitment of the House of Representatives in combating hatred, injustice, and White supremacy.

United States · United States Congress · 25 August 2023

This resolution expresses support for the designation of a national day of remembrance for the victims of forced migration of Black people throughout United States history.

Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 August 2023

Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the detention or removal of certain nationals of Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos. Specifically, this protection from detention or removal shall apply to nationals of these countries who (1) entered the United States on or before January 1, 2008, (2) have continuously resided in the United States since entry, and (3) are subject to a final order of removal.  Such individuals shall also receive employment authorization.  The bill also directs the Department of Justice to grant motions to reconsider or reopen the case of any non-U.S. national who was ordered removed, deported, or excluded from the United States between April 24, 1996, and this bill's enactment and who otherwise satisfies the requirements for protection from detention or removal under this bill. For these individuals, the bill also waives certain requirements that typically apply to motions to reconsider or reopen, such as deadlines for filing such a motion.  Further, the Department of Homeland Security must provide individuals covered by the bill with notice of the bill's provisions. The notice must include instructions for filing a motion to reconsider and reopen removal proceedings.  

To amend the Passport Act of June 4, 1920, to make certain improvements with respect to expenditure and other authorities, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 August 2023

This bill requires various changes to the passport application process and addresses related issues. The bill requires all U.S. regular passports to contain a written notice advising travelers (1) to check travel.state.gov for updated travel warnings, (2) to register with the Department of State prior to overseas travel, (3) that many countries deny entry to travelers whose passport expires within six months, and (4) to renew their passports within at least one year of the expiration date.  Further, the bill makes permanent existing State Department authority to assess a surcharge on the passport application fee to cover the costs of increased demand prompted by certain legal requirements. This authority currently expires on September 30, 2026.  For three years starting from this bill's enactment, the State Department may use direct hire authority to expedite the hiring of individuals into Passport and Visa Examining positions (Series 0967). Finally, the bill requires the Department of State to report to Congress about passport processing wait times, agency plans for a public outreach campaign, and related information.

Substance and Possession Abuse Restrictions for Entrance Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 8 August 2023

Substance and Possession Abuse Restrictions for Entrance Act of 2023 or the SPARE Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to remove from the United States non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who knowingly provided false statements related to drug abuse, drug addiction, or crimes related to controlled substances in an application for admission into the United States. Upon receiving credible information of such a false statement, DHS must investigate whether the individual should have been barred from admission under specified provisions related to drug abuse and controlled substances. If the individual should have been barred, DHS must initiate removal proceedings within 60 days of receiving the information. The bill provides that an individual removed under these provisions is permanently barred from reentering the United States. 

Protecting Sensitive Locations Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 August 2023

  Protecting Sensitive Locations Act This bill prohibits immigration enforcement actions within 1,000 feet of a sensitive location except in exigent circumstances. Sensitive locations include  health care facilities; schools and school bus stops; places that provide assistance for people such as children, pregnant women, and abuse victims; places that provide disaster or emergency services; places of worship; courthouses and lawyers’ offices; facilities used as polling places; certain labor union facilities; and public assistance offices. The prohibition shall apply to Department of Homeland Security officers and agents, as well as state employees pursuing immigration enforcement actions. If an enforcement action is carried out in violation of this prohibition, (1) no information resulting from the action may be entered into the record in a resulting removal proceeding, and (2) the affected individual may move to immediately terminate such a proceeding. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall annually report to Congress about enforcement actions taken at sensitive locations in the preceding year. 

WISE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2023

Working for Immigrant Safety and Empowerment Act of 2023 or the WISE Act of 2023 This bill expands eligibility for U nonimmigrant visas (victims of criminal activity) and addresses related issues. Generally, U visas are for victims of specified crimes (e.g., rape, trafficking, or domestic violence) who assist with the investigation or prosecution of the crime. The bill adds hate crimes, child abuse, and elder abuse as crimes that may qualify a victim for a U visa.   Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must provide work authorization to U visa applicants, whereas currently DHS may grant work authorization but is not required to do so. The bill also eliminates the annual numerical cap on U visas.  The bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that certain individuals, including U visa applicants and T visa (victims of human trafficking) applicants, shall not be detained while the application is pending. Additionally, the bill provides immigration-related protections, such as by extending the admission period and providing work authorization, to the spouse or child of a nonimmigrant visa holder who subjected that spouse or child to battery or extreme cruelty. Further, the bill prohibits, with some exceptions for exigent circumstances, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or U.S. Customs and Border Protection from conducting immigration enforcement actions within 1,000 feet of a school, health care facility, place of worship, or other location specified in the bill.

Temporary Family Visitation Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2023

Passport Notification Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2023

Passport Notification Act of 2023 This bill requires the Bureau of Consular Affairs to notify U.S. citizens at least 180 days prior to the date on which their passport is scheduled to expire. The notification must include information on the process for renewal and identify locations where renewal applications may be submitted. The notification may be in electronic or paper form.

Visitor Visa Wait Time Reduction Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2023

Visitor Visa Wait Time Reduction Act This bill requires the Department of State to report to Congress on the average waiting time to get a visitor visa interview at each diplomatic or consular post. For each post where the average waiting time is longer than 300 days, the State Department must temporarily reassign personnel at that post to shorten the waiting time.

To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to commence a rule making to establish a U.S. Customs and Border Protection international port of entry at the Port of Stockton and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to initiate a rulemaking process establishing an international port of entry in the Port of Stockton in California.

To require ports of entry along the northern border to remain open as many hours per day as they were open prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

This bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure that the operating hours of all ports of entry located on the United States-Canada border are equal to or greater than the operating hours that were in place immediately before the declaration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Rural Jobs Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

Rural Jobs Act This bill allocates an additional $500 million in 2023 and another $500 million in 2024 for new markets tax credit investments in the Rural Jobs Zone (an area comprised of low-income communities with populations not greater than 50,000 that are not adjacent to an urbanized area). The bill also requires that at least 25% of such investments be made in areas that are persistent poverty counties, high migration rural counties, or both.

Preserving Safety Net Integrity Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

Preserving Safety Net Integrity Act of 2023 This bill enacts with the force and effect of law the final rule of the Department of Homeland Security titled  Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds and published on August 14, 2019. The bill also nullifies the final rule issued by DHS titled Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility and published on September 9, 2022. The 2019 final rule made it more likely that a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) would be denied admission or lawful permanent resident status because that individual is likely to become a public charge (i.e., receive certain public benefits). The 2022 final rule nullified the 2019 final rule.

Immigrants’ Mental Health Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

Immigrants' Mental Health Act of 2023 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 non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) that was obtained by a mental health professional while the individual 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.

National Office of New Americans Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

National Office of New Americans Act This bill establishes the National Office of New Americans (NONA) within the Executive Office of the President to promote and support the integration of immigrants and refugees into the social, cultural, economic, and civic life of the United States. The NONA shall also establish the Federal Initiative on New Americans. The initiative shall establish a coordinated federal program to respond effectively to immigrant and refugee integration issues such as language learning, adult education and workforce training, health care, and naturalization.

Stop Human Trafficking of Unaccompanied Migrant Children Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

Stop Human Trafficking of Unaccompanied Migrant Children Act of 2023 This bill imposes additional requirements relating to placing unaccompanied alien children with sponsors. (Under federal law, an unaccompanied alien child is a minor with no lawful immigration status and no parent or legal guardian in the United States to provide care and physical custody.) Before the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may release such a child to a sponsor, the sponsor must complete a fingerprint background check and vetting that includes (1) a public records check, (2) a National Sex Offender Registry check, (3) a Federal Bureau of Investigation National Criminal History Check, (4) a child abuse and neglect check, and (5) state and local criminal history checks. Each adult in the sponsor's household must also undergo such vetting before the placement. Currently, the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within HHS conducts background checks of potential sponsors, which includes fingerprinting and checks of criminal public records and sex offender registries. ORR also vets adults in the sponsor's household in certain cases, such as if the sponsor is unrelated to the child, but this vetting may be waived or relaxed. The bill also requires HHS to visit the home of a proposed sponsor before the placement and to conduct periodic home visits after. A child may not be placed with a sponsor who is unlawfully present in the United States unless the sponsor is the child's parent, relative, or legal guardian. HHS must retroactively apply these vetting standards to all sponsors for placements made since January 20, 2021.

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2024

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2024 This bill provides FY2024 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Specifically, the bill provides appropriations to DHS for Departmental Management, Intelligence, Situational Awareness, and Oversight, including the Office of the Secretary and Executive Management; the Management Directorate; Intelligence, Analysis, and Situational Awareness; and the Office of the Inspector General. In addition, 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.

Timely Departure Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

Timely Departure Act This bill requires certain nonimmigrants to secure a visa with a bond. Under the bill, an applicant for a covered visa category must provide a bond (or cash payment) of at least $5,000 and no more than $15,000 according to rules to be established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Covered visa categories include those for visitors for business or pleasure and exclude those for foreign government officials and crime victims. The bill also specifies that a nonimmigrant seeking asylum or withholding of removal while present in the United States must apply for asylum or withholding of removal by the expiration date on their visa to remain eligible for asylum or withholding of removal. The bill provides that a covered nonimmigrant who overstays the term of their visa forfeits the full bond, is subject to removal, and is ineligible for any lawful immigration status (including adjustment of status) for at least 4 years and up to 12 years. Forfeited amounts may be used solely for detention facilities for non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) and international transportation for non-U.S. nationals ordered removed from the United States. The bill specifies that DHS, in implementing this bill, may only issue rules regarding (1) the collection and retention of bonds and cash payments, (2) the notification of the Attorney General regarding a nonimmigrant's failure to timely depart, and (3) preventing the circumvention of the bond requirement.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Executive Officer for Immigration Review relating to "Circumvention of Lawful Pathways".

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Executive Office for Immigration Review titled Circumvention of Lawful Pathways and published on May 16, 2023.  The final rule established a rebuttable presumption that a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) entering the United States from Mexico without valid entry documents is ineligible for asylum if that individual had traveled through another country to reach the United States but did not apply for asylum or similar protection in that other country.  

Visa Processing Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

Visa Processing Improvement Act  This bill establishes measures to reduce processing times for certain nonimmigrant visas. The bill authorizes domestic renewal of an unexpired B (temporary visitor) visa. The bill also expands the authority of the Department of State to waive mandatory in-person interviews for certain nonimmigrant visa applicants, including for eligible individuals who (1) have previously traveled to the United States through the Visa Waiver Program, or (2) are renewing a visa less than 48 months after its expiration date. The bill also authorizes interviews for certain B visa applications to be conducted remotely (i.e., via teleconference technology) subject to various requirements, including requirements related to security.  If a first-time visa applicant is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview requirement, that individual may pay for expedited processing of that application. The bill also requires the State Department to establish, via rulemaking, standards for consulates for nonimmigrant visa processing times. The State Department must also assist consulates that do not meet these standards. Such assistance may include increasing staffing and implementing technological upgrades. Consulates must make interview wait time data publicly available and regularly update this information. The bill also expands the Consular Fellows Program by 5% per year through FY2030 and requires fellows to be trained to conduct visa interviews in English.    

A bill to require ports of entry along the northern border to remain open as many hours per day as they were open prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

This bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure that the operating hours of all ports of entry located on the United States-Canada border are equal to or greater than the operating hours that were in place immediately before the declaration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 This bill expands eligibility for a program that authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to, at its discretion, provide lawful permanent resident status to certain long-term residents of the United States, including individuals who are unlawfully present. Currently, this program, sometimes referred to as the Registry program, is only available to eligible non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who entered the United States before January 1, 1972. The bill removes this entry cutoff date and opens up the program to eligible individuals who have resided in the United States for at least seven years. Existing requirements (e.g., the individual must not be inadmissible or deportable due to certain grounds related to crime or terrorism) continue to apply.

SEASONAL Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

State Executive Authority for Seasonal Occupations Needing Additional Labor Act or the SEASONAL Act This bill authorizes additional H-2B (temporary nonagricultural worker) visas to be issued to employers in a state with unmet labor needs. (H-2B visas are subject to an annual numerical cap.) Under the bill, a state may request a particular number of H-2B visas if (1) employers have requested visas in excess of the numerical cap for that fiscal year, and (2) a state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has been 3.5% or less (in 9 of the most recent 12 quarters). The state must also certify that (1) there is a persistent, unmet need for labor within the state, an occupational category, or an Economic Development District; and (2) the additional H-2B visas will not displace existing members of the state’s workforce or negatively affect average wages.  The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must issue the additional H-2B visas upon receiving a request that complies with this bill's requirements, to the extent that the receiving employers meet all the applicable requirements for such visas. Additionally, the bill requires DHS and the Department of Labor to annually report to Congress specified data about the bill's implementation, including the number of additional visas issued to each state. The bill sunsets four years after its enactment.

National Office of New Americans Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

National Office of New Americans Act This bill establishes the National Office of New Americans (NONA) within the Executive Office of the President to promote and support the integration of immigrants and refugees into the social, cultural, economic, and civic life of the United States. The NONA shall also establish the Federal Initiative on New Americans. The initiative shall establish a coordinated federal program to respond effectively to immigrant and refugee integration issues such as language learning, adult education and workforce training, health care, and naturalization.

Protecting Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

Protecting Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence Act This bill allows an abused spouse or child whose immigrant status is derived from another alien (the principal alien) to obtain immigrant status independent of the principal alien. Current law provides a path to immigrant status to abused individuals who derive their status from a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, but not to those who derive their status from another alien. Such an abused spouse or child must be accompanying or following to join the principal alien and have been subject to battery or extreme cruelty by the principal alien. An abused individual with immigrant status shall receive employment authorization, be eligible for renewal or extension of status, and become an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence under certain conditions.

Build the Wall and Fight Fentanyl Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

Build the Wall and Fight Fentanyl Act of 2023 This bill establishes accounts to fund the construction of physical barriers along the U.S. southern border and to provide grants to address fentanyl abuse. These accounts shall be funded from the sale of assets belonging to cartels that have been seized by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The bill defines cartel as (1) an organization with operations in Mexico and the United States designated as a significant transnational criminal organization; (2) certain named organizations, such as the Sinaloa Cartel and the Juarez Cartel; and (3) other organizations as designated by the President.

Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act This bill modifies the Conrad 30 Waiver program, which incentivizes qualified foreign physicians to serve in underserved communities. It also extends statutory authority for the program for three years from this bill's enactment. Aliens coming to the United States under a J-1 nonimmigrant visa to receive medical training typically must leave the country and reside for two years abroad before being eligible to apply for an immigrant visa or permanent residence. The Conrad program waives this requirement for individuals who meet certain qualifications, including serving for a number of years at a health care facility in an underserved area. The bill increases the number of waivers that a state may obtain each fiscal year from 30 to 35 if a certain number of waivers were used the previous year, and provides for further adjustments depending on demand. An alien physician may be employed at an academic medical center to meet the Conrad program's employment requirements if the alien's work is in the public interest, even if the medical center is not in an underserved area. Employment contracts for alien physicians under the Conrad program shall contain certain information, such as the maximum number of on-call hours per week the physician shall have to work. Certain alien physicians (along with the physician's spouse and children) shall be exempt from the direct annual numerical limits on immigration, including those physicians that have met certain requirements related to visas for physicians to serve in underserved areas.

End Birthright Citizenship Fraud Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

End Birthright Citizenship Fraud Act of 2023 This bill limits birthright citizenship to certain individuals, whereas currently, nearly all individuals born in the United States are U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals at birth. Under this bill, an individual born in the United States shall receive U.S. citizenship and U.S. nationality only if the individual is born to a parent who at the time of the birth is a (1) U.S. national, (2) refugee, (3) lawful permanent resident, or (4) non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) who is performing active service in the Armed Forces. (All U.S. citizens are U.S. nationals, but some individuals, such as those born in an outlying U.S. possession, obtain U.S. nationality but not citizenship through birth, unless the individual is entitled to citizenship through some other means.)

Americans First OPT Reform Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

Americans First OPT Reform Act of 2023 This bill imposes limits on the Optional Practical Training Program. (The program provides an eligible F-1 student visa holder temporary employment authorization before or after completion of the student's studies, or both.) Under this bill, a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) may only participate in the program for four months with no extensions available. (Current rules generally allow an eligible individual to participate for up to one year with full-time employment; current rules also allow individuals with certain degrees to obtain a 24-month extension.) The bill also bars certain individuals from participating in the program, specifically an individual (1) with a degree or working in a sensitive field, or (2) who is employed by or otherwise affiliated with an entity owned or controlled by the Communist Party of China.

Migrant Child Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

Migrant Child Safety Act This bill requires actions relating to placing unaccompanied alien children with a sponsor, such as requiring the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to collect and share specified information about prospective sponsors. Before placing such a child with a prospective sponsor, HHS must gather and provide to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) specified information about the prospective sponsor, including (1) proof of address for the residence where the child will be placed; (2) results of background checks for the sponsor and any adult household members, (3) the sponsor's immigration status, if known; and (4) any evidence to prove any claimed relationship between the child and the sponsor. HHS may not waive any part of this requirement. After receiving this information, if DHS determines that the sponsor is unlawfully present in the United States, the sponsor must be placed in removal proceedings. No later than 30 days after placing the child, HHS must also provide this information and any other relevant information to the appropriate state or local health or welfare agency. If HHS cannot contact the sponsor for a follow-up or well-being check during the 120 days after the child's placement, HHS must report the child as missing to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. HHS must attempt to contact the child's parents, to the extent practicable.

Doctors in our Borders Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

Doctors in our Borders Act This bill increases the number of Conrad 30 waivers available each year from 30 to 100. Typically, a J-1 visa holder (nonimmigrant exchange visitor) must leave the United States for two years after finishing the exchange visitor program, including J-1 visa holders who entered the United States to receive graduate medical training. The Conrad 30 waiver program waives this requirement for eligible foreign medical graduates who agree to practice medicine in an underserved area or for an underserved population in the United States.

Secure our Borders from the CCP Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Secure our Borders from the CCP Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to deny an application for immigration benefits from certain individuals with connections to the Chinese government in certain instances, including if the applicant has made anti-capitalist public statements. Specifically, this bill applies to any non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) who is applying for immigration status based on the individual's relationship with (1) an employer or institution of higher education that receives funding from the Chinese government or the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), or (2) an immediate family relation that is associated with the Chinese government or the CCP. For an application from such an individual, DHS must review for certain factors, including whether the individual has (1) been employed by the CCP or the Chinese government, (2) received any grants from the CCP or the Chinese government, (3) made any anti-capitalist or anti-American public statements, or (4) received any payments or reimbursements from the CCP or the Chinese government. If DHS determines that any such factors apply to the individual, DHS must deny the individual's application for an immigration benefit. If an individual lies on an application that is subject to review for these factors, that individual shall be subject to deportation and a fine of $5,000.

CHECKPOINT Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Continuing High-quality Evaluations of Concerning and Known Persons Of Interest through National Training updates Act or the CHECKPOINT Act This bill requires the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to update certain offices and policies with respect to drug seizures and checkpoints. For example, CBP must periodically assess the drug categories in its systems and update them to reflect the drug smuggling scenarios encountered by CBP agents, as necessary. CBP must also update immigration checkpoints with appropriate technology, such as license plate readers, and support intelligence centers on the southern border to combat transnational criminal organizations.

To terminate the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for aliens, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

This bill nullifies requirements for a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of receiving certain immigration benefits (e.g., receiving a visa or obtaining lawful permanent resident status). Specifically, this bill nullifies such requirements imposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Department of Homeland Security.

Enlist Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Enlist Act of 2023 This bill authorizes certain non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) to enlist in the Armed Forces, including individuals who are beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. (DACA provides eligible individuals, generally individuals who unlawfully entered the United States as a child, with protection from deportation.) Under this bill, a non-U.S. national may be eligible to enlist in the Armed Forces if the individual (1) is a beneficiary of DACA or a successor policy, even if a court terminates such a policy; (2) has temporary protected status; or (3) has an approved immigrant visa application but has been unable to adjust to lawful permanent resident status because a visa is not available (or the individual turned 21 years old before a visa became available). Furthermore, to be eligible to enlist under this bill, the individual must also (1) meet the security and suitability requirements related to enlistment; and (2) have been continuously physically present in the United States for five years, with certain exceptions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must stay removal proceedings against an individual who has enlisted under this bill if the individual (1) has served honorably in the Armed Forces, or (2) is a veteran and was not separated from service except under honorable conditions. If an individual has enlisted under this bill, DHS must consider the individual's honorable service in the Armed Forces when determining, for immigration purposes, whether the individual has good moral character.

Keep STEM Talent Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Keep STEM Talent Act of 2023 This bill addresses issues relating to non-U. S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) with advanced degrees in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field, including exempting certain such individuals from direct limitations on the number of immigrant visas granted per year. To be exempt from the annual numerical limitations on immigrant visas, the individual must (1) have earned a master's level or higher degree in certain STEM fields while in the United States attending an accredited higher education institution, (2) be employed (or have an offer) to perform work directly related to the degree and earn higher than the median wage for that occupation, and (3) meet certain labor certification requirements. The bill also allows an individual seeking a nonimmigrant F-1 (student) visa for an advanced STEM degree to obtain the nonimmigrant visa even if the individual seeks lawful permanent resident status. (Generally, an individual may be denied a nonimmigrant visa if the individual actually intends to seek immigrant status, unless dual intent is allowed for that visa.) Under this bill, to be approved for an F-1 visa for an advanced STEM degree, the applicant must apply for the visa before beginning the advanced degree program. The bill also requires an individual who is inside the United States and applying for an F-1 visa for an advanced STEM degree to undergo the same vetting (e.g., verifying academic credentials and undergoing background checks) as an individual applying from outside the United States.

Protect Patriot Spouses Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

Protect Patriot Spouses Act This bill makes certain military spouses who are non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) eligible for lawful permanent resident status (also known as a green card ). To be eligible for a green card under this bill, an individual must be the current or former spouse of a U.S. citizen who serves or served in the Armed Forces, either on active duty or in a reserve component. If the U.S. citizen has been discharged from the Armed Forces, such discharge must be under honorable conditions. Certain factors that would otherwise make an individual inadmissible, such as having entered the United States without being admitted, shall not apply to a spouse seeking a green card under the bill. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may also waive certain factors that would otherwise make an individual inadmissible, such as having misrepresented a material fact to secure a visa, if the individual does not pose a threat to the public and has not committed any crimes that are unrelated to immigration status. The bill also requires DHS and the Department of State to allow a qualifying non-U.S. national spouse to (1) apply for an immigrant visa to enter the United States under this bill; and (2) enter and stay in the United States to reunite with their U.S. citizen spouse while the application is pending, if the non-U.S. national spouse does not pose a threat to the public or national security.

H–2 Improvements to Relieve Employers Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers Act or the HIRE Act This bill addresses issues relating to temporary work visas, including by extending the period of stay for H-2A (temporary agricultural workers) and H-2B (temporary nonagricultural workers) visas. Under this bill, the period of stay for an H-2A or H-2B visa shall generally be three years, whereas under current law, these visas are typically valid for up to a year with extensions available for one-year periods for up to three consecutive years. Specifically, this bill establishes that labor certifications and petitions for such visas shall be valid for three years. (Under current regulations, the period of stay for an H-2A or H-2B visa is for the validity period of the underlying petition and supporting labor certification, with some additional time to allow the visa holder to relocate to and from the United States.) The bill also authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to waive the in-person requirement for an individual seeking to renew an H-2A or H-2B visa within four years of the expiration of the earlier visa. The Department of Labor must publish on its website information on the number of seasons during which an employer expects to have seasonal employment available, if the employer requests such information.

Protect Patriot Parents Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

Protect Patriot Parents Act This bill makes certain non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who are parents of a veteran eligible for lawful permanent resident status (also known as a green card ). To be eligible for a green card, an individual must be a parent of a U.S. citizen who serves or served in the Armed Forces. If the U.S. citizen has been discharged from the Armed Forces, such discharge must be under honorable conditions. Certain factors that would otherwise make an individual inadmissible, such as having entered the United States without being admitted, shall not apply to a parent seeking a green card under this bill. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may also waive certain factors that would otherwise make an individual inadmissible, such as having misrepresented a material fact to secure a visa, if the individual does not pose a threat to the public and has not committed any crimes that are unrelated to immigration status. An eligible individual who was previously removed from (or permitted to leave) the United States before this bill's enactment may apply for a green card under this bill from abroad. DHS and the Department of State must also establish a program where an eligible individual who has applied for a green card under this bill may be admitted into the United States as a nonimmigrant while the application is pending, if DHS and the State Department determine that the individual does not pose a threat to the public or national security.