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Bill· HRH.R. 4684 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2023
No Sanctuary for Criminals Act of 2023 This bill addresses issues related to state and local government cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts. A government entity may not prohibit its personnel or another government entity from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement efforts or making inquiries about an individual's immigration status. Currently, a government entity is only barred from prohibiting the sharing of immigration-related information with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS may (1) decline to transfer a detained non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) to a noncomplying government entity even if that entity has issued a writ or warrant, and (2) issue a detainer if there is probable cause to believe that an individual arrested for any criminal or motor vehicle offense is inadmissible or deportable. DHS may not transfer an individual with a final order of removal to a noncomplying government entity. Furthermore, the bill provides legal immunity for a state or local government entity or official temporarily detaining a non-U.S. national under federal authority.
Bill· HRH.R. 4647 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2023
High-skilled Immigration Reform for Employment Act This bill increases the annual cap on H-1B visas (nonimmigrant visas for workers in specialty occupations) and authorizes grants for education. Specifically, the bill (1) increases the cap on such visas for each fiscal year from 65,000 to 130,000; and (2) exempts from this cap all visas for individuals with a postgraduate degree from a U.S. institution of higher education (currently, only up to 20,000 such visas are exempted each fiscal year). The bill also modifies the criteria for determining whether an employer is an H-1B-dependent employer. (Such employers are subject to additional requirements.) The Department of Education may make grants to states to support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (commonly referred to as STEM) education.
Bill· SS. 2291 (118th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023
Northern Border Coordination Act This bill establishes a center to coordinate border security activities along the U.S.-Canada border and addresses related issues. Specifically, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must establish the Northern Border Coordination Center to serve as the centralized coordination center for operations, domain awareness, intelligence, and engagement with federal, state, tribal, local, and international partners. The center must also (1) serve as a coordination mechanism for implementing, evaluating, and updating the Northern Border Security Strategy; and (2) support counter-unmanned aircraft systems operations. The bill also requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations to (1) establish capability at the center to support northern border missions, specifically in the Great Lakes region; (2) establish a unit at the center to support air and maritime domain awareness; and (3) coordinate with relevant DHS components on various activities, including efforts to monitor unmanned aircraft systems.
Bill· HRH.R. 4607 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023
Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley and Roberts Temple National Historic Site Act This bill establishes the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley and Roberts Temple National Historic Site in Illinois as a unit of the National Park System. The site must not be established until the Department of the Interior enters an agreement with the Roberts Temple providing for public access to, and interpretation, operation, and maintenance of, a site that is sufficient to constitute a manageable park unit. The purpose of the site is to preserve, protect, and interpret (1) the Great Migration, (2) the memorial service and funeral of Emmett Till, (3) the story of the courage and activism of Mamie Till-Mobley that was demonstrated as she transformed the murder of her son into a symbol of racial injustice, and (4) the civil rights movement. Interior may enter into agreements, as appropriate, with public and private entities to provide and facilitate interpretive and educational services, administrative support, and technical assistance relating to the site, within or outside the boundaries of the site. The National Park Service must prepare a general management plan for the site.
Bill· HRH.R. 4627 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023
Afghan Adjustment Act This bill provides lawful permanent resident status (also known as green cards ) to certain individuals who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and addresses related issues. Generally, to be eligible for a green card under this bill, an Afghan national must be (1) lawfully admitted into the United States, or (2) paroled into the United States on or after July 30, 2021. Any individual who was admitted or paroled after this bill's enactment is eligible only if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determines that the individual provided support to the U.S. mission in Afghanistan. DHS must provide a green card to an eligible individual who applies and meets certain requirements, including vetting requirements. The bill also authorizes special immigrant visas for certain Afghan nationals who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan while serving in certain capacities, including an individual who (1) served in the Afghan Air Force or certain other branches of the Afghan armed forces, or (2) was a female member of certain entities in the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces. To be eligible, such an individual must receive a recommendation from the Department of Defense (DOD). DOD must review the applicant's relevant records, including service records, after receiving a recommendation request. (Special immigrant visa holders qualify for a green card after meeting certain criteria.) The bill also authorizes a special immigrant visa for an Afghan national who is the parent or sibling of a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Bill· SS. 2321 (118th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023
Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 This bill provides FY2024 appropriations to the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the science agencies, and several related agencies. The bill provides appropriations to the Department of Commerce for the International Trade Administration, the Bureau of Industry and Security, the Economic Development Administration, the Minority Business Development Agency, Economic and Statistical Analysis, the Bureau of the Census, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Departmental Management. The bill provides appropriations to DOJ for Justice Operations, Management, and Accountability; the Executive Office for Immigration Review; the Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Parole Commission; Legal Activities; the U.S. Marshals Service; the National Security Division; Interagency Law Enforcement; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Federal Prison System. The bill also provides appropriations to DOJ for state and local law enforcement activities, including the Office on Violence Against Women, the Office of Justice Programs, and Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). The bill provides appropriations for science agencies, including the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Space Council, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the National Science Foundation. The bill provides appropriations to related agencies, including the Commission on Civil Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. International Trade Commission, the Legal Services Corporation, the Marine Mammal Commission, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the State Justice Institute. The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations acts.
Bill· SS. 2327 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023
Afghan Adjustment Act This bill provides lawful permanent resident status (also known as green cards ) to certain individuals who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and addresses related issues. Generally, to be eligible for a green card under this bill, an Afghan national must be (1) lawfully admitted into the United States, or (2) paroled into the United States on or after July 30, 2021. Any individual who was admitted or paroled after this bill's enactment is eligible only if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determines that the individual provided support to the U.S. mission in Afghanistan. DHS must provide a green card to an eligible individual who applies and meets certain requirements, including vetting requirements. The bill also authorizes special immigrant visas for certain Afghan nationals who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan while serving in certain capacities, including an individual who (1) served in the Afghan Air Force or certain other branches of the Afghan armed forces, or (2) was a female member of certain entities in the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces. To be eligible, such an individual must receive a recommendation from the Department of Defense (DOD). DOD must review the applicant's relevant records, including service records, after receiving a recommendation request. (Special immigrant visa holders qualify for a green card after meeting certain criteria.) The bill also authorizes a special immigrant visa for an Afghan national who is the parent or sibling of a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Bill· SS. 2324 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023
Ensuring American Security and Protecting Afghan Allies Act This bill provides conditional permanent resident status to certain individuals who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and addresses related issues. (A conditional permanent resident becomes a lawful permanent resident, also known as a green card holder, if the conditions are removed.) Generally, to be eligible for a conditional green card under this bill, an Afghan national must be (1) lawfully admitted into the United States on or before this bill's enactment, or (2) paroled into the United States between July 30, 2021, and this bill's enactment. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must remove the conditions if, by a certain date, DHS determines that the individual (1) is not inadmissible under any statutory grounds, and (2) does not pose a national security concern. DHS may waive certain grounds of inadmissibility for humanitarian purposes or family unity. The bill also designates certain Afghan nationals who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan as priority refugees of special humanitarian concern, including an individual who (1) served in certain branches of the Afghan armed forces, or (2) was a female member of certain entities in the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces. The Department of Defense must establish a process to review requests for such a designation. The bill also authorizes a special immigrant visa for an Afghan national who is the parent or sibling of a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. (Special immigrant visa holders qualify for a green card after meeting certain criteria.)
Bill· SS. 2278 (118th)open
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023
Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade (BEST) Facilitation Act of 2023 This bill establishes positions within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to review inspection images of vehicles and cargo entering or exiting the United States. Specifically, the bill establishes the position of image adjudicator within the CBP Office of Field Operations. An image adjudicator must (1) review nonintrusive inspection images of vehicles and cargo entering or exiting the United States; (2) assess whether such vehicles and cargo contain contraband, illicit drugs, weapons, or persons seeking to unlawfully enter the United States; and (3) refer suspicious vehicles and cargo for further inspection by a CBP officer. The bill also establishes the position of supervisory image adjudicator with additional responsibilities, including receiving and reporting intelligence to the National Targeting Center about techniques used by malign actors to transport contraband, illicit drugs, weapons, and persons seeking to unlawfully enter the United States. The bill establishes annual training requirements for both image adjudicator and supervisory image adjudicator positions, including training on privacy and civil liberties and how to analyze inspection images. Within a year of this bill's enactment, CBP must develop a workforce staffing model for these positions. The Government Accountability Office must validate the model within six months of the model's completion.
Bill· HRH.R. 4574 (118th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023
Cooperation on Combatting Human Smuggling and Trafficking Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to take various actions to address human smuggling and trafficking. DHS must seek to expand partnerships with law enforcement in Latin American countries to combat human smuggling and trafficking operations in such countries. DHS must also seek to expand collaborative programs involving Homeland Security Investigations that are aimed at human smugglers and traffickers targeting children and families that pose border security threats at the U.S. southern border. The bill also requires DHS to carry out public information campaigns targeting migrant populations in Latin American countries and other countries with high migration rates. The campaigns shall address the dangers of traveling across Mexico to the United States and also combat misinformation and disinformation by nefarious actors regarding U.S. laws or policies.
Bill· HRH.R. 4569 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023
Veteran Service Recognition Act of 2023 This bill addresses immigration-related issues pertaining to noncitizen (or non-U.S. national) military veterans, including by authorizing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide lawful permanent resident status to a veteran who is subject to removal. If a noncitizen veteran appears to be eligible for lawful permanent resident status under this bill, that veteran must receive a reasonable opportunity to apply for such status and may not be removed until there is a final administrative decision on the veteran's eligibility. For the purposes of providing such status under this bill, DHS may waive any applicable grounds of inadmissibility, except for certain crime- or security-related grounds. The bill also extends certain deadlines relating to obtaining citizenship after serving in the Armed Forces. DHS must create a system for identifying noncitizens who are or may be veterans. Before initiating removal proceedings against a noncitizen, DHS must attempt to determine whether the noncitizen is a veteran. DHS must ensure that veteran status is considered in immigration proceedings. Additionally, the bill requires U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Department of Defense to take certain actions to facilitate opportunities for military recruits and veterans to obtain U.S. citizenship; establishes the Military Family Immigration Advisory Committee to provide recommendations on cases involving the removal of a servicemember, veteran, or certain family members of a servicemember or veteran; and waives certain grounds of inadmissibility for certain noncitizens applying for lawful permanent resident status as an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen who has served at least two years in the Armed Forces.
Bill· HRH.R. 4546 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023
Biometric Verification for Entry and Reconfirming Identity with Forensics Act of 2023 or the B-VERIFY Act of 2023 This bill addresses various immigration-related issues, including by imposing penalties on parents of unaccompanied alien children who arrive in the United States. Under this bill, any applicant for an immigration benefit, including a U.S. national applying for a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) beneficiary, must provide biometric information, including DNA. Furthermore, before the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may release an unaccompanied alien child to a sponsor, the potential sponsor must undergo a background check that includes certain searches, including a Federal Bureau of Investigation National Criminal History Check. (HHS currently conducts background checks of potential sponsors, but is not required to conduct all the checks required by this bill.) HHS must report a potential sponsor to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if the potential sponsor (1) fails to prove a claimed familial relationship with the child, or (2) provides a false identity document. HHS may not use government funds to provide legal counsel to detained unaccompanied alien children. The bill also imposes penalties on the non-U.S. national parents of an unaccompanied alien child who arrives in the United States, including by deeming the parent inadmissible into the United States if the parent does not have lawful permanent resident status. Federal employees must promptly notify ICE if they receive an identification document indicating that an individual is unlawfully present. ICE must promptly place the individual in removal proceedings.
Bill· HRH.R. 4430 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023
E-Verify Data Privacy and Wrongful Unemployment Act of 2023 This bill establishes certain privacy requirements for employment eligibility verification systems established under the immigration laws, including the E-Verify system. The bill also addresses issues relating to incorrect information in E-Verify. Under this bill, such a system may not include data about (1) race; (2) religious, political, or philosophical beliefs; (3) genetic data; (4) biometric information; or (5) health information, including vaccination status. The Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must annually report to Congress on whether such systems are complying with all applicable laws. The report must specify instances where such a system violated requirements to protect the privacy and security of personal information, including the requirements imposed by this bill. The bill also authorizes an employer to temporarily employ an individual even if E-Verify fails to confirm the individual's employment eligibility if the employer reasonably believes that the result is incorrect. Specifically, the employer (1) may hire the individual for up to 180 days, and (2) must immediately notify DHS of the supposed incorrect result. If DHS determines that the original result from E-Verify was correct, the employer must immediately terminate the individual's employment. If an individual claims to have lost a job or job offer due to an error in E-Verify, that individual may only sue for injunctive relief to correct the error and only through the Federal Tort Claims Act. Such a claim may not be brought as a class action.
Bill· HRH.R. 4448 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023
Canadian Snowbird Visa Act This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to admit into the United States qualifying Canadian citizens as long-term nonimmigrant visitors. A qualifying Canadian citizen is an individual who (1) is at least 50 years old, (2) maintains a Canadian residence, (3) owns a U.S. residence or has rented a U.S. accommodation for the duration of the individual's stay, (4) is not inadmissible or deportable, (5) will not engage in employment or labor for hire in the United States other than for a non-U.S.-based person or entity by whom the Canadian citizen was employed in Canada or for whom the Canadian citizen performed services in Canada, and (6) will not seek certain forms of assistance or benefits. A qualified individual may be admitted for up to 240 days during any single 365-day period. The spouse of such an individual may be admitted under the same terms, except that the spouse is not required to separately satisfy the requirement for owning or renting a residence in the United States. An individual admitted into the United States under this bill shall have nonresident alien tax status.
Bill· HRH.R. 4367 (118th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 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.
Bill· HRH.R. 4319 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2023
Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2023 This bill addresses issues relating to visas for farmworkers, including provisions establishing a certified agricultural worker (CAW) status and changing the H-2A temporary worker program. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may grant CAW status to an applying non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) who (1) performed at least 1,035 hours of agricultural labor during the two-year period prior to June 23, 2023; (2) on that date was inadmissible, deportable, or under a grant of deferred enforced departure or temporary protected status; and (3) has been continuously present in the United States from that date until receiving CAW status. The bill imposes additional crime-related inadmissibility grounds on CAW applicants and makes some other grounds inapplicable. CAW status shall be valid for 5.5 years and may be extended. The applicant's spouse or children may receive CAW dependent status. A CAW applicant may not be detained or removed by DHS and shall be authorized for employment until DHS makes a final decision on the application. A CAW status recipient (and dependents) may apply for lawful permanent resident status (sometimes known as a green card) after meeting various requirements, including performing a certain amount of agricultural labor for a number of years. The bill also makes various changes to the H-2A program, such as (1) modifying the method for calculating and making adjustments to the H-2A worker minimum wage, (2) specifying how an employer may satisfy requirements that it attempted to recruit U.S. workers, (3) requiring H-2A employers to guarantee certain minimum work hours, (4) making the program available for agricultural work that is not temporary or seasonal, and (5) reserving a visa allocation for the dairy industry. DHS shall establish a pilot program allowing certain H-2A workers to apply for portable status, which gives the worker 60 days after leaving a position to secure new employment with a registered H-2A employer. DHS must also establish an electronic system patterned on the E-Verify Program for employers to verify an individual's identity and employment authorization. Employers hiring individuals for agricultural employment must use the system. This bill permanently establishes the Housing Preservation and Revitalization Program, which provides financing assistance for rural rental housing and off-farm labor housing and rental assistance for qualified tenants of such housing. It also authorizes the Department of Agriculture to provide various assistance, including funding for insuring loans and grants for new farmworker housing.
Bill· HRH.R. 4352 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2023
Nicaragua Political Prisoner Support Act This bill provides various immigration-related benefits to certain Nicaraguan nationals who are in the United States as part of a political prisoner release. Specifically, such individuals shall be eligible to receive (1) certain benefits that are available to admitted refugees, such as resettlement assistance; (2) certain assistance available to refugee children; and (3) a driver's license or identification card. An eligible individual is a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) who (1) is a citizen or national of Nicaragua (or an individual with no nationality who had resided in Nicaragua), (2) arrived in the United States on February 9, 2023, as part of a political prisoner release, (3) received a two-year humanitarian parole from the U.S. government, and (4) has completed the relevant security and law enforcement background checks. The parent, spouse, or child of such an eligible individual shall also be eligible for benefits under this bill.
Bill· HRH.R. 4358 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2023
Putting Highest Degrees First Act of 2023 or the PHDs First Act This bill exempts certain non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) with doctoral degrees from direct limitations on the number of immigrant visas granted per year. The bill also allows an individual to get a student visa for a doctoral program even if the individual intends to seek lawful permanent resident status (also known as a green card ). To be exempt from the numerical limitations, the individual must (1) have earned a doctoral degree (or the highest degree available if a doctoral degree or its equivalent is not available in that field) while in the United States attending an accredited higher education institution, (2) be employed (or have a job offer) in a field related to the degree and earn at least 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 to obtain a doctoral degree to have dual intent. Specifically, such an individual may obtain the nonimmigrant visa or change nonimmigrant status even if the individual intends to apply for a green card. (Generally, such an individual may be denied the nonimmigrant visa unless dual intent is allowed for that type of visa.)
Bill· HRH.R. 4285 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023
Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act This bill exempts Special Immigrant Juveniles visas from certain annual numerical limitations on such visas. (Generally, Special Immigrant Juvenile status is available to qualifying non-U.S. nationals under 21 years of age who are in the United States and have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent.)
Bill· HRH.R. 4309 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023
Assisting Seekers in Pursuit of Integration and Rapid Employment Act or the ASPIRE Act This bill addresses issues related to asylum applicants and migrants, including by directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide employment authorization for eligible asylum applicants. Currently, asylum applicants are not entitled to employment authorization but may be granted such by the Department of Justice. Such employment authorization is valid until the applicant receives a final denial of the application, including any administrative and judicial review. The bill also shortens the waiting period for receiving employment authorization to 30 days from the filing of the asylum application. In addition, the bill authorizes U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to take actions to address the asylum backlog, including by hiring additional asylum officers. The bill also authorizes DHS to provide funding to state and local governments and nonprofit organizations for support services for migrants (e.g., food and shelter).
Bill· HRH.R. 4303 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023
Abortion Justice Act of 2023 This bill establishes rights, requirements, and programs with the purpose of increasing access to abortion care. The bill specifies that all persons have a fundamental right to make decisions regarding abortions and miscarriages and prohibits federal, state, and local governments from denying, or otherwise penalizing an individual for exercising, that right. Aggrieved individuals may sue governments for violating these prohibitions. Additionally, the bill eliminates language that allows health care entities to decline to offer training related to, performance of, or referrals for abortion care, and generally requires that all federally funded health care providers offer patients all medically appropriate reproductive care, including abortion care. It also (1) requires public and private health insurance plans to cover abortion services, (2) prohibits immigration enforcement actions within 2,000 feet of any health care facility, and (3) establishes a grant program to increase access to abortion services.
Bill· SS. 2165 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023
Nicaragua Political Prisoner Support Act This bill provides various immigration-related benefits to certain Nicaraguan nationals who are in the United States as part of a political prisoner release. Specifically, such individuals shall be eligible to receive (1) certain benefits that are available to admitted refugees, such as resettlement assistance; (2) certain assistance available to refugee children; and (3) a driver's license or identification card. An eligible individual is a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) who (1) is a citizen or national of Nicaragua (or an individual with no nationality who had resided in Nicaragua), (2) arrived in the United States on February 9, 2023, as part of a political prisoner release, (3) received a two-year humanitarian parole from the U.S. government, and (4) has completed the relevant security and law enforcement background checks. The parent, spouse, or child of such an eligible individual shall also be eligible for benefits under this bill.
Bill· SS. 2175 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023
Assisting Seekers in Pursuit of Integration and Rapid Employment Act or the ASPIRE Act This bill addresses issues related to asylum applicants and migrants, including by directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide employment authorization for eligible asylum applicants. Currently, asylum applicants are not entitled to employment authorization but may be granted such by the Department of Justice. Such employment authorization is valid until the applicant receives a final denial of the application, including any administrative and judicial review. The bill also shortens the waiting period for receiving employment authorization to 30 days from the filing of the asylum application. In addition, the bill authorizes U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to take actions to address the asylum backlog, including by hiring additional asylum officers. The bill also authorizes DHS to provide funding to state and local governments and nonprofit organizations for support services for migrants (e.g., food and shelter).
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 529 (118th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023
This resolution refers H. Res. 503 from the House floor to the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on the Judiciary. That resolution impeaches President Joe Biden for high crimes and misdemeanors relating to actions taken that involve immigration and the southern border.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 53 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023
This concurrent resolution calls on the President to sign the Secure the Border Act of 2023 if it passes the Senate. (The Secure the Border Act of 2023 makes various changes to immigration law, including by imposing limits on asylum eligibility and requiring employers to use an electronic system to verify the employment eligibility of new employees. At the time this concurrent resolution was introduced, that bill had passed the House of Representatives but not the Senate.)
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 532 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023
This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that legislation and policies that address poverty, low wages, and related issues should be prioritized. Among other priorities, the resolution commits to updating the poverty measure; raising the minimum wage; expanding unemployment insurance; ensuring that all workers receive paid family and medical leave; implementing a federal jobs guarantee; guaranteeing safe and quality housing, a right to water, high-quality public education, and quality health care for all; enacting relief from household and personal debt that cannot be paid; ensuring that state, local, and tribal governments are adequately funded; expanding and protecting the right to vote; eliminating persistent racial inequities; protecting the constitutional rights of assembly and free speech; enacting comprehensive and just immigration reform; ensuring all the rights of Native and Indigenous peoples and tribal nations; transforming the economy into a green renewable energy economy; demilitarizing U.S. foreign policy, borders, and policing; enacting fair taxes on corporations and the wealthy; using deficit spending to meet pressing needs; and encouraging states and cities to enact policies that follow the direction provided by this resolution.
Bill· HRH.R. 4238 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023
Stop Illegal Reentry Act or Kate's Law This bill increases criminal penalties for certain non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who illegally reenter the United States after removal or exclusion. Generally, an individual who had been denied entry into or removed from the United States and who later enters or attempts to enter the United States without prior approval from the Department of Homeland Security shall be fined, imprisoned for up to five years, or both. Current law requires a fine, imprisonment for up to two years, or both, for such an individual. An individual who had been denied entry or removed three or more times and who later enters or attempts to enter the United States shall be fined, imprisoned for up to 10 years, or both. An individual who was convicted of an aggravated felony or convicted at least two times before removal or departure and who subsequently enters or tries to enter the United States shall be imprisoned at least five years and for up to twenty years, and may also be fined. Currently, there is no minimum term of imprisonment for an individual who reenters after a conviction for an aggravated felony, and there are no criminal penalties for a reentering individual who had been convicted at least two times (other than the penalties for illegal reentry generally).
Bill· SS. 2091 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023
Stop Illegal Reentry Act or Kate's Law This bill increases criminal penalties for certain non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who illegally reenter the United States after removal or exclusion. Generally, an individual who had been denied entry into or removed from the United States and who later enters or attempts to enter the United States without prior approval from the Department of Homeland Security shall be fined, imprisoned for up to five years, or both. Current law requires a fine, imprisonment for up to two years, or both, for such an individual. An individual who had been denied entry or removed three or more times and who later enters or attempts to enter the United States shall be fined, imprisoned for up to 10 years, or both. An individual who was convicted of an aggravated felony or convicted at least two times before removal or departure and who subsequently enters or tries to enter the United States shall be imprisoned at least five years and for up to twenty years, and may also be fined. Currently, there is no minimum term of imprisonment for an individual who reenters after a conviction for an aggravated felony, and there are no criminal penalties for a reentering individual who had been convicted at least two times (other than the penalties for illegal reentry generally).
Bill· HRH.R. 4164 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023
Protecting UACs Through Enhanced Sponsor Vetting Act of 2023 This bill requires the Office of Refugee Resettlement within the Department of Health and Human Services to take additional actions when placing an unaccompanied alien child in the custody of a sponsor. (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 placing such a child with a sponsor and again when a placement decision has been made, the office must notify the governments of the state and the locality in which the prospective or selected sponsor resides. When making determinations concerning the placement of such a child with a sponsor, the office must (1) consult the Federal Bureau of Investigation and appropriate state and local law enforcement, (2) ensure that the child is protected from designated transnational criminal organizations, (3) conduct a thorough background check of each prospective sponsor using the Next Generation Identification System, and (4) share with the Terrorist Screening Center any information establishing the child's or sponsor's affiliation with a designated transnational criminal organization.
Bill· HRH.R. 4156 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023
Lady Liberty Act of 2023 This bill sets a floor of 125,000 for the maximum number of refugees who may be admitted into the United States each fiscal year. Under current law, the President sets the annual cap on refugee admissions at the beginning of each fiscal year. (The cap for FY2023 was 125,000, but in some years it had been lower. For example, the cap for FY2021 was 15,000.)
Bill· HRH.R. 16 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023
American Dream and Promise Act of 2023 This bill provides certain non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) with a path to receive permanent resident status and contains other immigration-related provisions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Department of Justice (DOJ) shall provide conditional permanent resident status for 10 years to a qualifying individual who entered the United States as a minor and (1) is deportable or inadmissible, (2) has deferred enforced departure (DED) status or temporary protected status (TPS), or (3) is the child of certain classes of nonimmigrants. The bill imposes various qualifying requirements, such as the individual being continuously physically present in the United States since January 1, 2021, passing a background check, and being enrolled in or having completed certain educational programs. DHS shall remove the conditions placed on permanent resident status granted under this bill if the alien applies and meets certain requirements, such as completing certain programs at an educational institution, serving in the military, or being employed. Furthermore, DHS and DOJ shall provide lawful permanent resident status to certain individuals who had TPS, were eligible for TPS, or were eligible for DED status on certain dates. Such individuals must meet certain requirements and apply for such status within three years of this bill's enactment. DHS may not use information from applications filed under this bill or for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status for immigration enforcement purposes. This bill also repeals a restriction that bars a state from providing higher education benefits to undocumented individuals unless those benefits are available to all U.S. nationals without regard to residency in the state.
Bill· HRH.R. 4117 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023
College for All Act of 2023 This bill establishes measures to expand access to higher education, including by eliminating tuition and required fees for eligible students, revising the Federal Pell Grant program, and reauthorizing certain programs to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Specifically, the bill provides funding to enable states and tribal colleges and universities, through a federal-state partnership, to eliminate tuition and required fees for (1) all students at community colleges and two-year tribal colleges and universities, and (2) working- and middle-class students at four-year public institutions of higher education and tribal colleges and universities. The bill provides funding to enable private, nonprofit historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions to eliminate tuition and required fees for eligible students. The bill permanently reauthorizes and otherwise revises the Federal Pell Grant program by providing funding to increase the maximum award for each eligible student, increasing the duration limit for the use of Pell Grants, allowing students to use their awards to cover living and nontuition expenses, and expanding eligibility to Dreamer students (i.e., students who have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status and who entered the United States before the age of 16) and students with other immigration statuses. Further, the bill requires the Department of Education to award grants to eligible states and tribal colleges and universities for improving student outcomes. The bill reauthorizes through FY2033 the Federal TRIO Programs and reauthorizes through FY2027 the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.
Bill· SS. 1963 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023
College for All Act of 2023 This bill establishes measures to expand access to higher education, including by eliminating tuition and required fees for eligible students, revising the Federal Pell Grant program, and reauthorizing certain programs to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Specifically, the bill provides funding to enable states and tribal colleges and universities, through a federal-state partnership, to eliminate tuition and required fees for (1) all students at community colleges and two-year tribal colleges and universities, and (2) working- and middle-class students at four-year public institutions of higher education and tribal colleges and universities. The bill provides funding to enable private, nonprofit historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions to eliminate tuition and required fees for eligible students. The bill permanently reauthorizes and otherwise revises the Federal Pell Grant program by providing funding to increase the maximum award for each eligible student, increasing the duration limit for the use of Pell Grants, allowing students to use their awards to cover living and nontuition expenses, and expanding eligibility to Dreamer students (i.e., students who have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status and who entered the United States before the age of 16) and students with other immigration statuses. Further, the bill requires the Department of Education to award grants to eligible states and tribal colleges and universities for improving student outcomes. The bill reauthorizes through FY2033 the Federal TRIO Programs and reauthorizes through FY2027 the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 503 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2023
This resolution impeaches President Biden for high crimes and misdemeanors relating to actions taken involving immigration and the southern border.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 494 (118th)open
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2023
This resolution impeaches Vice President Harris for high crimes and misdemeanors for actions taken with respect to immigration and the southern border.
Bill· HRH.R. 4048 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2023
Venezuelan Adjustment Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to grant lawful permanent resident status to qualifying nationals of Venezuela. A national of Venezuela shall be eligible if that individual (1) applies for lawful permanent resident status no later than three years after this bill's enactment, (2) entered the United States on or before December 31, 2021, (3) has been continuously physically present in the United States for at least one year when filing their application, (4) is otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa, and (5) is not inadmissible under various grounds such as a conviction for an aggravated felony. Certain grounds for inadmissibility, such as the public charge ground, shall not apply. The spouse, child, or unmarried son or daughter of an eligible individual shall also be eligible. If an individual has applied for lawful permanent resident status under this bill and is subject to exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings, DHS may not order that individual's removal unless DHS has made a final determination to deny the application. DHS must provide work authorization to an individual whose application has been pending for more than 180 days, and may also provide authorization before that.
Bill· SS. 1926 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2023
United States-Uruguay Economic Partnership Act This bill addresses issues related to Uruguay. Specifically, this bill adds Uruguay to the list of countries eligible for designation as a beneficiary country under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act. (Such a designation generally provides for duty-free entry of goods into the United States from the designated countries, with some exclusions and limitations.) The bill also establishes that a national of Uruguay shall be eligible for an E visa (for an investor or trader who is a national of a foreign country with a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States) if Uruguay provides a similar nonimmigrant status to U.S. nationals. Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security must report to Congress an assessment as to whether Uruguay meets the eligibility criteria for the Visa Waiver Program. If Uruguay fails to meet the criteria, the report must also describe what actions Uruguay must take to become eligible. (Citizens of countries in the program may travel to the United States for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa.)
Bill· HRH.R. 3968 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2023
End Child Trafficking Now Act This bill imposes restrictions related to adult non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) being admitted into the United States with a minor. Such an adult may not be admitted with a minor unless the adult (1) presents documents or witness testimony proving that the adult is a relative or guardian of the minor, or (2) submits to a DNA test that proves such a relationship. The Department of Homeland Security may request a DNA test only if the required relationship cannot be established by the presented documents or witness testimony. An adult who does not consent to a requested DNA test shall be inadmissible. If the required relationship cannot be established and the immigration officer believes the adult is guilty of a felony offense, the officer may arrest the adult. The bill makes it a crime for an adult to knowingly use a minor to whom the adult is not a relative or guardian to enter the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 3986 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2023
Iceland Commercial and Economic Leadership for Arctic and National Development Act or the ICELAND Act This bill establishes that a national of Iceland shall be eligible for an E visa (for an investor or trader who is a national of a foreign country with a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States) if Iceland provides a similar nonimmigrant status to U.S. nationals.
Bill· HRH.R. 3941 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2023
Schools Not Shelters Act This bill prohibits using the facilities of certain schools that receive federal financial assistance to provide shelter or housing for any non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) who has not been admitted for lawful entry. Specifically, this bill shall apply to the facilities of (1) public elementary or secondary schools, and (2) institutions of higher education. This prohibition shall not apply to shelter or housing provided in response to certain disasters such as a fire, flood, explosion, or tornado for which there has been a disaster declaration.
Bill· SS. 1897 (118th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2023
Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act This bill requires and authorizes actions related to the inspection of pedestrians and vehicles crossing the border from the United States to Mexico. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must, to the extent practicable, ensure that 20% of such outbound vehicles are inspected. DHS may use various means to meet this requirement, including nonintrusive imaging. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) must hire at least 500 new officers to inspect pedestrians and vehicles crossing the border to Mexico. The CBP may also hire support staff and purchase equipment to assist with such inspections. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) must hire at least 100 new Homeland Security Investigations special agents to investigate the smuggling of currency and firearms from the United States to Mexico. ICE may also hire support staff to support these special agents. The bill also requires reports to Congress on various issues addressed in this bill, including quarterly reports on currency, firearms, and ammunition seized from outbound inspections along the southern border.
Bill· SS. 1885 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2023
Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act This bill exempts Special Immigrant Juveniles visas from certain annual numerical limitations on such visas. (Generally, Special Immigrant Juvenile status is available to qualifying non-U.S. nationals under 21 years of age who are in the United States and have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent.)
Bill· SS. 1887 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2023
Granting Recognition to Accomplished Talented Employees For Unwavering Loyalty Act or the GRATEFUL Act This bill makes additional visas available under a program that provides special immigrant visas to eligible foreign nationals who were employed by the U.S. government abroad. The bill also modifies a provision that reduces the number of diversity immigrant visas available each fiscal year. Generally, under this program, a foreign national (and their spouse and children) may receive a special immigrant visa if (1) the foreign national has been employed by the U.S. government abroad for at least 15 years, and (2) the Department of State has found that it is in the national interest to award the visa. There are a limited number of such visas available each fiscal year. Specifically, this bill makes additional special immigrant visas available if no visas are immediately available. Up to 3,500 additional visas shall be made available for FY2024, and up to 3,000 shall be made available in each subsequent fiscal year. The bill also modifies a provision related to the annual cap on diversity immigrant visas (i.e., visas awarded to nationals of countries with low rates of immigration to the United States). Current law reduces the number of such visas available each fiscal year based in part on the number of visas awarded under another program. Under this bill, the reduction in the number of diversity immigrant visas shall also take into consideration the number of special immigrant visas awarded under this bill.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 243 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2023
This resolution recognizes June 2023 as Immigrant Heritage Month in honor of the contributions immigrants and their children have made to the United States. It also welcomes immigrants presently in the United States and individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States to contribute to the health, safety, diversity, and prosperity of the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 3920 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023
Prioritizing the Removal of Migrants Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to prioritize immigration enforcement actions relating to certain groups of non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law), including those who (1) were apprehended in the United States after entering unlawfully after November 1, 2020, (2) have been convicted or charged with any criminal offense, (3) are deportable or removable on grounds related to crime or security, or (4) have abused any public benefits program.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 481 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023
This resolution states that BridgeUSA programs are vital to the economy and to U.S. national interests. The resolution also states that U.S. embassies and consulates should prioritize processing J-1 visas for such programs. (BridgeUSA is the name for what was formerly known as the Exchange Visitor Program. Participants from other countries come to the United States to participate in various exchange programs, such as exchange programs for professors, trainees, interns, and au pairs.)
Bill· HRH.R. 3934 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023
Uyghur Human Rights Protection Act This bill designates certain residents of the Xinjiang region in China as prioritized refugees of special humanitarian concern and addresses other related issues. This priority designation shall apply to individuals (and the spouses, children, and parents of such individuals) who (1) reside in or fled Xinjiang and who suffered persecution on account of their peaceful political, religious, or cultural activities or associations, or have a well-founded fear of such persecution; or (2) have been formally charged, detained, or convicted for certain peaceful actions related to Xinjiang. Such an individual may not be denied admission into the United States based primarily on an arrest or other adverse government action due to that individual's participation in protests. The bill also waives certain immigration-related requirements for such individuals. Furthermore, a Chinese national seeking refugee status shall be considered to have been persecuted on account of political opinion if the Chinese government revoked that individual's residency in any region of China because the individual submitted a nonfrivolous application for a U.S. immigration benefit. Similarly, if the Chinese government revoked a Chinese national's citizenship, nationality, or residency because that individual filed for a U.S. immigration benefit, that revocation shall constitute a changed circumstance. (Among other things, a changed circumstance may allow an individual who has been rejected for asylum to apply again.)
Bill· HRH.R. 3919 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023
Asylum Claims Improvement Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from taking into account the mental health of a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) when determining whether that individual qualifies as a refugee. (Generally, a refugee is an individual who is unable to return to their country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of certain characteristics, such as race or religion.) The bill also prohibits DHS from taking into account a non-U.S. national's mental health when determining whether that individual is protected by a provision that generally prohibits removing an individual to a country where that individual's life or freedom would be threatened.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 483 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023
This resolution recognizes Immigrant Heritage Month in honor of the contributions immigrants and their children have made to the United States. It also welcomes immigrants presently in the United States and individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States to contribute to the health, safety, diversity, and prosperity of the United States.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 482 (118th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023
This resolution commends U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz on his retirement after 32 years of service.