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Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 25 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2017
Expresses the sense of Congress that Executive Order 13769, entitled "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States," is not a testament to the United States as a nation that is welcoming to all regardless of race, religion, or country of origin. 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. Declares that: the President must immediately allow for the continued entry of refugees that have already been granted admission to the United States by the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program; the United States should continue to resettle refugees that need protection, and lawful permanent residents should be granted entry into the United States, regardless of their country of origin; and the Visa Interview Waiver Program should not be suspended while the Department of State conducts a review of all nonimmigrant visa reciprocity agreements to ensure that there are no disruptions to communities, institutions of education, and interstate commerce.
Bill· HRH.R. 1036 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2017
American Families United Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to revise waiver of inadmissibility requirements, including by waiving inadmissibility for: (1) certain persons who entered the United States before age 16 who have earned a degree from a U.S. institution of higher education, (2) false claims of U.S. citizenship by persons under age 18 or lacking mental competence to knowingly misrepresent a claim, and (3) false claims of U.S. citizenship if inadmissibility would create family separation hardship for the alien (including a self-petitioner under the Violence Against Women Act) or for a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member. The bill: (1) authorizes parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility for unlawful presence, (2) places a three-year limit on immigration-related misrepresentations rendering aliens inadmissible, and (3) revises the definition "conviction" for INA purposes. An immigration judge in specified circumstances, including family separation hardship, but with certain exceptions, may decline to order an alien removed, deported, or excluded and terminate related proceedings or grant permission to reapply for admission or for relief from removal. Nothing in this bill shall be construed to enable the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to expand their discretionary authority beyond a case-by-case basis or to provide legalization or nationalization of covered persons.
Bill· HRH.R. 1021 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2017
Expatriate Terrorist Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include among the grounds for loss of U.S. nationality by a native-born or naturalized citizen: taking an oath or making a declaration of allegiance to a foreign terrorist organization after attaining the age of 18; entering, or serving in, a foreign terrorist organization; becoming a member of or providing training or material assistance to a foreign terrorist organization; and accepting, serving in, or performing the duties of any office, post, or employment under the government of a foreign state, a political subdivision, or a foreign terrorist organization if the person knowingly has or acquires the nationality of that foreign state, or an oath, affirmation, or declaration of allegiance to the foreign state, political subdivision, or designated foreign terrorist organization is required for the office, post, or employment. The Passport Act of 1926 is amended to: prohibit the Department of State from issuing a passport or passport card to an individual who is a member, or attempting to become a member, of a foreign terrorist organization; and direct the State Department to revoke a passport or passport card previously issued to any such individual. A person who is denied issuance of a passport or passport card or whose passport or passport card is revoked or otherwise restricted may request a due process hearing not later than 60 days after receiving notice of the nonissuance, revocation, or restriction.
Bill· HRH.R. 1014 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2017
Haiti Emergency Relief Act of 2017 This bill extends 18-month temporary protected status to a national of Haiti who: (1) has been continuously physically present in the United States since November 4, 2016, (2) is admissible as an immigrant and not ineligible for temporary protected status, and (3) registers for temporary protected status in a manner that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall establish. Such an alien may travel abroad if the alien establishes to the satisfaction of DHS that emergency and extenuating circumstances beyond the alien's control require his or her departure for a brief, temporary trip abroad.
Bill· HRH.R. 1010 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2017
Defense of Legal Workers Act of 2017 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) exclude from the definition of "unauthorized alien," with respect to the unlawful employment of aliens, any alien otherwise admitted to and lawfully present in the United States; and (2) consider an alien without lawful status to be an unauthorized alien whose employment is unlawful.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 120 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2017
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) Judge James L. Robart of the Western District of Washington ignored the Constitution, federal law, and court precedent in issuing a temporary restraining order against Executive Order 13769, entitled "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States"; and (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit erred in failing to reverse Judge Robart's order. Among the executive 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.
Bill· HRH.R. 1006 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2017
This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide an individual in any removal, exclusion, or deportation proceeding or inspection (excluding primary inspections as defined by Department of Homeland Security policies) with a right to representation (at no expense to the government) by counsel of such individual's choosing, including remote counseling if counsel cannot personally meet with the individual. A person held or detained at a port of entry may not submit a valid Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status or Withdrawal of Application for Admission if such person has been denied access to counsel. The bill extends the right to be accompanied, represented, and advised by counsel or other qualified representative before a government agency to any person subject to a proceeding, examination, holding, or detention. The holding or detention of individuals at a port of entry or at any holding or detention facility overseen by U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shall: (1) be limited to the briefest term and the least restrictive conditions practicable, (2) be consistent with the rationale for such holding or detention; and (3) shall include access to food, water, and rest room facilities.
Bill· SS. 361 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2017
Expatriate Terrorist Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include among the grounds for loss of U.S. nationality by a native-born or naturalized citizen: taking an oath or making a declaration of allegiance to a foreign terrorist organization after attaining the age of 18; entering, or serving in, a foreign terrorist organization; accepting, serving in, or performing the duties of any office, post, or employment under the government of a foreign state, a political subdivision, or a foreign terrorist organization after attaining the age of 18 if the person knowingly has or acquires the nationality of that foreign state, or if an oath, affirmation, or declaration of allegiance to the foreign state, political subdivision, or designated foreign terrorist organization is required for the office, post, or employment; and knowingly providing material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization if the person knows that such organization is engaged in hostilities against the United States. The Passport Act of 1926 is amended to: prohibit the Department of State from issuing a passport or passport card to an individual who is serving in, or attempting to serve in, a foreign terrorist organization and is a threat to U.S. national security; and direct the State Department to revoke a passport or passport card previously issued to any such individual. A person who is denied issuance of a passport or passport card or whose passport or passport card is revoked or otherwise restricted may request a due process hearing not later than 60 days after receiving notice of the nonissuance, revocation, or restriction. The State Department may issue a passport or passport card to, or refuse to revoke a passport or passport card from, an individual if such issuance or refusal to revoke is in U.S. national security interests.
Bill· SS. 354 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2017
Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment Act or the RAISE Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the diversity immigrant visa category. The fiscal year limit for refugee admissions is set at 50,000. The President shall annually enumerate the previous year's number of asylees. The bill defines: (1) "immediate relative" as the under-21 year old child or spouse of a U.S. citizen, and (2) "family-sponsored immigrant" as the under-21 year old child or spouse of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. The worldwide fiscal year level for family-sponsored immigrants is reduced. The bill establishes a nonimmigrant alien W-visa for the parent of an adult (at least 21 years old) U.S. citizen.
Bill· SS. 349 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2017
This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide an individual in any removal, exclusion, or deportation proceeding or inspection (excluding primary inspections as defined by Department of Homeland Security policies) with a right to representation (at no expense to the government) by counsel of such individual's choosing, including remote counseling if counsel cannot personally meet with the individual. A person held or detained at a port of entry may not submit a valid Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status or Withdrawal of Application for Admission if such person has been denied access to counsel. The bill extends the right to be accompanied, represented, and advised by counsel or other qualified representative before a government agency to any person subject to a proceeding, examination, holding, or detention. The holding or detention of individuals at a port of entry or at any holding or detention facility overseen by U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shall: (1) be limited to the briefest term and the least restrictive conditions practicable, (2) be consistent with the rationale for such holding or detention; and (3) shall include access to food, water, and rest room facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 979 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2017
Promoting Tourism to Enhance our Economy Act of 2017 This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to admit into the United States as a visitor for pleasure a qualifying Canadian citizen over 55 years old and his or her spouse (who is not required to be over 55 years old) for a period not to exceed 240 days if the person: (1) maintains a Canadian residence and owns a U.S. residence or has rented a U.S. accommodation for the duration of such stay, and (2) is not inadmissible or described in any ground of deportability. Such person may not: (1) engage in employment or labor for hire in the United States, or (2) seek any form of assistance or benefit under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.
Bill· HRH.R. 920 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2017
Protecting Our Border Communities Act of 2017 This bill states that: (1) beginning on January 25, 2017, Executive Order 13767, entitled "Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements," 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 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.
Bill· HRH.R. 913 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2017
Immigrant Detainee Legal Rights Act This bill directs the Department of Justice to: establish within the Executive Office for Immigration Review an Office of Legal Access Programs to administer a system of legal orientation programs to make immigration proceedings more efficient by educating aliens regarding administrative procedures and legal rights under U.S. immigration law and to establish other programs to assist in providing aliens access to legal information; and submit a plan to Congress that includes a schedule to develop and deploy legal orientation programs for all detainees. The legal orientation programs shall: provide programs to assist detained aliens in making decisions regarding their removal and eligibility for relief from removal in order to increase efficiency s in immigration proceedings and federal custody processes and to improve access to legal services; ensure that programs and written notice of rights are available in English and the five most common native languages spoken by the detainees held in custody at that location during the preceding fiscal year; and identify unaccompanied alien children, aliens with a serious mental disability, and other particularly vulnerable aliens for right to counsel considerations. Such programs may provide services to detained aliens in specified immigration (detention and removal) and asylum proceedings. The Department of Homeland Security shall establish procedures: (1) that ensure that legal orientation programs are available for all detained aliens within five days of arrival into custody; and (2) to inform such aliens of the basic procedures of immigration hearings, their rights relating to those hearings, information that may deter such aliens from filing frivolous legal claims, and a contact list of potential legal resources and providers.
Bill· HRH.R. 912 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2017
Protecting Immigrants From Legal Exploitation Act of 2017 This bill amends the federal criminal code to subject to a fine, imprisonment, or both any individual who: (1) knowingly or recklessly executes a scheme in connection with any federal immigration law-related matter to defraud a person or to obtain money or anything else of value from a person by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises; or (2) knowingly and falsely represents that such individual is an attorney or an accredited representative in any federal immigration law-related matter. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall promulgate regulations, forms, and procedures defining the circumstances in which: (1) persons submitting immigration documents must identify who (other than immediate family members) assisted them in preparing or translating such documents; and (2) any person who received compensation (other than a normal fee for copying, mailing, or similar services) in connection with the preparation or submission of such documents must sign the documents as a preparer and provide identifying information. DOJ may bring a civil injunction against an immigration service provider who engages in fraudulent conduct that substantially interferes with the administration of the immigration laws or who willfully misrepresents such provider's legal authority to provide representation before DOJ or DHS. An alien may withdraw an immigration submission if the alien: (1) submits information indicating that thesubmission was prepared or submitted by an individual engaged in the unauthorized practice of law or immigration practitioner fraud, and (2) attests that he or she had no prior knowledge that the submission was prepared or submitted by such an individual. This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to waive the bar on reentry for an alien who left the United States based on the erroneous advice of an individual engaged in the unauthorized practice of law or immigration practitioner fraud. DOJ and DHS shall: (1) carry out, through the Director of the Office for Immigration Review, an outreach program to educate aliens regarding who may provide legal services and representation in immigration proceedings; and (2) establish, within the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Executive Office for Immigration Review, programs to award grants to eligible nonprofit organizations for direct legal services to aliens.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 56 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2017
Declares that Executive Order 13769, entitled "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States," undermines the national interest of the United States. 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. Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States should remain a global leader in welcoming and providing refuge to refugees and asylum seekers; and (2) no person should be banned from entering the United States because of their nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender.
Bill· HRH.R. 921 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2017
Community Trust Act of 2017 This bill nullifies Executive Order 13768, entitled "Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States," beginning on January 25, 2017, and prohibits the use of any federal funds to implement, administer, enforce, or carry out any of the policy changes set forth in such order. 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).
Bill· HRH.R. 904 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2017
Buy American Improvement Act of 2017 This bill amends the Buy American Act and federal grant programs to: (1) standardize guidelines for federal agencies to waive Buy American requirements for their construction contracts and direct purchases of materials for public buildings, uses, or works; and (2) extend domestic content requirements to additional grant programs that federal agencies administer to fund states and other entities carrying out transportation and infrastructure projects. The Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) must require agencies to: (1) publicly disclose and justify their Buy American waivers, (2) ensure projects are not disaggregated to avoid such requirements, (3) be subject to investigations for improper waivers, and (4) minimize waivers that would decrease employment in the United States. The bill: (1) directs the OFPP to issue rules to evaluate domestic content in "manufactured end product," (2) requires domestic component costs to exceed 75% before manufactured materials are considered manufactured "substantially all" from U.S. materials, (3) excludes project start-up costs from a domestic offer in comparisons of offers between domestic and nondomestic entities, (4) prohibits agencies from determining that the acquisition costs of U.S. materials is unreasonable unless it would increase overall acquisition cost by more than 25%, and (5) applies Buy American requirements to materials for use outside the United States that are not needed on an urgent basis or that are acquired on a regular basis. An agency is prohibited from determining that a material is not mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities and of a satisfactory quality unless: (1) domestic production cannot be initiated without significantly delaying the project; and (2) a substitutable material is not in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities and of a satisfactory quality. The bill amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to require the Department of Homeland Security to procure from U.S. sources certain national security items used to construct border protection barriers and roads under the Illegal Immigration and Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. The bill prohibits the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) from waiving Buy America requirements for states applying to use federal-aid funds to purchase buses, vehicles, or other rolling stock under the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program unless: (1) the cost of components and subcomponents produced in the United States is more than 60% of the cost of all components of the rolling stock; and (2) final assembly of the rolling stock has occurred in the United States. The bill requires involvement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and a domestic supplier scouting process for domestic content waivers that: (1) the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issues to Amtrak for rail projects, and (2) the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues to grant recipients under the airport improvement program. The FAA may approve an airport improvement project financed with passenger facility charges only if the steel and manufactured goods are produced in the United States. The bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, the Rural Water Supply Act of 2006, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act), and the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to add domestic source requirements, and require public notice and comment before any waivers of such requirements, for projects supported by: the Environmental Protection Agency's grants to state drinking water treatment or water pollution control revolving loan funds; the Rural Utilities Service; the Department of Housing and Urban Development; the Department of the Interior for the construction of treatment works for rural water projects; or the FRA.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 102 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2017
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Department of Justice should appoint an independent counsel to investigate whether the President or his staff directed, or knew about and failed to prevent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection activities that violated, or consciously circumvented and nullified the efficacy of, judicial orders designed to stay Executive Order 13769. 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.
Bill· HRH.R. 887 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2017
This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend posthumous citizenship to an otherwise qualified noncitizen who enlisted, reenlisted, extended enlistment, or was inducted into the U.S. Armed Forces in the Philippines and died as a result of such active duty service during the period September 1, 1939-December 31, 1946. The executive department under which a person served shall determine whether the person satisfied the requirements for posthumous citizenship. Specified naturalization and other posthumous benefit provisions shall not apply to the surviving spouse, child, or parent of such a person.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 94 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2017
Commends Sally Yates for refusing to enforce Executive Order 13769. 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. Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) honors those who faithfully uphold the Constitution by refusing to carry out orders that are contrary to our laws, ideals, and founding document; and (2) recommits to fighting to ensure that all people receive the dignity, respect, and rights guaranteed by the Constitution regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, ethnicity, or national origin.
Bill· HRH.R. 852 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2017
Freedom of Religion Act of 2017 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that an alien may not be denied U.S. entry, reentry, or admission, or any other immigration benefit because of the alien's religion or lack of religious beliefs. Nothing in this bill shall be construed to affect immigration law authority when exercised on a case-by-case basis with respect to an individual who a consular officer, an immigration officer, the Justice Department, the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, or the President determines may pose a threat to U.S. national security.
Bill· HRH.R. 844 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2017
Terrorist Deportation Act of 2017 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to make an alien, other than a lawful permanent resident, who is identified in the terrorist screening database inadmissible or deportable on terrorist grounds. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with the unanimous concurrence of the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Department of State, may grant an individual a national security waiver to enter the United States temporarily as a nonimmigrant. An identified alien shall be ineligible for asylum, withholding or cancellation of removal, voluntary departure, adjustment of status, or acquisition of legal permanent residency through the registry provisions. DHS shall revise specified regulations implementing the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment to: (1) exclude identified aliens from the protection of such regulations, and (2) make such aliens ineligible for withholding or deferral of removal under INA. The bill provides that, with respect to an alien who has not been granted a waiver under this bill and who either is not lawfully admitted for permanent residence or has been granted conditional resident status: (1) DHS shall determine inadmissibility or deportability and issue an order of removal for an identified alien; and (2) in the case of an alien not issued an order of removal, DHS may determine inadmissibility or deportability and issue an order of removal based upon terrorist activity. Such expedited proceedings shall include specified protections for the alien in removal.
Bill· SS. 303 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 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.
Bill· HRH.R. 858 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2017
DREAMers, Immigrants, and Refugees (DIRe) Legal Aid Act This bill directs the Department of Justice to make grants to nonprofit legal services providers with immigration law expertise to provide immigration-related legal services and advice to an alien who: (1) is present in the United States as a lawful permanent resident; (2) has received a grant of deferred action under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, has been admitted as a refugee (or the alien's spouse or parent has been so admitted), or has been determined to be qualified for such admission; and (3) has been ordered removed, is in removal proceedings, or is at risk of being denied U.S. entry or admission. The Department of Homeland Security shall provide such aliens: (1) with provider contact information; and (2) if in detention, with an opportunity to arrange representation by such a provider. The Under Secretary for Science and Technology shall carry out a study on the outcomes for individuals in removal proceedings with legal representation compared to the outcomes for such individuals without legal representation.
Bill· HRH.R. 837 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2017
Build Bridges Not Walls Act This bill provides that the executive order titled "Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements" signed by the President on January 25, 2017, or any other substantially similar action by the President to use taxpayer dollars or fees to construct a continuous wall or fence between the United States and Mexico shall have no force or effect.
Bill· HRH.R. 824 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2017
No Transportation Funds for Sanctuary Cities Act This bill prohibits the obligation or expenditure of certain national infrastructure investment funds for discretionary grants (commonly known as Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery [TIGER] grants) for a surface transportation infrastructure investment project in a sanctuary jurisdiction. A "sanctuary jurisdiction" means a state or political subdivision that prohibits or restricts a government entity or official from: receiving, maintaining, or providing a federal, state, or local government entity information regarding the citizenship or immigration status of an individual; or complying with a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) detainer order to temporarily hold an alien in custody, transport an alien to federal custody, or notify DHS about an alien's release.
Bill· SS. 281 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2017
Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2017 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) eliminate the per country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants, and (2) increase the per country numerical limitation for family based immigrants from 7% to 15% of the total number of family-sponsored visas. The Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992 is amended to eliminate the provision requiring the reduction of annual Chinese immigrant visas to offset status adjustments under such Act. The bill establishes the following transition period for employment-based second and third preference (EB-2 and EB-3) immigrant visas: for FY2017, 15% of such visas allotted to natives of countries other than the two countries with the largest aggregate numbers of natives obtaining such visas in FY2011; for FY2018, 10% of such visas allotted in each category to natives of countries other than the two with the largest aggregate numbers of natives obtaining such visas in FY2012; and for FY2019, 10% of such visas allotted in each category to natives of countries other than the two with the largest aggregate numbers of natives obtaining such visas in FY2015. The bill sets forth the following per country distribution rules: (1) for transition period visas, not more than 25% of the total number of EB-2 and EB-3 visas for natives of a single country; and (2) for non-transition period visas, not more than 85% of EB-2 and EB-3 visas for natives of a single country. Amendments made by this bill shall take place as if enacted on September 30, 2016, and shall apply beginning in FY2017.
Bill· HRH.R. 819 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2017
Tax Credit Accountability Act of 201 7 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny the earned income tax credit to any alien individual who is in an unlawful immigration status at any point during the taxable year.
Bill· SS. 274 (115th)open
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2017
This bill rescinds the provisions of Executive Order 13769, entitled "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States," effective as of January 27, 2017. 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.
Bill· HRH.R. 748 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2017
Safeguarding Sanctuary Cities Act of 2017 This bill prohibits reducing or withholding federal financial assistance that a state or local government would otherwise receive because such state or local government has in place any policy that limits or restricts compliance with a detainer. A "detainer" is defined as any order or request by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for a state or local official to: temporarily hold a person until such person may be taken into federal custody, transport such a person for transfer to federal custody, or notify DHS prior to releasing such person.
Bill· HRH.R. 724 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2017
Statue of Liberty Values Act of 2017 or the SOLVE Act of 2017 This bill states that: (1) beginning on January 27, 2017, Executive Order 13769, 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 immigrants and nonimmigrants from seven countries (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen) and additional limitations on refugee admissions to the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 730 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2017
Equal Protection in Travel Act of 2017 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the prohibition against participation in the visa waiver program of an alien who, regardless of whether the alien is a national of a program country, is a national of: (1) Iraq or Syria, (2) a country designated as a country that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism, or (3) any other country or area of concern.
Bill· HRH.R. 722 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2017
No Funds for Unconstitutional Executive Orders Act This bill prohibits any federal agency funds, resources, or fees from being used to carry out any of the policy changes set forth in the executive order entitled "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States," signed by President Donald J. Trump on January 27, 2017. 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.
Bill· SS. 248 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2017
This bill prohibits any federal agency funds, resources, or fees from being used to implement or enforce Executive Order 13769, entitled "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States." 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.
Bill· SS. 240 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2017
This bill rescinds the provisions of Executive Order 13769, entitled "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States." 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.
Bill· HRH.R. 705 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2017
Verify Eligibility Coverage Act The bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow a state to delay or deny an individual's initial eligibility for Medicaid benefits without providing a reasonable opportunity to submit evidence of a satisfactory immigration status or pending official verification of such status. A state that elects to provide a reasonable period for an individual to provide such evidence may not receive payment for amounts expended on the individual's medical assistance during that period. In FY2018-FY2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, using the Medicaid Improvement Fund, shall pay a 90% federal matching rate to eligible states for home- and community-based services furnished under a state Medicaid waiver to patients who had been on a waiting list for such services.
Bill· HRH.R. 678 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017
Department of Homeland Security Support to Fusion Centers Act of 2017 This bill directs the Comptroller General to conduct an assessment of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel assigned to fusion centers established under the Homeland Security Act of 2002. (A fusion center serves as a focal point within the state and local environment for the receipt, analysis, gathering, and sharing of threat-related information between the federal government and state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners.) The assessment must include information on: the roles and responsibilities of DHS's Office of Intelligence and Analysis intelligence officers and analysts, reports officers, and regional directors deployed to such centers; federal resources provided to each center; an analysis of the optimal number of personnel the Office of Intelligence and Analysis should deploy to such centers; fusion centers located in jurisdictions along land and maritime borders of the United States and the degree to which deploying personnel from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Coast Guard to such centers would enhance the integrity and security at such borders; and fusion centers located in jurisdictions with large and medium hub airports and the degree to which deploying personnel from the Transportation Security Administration to such centers would enhance aviation security. The bill expresses the sense of Congress that any program established by DHS's Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis to provide eligibility for access to information classified as Top Secret for state, local, tribal, and territorial analysts located in fusion centers shall be consistent with the need-to-know requirements pursuant to Executive Order No. 13526. The Under Secretary must report on: the process by which the Under Secretary determines a need to know to sponsor Top Secret clearances for analysts in fusion centers; the effects of such Top Secret clearances on enhancing information sharing with state, local, tribal, and territorial partners; the cost for providing such Top Secret clearances for such analysts, including training and background investigations; and the operational security protocols, training, management, and risks associated with providing such Top Secret clearances. The Under Secretary shall assess information systems used to share homeland security information between DHS and fusion centers in the network and make appropriate upgrades. The Under Secretary shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with each Network fusion center regarding the type of information fusion centers will provide to DHS and whether such information may be subject to public disclosure. Fusion centers are required to assist, review information from, and disseminate information to territorial governments.
Bill· SS. 232 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017
This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the EB-5 visa category. The number of fiscal year immigrant visas available for the following employment categories is increased: (1) priority workers; (2) members of the professions with advanced degrees or persons of exceptional ability; (3) skilled workers, professionals, and certain unskilled workers; and (4) certain special immigrants. 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.
Bill· SS. 229 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017
Protect DREAMer Confidentiality Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to protect individual application information submitted to DHS after June 15, 2012, as part of a request for consideration or reconsideration for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program from disclosure to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for any purpose other than implementing such program. Such information may be shared with national security and law enforcement agencies: (1) to identify or prevent fraudulent claims, (2) for national security purposes relating to an individual application, or (3) for the investigation or prosecution of a felony not related to immigration status. DHS may not refer an individual whose case has been deferred pursuant to the DACA program to ICE, CBP, the Department of Justice, or any other law enforcement agency.
Bill· SS. 211 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017
State Refugee Security Act of 2017 This bill directs the Office of Refugee Resettlement to notify the state agency responsible for coordinating the placement or resettlement of an alien refugee not later than 21 days before the alien's arrival in the state. No alien refugee shall be placed or resettled in a state if the governor certifies to the Office of Refugee Resettlement that it has failed, in the sole determination of the governor, to provide adequate assurance that such person does not present a security risk to the state.
Bill· HRH.R. 670 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017
High-Skilled Integrity and Fairness Act of 2017 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) eliminate the per-country limit for employment-based immigrant visas, and (2) increase the limit for family sponsored visas. The bill revises: (1) the H-1B nonimmigrant visa (specialty occupation) program, including by revising the definition of "exempt H-1B nonimmigrant"; and (2) the computation of prevailing wage level for purposes of occupational classification. The bill provides that H-1B visas will be allocated on a three-tiered wage-based system if H-1B visa petitions exceed the number of visas available for a fiscal year. An employer may not reduce H-1B wages, except for taxes, garnishments, or under a collective bargaining agreement or where otherwise customary. The bill reserves 20% of fiscal year H-1B visas for employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees, including parent, subsidiary, and other affiliated entities. The bill authorizes dual intent for F-1 visa foreign students. (Dual intent is an immigration concept that allows aliens to be temporarily present in the United States with nonimmigrant status and immigrant intent.) Students may use work experience as qualifying labor certification experience. An amended H-1B petition shall not be required where a petitioner has a valid labor condition application for a new place of employment that has terms and conditions of employment that are the same as the previous place of employment. The receipt of information from an employer for H-1B hiring purposes shall not be considered to be the receipt of information for purposes of determining employer compliance with labor condition requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 643 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017
Visa Overstay Enforcement Act of 2017 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to subject any alien who remains in the United States after any visa or status under which the alien is lawfully present has expired to: (1) a fine or imprisonment for up to six months, or both, for a first offense; and (2) a fine or imprisonment for up to two years, or both, for any subsequent offense. Such penalties shall be waived if the overstay was due to medical necessity, public safety, or national security. An alien convicted of a first offense may not be admitted to the United States for 5 years or granted a visa for 10 years. An alien convicted of a subsequent offense may not be admitted to the United States at all or granted a visa.
Bill· HRH.R. 641 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017
Better Agriculture Resources Now Act or the BARN Act This bill revises the H-2A nonimmigrant agricultural worker visa program, including with respect to: (1) agricultural labor and services, (2) application requirements, (3) wages, (4) period of authorized nonimmigrant status, (5) housing, (6) legal assistance, and (7) violations.
Bill· HRH.R. 639 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017
Electronic Notification Improvement Act of 2017 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Department of Homeland Security to provide electronic notification to any petitioner who submits a petition or payment of any fee pertaining to the importation of an H-2A visa alien (temporary agricultural worker) or an H-2B visa alien (temporary nonagricultural worker) upon receipt of such petition or payment.
Bill· HRH.R. 604 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2017
State Refugee Security Act of 2017 This bill directs the Office of Refugee Resettlement to notify the state agency responsible for coordinating the placement or resettlement of an alien refugee not later than 21 days before the alien's arrival in the state. No alien refugee shall be placed or resettled in a state if the governor certifies to the Office of Refugee Resettlement that it has failed, in the sole determination of the governor, to provide adequate assurance that such person does not present a security risk to the state.
Bill· HRH.R. 591 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2017
Use Spending for Congressional Immigration Supervision Act or the USCIS Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to declare that all deposits into the Immigration Examinations Fee Account shall remain available to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (currently, the Department of Justice [DOJ]) for reimbursement of administrative expenses to the extent and in such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriation Acts. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 is amended to declare that certain foreign student and exchange program fees that are deposited into the account shall remain available to DHS (currently, DOJ) for reimbursement of administrative expenses (including expenses related to gathering foreign student information) to the extent and in such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriation Acts.
Bill· SS. 180 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 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.
Bill· SS. 179 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2017
Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act This bill amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to make the E-Verify program permanent. The bill requires: (1) federal agencies, contractors, and critical employers to participate in E-Verify; (2) all U.S. employers to participate in E-Verify within one year of enactment of this Act; and (3) employers using a contract, subcontract, or exchange to obtain labor to certify that they utilize E-Verify. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall require the E-Verify participation of an employer or class of employers if DHS has reasonable cause to believe that the employer is or has been in material violation of the employment eligibility verification process under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). An employer’s failure to use E-Verify shall be treated as a violation of the INA requirement to verify employment eligibility and creates a rebuttable presumption that the employer knowingly hired, recruited, or referred an illegal alien. The bill: (1) increases civil and criminal penalties for specified hiring-related violations, and (2) establishes a good faith civil penalty exemption/reduction for certain hiring-related violations. Employers who are convicted of specified hiring related crimes or who have repeatedly committed specified hiring-related violations may be disbarred from federal contract, grant, or cooperative agreement participation. State and local governments may not prohibit employers from using E-Verify to determine the employment eligibility of new hires or current employees. The bill authorizes the verification of individuals before they are hired, recruited, or referred if the individual so consents. Employers are required to: (1) use E-Verify to verify the identity and employment eligibility of any individual who has not been previously verified through E-Verify not later than three years after enactment of this Act, (2) reverify the work authorization of individuals not later than three days after their employment authorization is due to expire, and (3) terminate an employee following receipt of a final E-Verify nonconfirmation and submit information DHS determines would assist it in enforcing or administering U.S. immigration laws. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must report weekly to Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding each person receiving a final E-Verify nonconfirmation. The Social Security Administration, DHS, and the Department of the Treasury shall establish an information sharing program. The bill: (1) provides for elimination of the Form I-9 process, and (2) sets forth E-Verify design and operation requirements. The federal criminal code is amended to: (1) provide that illegal aliens possessing or otherwise using false identification information not their own can be punished for identity fraud, and (2) subject a person who uses false identity information in furtherance of harboring or hiring illegal aliens to a fine and/or penalty of up to 20 years in prison. USCIS is required to establish a demonstration program to assist small businesses in rural areas or areas without Internet capabilities in verifying employment eligibility through the use of publicly accessible Internet terminals.
Bill· HRH.R. 573 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2017
Baseball Diplomacy Act This bill waives certain foreign assistance and trade and travel prohibitions against Cuba under specified federal law regarding Cuban nationals who: (1) enter the United States on a visa to play organized professional baseball, and (2) return to Cuba with their baseball earnings.Such visa shall be valid only for the duration of the season and need not be renewed as long as the player remains with the same team. The bill prohibits the President from denying visas to such nationals based upon authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act to restrict any entry of aliens or class of aliens that would be detrimental to U.S. interests. This bill shall not be affected by the economic embargo requirements against Cuba under the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996.
Bill· HRH.R. 546 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2017
No Resettlement Without Consent Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that: (1) the Office of Refugee Resettlement shall not place or resettle a refugee within a state without the governor's approval; and (2) notwithstanding such approval, the office shall not place or resettle a refugee in any locality within a state if the locality has in effect a law, or a policy with the effect of law, disapproving of refugee resettlement in that locality.