Immigration

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Rural and Remote Hiring and Retention Strategy Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2019

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Rural and Remote Hiring and Retention Strategy Act of 2019 This bill requires the Chief Human Capital Officer of the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to issue a strategy and implementation plan to improve the hiring and retention of individuals by the CBP in rural or remote areas.

Workforce Development Through Post-Graduation Scholarships Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2019

Workforce Development Through Post-Graduation Scholarships Act of 201 9 This bill modifies the requirements for calculating taxable income to exclude post-graduation scholarship grants from gross income in the same manner as scholarships are currently excluded. A "post-graduation scholarship grant" is a grant provided by a program that is established by certain tax-exempt organizations; requires the grantee to live and work in an applicable community that meets certain requirements regarding income, out-migration, and bachelor's degree attainment rates; and under which, in accordance with the conditions of a grant, the organization repays any portion of an education loan incurred by an individual to pay higher education expenses. In implementing this bill, the Department of the Treasury must prescribe specified regulations and meet reporting requirements. The Government Accountability Office must report on the post-graduation scholarship grants covered by this bill.

Immigration Court Improvement Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2019

Immigration Court Improvement Act of 2019 This bill revises the definition of "immigration judge" by establishing that an immigration judge is judicial by nature, and actions taken while serving in a judicial capacity shall be reviewed under the applicable Code of Judicial Conduct, not any code of attorney behavior. It also establishes that an immigration judge may not be disciplined for good faith legal actions made while hearing and deciding cases. Completion goal systems or efficiency standards imposed on immigration judges may not be used to limit such judges' independent authority or as a reflection of individual judicial performance. The Department of Justice shall (1) establish a transparent judicial complaint process consistent with various professional guidelines, and (2) promulgate regulations governing an immigration judge's contempt authority.

Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2019

Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2019 This bill authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to appoint or provide counsel, at the government's expense, to aliens in removal proceedings and related appeals. An unaccompanied alien child shall be represented by counsel paid for and appointed by the government at every stage of such proceedings. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall provide a complete copy of an alien's immigration file to the alien (or the alien's counsel) within seven days of a notice to appear for an immigration proceeding, and failure to provide the file shall result in a delay in the proceeding. DHS shall provide access to counsel for all detained aliens. The bill authorizes the DOJ to enter into contacts or award grants for providing immigration-related legal services to children. The Executive Office for Immigration Review shall develop model guidelines for representing alien children in immigration proceedings.

Child Trafficking Victims Protection and Welfare Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2019

Child Trafficking Victims Protection and Welfare Act of 2019 This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with experts in child development and welfare and pediatric medicine, to develop guidelines for the treatment of children (under age 18 with no permanent immigration status) in the custody of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). DHS must provide resources and trained staff to address the needs of such children, including child welfare professionals, at each port of entry and Border Patrol station. The bill imposes various duties on such child welfare professionals, including the duty to report allegations of abuse and ensure DHS compliance with abuse reporting laws. DHS may not remove a child from a parent or legal guardian solely for the purpose of deterring individuals from migrating to the United States or for promoting compliance with the immigration laws. DHS must (1) assign a family unit tracking number to each family member apprehended at the border, (2) allow humanitarian organizations and state and local child welfare agencies to monitor children in detention and conduct unannounced inspections, (3) promulgate regulations establishing basic standards of care for the short-term custody of children by CBP, (4) ensure that children apprehended by CBP receive an interview and screening with a child welfare professional and are provided information about their rights under the immigration laws, and (5) provide each apprehended parent or legal guardian and each child with access to legal counsel.

Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2019

Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from detaining a woman during pregnancy or postpartum recovery and must immediately release any detainee found to be pregnant, unless such woman presents an immediate and serious threat of hurting herself or others. A DHS detention facility may not use a restraint on a detainee who is known to be pregnant, including during labor, transport to a medical facility or birthing center, and delivery, or during postpartum recovery, except for medical or safety purposes. The bill requires DHS to use the least restrictive restraint necessary and prohibits certain specified restraint types, including four-point restraints and binding a detainee's hands behind her back. The bill prohibits DHS detention officers from being present during a pelvic exam of a detainee, labor, delivery, or treatment relating to a pregnancy, unless specifically requested by medical personnel. If a detention officer is requested by medical personnel, such officer shall be female, if practicable, and remain at a reasonable distance from the detainee. The bill requires that a pregnant detainee shall have access to health care services, including comprehensive services relating to reproductive health care and pregnancy.

BE SAFE Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2019

Border Enforcement, Security, And Funding Enhancement Act or the BE SAFE Act This bill requires each alien granted lawful permanent residence to pay a $2,500 fee before receiving a Permanent Resident Card (commonly referred to as the "Green Card"), in addition to any other required fees. The collected funds shall go into the newly established Border Security Enhancement Fund, and may be used to enforce immigration laws and improve immigration-related processes, including (1) constructing border barriers, (2) carrying out enforcement and removal operations, (3) improving infrastructure at border crossings, and (4) verifying the status of student visa holders.

Venezuela Temporary Protected Status Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2019

Venezuela Temporary Protected Status Act of 2019 This bill addresses the migration of Venezuelan nationals by permitting them to qualify for temporary protected status, which prevents their removal from the United States and allows them to obtain employment and travel authorization. The bill also directs the Department of State to provide assistance to the migration systems of nations surrounding Venezuela to provide migration services and asylum to eligible Venezuelan citizens.

Singh's Law

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2019

Singh's Law This bill establishes that aliens associated with a criminal gang shall be inadmissible into the United States and deported if already in the country. Such aliens are (1) subject to mandatory detention, (2) barred from receiving asylum, (3) ineligible for temporary protected status, and (4) barred from receiving special immigrant juvenile status. An alien associated with a criminal gang is one who (1) has been a member of a criminal gang or has participated in a gang's activities, knowing or having reason to know that such activities will promote or support the gang's illegal activities; and (2) has been convicted of a crime in the United States. The bill also provides for procedures for designating a group or organization a criminal gang, and also procedures for challenging and revoking such a designation. The Department of Justice may provide grants to states and local governments to assist (1) efforts to combat criminal and youth gangs, and (2) gangprevention activities.

A joint resolution relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 15, 2019.

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2019

This joint resolution terminates the national emergency related to the U.S.-Mexico border, declared by the President on February 15, 2019.

Illegal Alien NICS Alert Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2019

Illegal Alien NICS Alert Act This bill requires the national instant criminal background check system to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and relevant state and local law enforcement agencies when the system indicates that a prospective firearm transferee is illegally or unlawfully in the United States.

Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2019

Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act This bill expands the E-Verify program by requiring all employers to use it, and permanently reauthorizes the program. Currently, E-Verify use is voluntary for most employers, although some states mandate its use. All employers shall use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all recruited, referred, or hired individuals, including current employees who were never verified under the program. Failure to use E-Verify shall create a rebuttable presumption that the employer is violating immigration law. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) shall generate weekly reports about individuals who have received a final non-confirmation of employment eligibility. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall use the report to enforce immigration laws. DHS shall establish a program to help certain small businesses verify employee eligibility. DHS shall also update E-Verify's design to help prevent and detect fraud and identity theft. The bill increases civil and criminal penalties for hiring unauthorized aliens. DHS shall debar repeat offenders and those criminally convicted from holding federal contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements. The Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury, and DHS shall jointly establish a program to share information to help identify unauthorized aliens. The bill establishes the Employer Compliance Inspection Center within Homeland Security Investigations of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The center's duties include processing I-9 employment eligibility verification forms and ensuring compliance with employment eligibility laws. DHS shall report to Congress on ways to simplify procedures relating to I-9 forms, and on whether the I-9 process should be eliminated.

Notify ICE Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2019

Notify ICE Act This bill requires the national instant criminal background check system to report to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on the individuals determined to be ineligible to receive a firearm due to their illegal or unlawful presence in the United States.

Child Care for Working Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2019

Child Care for Working Families Act This bill provides funds and otherwise revises certain child care and early learning programs for low- to moderate-income families. Specifically, the bill provides funds for the Child Care and Development Block Grant program and reestablishes it as a child care and development assistance program. It also allocates program funds for states to provide services and support to infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities. Further, it revises the program to require each state to, among other things create a tiered and transparent system for measuring the quality of child care providers, which must include evidence-based standards and payment rates that are based on a certain cost estimation model; assure that copayments are based on a sliding scale and that no family receiving assistance pays more than 7% of their household income on child care; and use quality child care amounts for certain activities, such as improving the supply of child care providers who provide care to infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities (e.g., professional development). It also provides funds and establishes grants for states to create preschool programs for low- to moderate-income children between the ages of three and five years. Finally, the Department of Health and Human Services must make grants to Head Start agencies to (1) provide children with access to full-school-year and full-school-day services, (2) provide access to additional service hours for migrant and seasonal agencies, or (3) enhance the quality of existing services.

Child Care for Working Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2019

Child Care for Working Families Act This bill provides funds and otherwise revises certain child care and early learning programs for low- to moderate-income families. Specifically, the bill provides funds for the Child Care and Development Block Grant program and reestablishes it as a child care and development assistance program. It also allocates program funds for states to provide services and supports to infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities. Further, it revises the program to require each state to, among other things create a tiered and transparent system for measuring the quality of child care providers, which must include evidence-based standards and payment rates that are based on a certain cost estimation model; assure that copayments are based on a sliding scale and that no family receiving assistance pays more than 7% of their household income on child care; and use quality child care amounts for certain activities, such as improving the supply of child care providers who provide care to infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities (e.g., professional development). It also provides funds and establishes grants for states to create preschool programs for low- to moderate-income children between the ages of three and five years. Finally, the Department of Health and Human Services must make grants to Head Start agencies to (1) provide children with access to full-school-year and full-school-day services, (2) provide access to additional service hours for migrant and seasonal agencies, or (3) enhance the quality of existing services.

REUNITE Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2019

Reunite Every Unaccompanied Newborn Infant, Toddler and other children Expeditiously Act or the REUNITE Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reunite children and their parents or legal guardians who were apprehended for illegal entry into the United States. DHS and HHS shall develop procedures and programs, including procedures to (1) identify separated family members, (2) allow apprehended parents or legal guardians to have frequent no-cost contact with their separated children, and (3) coordinate with foreign consulates to locate apprehended individuals. DHS and HHS shall ensure immediate reunification of apprehended children with a parent or legal guardian, but may make exceptions for the child's safety. DHS and HHS may use DNA testing to determine family relationships, but shall first use other methods, such as official documents. DHS and HHS shall develop procedures for instances where the aliens refuse to consent to DNA testing. Collected DNA information may not be used for any purpose other than family reunification, including criminal or immigration enforcement. The bill restores the Family Case Management Program, an alternative to detention program that uses case managers to promote compliance with immigration law obligations. DHS, HHS, and the Department of Justice shall establish the Office for Locating and Reuniting Children with Parents.

Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2019

Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act This bill expands the E-Verify program by requiring all employers to use it, and permanently reauthorizes the program. Currently, E-Verify use is voluntary for most employers, although some states mandate its use. All employers shall use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all recruited, referred, or hired individuals, including current employees who were never verified under the program. Failure to use E-Verify shall create a rebuttable presumption that the employer is violating immigration law. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) shall generate weekly reports about individuals who have received a final non-confirmation of employment eligibility. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall use the report to enforce immigration laws. DHS shall establish a program to help certain small businesses verify employee eligibility. DHS shall also update E-Verify's design to help prevent and detect fraud and identity theft. The bill increases civil and criminal penalties for hiring unauthorized aliens. DHS shall debar repeat offenders and those criminally convicted from holding federal contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements. The Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury, and DHS shall jointly establish a program to share information to help identify unauthorized aliens. The bill establishes the Employer Compliance Inspection Center within Homeland Security Investigations of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The center's duties include processing I-9 employment eligibility verification forms and ensuring compliance with employment eligibility laws. DHS shall report to Congress on ways to simplify procedures relating to I-9 forms, and on whether the I-9 process should be eliminated.

Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 15, 2019.

United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2019

This joint resolution terminates the national emergency related to the U.S.-Mexico border, declared by the President on February 15, 2019.

Calling on the President to resume the interpretation of section 1 of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution as originally intended and applied as law for a century.

United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2019

This resolution expresses disapproval of birthright citizenship, under which a person born in the United States is deemed to be a U.S. citizen.

Census Accuracy Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2019

Census Accuracy Act of 2019 This bill requires any questionnaire used in the decennial census to determine the total population by states to include (1) a checkbox or other similar option for a respondent to indicate whether he or she is a U.S. citizen or U.S. national, is lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States, is an alien who otherwise has lawful status under the immigration laws, or is none of these; and (2) a question regarding which federal program or legal provision accorded the respondent such status.

Higher Education Dream Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2019

Higher Education Dream Act of 2019 This bill prohibits institutions of higher education that receive federal student aid from discriminating or taking adverse action against Dreamer students (i.e., students who have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status) based on their immigration status, including charging out-of-state tuition to students who would qualify as residents of the state. The bill also makes Dreamer students eligible for federal financial aid. The bill prohibits the use or publication of certain identifiable information related to such students, subject to civil penalties.

Border Community Input in Border Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2019

Border Community Input in Border Security Act This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from constructing additional physical barriers or related infrastructure or technology between ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border until DHS has published a final mitigation plan to minimize the impact of the barriers and infrastructure on the communities in the affected areas. DHS shall (1) first publish a publicly available initial mitigation plan, (2) hold public meetings near the affected areas, and (3) provide an opportunity for written feedback. DHS shall develop and publish a final mitigation plan after taking into consideration the public feedback on the initial plan..If significant additional construction or deployment is determined to be necessary after the publication of a final plan, DHS shall update the plan and provide additional opportunities for public feedback.

Protecting Disaster Relief Funds Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2019

Protecting Disaster Relief Funds Act This bill prohibits transferring certain funds already made available to the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Housing and Urban Development for disaster relief to the planning or construction of new physical barriers along the southwestern U.S. border. The bill also prohibits using national emergency provisions to transfer certain funds already made available to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Rescinding DHS’ Waiver Authority for Border Wall Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2019

Rescinding DHS' Waiver Authority for Border Wall Act This bill repeals the Department of Homeland Security's authority to waive all legal requirements in order to ensure the expeditious construction of barriers and related roads along the border in the southwestern United States.

Preventing the Taking of Americans’ Land to Build Trump’s Wall Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2019

Preventing the Taking of Americans' Land to Build Trump's Wall Act This bill restricts the government's ability to seize private land rights for physical barriers, or roads between ports of entry, along the U.S.-Mexico border. Before taking possession of or altering such private land, the Department of Homeland Security shall certify to Congress that each property owner has received just compensation as established in a judicial condemnation proceeding.

Borderland Takings Defense Fund Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2019

Borderland Takings Defense Fund Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a fund to assist eligible individuals when the government seeks to acquire or condemn such individuals' property for the purpose of building physical barriers or roads along the U.S.-Mexico border. DHS shall not take actions toward construction of such barriers or roads until the fund is made available to eligible property owners and such owners are informed as to how to access support through the fund. Assistance through the fund shall be limited to low-income property owners or those who lack adequate resources to secure representation against the government, as determined by DHS.

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to waive certain requirements for naturalization for American Samoan United States nationals to become United States citizens, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2019

This bill establishes that a U.S. national who otherwise qualifies may become a citizen upon establishing residence and physical presence in a U.S. outlying possession (i.e. America Samoa and Swains Island). Currently, U.S. nationals must become a resident of a state to qualify for naturalization. Individuals born in an outlying possession are U.S. nationals but do not automatically acquire citizenship through birth in an outlying possession. The bill also waives certain naturalization requirements, including those related to English language proficiency and participation in a public ceremony, for individuals who have continuously resided in an outlying possession or state from birth to the approval of a naturalization application. The Department of Interior may issue a grant to America Samoa for holding a referendum on whether those born or residing in America Samoa should be declared U.S. citizens.

U.S. Nationals Employment Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2019

U.S. Nationals Employment Act of 2019 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include full-time employment created for U.S. nationals to count toward the eligibility requirements for an EB-5 commercial enterprise. The EB-5 program provides an employment-based immigration preference for aliens who establish a commercial enterprise in the United States that creates full-time employment for at least 10 U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. All U.S. citizens are U.S. nationals, but some individuals born in an outlying U.S. possession (i.e., America Samoa and Swains Island) are U.S. nationals but not citizens.

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to clarify that noncitizen nationals of the United States who are children of United States citizens are eligible for United States citizenship, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2019

This bill establishes that minors born in the outlying U.S. possessions (i.e., America Samoa and Swains Island) shall be eligible to obtain citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent. Currently, a child born outside the United States may automatically acquire citizenship through a parent by satisfying certain requirements. The bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish that this same citizenship path is available to non-citizen national minors. This path to citizenship is distinct from rights acquired at birth, and is open to individuals such as minors who were adopted by a U.S. citizen.

To prohibit an alien who is not in a lawful immigration status in the United States from being eligible for postsecondary education benefits that are not available to all citizens and nationals of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2019

This bill states that an alien without legal immigration status shall not be eligible to receive any postsecondary education benefit unless every U.S. citizen and national is eligible to receive the same benefit. The bill establishes that a U.S. citizen or national may sue to enforce this provision against an educational institution that the citizen or national is enrolled in.

Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2019

Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2019 This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to grant permanent residence status to qualifying nationals of Liberia. The program shall be available to a Liberian national who has been continuously present in the United States from November 20, 2014, until the filing of an application for adjustment to permanent residence status, or the spouse, parent, or child of such an individual. The individual must apply within one year of the bill's enactment, be otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa, and not be inadmissible under various grounds. Certain grounds for inadmissibility under the Immigration and Nationality Act, such as being a public charge, shall not apply. An individual shall be ineligible if the individual has been convicted of an aggravated felony, convicted of two or more crimes involving moral turpitude, or has participated in the persecution of a person for reasons such as race, nationality, or political opinion. DHS shall promulgate regulations to establish procedures by which an alien who is subject to a final order of deportation, removal, or exclusion may seek a stay of such order based on the filing of an application to adjust status. If there is no such final order, DHS shall stay removal proceedings if a qualified alien submits an application for adjustment of status. DHS shall authorize an individual for employment if that individual's application has been pending for more than 180 days, and may also provide employment authorization before that.

Protecting Disaster Relief Funds Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2019

Protecting Disaster Relief Funds Act of 2019 This bill protects certain funds already appropriated for disaster relief or recovery from being transferred to the planning or construction of a new physical barrier along the southwest border of the United States. Specifically, the bill prohibits the transfer of certain funds appropriated to the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2019, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2019

This joint resolution provides continuing FY2019 appropriations to several federal agencies through the earlier of February 22, 2019, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations legislation. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a partial government shutdown after the existing CR expires on February 15, 2019, because seven of the remaining FY2019 appropriations bills have not been enacted. (Five of the FY2019 appropriations bills were enacted last year, including the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2019; the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019; the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019; the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2019; and the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019.) Additionally, the CR has the effect of extending through February 22, 2019, several authorities and programs that were extended in prior CRs, including the Violence Against Women Act, the authority for the Environmental Protection Agency to collect and spend certain fees related to pesticides, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, and several authorities related to immigration.

Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2019

Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2019 This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to grant permanent residence status to qualifying nationals of Liberia. The program shall be available to a Liberian national who has been continuously present in the United States from November 20, 2014, until the filing of an application for adjustment to permanent residence status, or the spouse or child of such an individual. The individual must apply within one year of the bill's enactment, be otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa, and not be inadmissible under various grounds. Certain grounds for inadmissibility under the Immigration and Nationality Act, such as being a public charge, shall not apply. An individual shall be ineligible if the individual has been convicted of an aggravated felony, convicted of two or more crimes involving moral turpitude, or has participated in the persecution of a person for reasons such as race, nationality, or political opinion. DHS shall promulgate regulations to establish procedures by which an alien who is subject to a final order of deportation, removal, or exclusion may seek a stay of such order based on the filing of an application to adjust status. If there is no such final order, DHS shall stay removal proceedings if a qualified alien submits an application for adjustment of status. DHS shall authorize an individual for employment if that individual's application has been pending for more than 180 days, and may also provide employment authorization before that.

Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the provision of a basic standard of humanitarian care to all individuals in U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody.

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2019

This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the United States must provide a basic standard of humanitarian care to all individuals in its custody. In particular, the resolution urges U.S. Customs and Border Protection to provide adequate care, including health care, living accommodations, and sanitation to those in its custody.

Protecting Our Communities from Gang Violence Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2019

Protecting Our Communities from Gang Violence Act of 2019 This bill makes alien gang members inadmissible to the United States and deportable. It also authorizes revoking the citizenship of certain naturalized individuals who are members of a criminal gang. The Department of Homeland Security may designate a group or association of five or more persons as a criminal gang if one of the group's primary purposes is the commission of certain crimes, and if the group's members have committed such crimes in a continuing series of such offenses within the past five years. The Department of Justice shall take into custody any individual who is inadmissible or deportable due to an association with a criminal gang. Individuals associated with a criminal gang shall be ineligible for asylum or temporary protected status. Prohibitions on removing an alien to a country where the alien's life or freedom would be threatened due to factors, such as the alien's membership in a particular social group, shall not apply to individuals associated with an alien criminal gang. An alien affiliated with a criminal gang shall not be regarded as a person of good moral character for immigration purposes. If a naturalized person becomes an associate of a criminal gang or has been convicted for or admits to certain criminal conduct within 10 years of naturalization, such conduct shall be prima facie evidence sufficient to revoke the order admitting the person to citizenship in the absence of countervailing evidence.

Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2019

Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2019 This bill increases the per-country cap on family-based immigrant visas from 7% of the total number of such visas available that year to 15%, and eliminates the 7% cap for employment-based immigrant visas. It also removes an offset that reduced the number of visas for individuals from China. The bill also establishes transition rules for employment-based visas from FY2020-FY2022, by reserving a percentage of EB-2 (workers with advanced degrees or exceptional ability), EB-3 (skilled and other workers), and EB-5 (investors) visas for individuals not from the two countries with the largest number of recipients of such visas. Of the unreserved visas, not more than 85% shall be allotted to immigrants from any single country.

Shut Down Child Prison Camps Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2019

Shut Down Child Prison Camps Act The bill prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from operating unlicensed temporary emergency shelters for unaccompanied alien children, including the previously operational shelter in Tornillo, Texas, and the shelter in Homestead, Florida.

Immigrant Detainee Legal Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2019

Immigrant Detainee Legal Rights Act This bill directs the Department of Justice to establish an Office of Legal Access Programs within the Executive Office of Immigration Review. The office shall develop and administer programs to educate detained aliens about their legal rights under U.S. immigration law. The programs shall (1) assist detained aliens in making informed and timely decisions regarding their removal and eligibility for relief from removal; and (2) identify particularly vulnerable aliens, such as unaccompanied children, for right to counsel considerations. The programs may also provide services to detained aliens in specified immigration (detention and removal) and asylum proceedings. The Department of Homeland Security shall establish procedures to ensure that such programs are available to all detained aliens within five days of arrival into custody, and provide such aliens with various information related to immigration hearing procedures and their rights under immigration law.

Repatriate Our Patriots Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2019

Repatriate Our Patriots Act This bill protects certain veterans of the Armed Forces from removal from the United States, and provides such veterans with an expedited procedure for naturalization. The bill applies to "special veterans," defined as persons who served in the active Armed Forces, who were (1) honorably discharged or released; (2) not convicted of various crimes, including voluntary manslaughter, murder, rape, or terrorism; and (3) not a child abuser or pedophile. Special veterans shall not be removed from the United States, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall cancel any pending removal proceedings or orders against any such veterans. DHS shall establish a program to permit such veterans who were already removed from the United States to return to as an alien with permanent residence status. Such veterans shall be entitled to all of the military benefits that they would be entitled to if they had never been removed from the United States. Special veterans shall be naturalized upon filing an application, paying the relevant fees, and taking an oath of allegiance. DHS shall take steps to ensure such naturalization applications are pending for no longer than 90 days.

Protecting Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2019

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

REMOTE Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2019

Remote, Emergency, Medical, Online Training, Telehealth, and EMT Act or the REMOTE Act This bill directs U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to make emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic training available to selected border patrol agents along the southern border. Agents that complete the training or already have EMT or paramedic certifications shall receive specified pay increases. The bill imposes requirements related to (1) the percentage of agents with EMT or paramedic training assigned in each sector, and (2) minimum levels of various medical supplies in each sector. CBP shall require all border patrol agents and officers to complete online training on how to (1) identify common signs of medical distress in children, and (2) timely transfer sick children to medical care. CBP shall ensure that all remote stations, forward operating bases, and remote ports of entry on the southern border have (1) voice access to a medical command physician, and (2) access to language interpretation services.

Remote Areas Border Security Enhancements Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2019

Remote Areas Border Security Enhancements Act This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from beginning construction on any infrastructure project along the U.S.-Mexico border until (1) the Government Accountability Office evaluates the need and costs for using certain enhanced technology and other resources in rural and remote areas along the border; and (2) U.S. Customs and Border Protection acquires or increases the use of such enhanced technologies and resources, including advanced detection surveillance technology, night vision technology, and off-road vehicles. DHS shall establish the Agent Mobility Program as a five-year pilot program, which shall provide certain benefits to agents who serve at least three years in a hard-to-fill station in the El Paso Sector.

Shut Down Child Prison Camps Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2019

Shut Down Child Prison Camps Act The bill prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from operating unlicensed temporary emergency shelters for unaccompanied alien children, including the previously operational shelter in Tornillo, Texas, and the shelter in Homestead, Florida.

Families, Not Facilities Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2019

Families, Not Facilities Act of 2019 This bill amends provisions related to the safety of minor aliens that enter the United States unaccompanied by a guardian. When placing an unaccompanied alien child with a proposed custodian, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall not consider the custodian's immigration status. DHS shall not use certain information obtained for placing a child with a custodian to apprehend, detain, or deport certain individuals, including the child, proposed sponsor, or a person living with the sponsor. The Office of Refugee Settlement shall provide services for unaccompanied alien children after they have been released, to help them transition into their communities and to connect them with legal representation. Money appropriated to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for FY2019 shall be redirected to fund such services. Other money appropriated for ICE shall be redirected to various programs to investigate and prevent child trafficking. This bill also establishes the Office of Refugee Resettlement Advisory Committee on Shelters for Unaccompanied Alien Children. The advisory committee may conduct unannounced inspections of Office of Refugee Settlement shelters that hold unaccompanied alien children and shall issue reports on its investigations and recommendations regarding the shelters.

Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2019

Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2019 This bill increases the per-country cap on family-based immigrant visas from 7% of the total number of such visas available that year to 15%, and eliminates the 7% cap for employment-based immigrant visas. It also removes an offset that reduced the number of visas for individuals from China. The bill also establishes transition rules for employment-based visas from FY2020-FY2022, by reserving a percentage of EB-2 (workers with advanced degrees or exceptional ability) and EB-3 (skilled and other workers) visas for individuals not from the two countries with the largest number of recipients of such visas. Of the unreserved visas, not more than 85% shall be allotted to immigrants from any single country.

Protecting Sensitive Locations Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2019

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

ICE and CBP Body Camera Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2019

ICE and CBP Body Camera Accountability Act This bill requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents and officers to wear body cameras when engaged in official operations. Such agents and officers shall turn on their cameras for the duration of each shift. The footage shall be available to each party in any administrative proceeding, civil action, or criminal proceeding where such footage is pertinent. An agent or officer whose camera does not record footage during a shift shall be subject to furlough, reduction in pay or grade, or suspension. When a camera does not record during a shift, the Department of Homeland Security may not determine that the camera malfunctioned unless the agent or officer submits evidence to establish that a malfunction occurred. ICE and CBP shall establish policies and procedures regarding use of the cameras and for carrying out adverse actions related to a failure to record footage.

REUNITE Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2019

Reunite Every Unaccompanied Newborn Infant, Toddler and other children Expeditiously Act or the REUNITE Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reunite children and their parents or legal guardians who were apprehended for illegal entry into the United States. DHS and HHS shall develop procedures and programs, including procedures to (1) identify separated family members, (2) allow apprehended parents or legal guardians to have frequent no-cost contact with their separated children, and (3) coordinate with foreign consulates to locate apprehended individuals. DHS and HHS shall ensure immediate reunification of apprehended children with a parent or legal guardian, but may make exceptions for the child's safety. DHS and HHS may use DNA testing to determine family relationships, but shall first use other methods, such as official documents. DHS and HHS shall develop procedures for instances where the aliens refuse to consent to DNA testing. Collected DNA information may not be used for any purpose other than family reunification, including criminal or immigration enforcement. The bill restores the Family Case Management Program, an alternative to detention program that uses case managers to promote compliance with immigration law obligations. DHS, HHS, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) shall establish the Office for Locating and Reuniting Children with Parents. Aliens shall have access to counsel inside immigration detention facilities, and DOJ may provide counsel for immigration proceedings. DOJ shall provide counsel if necessary for children and vulnerable individuals, and children's cases shall be heard individually.

No Taxpayer Funding for the Wall Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2019