Immigration

Protecting Sensitive Locations Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2017

Protecting Sensitive Locations Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that an immigration enforcement action by the Department of Homeland Security or an individual designated to perform immigration enforcement functions may not take place at a sensitive location, except: (1) under exigent circumstances, and (2) with prior approval. A "sensitive location" includes all of the physical space located within 1,000 feet of: medical treatment or health care facilities; public and private schools; scholastic or education-related activities; school bus or school bus stops during periods when school children are present; emergency shelter or food locations; any organization that assists children, pregnant women, victims of crime or abuse, or individuals with significant mental or physical disabilities or that provides disaster or emergency social services; places of worship; funerals, weddings, or other public religious ceremonies; public demonstrations; federal, state, or local courthouses; congressional district offices; public assistance or social security offices; or motor vehicles departments. The bill shall not apply to the transportation of an individual apprehended at or near a land or sea border to a hospital or health care provider for the purpose of providing such individual with medical care. If an enforcement action is carried out in violation of this bill: (1) no information resulting from the action may be entered into the record or received into evidence in a resulting removal proceeding, and (2) the affected alien may file a motion for such proceeding's immediate termination. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall provide training to officers and report to Congress on any enforcement activity occurring at sensitive locations.

RESTORING ENFORCEMENT OF OUR NATION'S IMMIGRATION LAWS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 28 March 2017

PROFILED Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2017

Protecting the Rights of Families and Immigrants Who Legally Entered from Detention Act or the PROFILED Act This bill prohibits a law enforcement agent or agency from engaging in racial profiling. It creates a civil cause of action permitting declaratory or injunctive relief to enforce this ban on racial profiling. The Department of Justice shall issue regulations requiring law enforcement agencies to collect certain data relating to investigatory activities, including, but not limited to, collecting information on the race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, and religion of persons subject to investigatory activities. The bill requires that law enforcement agents give notice to persons suspected of immigration violations of their right to counsel (at no expense to the federal government), the right to remain silent, and notice that any statements given by the individual can be used against them in a removal or criminal proceeding. Any evidence obtained in violation of this requirement cannot be used against the individual in a removal proceeding. Not later than 48 hours after an individual has been detained, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall file a notice to appear with the closest immigration court. No later than six hours after detention, a detained individual must be allowed to use the telephone to make calls at no charge to the detainee. DHS shall issue regulations prohibiting officials from detaining individuals on various premises, including schools, courts, and places of worship, unless there exist exigent circumstances. DHS must also issue regulations pertaining to the transfer of detainees, including the factors to be considered when deciding whether to transfer the detainee. The bill defines various rights accorded to vulnerable populations and to parents who have been detained by immigration officers. The position of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Ombudsman is established in DHS.

A bill to reauthorize the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2017

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to reauthorize the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) through FY2021. SCAAP provides payments to state, local, and tribal governments to offset the costs of incarcerating certain undocumented criminal aliens. It expands the definition of “undocumented criminal alien” to include an alien who has been charged with a felony or two or more misdemeanors. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Justice to reimburse a state, local, or tribal government for incarceration costs and medical expenses of a criminal alien whose immigration status cannot be verified by the Department of Homeland Security. (Currently, a criminal alien with lawful immigration status does not meet the criteria for SCAAP reimbursement.)

Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2017

Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit: (1) transmitting to another person the location, movement, or activities of law enforcement agents while intending to further a federal crime relating to U.S. immigration; (2) destroying, altering, or damaging any physical or electronic device used by the federal government to control the border or any port of entry; or (3) carrying or using a firearm in an alien smuggling crime.

Invest in Our Communities Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2017

Invest in Our Communities Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) exempt spouses and children of EB-5 investor immigrants from worldwide employment-based immigration limits, and (2) revise the fiscal year worldwide level of employment-based immigrant admissions. EB-5 visas are excluded from per country caps. EB-5 visas shall be made available to qualified immigrants who participate in a regional center program in the United States designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the promotion of economic growth, including: (1) increased exports, (2) improved regional productivity, (3) job creation, and (4) increased domestic capital investment. A regional center shall: (1) have jurisdiction over a specific geographic area, which shall be consistent with the purpose of concentrating pooled investment in defined economic zones; and (2) certify compliance with U.S. securities laws, and supervise all offers, purchases, and sales of securities made by associated parties to ensure securities compliance. DHS shall establish a procedure for pre-approval of new commercial enterprises. Any person subject to the suspension or termination of EB-5 rights made under the discretion of DHS may appeal such decision and be entitled to a hearing before an administrative law judge. No person may be involved with a regional center as its principal, administrator, owner, officer, board member, manager, executive, general partner, fiduciary, or other similar position of significant authority for the operations or management of the center if he or she: (1) is not a U.S. national or lawful permanent resident; or (2) has been found liable for certain financial or securities crimes, or terrorist, espionage, or human trafficking activities. The bill sets forth DHS suspension or termination authority for a noncomplying regional center. The child of an alien investor whose conditional permanent resident status is terminated shall continue to be considered a child for purposes of a subsequent immigrant petition by the alien investor if the child remains unmarried and the subsequent petition is filed within one year after termination of status. An alien shall not be considered a child with respect to more than one petition filed after he or she reaches 21 years old.

Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2017

Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit: (1) transmitting to another person the location, movement, or activities of law enforcement agents while intending to further a federal crime relating to U.S. immigration; (2) destroying, altering, or damaging any physical or electronic device used by the federal government to control the border or any port of entry; or (3) carrying or using a firearm in an alien smuggling crime.

Keeping American Jobs Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2017

Keeping American Jobs Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the admission of an H-1B visa (specialty occupation) nonimmigrant worker if the Department of Labor determines that the H-1B application was filed by the prospective employer for the primary purpose of using one or more U.S. workers to train the H-1B worker in the job duties and responsibilities of the U.S. workers in order to lay off the U.S. workers and move their job or jobs abroad, unless the application states that the employer did not and will not displace a U.S. worker within the period beginning 90 days before and ending 90 days after the date of filing of any visa petition supported by the application.

Countering Illegal Firearms Trafficking to Mexico Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2017

Countering Illegal Firearms Trafficking to Mexico Act This bill amends the federal criminal code to make trafficking in firearms a stand-alone criminal offense. A person who commits or conspires to commit a gun trafficking offense is subject to criminal penalties—a prison term of up to 20 years (or up to 25 years, if the person also acted as an organizer), a fine, or both. The bill directs the President to design and implement a strategy to improve collaboration between the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in the investigation of illegal firearms trafficking to Mexico. The Office of National Drug Control Policy must establish indicators to measure the progress of efforts to stem firearms trafficking to Mexico. The ATF must publish detailed information about each firearm seized by Mexican authorities and submitted to the ATF for tracing.

CREATE Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2017

Comprehensive Resources for Entrepreneurs in the Arts to Transform the Economy Act of 2017 or the CREATE Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow artists to claim tax deductions for qualified artistic charitable contributions based on the fair market value of a piece of artwork, rather than the value of the materials used to create it; and (2) revise income and gift tax requirements for charitable contributions of fractional gifts, the valuation of subsequent gifts, and recapture of the charitable deduction. The Small Business Act is amended to require the Small Business Administration to develop loan criteria, evaluation procedures, and technical assistance programs for small business concerns owned and controlled by artists and concerns that support the creative economy. The Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 and the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act are amended to require the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture to ensure that traditional economic development tools, such as business incubators and grant programs, support the arts industry and creative economy. The Immigration and Nationality Act is amended to require the Department of Homeland Security to adjudicate petitions for nonimmigrant visas for aliens with extraordinary ability or achievement, and artists and entertainers within 14 days after receiving them. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shall promulgate rules to ensure that expenses incurred, because of a major disaster or emergency, by specified artists, designers, or musicians to repair or replace needed tools are considered eligible for disaster assistance. The National and Community Service Act of 1990 is amended to authorize the recipient of a national service program grant to carry out the program through an Artist Corps that identifies and meets unmet needs within communities through artistic activities, including technical assistance for grant writing, marketing, and financial planning. The Department of the Treasury shall develop guidelines for the creation and operation of qualified community development entities focusing on investment in and the development and encouragement of the creative economy in low-income communities. Commerce shall establish a demonstration program to promote creative and performing arts in the economic planning of local governments.

Small Business Assistance Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2017

Small Business Assistance Act of 2017 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt returning workers from the nonimmigrant H-2B visa (temporary nonagricultural services) annual numerical limitations through FY2017. Such amendment shall take effect as if enacted on October 1, 2016.

Landing Pass Extension Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2017

Landing Pass Extension Act of 2017 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend to up to 90 days the time period for which a conditional permit to land temporarily in the United States may be granted to an alien crewman.

ICE and CBP Body Camera Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2017

ICE and CBP Body Camera Accountability Act This bill directs U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to ensure that ICE and CBP agents and officers wear body cameras when engaged in official operations. ICE and CBP must establish: (1) policies for the use of such cameras, and (2) procedures for carrying out adverse actions for noncompliance with such policies. Such cameras must be on for an agent's or officer's entire shift. Footage collected by such a body camera shall be made available to each party to any administrative proceeding, civil action, or criminal prosecution to which it pertains. If such footage is not made available, such a party may notify ICE or CBP in writing for purposes of instigating an adverse action for noncompliance. DHS shall commence a rulemaking regarding the use of body cameras and the provision of footage that is consistent with the "Civil Rights Principles for Body Worn Cameras" of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, May 2015. An ICE or CBP agent or officer whose body camera does not record footage in violation of this bill shall be subject to furlough, reduction in pay or grade, or a suspension of up to 30 days. If a body camera does not record at a time when the camera is required to be active, DHS may not determine that the camera suffered a malfunction unless the agent or officer submits evidence sufficient to establish that a malfunction occurred.

IMMIGRATION BENEFITS VETTING: EXAMINING CRITICAL WEAKNESSES IN USCIS SYSTEMS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 16 March 2017

Keeping Our Promise to Our Afghan Allies Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2017

Keeping Our Promise to Our Afghan Allies Act This bill amends the Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009 to increase from 8,500 to 11,000 the total number of visas available for the Afghan special immigrant visa program. Such program is for Afghan translators who worked with the U.S. government or Armed Forces.

A bill to nullify the effect of the recent Executive order regarding border security and immigration enforcement.

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2017

This bill rescinds Executive Order 13767, entitled "Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements," effective as of January 25, 2017. Among the order's provisions concerning border security and immigration enforcement along the southern border of the United States are directives concerning physical barriers, detention facilities, additional Border Patrol agents, requirements for reporting on foreign aid to Mexico, and parole and asylum procedures.

Keeping Our Promise to Our Afghan Allies Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2017

Keeping Our Promise to Our Afghan Allies Act This bill amends the Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009 to increase from 8,500 to 11,000 the total number of visas available for the Afghan special immigrant visa program. Such program is for Afghan translators who worked with the U.S. government or Armed Forces.

Uniting Families Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2017

Uniting Families Act of 2017 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a non-immigrant W-visa category for an alien who: (1) is 18 or older and is the genetic son or daughter of a U.S. citizen who served in the Armed Forces on active duty abroad, or (2) is the spouse or child of such alien and is accompanying, or following to join, such alien. A visa shall not be issued until a petition has been filed in the United States by the applicant's citizen parent and approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Such petition shall include: DNA evidence establishing that the alien is the petitioner's genetic child, a written agreement that the parent will provide financial support until the alien's status is adjusted to lawful permanent resident status, and information establishing that the petitioner is a U.S. citizen who served in the Armed Forces on active duty abroad. The bill provides that: (1) the period of authorized admission for a W-visa alien is five years, which may be extended for one additional two-year period; and (2) the total number of principal W-visa aliens who may be admitted during any fiscal is 5,000. The bill prescribes the criteria that a W-visa alien must meet in order to adjust to lawful permanent resident status, including an understanding of the English language and U.S. history. (Such language and history requirements for naturalization purposes shall not apply to a person who has satisfied them in adjusting from W-visa status to lawful permanent resident status.)

A bill to nullify the effect of the March 6, 2017, Executive order that temporarily restricts most nationals from six countries from entering the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2017

This bill rescinds the provisions of Executive Order 13780, entitled "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States." Among the order's major provisions are restrictions on the entry of nationals from six countries (Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen) and additional limitations on refugee admissions to the United States.

SOLVE Act 2.0 of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2017

Statue of Liberty Values Act 2.0 of 2017 or the SOLVE Act 2.0 of 2017 This bill states that: (1) beginning on March 6, 2017, Executive Order 13780, entitled "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States," is null and void, shall have no force and effect, and may not be implemented or enforced; and (2) no federal funds may be used to implement or enforce any of the policy changes set forth in such order. Among the order's major provisions are restrictions on the entry of nationals from sixcountries (Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen) and additional limitations on refugee admissions to the United States.

To terminate the EB-5 program.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2017

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the EB-5 visa category. The Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 is amended to terminate the EB-5 regional center pilot program. The EB-5 visa provides lawful permanent residence to foreign nationals who invest (directly or through a regional center) a specified amount of capital in a new commercial enterprise in the United States and create at least 10 jobs.

Remedies for Refusal of Repatriation Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2017

Remedies for Refusal of Repatriation Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish procedures for determining whether a foreign government systematically and unreasonably refuses or delays the repatriation of its nationals who: (1) have been ordered removed from the United States; and (2) have been convicted of a felony or a crime of violence or are a threat to national security or public safety. Upon determining that a country does refuse or delay repatriation of its nationals, DHS shall notify the Department of State and the two departments shall meet with the country's representatives and notify them that the United States may deny visas to their nationals. If the country continues to refuse or delay the repatriation of its nationals, the State Department shall discontinue the issuance of visas, unless DHS determines that such discontinuance is not in U.S. interests. DHS and the State Department shall list such countries on their websites.

ICE Body Camera Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2017

ICE Body Camera Act of 2017 This bill directs U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to ensure that all deportation officers of its Enforcement and Removal Operations wear body cameras when engaged in field operations or removal proceedings. ICE must establish policies for: when officers should wear, activate, and deactivate such cameras; the effective placement of such cameras; receiving and storing accurate recordings; the proper management and use of such cameras; and the availability of recordings to the subjects of removal proceedings, victims of crime, and the general public and for internal use by law enforcement officials. A recording shall be provided to each party to any administrative proceeding, civil action, or criminal prosecution to which it pertains.

No Taxpayer Funding for the Wall Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2017

No Taxpayer Funding for the Wall Act This bill prohibits: (1) any federal agency from obligating or expending any federal funds to carry out provisions of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 regarding barriers at the border or any related provision of law or to otherwise build a border fence, wall, or related physical barriers along the U.S. southern border; and (2) a state from using federal grant funds for such purpose. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must conduct an audit each fiscal year to assess compliance with such prohibition. If the GAO is unable to confirm compliance, the Office of Management and Budget and federal agencies must take specified actions to reduce funds for federal agencies and states until the GAO is able to confirm compliance. The bill authorizes the President to enter into a treaty, approved by the Senate, with a foreign country to pay for the costs associated with carrying out such border barrier activities. The Inspector General of the federal agency responsible for carrying out such treaty shall oversee the use of funds received and expended pursuant to such treaty. The OMB shall: (1) include a statement of budgetary impact of and related to any executive order or presidential memorandum issued relating to border security during FY2017-FY2021; and (2) establish a publicly available website to track and display funds received from other non-federal sources, including foreign governments, to build a barrier along the souther border.

Recognizing America's Children Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2017

Recognizing America's Children Act This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to cancel the removal of, and adjust to conditional nonimmigrant for an initial five-year period the status of, an alien who: was younger than 16 years old when he or she initially entered the United States and has been physically present in the United States since January 1, 2012; is a person of good moral character; is not inadmissible or deportable on specified grounds under the Immigration and Nationality Act; has not participated in the persecution of any person on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion; has not been convicted of certain offenses under federal or state law; is 18 years or older and has earned a high school diploma, general education development certificate, or high school equivalency diploma in the United States, has been admitted to an institution of higher education, or has a valid work authorization; and has never been under a final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal unless the alien has remained in the United States under color of law after such order's issuance or received the order before attaining the age of 18. An alien applying for relief under this bill shall: (1) register under the Military Selective Service Act if so required, (2) undergo a medical examination, (3) submit biometric and biographic data, and (4) complete security and law enforcement background checks. DHS shall under specified circumstances terminate or extend the conditional nonimmigrant status of an alien who is at least 18 years old. A conditional nonimmigrant may file an application to adjust his or her status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence during a specified period. An alien who adjusts to permanent resident status may apply for naturalization upon compliance with all immigration law requirements.

Dreamer Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2017

Dreamer Protection Act This bill prohibits the obligation or expenditure of federal funds to apprehend, detain, or remove from the United States any alien who was granted deferred action under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program announced on June 15, 2012, if the alien lost their deferred action status solely as a result of action taken by the President or any other federal official with respect to such program.

Restoring Respect for Immigrant Service in Uniform Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2017

Restoring Respect for Immigrant Service in Uniform Act This bill expresses the sense of Congress that the Department of Homeland Security should exercise its discretion (including through the use of exceptions to inadmissibility based upon family reunification, humanitarian, or public benefit grounds, temporary waiver of inadmissibility, or consent to reapply for admission) to admit to the United States an alien who is inadmissible, was previously subject to an order of removal or has been removed, is outside of the United States, and is seeking U.S. admission, if such alien: has been a member of the Armed Forces for at least 180 days and has not received an other-than honorable discharge; has not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors that are not significant misdemeanors and that each occurred on a different date and arose out of separate conduct; and is not otherwise a threat to national security or public safety. The Immigration and Nationality Act is amended to exempt from deportation an alien who has been a member of the Armed Forces for at least 180 days and has not received an other-than honorable discharge, except in the case of an alien who: has been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors that are not significant misdemeanors and that each occurred on a different date and arose out of separate conduct; and is otherwise a threat to national security or public safety. "Significant misdemeanor" means a misdemeanor: (1) that is a crime of domestic violence, (2) that is a sexual assault, (3) that involved the unlawful possession of a firearm, or (4) for which the alien was sentenced to prison for more than 90 days.

Equal Protection for American Workers Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2017

Equal Protection for American Workers Act This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from granting a work authorization to an alien who has been determined, in a valid immigration proceeding during which due process was afforded, to have been at any time unlawfully present in the United States.

No State Resources for Immigration Enforcement (NSRIE) Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2017

No State Resources for Immigration Enforcement (NSRIE) Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from entering into a written agreement with a state or political subdivision pursuant to which any state or subdivision officer or employee is authorized to carry out an immigration function in relation to the investigation, apprehension, or detention of aliens in the United States (including the transportation of such aliens across state lines to detention centers). (Currently, the Department of Justice is authorized to enter into such agreements.)

To suspend assistance to countries denying or delaying accepting aliens ordered removed from the United States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2017

This bill directs: (1) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to annually submit to Congress a list of each country that it determines denies or unreasonably delays accepting an alien who is a citizen, subject, national, or resident of that country after DHS asks whether the government will accept the alien ordered removed under the Immigration and Nationality Act; and (2) the President to suspend assistance to each country on such list.

Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2017

Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) establish a program to permit eligible deported noncitizen veterans to enter the United States as, and to permit eligible noncitizen veterans in the United States to adjust their status to that of, a noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence; and (2) cancel the removal of eligible noncitizen veterans and allow them to similarly adjust their status. An "eligible" veteran is a veteran who: (1) was not ordered removed, or removed, from the United States due to a criminal conviction for a crime of violence or for a crime that endangers U.S. national security for which the noncitizen served at least five years' imprisonment; and (2) is not inadmissible to, or deportable from, the United States due to such a conviction. DHS may waive such eligibility requirements for humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, due to exceptional service in the U.S. Armed Forces, or if such waiver otherwise is in the public interest. A noncitizen veteran or service member shall not be removed from the United States unless he or she has a criminal conviction for a crime of violence. A noncitizen who has obtained the status of a noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence under this bill shall be eligible for naturalization through service in the U.S. Armed Forces, except that: (1) the grounds on which the noncitizen was ordered removed from, or rendered inadmissible to or deportable from, the United States shall be disregarded when determining whether the noncitizen is a person of good moral character; and (2) any period of absence from the United States due to the noncitizen having been removed or being inadmissible shall be disregarded when determining if the noncitizen satisfies any requirement relating to continuous residence or physical presence. A noncitizen who has obtained the status of a noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence under this bill shall be eligible for all military and veterans benefits for which the individual would have been eligible if he or she had never been been removed from, or voluntarily departed, the United States. DHS shall: (1) identify cases involving service members and veterans at risk of removal from the United States, and (2) annotate all DHS immigration and naturalization records relating to any noncitizen involved and afford an opportunity to track the outcome.

Commission on the Removal of Mexican-Americans to Mexico Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2017

Commission on the Removal of Mexican-Americans to Mexico This bill establishes the Commission on the Removal of Mexican-Americans to Mexico, which shall: (1) review the facts and circumstances surrounding the 1929-1941 removal of certain U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents to Mexico and the impact of such actions on such individuals, their families, and the Mexican-American community; (2) review federal, state, and local government directives that required such removal and any other related information; and (3) report its findings, conclusions, and any recommendations for legislative actions.

A bill to block implementation of the Executive Order that restricts individuals from certain countries from entering the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2017

This bill prohibits any federal agency funds, resources, or fees from being used to implement or enforce Executive Order 13780, entitled "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States." Among the order's major provisions are restrictions on the entry of nationals from six countries (Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen) and additional limitations on refugee admissions to the United States.

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2017

APEC Business Travel Cards Reauthorization Act of 2017 This bill amends the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2011 to permanently authorize the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation business travel card program. (The program, which provides persons who are engaged in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation business with expedited airport processing, is scheduled to end on September 30, 2018.)

FILCCA of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2017

Federal Immigration Law Campus Compliance Act of 2017 or the FILCCA of 2017 This bill withholds reimbursement for indirect costs associated with federal research and development grants from an institution of higher learning that does not comply with a lawful request for information about, or a detainer pertaining to, an alien made by a federal immigration officer or employee. A state or political subdivision that complies with a detainer is deemed to be an agent of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has authority available to DHS to take actions to comply with the detainer, and shall not be liable for such actions. DHS may issue a detainer for an alien who is in federal, state, or local custody requesting: (1) all relevant information collected pertaining to such alien and notification of his or her future release, or (2) continued detention until DHS assumes custody. DHS may request from any entity that receives federal funds other immigration-related information pertaining to an alien that is not otherwise precluded from disclosure.

ALERTED Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2017

Assuring Law Enforcement Requests Are Timely Evaluated by the Department of Homeland Security Act of 2017 or the ALERTED Act of 2017 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, upon request by a federal, state, or local law enforcement official, to determine whether to issue a detainer to detain an alien arrested by such official for a violation of any law, not just one relating to controlled substances.

H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2017

H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2017 This bill amends the the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise employer and government requirements regarding visas for nonimmigrant aliens rated H-1B (specialty occupation) and L-1 (intracompany transfer to the United States from abroad). H-1B employer application requirements are revised. The bill establishes an H-1B visa allocation system, with first priority reserved for aliens who have earned an advanced degree in a field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) from a U.S. institution of higher education. The bill requires completion of a U.S. degree (or an equivalent foreign degree) as a qualification for "specialty occupation" eligibility, eliminating experience in a specialty as an equivalent to the completion of such a degree. The bill prescribes an H-1B labor condition application fee. The Department of Labor may issue subpoenas and seek appropriate injunctive relief and specific performance of contractual obligations to ensure H-1B employer compliance. The period of authorized admission for an H-1B nonimmigrant is reduced from six to three years, with a three-year extension available for aliens with extraordinary ability or with advanced degrees or professors. The bill denies an H-1B visa to any alien normally classifiable as an H-1 nonimmigrant who seeks U.S. admission to provide services in a specialty occupation. Labor may investigate applications for fraud and conduct H-1B compliance audits. Labor shall conduct annual audits of companies with more than 100 employees who work in the United States if more than 15% of those employees are H-1B nonimmigrants. The bill increases certain employer penalties, including the penalty for displacing a U.S. worker. An employer that violates any H-1B requirement shall be liable to the harmed employee for lost wages and benefits. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services shall give Labor any information in materials submitted by H-1B employers as part of the petition adjudication process that indicates employer noncompliance with H-1B visa program requirements. Labor may hire 200 additional employees to administer H-1B programs. The bill prohibits an employer, unless it receives a waiver from Labor, from hiring for more than one year an L-1 nonimmigrant who will: (1) serve in a capacity involving specialized knowledge, and (2) be stationed primarily at the worksite of an employer other than the petitioning employer. No employer may replace a U.S. worker with an L-1 worker. The bill prescribes L-1 requirements regarding: (1) employer petitions for employment at a new office, (2) wage rates and working conditions, and (3) employer penalties. Labor may initiate an L-1 employer investigation. Authority to administer L-1 visa blanket petitions is transferred from the Department of Justice to the Department of Homeland Security.

THE EFFECTS OF BORDER INSECURITY AND LAX IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT ON AMERICAN COMMUNITIES

United States · United States Senate · 1 March 2017

HSA Technical Corrections Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2017

HSA Technical Corrections Act This bill makes technical corrections to the Homeland Security Act of 2002. The bill includes among those appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate: (1) the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, and (2) a Commandant of the Coast Guard. References to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are updated. "Nuclear Incident Response Team" is defined as a resource that includes: (1) those entities of the Department of Energy that perform nuclear or radiological emergency support functions (including accident response, search response, advisory, and technical operations functions), radiation exposure functions at the medical assistance facility known as the Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS), radiological assistance functions, and related functions; and (2) those entities of the Environmental Protection Agency that perform such support functions (including radiological emergency response functions) and related functions. The bill updates references to: (1) the Director of Central Intelligence to read as the Director of National Intelligence, and (2) "Hawaiian native-serving" to read as "Native Hawaiian-serving."

Protecting Allies from Visa Exclusion (PAVE) Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2017

Protecting Allies from Visa Exclusion (PAVE) Act This bill makes any executive order precluding issuance of visas to, revoking visas issued to, or precluding entry or admission of, a class or classes of aliens inapplicable to an alien who is a national of Iraq or Afghanistan and has been granted special immigrant status pursuant to: (1) the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, (2) the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006, or (3) the Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009. Any such executive order shall not apply to an alien who has been granted refugee status, has been approved for refugee admission, or is a refugee applicant in the United States Refugee Admissions Program under a priority 2 designation pursuant to this bill or the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. Priority 2 is for groups of special humanitarian concern identified by the U.S. refugee program. The bill provides priority 2 designation for: Afghanis who were or are employed by the U.S. government in Afghanistan, Afghanis who are or were employed in Afghanistan by a U.S.-headquartered media or nongovernmental organization or an organization closely associated with the U.S. mission in Afghanistan that has received U.S. government funding, family members of such aliens or of Afghanis granted special immigrant status based on valuable U.S. service, and Afghanis who are members of a persecuted religious or minority community and who have close family members in the United States. The Department of State may identify other priority 2 groups of Afghanis, including vulnerable populations.

PROTECT Immigration Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2017

Protecting the Rights Of Towns against federal Eforcement contrary to Constitutional Tenets for Immigration Act of 2017 or the PROTECT Immigration Act of 2017 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that the authority to inquire about or verify immigration or citizenship status and to investigate, apprehend, arrest, or detain an individual for a violation of such Act is restricted to immigration officers and authorized employees of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and subject to limits set forth in other provisions of law. DHS authority to enter into written agreements with a state or state subdivision to perform immigration-related investigations, apprehensions, or detentions of aliens in the United States is eliminated. The bill exempts from the restriction under this bill DOJ authority to enter into other state and local agreements: (1) in the event of an actual or imminent mass influx of aliens representing urgent circumstances; and (2) with respect to immigration-related detentions in non-federal facilities, including personnel and facilities construction. The bill also exempts from such restriction state and local enforcement authority to arrest and detain certain previously-deported illegal aliens who have been convicted of a felony.

SAFE for America Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2017

Security and Fairness Enhancement for America Act of 2017 or the SAFE for America Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the diversity immigrant program.

VISA Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2017

Visa Investigation and Social Media Activity Act of 2017 or the VISA Act of 2017 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit a petition or application filed with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or with a consular officer for the issuance of a visa or the admission of an alien from being approved unless a background check to determine whether the alien is a national security threat or is otherwise ineligible for such visa or admission is completed for: (1) the petitioner or applicant, and (2) each beneficiary or derivative of the petition or application. Such background check shall include a review of the alien's publicly available interactions on, and posting of material to, the Internet (including social media services). An applicant must provide an English translation of his or her documentation. No petition or application for any immigration benefit, except for work authorization, may be approved for an alien who is at least 11 years old unless DHS conducts an in-person interview with such alien. DHS shall begin implementation of an analytics software plan to detect fraud in immigration benefits applications and petitions and to ensure that an applicant or petitioner does not pose a national security threat. The bill requires the deployment of DHS employees to all visa-issuing embassies and consulates.

Nuclear Family Priority Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2017

Nuclear Family Priority Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate parents from the definition of "immediate relatives" with respect to those aliens not subject to worldwide immigration levels or numerical limitations. Existing family-sponsored immigrant categories are replaced with a single preference allocation for spouses and children of permanent resident aliens. This bill: (1) reduces the number of, and revises the calculation for, fiscal year family-sponsored immigrant entrants; and (2) establishes a nonimmigrant visa category for an alien who is a parent of a U.S. citizen at least 21 years old.

Student Visa Security Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2017

Student Visa Security Improvement Act This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to: require DHS employees to review the applications, conduct in-person interviews where appropriate, and conduct on-site reviews of applications and supporting documentation with respect to student and exchange program visa applicants prior to final visa adjudication, with emphasis on determining whether an applicant is inadmissible for terrorist-related activities; require an institution or exchange visitor program participating in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program to ensure that each covered student or exchange visitor is an active program participant, is observed, and is reported to DHS if he or she transfers institutions or academic majors; provide Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) access to appropriate employees of a SEVIS program sponsor under specified circumstances; and require a SEVIS upgrade to add data fields that include verification that students are meeting minimum academic standards.

Iran Terror-Free Skies Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2017

Iran Terror-Free Skies Act of 2017 This bill requires the President to report to specified congressional committees every 180 days on the Iranian government's use of commercial aircraft and related services for illicit military or other activities during: (1) the preceding five years, for the first report; and (2) the preceding 180 days, for any subsequent report. Such reports shall describe the extent to which: Iran's government has used commercial aircraft, including Iran Air, or related services to transport illicit cargo to or from Iran, including military goods, weapons, personnel, electronic parts and mechanical equipment, or rocket or missile components; the commercial aviation sector of Iran has provided support to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, the Bashar al Assad Regime in Syria, Hezbollah, Hamas, Kata'ib Hezbollah, any other organization designated as a foreign terrorist organization under the Immigration and Nationality Act, or any person on the list of specially designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control; and foreign governments and persons have facilitated such activities. If the President determines in such a report that any Iranian commercial air carrier has used commercial aircraft for illicit military purposes on or after January 16, 2016, the President shall include the air carrier on such list. This bill shall cease to be effective 30 days after the President certifies that the Iranian government has ceased providing support for acts of international terrorism.

Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2017

Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2017 This bill amends the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 to direct the Department of State to report to Congress (within 90 days and annually thereafter through 2023) on conditions in Hong Kong that are of U.S. interest. Such report shall include matters in which Hong Kong is given separate treatment under U.S. laws from that accorded to China. The State Department shall certify to Congress annually whether Hong Kong is sufficiently autonomous to justify separate treatment different from that accorded to China in any new laws, agreements, treaties, or arrangements entered into between the United States and Hong Kong. The President shall identify persons responsible for: (1) the surveillance, abduction, detention, or forced confessions of certain booksellers and journalists in Hong Kong; and (2) other actions suppressing basic freedoms. The bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to deny U.S. entry to identified individuals and revoke visas or other entry documentation. Entry, work, or study visa applicants who resided in Hong Kong in 2014 shall not be denied visas on the basis of the applicant's arrest or detention or other adverse government action taken as a result of participation in the nonviolent protest activities related to Hong Kong's electoral process. The President shall freeze the U.S.-based assets of identified individuals.

A bill to nullify the effect of the recent Executive order that makes the vast majority of unauthorized individuals priorities for removal and aims to withhold critical Federal funding to sanctuary cities.

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2017

This bill rescinds Executive Order 13768, entitled "Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States." Among other things, that order raises questions regarding whether, and to what extent, federal agencies will withhold federal grant funds that would have otherwise been awarded to jurisdictions that willfully refuse to comply with a federal statute that bars states and localities from restricting sending or receiving information to or from federal immigration authorities (sanctuary jurisdictions).

Protect Our Sanctuary Cities Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2017

Protect Our Sanctuary Cities Act This bill: (1) nullifies section 9 of Executive Order 13768 (Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States), and (2) prohibits using appropriations to promulgate or enforce any executive order that compels state, city, or local officials to assist federal authorities in the removal of aliens from the United States. Section 9 authorizes: (1) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to designate a state or local subdivision that fails to make required communications with the Immigration and Naturalization Service regarding the citizenship or immigration status of any individual as a sanctuary jurisdiction, and (2) DHS and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to deny such jurisdictions federal grants, except as deemed necessary for law enforcement purposes. It also directs DOJ to take appropriate enforcement action against any such jurisdiction or any entity that has in effect a statute, policy, or practice that prevents or hinders the enforcement of federal law. DHS shall submit a report on ways to strengthen immigrant community trust in DHS.

Freedom for Refugees Escaping Enmity (FREE) Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2017

Freedom for Refugees Escaping Enmity (FREE) Act This bill nullifies Executive Order 13769, entitled "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States." No federal funds may be used to implement or enforce any of the policy changes set forth in such order. Among the order's major provisions are restrictions on the entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants from seven countries (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen) and additional limitations on refugee admissions to the United States. The Department of Homeland Security shall release any alien in custody under authority of such order. Visas or documentation that were revoked or refused under authority of such order shall be reissued or reconsidered as appropriate unless a consular officer knows, or has reason to believe, that the alien is ineligible to receive the visa or documentation under any provision of the immigration laws. The Immigration and Nationality Act is amended to prohibit an alien from being given immigration visa preference, being discriminated against, or being denied U.S. entry or admission based upon religion or lack of religious beliefs. The President may may not exercise his or her authority to suspend or restrict the U.S. entry of aliens or classes of aliens so as to modify the entry, reentry, or admission requirements of an alien having a valid and unexpired: (1) immigrant or nonimmigrant visa, or (2) refugee or legal permanent resident status.