Immigration

Ukrainian Adjustment Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023

Ukrainian Adjustment Act of 2023 This bill provides a streamlined process for certain Ukrainian nationals (including accompanying spouse and children) who are living in the United States to receive lawful permanent resident status. Specifically, the bill permits Ukrainian nationals who have been paroled into the United States after February 20, 2014, to apply for and receive lawful permanent resident status. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may waive grounds for inadmissibility (excluding certain crimes or security related grounds) for individuals who apply for status adjustment. DHS must establish vetting requirements (including an interview) for applicants that are equivalent to those under the United States Refugee Admissions Program. The bill also preserves eligibility for the status adjustment of certain battered spouses whose eligibility for such status stemmed from a marriage that has terminated. Finally, the bill requires DHS to issue guidance to implement these requirements and establishes a deadline for eligible individuals to apply for adjustment.

End Child Trafficking Now Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 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 and 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 and 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.

Impeaching Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors.

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

This resolution impeaches Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas for high crimes and misdemeanors for ceasing construction of a border wall and for other activities relating to immigration and the southern border.

Non-Intrusive Inspection Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Non-Intrusive Inspection Expansion Act This bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to increase its use of nonintrusive inspection systems to scan passenger and commercial vehicles at land ports of entry. Beginning no later than September 30, 2026, CBP must use such systems at land ports of entry to scan at least (1) 40% of passenger vehicles and 90% of commercial vehicles entering the United States, and (2) 10% of all vehicles exiting the United States. The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on the use of such systems, including an assessment of their effectiveness.

Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2023

Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2023 This bill makes an additional 20,000 special immigrant visas available to eligible citizens or nationals of Afghanistan who assisted U.S. efforts there and addresses related issues. (Generally, these visas are available to individuals who were employed in Afghanistan by the U.S. government or the International Security Assistance Force for at least one year.) Specifically, the bill expands the window of eligibility for meeting certain requirements for such visas. Currently, an applicant must complete the employment requirements by the end of 2024, and the bill extends this window to the end of 2029. Similarly, the bill extends the deadline to apply for a visa with the Chief of Mission from the end of 2024 to the end of 2029. The bill also makes these visas available to otherwise eligible individuals who could not complete the employment requirements due to an injury sustained during the employment. The bill also addresses the processing of these visas, including by (1) requiring each relevant federal agency to designate a senior official to oversee the integrity and efficiency of visa processing; (2) authorizing the use of virtual video meetings to sign applications and to give oaths; (3) requiring the Department of State to reimburse applicants for the cost of medical examinations required by immigration law, if the applicant petitions for such reimbursement; and (4) requiring the State Department to develop a strategy to address pending applications.

Condemning the use of elementary and secondary school facilities to provide shelter for aliens who are not admitted to the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2023

This resolution condemns using the facilities of a public elementary or secondary school that serves students to provide shelter for non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who are not admitted into the United States.

Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2023

Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2023 This bill makes an additional 20,000 special immigrant visas available to eligible citizens or nationals of Afghanistan who assisted U.S. efforts there and addresses related issues. (Generally, these visas are available to individuals who were employed in Afghanistan by the U.S. government or the International Security Assistance Force for at least one year.) Specifically, the bill expands the window of eligibility for meeting certain requirements for such visas. Currently, an applicant must complete the employment requirements by the end of 2024, and the bill extends this window to the end of 2029. Similarly, the bill extends the deadline to apply for a visa with the Chief of Mission from the end of 2024 to the end of 2029. The bill also makes these visas available to otherwise eligible individuals who could not complete the employment requirements due to an injury sustained during the employment. The bill also addresses the processing of these visas, including by (1) requiring each relevant federal agency to designate a senior official to oversee the integrity and efficiency of visa processing; (2) authorizing the use of virtual video meetings to sign applications and to give oaths; (3) requiring the Department of State to reimburse applicants for the cost of medical examinations required by immigration law, if the applicant petitions for such reimbursement; and (4) requiring the State Department to develop a strategy to address pending applications.

Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act This bill establishes a new nonimmigrant visa for temporary nonagricultural workers (H-2C visa) to fill jobs that have remained open for a certain amount of time and are located in an area where the unemployment rate is 7.9% or less. This visa shall only be available for certain occupations, and those requiring a bachelor's degree or higher level of education shall not be eligible. The bill imposes various requirements related to H-2C positions, such as requiring that the employer make certain efforts to recruit a U.S. worker beforehand. The employer must register the opening before filling it with an H-2C worker, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall maintain a publicly available registry of registered positions. For the first fiscal year after the bill's enactment, no more than 65,000 positions may be registered. For subsequent fiscal years, the number shall be increased or decreased depending on how many positions were registered the previous year and how quickly the allotment was filled. A certain number of allocations shall be reserved for small businesses. An employer seeking to hire H-2C workers shall register with DHS and provide documentation establishing that the employer meets various qualifications. An employer may become ineligible for registration for certain actions, such as having been penalized for a pattern of willful violation of wage and hour laws. H-2C workers shall not be entitled to certain federal public benefits. The Bureau of the Census shall report to Congress on the impact of the H-2C program.

Corporal Fernando Ruiz Baltazar Posthumous Citizenship Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

Corporal Fernando Ruiz Baltazar Posthumous Citizenship Act of 2023 This bill extends 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 beginning September 1, 1939, and ending December 31, 1946. The executive department under which an individual served must determine whether the individual satisfied the requirements for posthumous citizenship under this bill. Specified naturalization and other posthumous benefit provisions shall not apply to the surviving spouse, child, or parent of such an individual.

Migrant Relocation Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

Migrant Relocation Transparency Act This bill requires the federal government to, before resettling, transporting, or relocating any non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) not in detention, consult with the affected state and local governments. Specifically, the department taking the action, either the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), must consult with the affected state and local governments at least three days before the action. HHS and DHS must also submit to Congress monthly state-specific reports about such actions.

Expanding Health Care Providers for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

Expanding Health Care Providers for Veterans Act This bill exempts certain workers involved with providing care for veterans from the annual cap on H-1B visas (specialty occupations). Specifically, an H-1B visa shall not count against the annual cap if the visa holder is employed (or has received a job offer) at the Department of Veterans Affairs or a State home (generally, a facility established by a state or Indian tribe for disabled veterans). (The annual H-1B cap is 65,000 visas with various exemptions and additional visas available to certain categories of workers.)

Schools Not Shelters Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

Schools Not Shelters Act This bill prohibits schools that receive certain federal financial assistance from using their facilities to shelter certain non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) unless the individual pays for such shelter. Specifically, this prohibition shall apply to sheltering individuals who are (1) unlawfully present, or (2) subject to removal proceedings or a removal order and are not being detained by the Department of Homeland Security. Under this bill, if an elementary school, secondary school, or institution of higher education receives financial assistance from a program administered by the Department of Education, that school or institution may not use its facilities to provide shelter to such individuals unless the individual is housed in a dormitory and pays the amount normally assessed to residents of that dormitory.

READI Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2023

Resist Executive Amnesty on Defense Installations Act or the READI Act This bill prohibits the use of a military installation to house an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States or undergoing removal proceedings.

DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2023

Dignity for Immigrants while Guarding our Nation to Ignite and Deliver the American Dream Act of 2023 or as the DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act of 2023 This bill addresses immigration-related issues, such as increasing hiring for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel and providing removal deferral for eligible non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law). For example, the bill requires the hiring of additional CBP personnel and authorizes recruitment, relocation, and retention bonuses for CBP personnel; provides funding for border infrastructure and equipment; makes it a crime to transmit the location of law enforcement with the intent to violate immigration laws or certain other federal laws; requires employers to verify the immigration status of individuals using an electronic employment eligibility confirmation system modeled after the E-Verify system; requires unaccompanied alien children to be processed and reunited with U.S.-based sponsors in accordance with the Flores settlement, which established policies pertaining to the treatment of minors without lawful immigration status; requires the Department of State to implement a strategy to address the key factors contributing to individuals from Central America traveling to the United States; provides a path to permanent resident status to eligible individuals without lawful immigration status who entered the United States as minors (commonly referred to as Dreamers); establishes the Dignity Program, which defers the removal of eligible individuals without lawful immigration status who meet various requirements, including paying into a fund to provide training to U.S. workers; and establishes the Redemption Program, which provides a path to permanent resident status to individuals who complete the Dignity Program and meet various requirements, including making additional payments into the U.S. worker fund.

Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2023

Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act This bill provides for criminal penalties for certain conduct that interferes with U.S. border control measures. Specifically, a person who knowingly transmits the location or activities of law enforcement with the intent to further a crime related to immigration, customs, or controlled substances may be imprisoned for a maximum of 10 years. A person who knowingly damages or destroys a device deployed to control the border or port of entry may be imprisoned for a maximum of 10 years. Additionally, the bill provides for enhanced punishment for carrying or using a firearm in connection with certain criminal immigration violations such as assisting a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) who is inadmissible due to a felony conviction.

Neighbors Not Enemies Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2023

Neighbors Not Enemies Act This bill repeals provisions authorizing the President to apprehend and remove from the United States the citizens of a particular nation, if the United States has declared war against that nation or that nation has threatened an invasion against the United States.

Asylum Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2023

Asylum Accountability Act This bill permanently bars a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) from receiving certain immigration-related relief if that individual is ordered removed from the United States after failing to appear at a removal proceeding, unless that failure to appear is due to exceptional circumstances. (Currently, this bar from relief is for 10 years.) Under this bill, such an individual shall be permanently barred from receiving discretionary relief under specified immigration provisions, such as (1) cancellation of removal and adjustment to lawful permanent resident status, (2) being allowed to voluntarily depart from the United States, or (3) being allowed to change from one nonimmigrant classification to another.

Impeaching Joseph Robinette Biden, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

This resolution impeaches President Biden for high crimes and misdemeanors for allowing aliens to enter the United States in violation of the immigration laws and for related offenses.

Impeaching Joseph R. Biden, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors, culminating in his failure to protect the States from foreign invasion as is his duty under the Constitution.

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

This resolution impeaches President Joseph R. Biden for high crimes and misdemeanors. Specifically, the resolution sets forth articles of impeachment that specify that President Biden violated his constitutional oath to faithfully execute the office of President by failing to secure the U.S.-Mexico border and by permitting and encouraging the unlawful entry of thousands of migrants across that border.

FAWA

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Farmworker Access and Waiver Act or the FAWA This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to waive the interview requirement for certain returning H-2A (temporary agricultural workers) visa holders. Specifically, this waiver shall apply to a visa holder who (1) previously had an H-2A visa and is returning to resume work with the same employer as the previous year, and (2) is not inadmissible. The waiver shall be valid for up to three years from issuance. (Current law typically requires individuals applying for a nonimmigrant visa, such as an H-2A visa, to submit to an in-person interview, with waivers available in certain instances.)

Remote Naturalization Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

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

Comprehensive Southern Border Strategy Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Comprehensive Southern Border Strategy Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to report to Congress a comprehensive southern border strategy. The strategy must include (1) an overview of current security risks along the southern border; and (2) an assessment of the barriers, technologies, and tools that are necessary to achieve and maintain situational awareness and operational control of the border.

SECURE Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency Act or the SECURE Act This bill allows qualified nationals of a country that has or had a temporary protected status designation to obtain lawful permanent residence (sometimes referred to as a green card ). To qualify for a green card, such an individual must (1) have or had temporary protected status, (2) have qualified for such status on certain dates, or (3) have been present in the United States due to having been granted deferred enforced departure status that extended past a certain date. Furthermore, the individual must (1) have been continuously present in the United States for three years before applying for a green card or before being removed after a certain date, (2) not be inadmissible or deportable for certain reasons, and (3) pass applicable background checks. The continuous presence requirement may be waived in certain instances. Such an individual's spouse, domestic partner, child, or unmarried child may also obtain a green card under this bill upon meeting certain requirements. An individual with a pending application shall receive work authorization and be eligible for travel authorization. An individual may not be removed if the individual (1) has a pending application, or (2) is prima facie eligible for a green card under this bill and intends to apply. Information from applications may not be used or shared for immigration enforcement, with limited exceptions such as for identifying fraudulent claims.

Neighbors Not Enemies Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Neighbors Not Enemies Act This bill repeals provisions authorizing the President to apprehend and remove from the United States the citizens of a particular nation, if the United States has declared war against that nation or that nation has threatened an invasion against the United States.

POLICE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Protect Our Law enforcement with Immigration Control and Enforcement Act of 2023 or the POLICE Act of 2023 This bill makes assaulting a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder a deportable offense. Specifically, the bill makes deportable any non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) who has been convicted of (or admits to have committed) any act that constitutes the essential elements of any offense involving assault of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder.  

To authorize the transfer to Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas of certain materials for the construction of the border wall, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to transfer to Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas unused materials obtained for constructing a border wall in each respective state.

America’s CHILDREN Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

America's CHILDREN Act of 2023 or the Protecting Children of Long-Term Visa Holders Act of 2023 This bill provides lawful permanent resident status to certain college graduates who entered the United States as children and addresses other immigration-related issues. Specifically, this bill allows a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) to apply for lawful permanent resident status if the individual (1) was lawfully present in the United States as a dependent child of an individual admitted for employment, (2) was in the United States with such status for at least eight years, (3) has graduated from an institution of higher education in the United States, and (4) is not deportable or otherwise inadmissible. In addition, the individual must have been lawfully present in the United States for at least 10 years at the time of the application. The bill also modifies various provisions related to calculating an individual's age for immigration purposes and the priority date of certain immigration-related applications. For example, to determine whether an individual is a dependent child for certain immigration petitions, the individual's age at the time a petition is filed shall be the age used for that determination. (Currently, this determination for some petitions is based on the individual's age at the time a visa becomes available, so it is possible for an individual to be a dependent child when filing a petition but become too old to qualify by the time the visa is available.)

Empowering Law Enforcement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Empowering Law Enforcement Act of 2023 This bill addresses issues relating to immigration enforcement. The bill declares that state and local law enforcement have inherent authority to investigate and arrest individuals to assist federal immigration enforcement. (Currently, state and local law enforcement may take certain immigration enforcement actions upon entering into an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.) The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must reimburse state and local law enforcement for the costs of holding or transporting a detained non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law). DHS may detain an individual beyond the removal period (generally the window in which DHS must remove an individual after a final order of removal) upon making certain certifications, such as certifying that the individual's release would threaten community safety. DHS may renew this certification every six months after giving the individual an opportunity to request a reconsideration. An individual challenging such detention may only do so by applying for a writ of habeas corpus. Certain individuals subject to mandatory detention may be held without time limitation while removal proceedings are pending. DHS must detain an individual who is present in the United States without lawful status if the individual has been convicted for driving while intoxicated. DHS must establish a process to determine whether an individual not subject to mandatory detention and who has tried to comply with a removal order should be detained or released with conditions. The Department of Justice must include information about immigration law violations in the National Crime Information Center database.

Empowering Law Enforcement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Empowering Law Enforcement Act of 2023 This bill addresses issues relating to immigration enforcement. The bill declares that state and local law enforcement have inherent authority to investigate and arrest individuals to assist federal immigration enforcement. (Currently, state and local law enforcement may take certain immigration enforcement actions upon entering into an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.) The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must reimburse state and local law enforcement for the costs of holding or transporting a detained non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law). DHS may detain an individual beyond the removal period (generally the window in which DHS must remove an individual after a final order of removal) upon making certain certifications, such as certifying that the individual's release would threaten community safety. DHS may renew this certification every six months after giving the individual an opportunity to request a reconsideration. An individual challenging such detention may only do so by applying for a writ of habeas corpus. Certain individuals subject to mandatory detention may be held without time limitation while removal proceedings are pending. DHS must detain an individual who is present in the United States without lawful status if the individual has been convicted for driving while intoxicated. DHS must establish a process to determine whether an individual not subject to mandatory detention and who has tried to comply with a removal order should be detained or released with conditions. The Department of Justice must include information about immigration law violations in the National Crime Information Center database.

America’s CHILDREN Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

America's CHILDREN Act of 2023 or the Protecting Children of Long-Term Visa Holders Act of 2023 This bill provides lawful permanent resident status to certain college graduates who entered the United States as children and addresses other immigration-related issues. Specifically, this bill allows a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) to apply for lawful permanent resident status if the individual (1) was lawfully present in the United States as a dependent child of an individual admitted for employment, (2) was in the United States with such status for at least eight years, (3) has graduated from an institution of higher education in the United States, and (4) is not deportable or otherwise inadmissible. In addition, the individual must have been lawfully present in the United States for at least 10 years at the time of the application. The bill also modifies various provisions related to calculating an individual's age for immigration purposes and the priority date of certain immigration-related applications. For example, to determine whether an individual is a dependent child for certain immigration petitions, the individual's age at the time a petition is filed shall be the age used for that determination. (Currently, this determination for some petitions is based on the individual's age at the time a visa becomes available, so it is possible for an individual to be a dependent child when filing a petition but become too old to qualify by the time the visa is available.)

Farm Operations Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Farm Operations Support Act This bill freezes the minimum wage for H-2A (temporary agricultural workers) through December 31, 2023. Specifically, the adverse effect wage rate that was in effect in a state on December 1, 2022, shall remain in effect through December 31, 2023. (Generally, the minimum wage for an H-2A worker is the highest of the adverse effect wage rate, the prevailing hourly wage or piece rate, the federal minimum wage, or the applicable state minimum wage.)

Border Management, Security, and Assistance Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

USA Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Updated Standards for Asylum Act of 2023 or the USA Act of 2023 This bill modifies standards and requirements related to individuals seeking asylum. For an individual to establish a credible fear of persecution, the bill requires it to be more probable than not that the statements in support of the claim are true. The bill also imposes certain rules relating to credible fear interviews, including requirements for recordings and interpreters. For example, the Department of Homeland Security must establish procedures to ensure that individuals subject to expedited removal are questioned in a uniform manner and that the questions and answers are recorded in a uniform fashion. The bill also bars an individual from seeking asylum if that individual may be safely removed to a third country (i.e., not the individual's country of nationality), whereas currently this bar only applies if such removal is to a third country pursuant to an agreement with the United States. If an individual is granted asylum because of fear of persecution in a country, the individual shall be deemed to have renounced asylum status by returning to that country, if there has been no change in the country's conditions. Any individual who knowingly and willfully makes materially false statements or uses fraudulent documents in asylum-related proceedings shall be fined or imprisoned up to 10 years, or both.

RIDE for Ukraine Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

REAL ID Eligibility for Ukraine Act or the RIDE for Ukraine Act This bill makes certain citizens or nationals of Ukraine eligible for a REAL ID driver's license or identification card in the United States. Specifically, this bill applies to a citizen or national of Ukraine (or an individual who last habitually resided in Ukraine) who was paroled into the United States between February 24, 2022, and September 30, 2023, as well as certain individuals paroled into the United States after that period.

Ensuring Security for Military Spouses Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Ensuring Security for Military Spouses Act This bill waives for certain military spouses a residency requirement pertaining to naturalization, specifically the requirement that the applicant must have resided for at least three months in the state or service district where the naturalization application is filed. Under the bill, this residency requirement shall not apply to an applicant who is (1) a lawful permanent resident, and (2) the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty in the United States.

To authorize the immediate expulsion of inadmissible aliens attempting to enter the United States by fraud or without a necessary entry document, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

This bill requires the immediate expulsion of certain inadmissible non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who arrive at or along the U.S.-Mexico border subject to certain limits. Specifically, during the two years starting from this bill's enactment, such a non-U.S. national must be immediately expelled without further hearing or review if the individual lacks proper documentation or committed fraud to gain admission. (Currently, such individuals are typically subject to expedited removal, which includes a chance to request asylum.) Such an individual must be expelled to Mexico unless Mexico's government is unwilling to accept the individual or expulsion to Mexico is contrary to U.S. national interest. In such a case, the individual shall be expelled to the country (1) where the individual is a citizen, subject, or national; (2) where the individual was born or has a residence; or (3) that will accept the individual. An individual may not be expelled to a country where (1) the individual's life or freedom would be threatened due to certain characteristics, such as race or religion; or (2) there are substantial grounds for believing the individual would be subject to torture. However, this protection shall not apply to an individual convicted of a particularly serious crime or involved with terrorist activities. An individual who claims that they be subject to such dangers in a country must meet the burden of proof similar to the burden faced by an asylum seeker in a credible fear determination.

U.S. Citizenship Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

U.S. Citizenship Act This bill establishes a path to citizenship for certain undocumented individuals. The bill also replaces the term alien with noncitizen in the immigration statutes and addresses other related issues. Specifically, the bill establishes a new status of lawful prospective immigrant . This status shall be available to an applying noncitizen who meets certain requirements, including being continually present in the United States from January 1, 2023, and passing background checks. After at least five years with this status, an eligible noncitizen may apply for and receive lawful permanent resident status. The bill also provides permanent resident status to certain applying noncitizens, specifically for eligible noncitizens who (1) entered the United States as a minor, (2) were eligible for temporary protected status or deferred enforced departure on January 1, 2017, or (3) worked a certain amount of agricultural labor in the five years before applying. Among other things, the bill also redefines for immigration purposes the term conviction to exclude convictions that have been expunged or vacated, requires the Department of State to implement a strategy to advance reforms in Central America and address key factors contributing to migration from the region to the United States, requires the State Department to establish refugee processing centers in Central America, requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection sectors and stations to have a certain number of employees with certain qualifications such as paramedic training, generally prohibits religious discrimination in granting or denying immigration benefits, and establishes grant programs for providing training and services to immigrants.

Alan T. Shao II Fentanyl Public Health Emergency and Overdose Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Alan T. Shao II Fentanyl Public Health Emergency and Overdose Prevention Act This bill suspends the admission of certain individuals into the United States. Specifically, this bill suspends the admission of any person who (1) is attempting to unlawfully enter the United States from Canada or Mexico, (2) does not possess the required travel documents, and (3) is being held at a point of entry or a Border Patrol station to facilitate immigration processing. (Under current law, individuals who arrive without the required travel documents have the opportunity to seek asylum, with some exceptions.)

LPOE Modernization Trust Fund Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

LPOE Modernization Trust Fund Act This bill establishes the Land Port of Entry Modernization Trust Fund and addresses other issues related to U.S. ports of entry. The bill transfers specified amounts, including a portion of certain collected customs fees, to the trust fund each year. It also requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State to collect certain surcharges related to immigration and land border inspections, with a portion of the surcharges to be deposited into the trust fund. DHS may not seek to increase fees to offset the amounts transferred into the trust fund. Subject to appropriations, the amounts in the trust fund may be used to (1) construct new ports of entry, (2) expand and improve existing ports of entry, (3) procure technology for inspecting and processing traffic passing through ports of entry, and (4) hiring U.S. Customs and Border Protection staff. DHS must also establish the Land Port of Entry Modernization Oversight Board to advise DHS on how to use the trust fund and to review the trust fund's expenditures.

Protecting American Voters Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

Protecting American Voters Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to provide certain information to a state election official, upon the official's request, to verify citizenship status for the purpose of voting in federal elections. Specifically, the agencies must provide the state election official with such information necessary to verify that an applicant for voter registration or a registrant on the official list of eligible voters is a U.S. citizen. DHS may respond to a request by using the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements program, which is used to verify immigration status. DHS may not charge a fee for this information. DHS must comply with any safeguards that the SSA determines are necessary to protect the confidentiality of an individual's Social Security number. Finally, the bill requires states to remove the names of noncitizens from their official lists of eligible voters.

BUILD IT Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

Border's Unused Idle and Lying Dormant Inventory Transfer Act or the BUILD IT Act This bill requires the federal government to transfer, upon request, materials associated with the construction of a barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border to the governments of the states along that border (i.e., Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas). The transferred materials must be used to construct, repair, or reinforce a barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border. The federal government must cancel any existing contracts relating to the maintenance and security of the materials if the cancellation is necessary to transfer the materials.

Make the Migrant Protection Protocols Mandatory Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

Make the Migrant Protection Protocols Mandatory Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to remove certain non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) from the United States while such an individual's application for admission is pending. Specifically, if such an individual arrived by land from a foreign country bordering the United States and the individual is not clearly and beyond a doubt entitled to admission into the United States, DOJ must return that individual to that bordering foreign country while the individual's application for admission is pending. (Currently, DOJ may choose to detain such an individual or return the individual to the bordering foreign country while the application for admission is pending.)

Expressing support for the designation of the week of May 5 through May 14, 2023, as "National American Birding Week".

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2023

This resolution supports the designation of National American Birding Week and encourages the public to attend events to (1) learn about bird migration; and (2) support efforts by governments, conservation organizations, and businesses to preserve migratory bird populations.

To terminate the requirement imposed by the Secretary of Homeland Security for proof of COVID-19 vaccination for foreign travelers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2023

This bill nullifies a requirement for certain foreign travelers to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before being admitted into the United States. Specifically, this bill nullifies a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rule that imposed this requirement for each traveler who is neither a U.S. national nor a lawful permanent resident arriving at land port of entry or ferry on the U.S.-Canada border. The bill also nullifies another CBP rule that applied this restriction to the U.S.-Mexico border. The bill also nullifies any subsequent decision by CBP or the Department of Homeland Security that imposes such a requirement.

Border Patrol Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2023

Border Patrol Enhancement Act This bill addresses various issues related to U.S. Border Patrol staffing. The bill establishes for the U.S. Border Patrol an authorized personnel level of 20,500 agents, which may be adjusted by the Department of Homeland Security using a validated personnel requirements determination model required by this bill. Specifically, the U.S. Border Patrol must complete a personnel requirements determination model and contract with a research entity to analyze the validity of the model. The bill also provides for higher minimum pay rates for agents. Furthermore, the U.S. Border Patrol must require agents, employees, and certain contract employees to participate in continuing education on various topics, including (1) the nonlethal use of force policies and de-escalation strategies; (2) identifying and responding to vulnerable populations, such as children and victims of human trafficking; and (3) relevant cultural, societal, racial, and religious training.

A bill to authorize the immediate expulsion of inadmissible aliens attempting to enter the United States by fraud or without a necessary entry document, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2023

This bill requires the immediate expulsion of certain inadmissible non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who arrive at or along the U.S.-Mexico border subject to certain limits. Specifically, during the two years starting from this bill's enactment, such a non-U.S. national must be immediately expelled without further hearing or review if the individual lacks proper documentation or committed fraud to gain admission. (Currently, such individuals are typically subject to expedited removal, which includes a chance to request asylum.) Such an individual must be expelled to Mexico unless Mexico's government is unwilling to accept the individual or expulsion to Mexico is contrary to U.S. national interest. In such a case, the individual shall be expelled to the country (1) where the individual is a citizen, subject, or national; (2) where the individual was born or has a residence; or (3) that will accept the individual. An individual may not be expelled to a country where (1) the individual's life or freedom would be threatened due to certain characteristics, such as race or religion; or (2) there are substantial grounds for believing the individual would be subject to torture. However, this protection shall not apply to an individual convicted of a particularly serious crime or involved with terrorist activities. An individual who claims that they be subject to such dangers in a country must meet the burden of proof similar to the burden faced by an asylum seeker in a credible fear determination.

Stop Human Trafficking of Unaccompanied Migrant Children Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2023

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

Rural Jobs Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2023

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

Migrant Resettlement Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2023

Migrant Resettlement Transparency Act This bill requires the federal government to, before resettling, transporting, or relocating any non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) not in detention, consult with the affected state and local governments. Specifically, the department taking the action, either the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), must consult with the affected state and local governments at least three days before the action. HHS and DHS must also submit to Congress monthly state-specific reports about such actions.

Citizenship for Essential Workers Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2023

Citizenship for Essential Workers Act This bill establishes a mechanism for eligible non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who worked as essential workers during the declared COVID-19 public health emergency to apply for and obtain lawful permanent resident status (sometimes referred to as a green card). The bill also narrows certain grounds for deportability and inadmissibility. To be eligible for a green card under this bill, an individual must have earned income at any point during the COVID-19 emergency period doing work deemed essential by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or a state or local government. An individual may also be eligible if that individual is a parent, spouse, or child of (1) an eligible individual who died from COVID-19, or (2) a member of the Armed Forces. Certain individuals shall be ineligible, such as an individual who was a refugee on January 1, 2023. To obtain a green card under this bill, an applying individual must satisfy additional requirements, including by passing a background check. Furthermore, the bill repeals provisions providing for three-year bars and permanent bars to admission into the United States. (Generally, these bars apply to individuals who were previously removed or unlawfully present.) The bill also narrows the scope of certain crime-based grounds for inadmissibility or deportability, such as by redefining the term conviction to exclude expunged convictions. The Department of Justice or DHS may waive certain grounds of inadmissibility or deportability (1) for humanitarian purposes, (2) to ensure family unity, or (3) for the public interest.