The world's political record
Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.
51 records in US in 2004
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2004
Declares Ricardo F. Pedrotti to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act upon payment of the required visa fees.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2004
Intercountry Adoption Reform Act of 2004 or ICARE Act - Establishes an Office of Intercountry Adoptions within the Department of State (DOS). Requires the President to appoint an Ambassador at Large to head the Office. Transfers to the Office all immigration functions with respect to intercountry adoptions currently performed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to grant automatic U.S. citizenship to internationally adopted children upon entry of a full and final adoption decree (thus dispensing with the need for such children to obtain visas). Creates a new W nonimmigrant visa category for children traveling to the United States to be adopted by U.S. citizens. Allows adopted children age 18 or under to claim an exception to immunization requirements for purposes of admissibility (currently limited to those age 10 or under). Redefines the term "adoptable child." Requires U.S. citizen adoptive parents to obtain approval of an adoption petition prior to issuance of a W visa or a full and final adoption decree. Provides that such petitions are subject to the terms applicable to orphan petitions. Directs the Secretary of State to issue regulations: (1) establishing an expedited reapproval process for families whose prior approvals to adopt have expired; and (2) governing the appeal of petition denials. Requires the Office to determine whether a child is an adoptable child, pursuant to specified procedures, as a prerequisite to the issuance of a W visa or a full and final adoption decree. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for certain violations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 November 2004
Declares Rosario Amato and Salvatore Amato to each be eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2004
Asia Freedom Act of 2004 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance to North and South East Asia (as defined by this Act) for: (1) humanitarian needs; (2) democracy, human rights, and the rule of law; (3) independent media; (4) free market systems; (5) security; (6) social programs; (7) environment; (8) political opposition; (9) parliamentary exchanges; and (10) migration. Sets forth specified funding authorities, including funding for: (1) security assistance; (2) an institute for reform in Asia; (3) law enforcement; (4) promotion of competitive elections; (5) political transitions; and (6) Taiwan and the Republic of Korea. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to deny entry visas to public or private individuals who have impeded human rights, the rule of law, and economic freedom in North and South East Asia. Directs the Secretary of State to maintain a database of individuals who may be denied entry. Expresses the sense of Congress that any democracy fund established by the United Nations (UN) in response to the September 21, 2004, speech by President George W. Bush to the UN General Assembly should be known as the ``Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Democracy Fund."
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2004
Declares Fatuka Kaikumba Flake to be eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2004
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require employers of H-1B (specialty occupations) nonimmigrants to use one of three specified methods (whichever results in the highest wages) to determine wages for purposes of required wage attestations. Requires such employers who previously employed one or more H-1B nonimmigrants to submit with their labor condition application (LCA) a copy of the W-2 Wage and Tax Statement filed with respect to those nonimmigrants. Extends from 90 to 180 days the period during which certain employers of H-1B nonimmigrants must show nondisplacement of U.S. workers. Requires such employers to actively engage in recruitment efforts. Prohibits such employers from placing, outsourcing, leasing, or otherwise contracting for the placement of an H-1B nonimmigrant with another employer, regardless of whether the other employer is H-1B dependent. Requires the Secretary of Labor to be responsible for investigations of wage complaints and allegations of fraud in the filing of LCAs. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) conduct surveys of employer compliance with labor condition requirements; and (2) conduct annual compliance audits of employers employing H-1B nonimmigrants. Requires annual compliance audits in cases where H-1B nonimmigrants comprise 15 percent or more of an employer's total number of employees. Makes permanent the employer fee applicable to H-1B petitions. Creates a private right of action for persons harmed by an employer's violation of labor condition requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2004
Provides immigration relief for aliens who are determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security to have: (1) obtained nonimmigrant status on or after January 1, 1980, and who at that time were nationals of the Republic of Korea; (2) applied before January 1, 1999, through one or more immigration brokers for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident (LPR) through the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) office in San Jose, California; (3) obtained approval for adjustment as the result of bribery by such brokers of an INS supervisor; and (4) had no actual knowledge of the fraud at the time of adjustment. Extends relief to the spouse and children of eligible aliens granted derivative LPR status. Prohibits the immigration fraud reflected by such bribery from being considered in determining the admissibility or removability of eligible aliens. Requires the Secretary to: (1) restore an eligible alien's status as if the original adjustment had been lawful, including where LPR status and naturalization were rescinded on the basis of the fraud; and (2) parole into the United States eligible aliens who were removed or who voluntarily departed in connection with charges relating to the fraud for purposes of filing an application for relief under this Act. Prohibits the Secretary of State from reducing the number of available immigrant visas as the result of the approval of such an application for relief.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2004
Declares Heilit Martinez to be eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2004
HRIFA Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998 (HRIFA) to require determinations regarding derivative status for the children of qualifying Haitians to be made using the age of the child as of October 21, 1998. Authorizes parents or guardians of children seeking derivative status to file an adjustment application on the child's behalf if the child is physically present in the United States on the date of filing. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General to waive grounds of inadmissibility not specified in HRIFA for humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or when otherwise in the public interest, with the exception of those grounds related to controlled substances trafficking and certain security and related matters. Permits qualifying Haitians seeking benefits pursuant to this Act to file new status adjustment applications and motions to reopen. Extends to those who file the same protection from exclusion, deportation, removal, or enforcement of a voluntary departure order as currently applies to HRIFA beneficiaries.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2004
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to limit the issuance of H-2B (temporary nonagricultural workers) visas during any fiscal year to not more than one-third of the total during the first four months of the fiscal year and not more than two-thirds of the total during the first eight months of the fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2004
Declares Griselda Lopez Negrete to be eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2004
Declares Fatuka Kaikumba Flake to be eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004
Winning the War on Terror Act of 2004 - Provides for increases in the numbers of U.S. special operations forces. Provides counter-proliferation measures, including a Global Threat Reduction Initiative (to secure nuclear and radiological materials outside the United States) and radiological material threat assessments. Requires elimination of the U.S. chemical stockpile no later than the end of 2012. Establishes a Terrorist Screening Center in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Secure Borders Act - Institutes, or modifies, measures related to: (1) border infrastructure and monitoring, transportation workers and cargo containers, and public and tribal lands; (2) identification document standards; (3) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement staffing, detention and removal operations, informant aliens, and alien smuggling penalties; (4) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) foreign coordination, visa security, and the visa waiver program; and (5) immigration benefit functions, including identification techniques. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (the Secretary) to make grants for public transportation security. Directs the Secretary to develop public transportation best practices, public awareness, and security plans. Requires a Memorandum of Agreement between the Secretaries of Homeland Security and of Transportation concerning their respective roles in public transportation security matters. Secure Containers from Overseas and Seaports from Terrorism Act or Secure COAST Act - Requires establishment of security standards and verification procedures for maritime cargo containers moving within the intermodal transportation system. Imposes validation and inspection requirements, including deployment of radiation detection portal equipment at all ports of entry and a staffing assessment. Authorizes appropriations for port security grants and requires funding for an information sharing and analysis capability within the maritime industry. Increases funding for Coast Guard components associated with the Integrated Deepwater System. Increases authorized Coast Guard active duty personnel levels. Requires aviation security measures that include provision of checked baggage screening for explosives, phaseout of passenger "bag-matching" programs, technology assessment, a shipping companies database, wireless flight crew communications, a national transportation security strategy, and passenger watchlists. Private Sector Preparedness Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and implement a private sector emergency preparedness program. Sets forth requirements for promoting the sharing of intelligence and homeland security information. Requires the Secretary to develop: (1) a plan for security critical infrastructure; and (2) a national biodefense strategy. Rapid Pathogen Identification to Delivery of Cures Act - Requires a strategy and research programs to expedite the development and approval of countermeasures against novel or unknown pathogens or toxins. Chemical Security Improvement Act of 2004 - Establishes procedures for assessment of the vulnerability of chemical sources to terrorist release and planning to address security concerns. Authorizes establishment of a program to fund cybersecurity professional development programs. Creates a National Cybersecurity Office in DHS. Connecting the Operations of National Networks of Emergency Communications Technologies for First Responders Act of 2004 - Establishes an Office of Wireless Public Safety Interoperable Communications and a program to fund communications interoperability improvements. Strengthening Homeland Innovation to Emphasize Liberty, Democracy, and Privacy Act or the SHIELD Privacy Act - Requires designation of a Chief Privacy Officer within the Office of Management and Budget and of an official primarily responsible for privacy policy in each executive branch agency. Establishes a Commission on Privacy, Freedom, and Homeland Security and a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. Homeland Security Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Protection Act of 2004 - Revises DHS organizational provisions to institute certain civil rights and civil liberties safeguards. Sets forth policies (and measures) regarding prevention of future international terrorism, including concerning: (1) the role of Pakistan; (2) the future of Afghanistan; (3) the U.S.-Saudi relationship; (4) politics, culture, and education in the Islamic world; and (5) the use of economic and trade policies as part of a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy. Urges a comprehensive coalition strategy to fight Islamist terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004
Emergency Relief for Caribbean Nationals Act - Requires Haiti, Grenada, and the Cayman Islands to be treated as if such countries had been designated for purposes of the temporary protected status (TPS) provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Requires the initial period of designation to remain in effect for 18 months beginning on the date of enactment of this Act. Limits eligibility for TPS under this Act to aliens who: (1) have been continuously physically present in the United States since September 7, 2004; (2) are admissible as immigrants or eligible for certain waivers of inadmissibility and are not ineligible for TPS; and (3) register for TPS in the manner established by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Directs the Secretary to give prior consent to travel abroad to an alien granted TPS pursuant to this Act if the alien establishes that emergency and extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the alien require the alien to depart for a brief, temporary trip abroad.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004
Shadow Wolves Border Defense Act - Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to transfer to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) all functions of the Customs Patrol Officers unit of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operating on the Tohono O'odham Indian reservation (commonly known as the Shadow Wolves unit). Authorizes the Secretary to establish within ICE additional Customs Patrol Officer units. Requires such units to enforce the customs laws of the United States on Indian lands by preventing the smuggling of narcotics, weapons of mass destruction, and other contraband. Sets the rate of basic pay for journeymen Customs Patrol Officers in such units.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004
Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) ensure that Department of Homeland Security personnel along the United States-Mexico border have the security clearances required to access information to adequately screen entering immigrants, including IDENT and IAFIS databases and databases used by the Department's inspectors in secondary inspections; (2) develop the interagency agreements and information technology infrastructure necessary for such screening; and (3) increase by 2,000 the number of detention beds in the Port Isabel Service Processing Center at Los Fresnos, Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2004
Makes Rona Ramon, Asaf Ramon, Tal Ramon, Yiftach Ramon, and Noah Ramon each eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident of the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act, upon payment of the required visa fees.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2004
Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Investigations field office in Tulsa, Oklahoma within 180 days after enactment of this Act, subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2004
Makes Gabriella Dee eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident of the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act, upon payment of the required visa fees.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2004
National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004 - Establishes as an independent executive entity the National Intelligence Authority (Authority), headed by a National Intelligence Director (Director), to, among other things: (1) unify and strengthen efforts of the intelligence community (IC); (2) operate the National Counterterrorism Center and national intelligence centers; and (3) establish clear responsibility and accountability for counterterrorism and other intelligence matters relating to U.S. national security. Requires the Director to: (1) serve as the head of the IC; (2) advise the President on intelligence related to national security; (3) direct and oversee the National Intelligence Program (formerly the National Foreign Intelligence Program); (4) determine the annual budget for intelligence and intelligence-related activities; and (5) establish standards for information technology and communications across the IC. Authorizes the Director to establish and train a National Intelligence Reserve Corps for the temporary reemployment on a voluntary basis of former IC employees during periods of emergency. Establishes within the Authority, with specified functions: (1) the Reserve for Contingencies of the National Intelligence Director; (2) an Office of the National Intelligence Director; (3) a principal Deputy National Intelligence Director (second in command); (3) a National Intelligence Council (Council) (to provide national intelligence estimates for the U.S. Government and evaluate the collection and production of intelligence by the IC); (4) a General Counsel; (5) a Comptroller General; (6) an Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties; (7) a Privacy Officer; (8) a Chief Information Officer; (9) a Chief Human Capital Officer; (10) a Chief Financial Officer; (11) an Inspector General; and (12) an Ombudsman. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center (Center) to: (1) unify strategy for U.S. civilian and military counterterrorism efforts; and (2) integrate counterterrorism intelligence and operations across agency boundaries, both inside and outside the United States. Establishes within the Center a Directorate of Planning with primary responsibility for developing interagency counterterrorism plans. Authorizes the Director to establish one or more national intelligence centers to address intelligence priorities established by the Council. Requires the Director to establish the Intelligence Community Scholarship Program for the award of scholarships designed to recruit and prepare students for civilian careers meeting critical IC needs. Directs the President to establish an information sharing network to promote the sharing of terrorist information among all relevant Federal departments and agencies, State, tribal, and local authorities, and private entities. Establishes an Advisory Council on Information Sharing. Prohibits the 108th Congress from adjourning until jurisdiction over proposed legislation and other matters relating to: (1) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is consolidated into a single committee in each House with a nonpartisan staff; and (2) intelligence resides in a joint committee or a committee with combined authorization and appropriation authority, with a subcommittee devoted solely to oversight. Requires specified reports from the President to Congress concerning, among other things: (1) terrorist sanctuaries; (2) efforts to support Pakistan; (3) aid to Afghanistan; (4) the U.S.-Saudi Arabia relationship; (5) a strategy to help win the struggle of ideas within the Islamic world; (6) U.S. policy toward dictatorships; (7) the promotion of U.S. values through broadcast media; (8) proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and (9) efforts to curtail the international financing of terrorism. Directs the President to establish an International Youth Opportunity Fund to provide financial assistance for the improvement of public education in the Middle East. States U.S. policy concerning the humane treatment of prisoners. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to submit to Congress a: (1) strategy for combining terrorist travel intelligence, operations, and law enforcement into a cohesive effort to intercept terrorists, find terrorist travel facilitators, and constrain terrorist mobility both domestically and internationally; and (2) plan describing how DHS and the State Department can acquire and deploy, to all consulates, ports of entry, and immigration benefits offices, technologies that facilitate document authentication and the detection of potential terrorist indicators on travel documents. Directs the Secretary to develop plans: (1) for a comprehensive integrated screening system; (2) to accelerate the full implementation of an automated biometric entry and exit data system for preventing the entry of terrorists; (3) to expedite the processing of registered travelers who enter and exit the United States through a single registered traveler program; and (4) to require biometric passports and other secure identification for all travel into the United States by U.S. citizens and individuals for whom immigration and nationality documentation requirements have previously been waived. Directs the Secretary to develop, implement, and revise as necessary a National Strategy for Transportation Security for the protection from terrorist or other hostile acts of all transportation infrastructure assets. Requires the use of watchlists in connection with passenger air transportation screening. Directs the Secretary to allocate homeland security assistance grants to communities based on threat levels, presence of critical infrastructure, population density, and other criteria. Calls for adoption by all appropriate entities of the Incident Command System (a national, coordinated emergency response system developed by the National Incident Management System). Authorizes specified officials of the National Capital Region to enter into, provide, or request from other Region entities mutual aid assistance for emergency services related to an emergency or public service event. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage and support the establishment of consistent and effective communications capabilities in high risk urban areas; (2) establish a program to promote private sector preparedness; (3) undertake certain critical infrastructure readiness assessments; and (4) regularly assess the adequacy of the United States Northern Command to respond to all military and paramilitary threats within the United States. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004
Human Trafficking and Smuggling Penalty Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide for enhanced penalties, including the death penalty, for slavery. Modifies alien smuggling prohibitions under the Immigration and Nationality Act to cover engaging in specified actions with knowledge that the violator is acting in reckless disregard of the fact that a person is an alien. Prohibits bringing or attempting to bring an alien to the United States at a place other than a designated port of entry or a place designated by the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security, regardless of: (1) whether the alien received prior official authorization to enter the United States; (2) whether the person bringing the alien intended to violate any criminal law; or (3) any future official action which may be taken with respect to that alien. Prohibits the commission of an offense with knowledge or reason to believe that the alien unlawfully brought to or into the United States has engaged in or intends to engage in terrorist activity. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and amend the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and related policy statements to implement this Act and to reflect the serious nature of the offenses and penalties referred to in this Act, the growing incidence of alien smuggling, and the need to deter, prevent, and punish such offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Homeland Security should designate Haiti, Grenada, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas under the Immigration and Nationality Act to make nationals of those countries eligible for temporary protected status.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004
Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2005 through 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through 2007 to carry out the activities of the Department of Justice. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Safe Streets Act) to: (1) merge the Byrne grant program and the local law enforcement block grant program into an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program; and (2) establish within the Office of Justice Programs an Office of Weed and Seed Strategies to prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, criminal drug-related activity, and gang activity. Amends the USA PATRIOT Act to authorize grants for nonprofit neighborhood and community-based victim service organizations and coalitions to improve outreach and services to crime victims. Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act of 2004 - Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) to expand its scope to cover acts or threats involving burglary, embezzlement, and fraud in the purchase of securities. Prevention and Recovery of Missing Children Act of 2004 - Amends the Crime Control Act of 1990 to require each State reporting on missing children to ensure that no law enforcement agency within the State establishes or maintains a policy that requires the removal of an entry from its State law enforcement system or the National Crime Information Center computer network based solely on the person's age and provide that any relevant information shall be entered within two hours of receipt. Revises the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act to require the responsible official to obtain from a sex offender who is required to register: (1) information regarding the offender's anticipated future residence, employer's name and address, license plate number and vehicle, and student enrollment; and (2) fingerprints and a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sample, unless they were obtained within the previous three months. Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2004 - Amends the Safe Streets Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program. Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act or PACT Act - Amends the Jenkins Act to prohibit any person or other legal entity from selling, transferring, or shipping cigarettes into a State that taxes the sale or use of cigarettes (or from advertising or offering cigarettes for such a sale or transfer and shipment) without filing specified information with the tobacco tax administrator of such State within a specified time frame. Grants the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives authority to conduct certain undercover investigative operations and to inspect records and cigarettes of cigarette sellers who ship, sell, distribute, or receive any quantity in excess of 10,000 cigarettes within a single month. Cooperative Research and Technology Enhancement of 2004 or CREATE Act - Amends patent and trademark law to deem subject matter developed by another person and a claimed invention to have been owned by the same person or subject to an obligation of assignment to the same person, for purposes of provisions that treat inventions of a common owner similarly to inventions made by a single person, if: (1) the claimed invention was made by or on behalf of parties to a joint research agreement that was in effect on or before the date the claimed invention was made; (2) the claimed invention was made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of the agreement; and (3) the application for patent for the claimed invention discloses, or is amended to disclose, the names of the parties to the agreement. Protecting Intellectual Rights Against Theft and Expropriation Act of 2004 - Amends copyright law to authorize the Attorney General to: (1) commence a civil action against any person who engages in conduct constituting copyright infringement; (2) collect damages and profits resulting from such infringement; and (3) collect statutory damages. Koby Mandell Act of 2004 - Establishes within the Department of Justice an Office of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism. Seniors Safety Act of 2004 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission to establish procedures regarding telemarketing fraud. Federal Prosecutors Retirement Benefit Equity Act of 2004 - Includes Federal prosecutors within the definition of "law enforcement officer" (thus making them eligible for certain benefits). Anti-Atrocity Alien Deportation Act of 2004 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to provide for the inadmissibility and removability of aliens who have committed or otherwise participated in acts of torture or extrajudicial killings abroad. Parental Responsibility Obligations Met through Immigration System Enforcement Act or PROMISE Act - Amends the INA to make an alien excludable from U.S. admission for nonpayment of child support, with an exception. Fallen Heroes of 9/11 Act - Authorizes the President to present to the personal representative or next of kin of each individual who died on or after September 11, 2001, as a direct result of the act of terrorism within the United States on that date, a Fallen Heroes of 9/11 Congressional Medal. National Film Preservation Act of 2004 - Amends the National Film Preservation Act of 1996 to reauthorize appropriations to the Library of Congress for the National Film Preservation Board. National Film Preservation Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2004 - Amends specified Federal law to reauthorize appropriations to the Library of Congress for the National Film Preservation Foundation. Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2003 (sic) or DREAM Act - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to repeal the denial of an unlawful alien's eligibility for higher education benefits based on State residence unless a U.S. national is similarly eligible without regard to such State residence. Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Database Act of 2004 or Dru's Law - Directs the Attorney General to establish a national sex offender registry that: (1) makes publicly available, via the Internet, information about sexually violent predators and persons convicted of a sexually violent offense or a criminal offense against a minor; and (2) allows users to determine which registered sex offenders are currently residing within a specified area.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2004
9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act - National Security Intelligence Improvement Act of 2004 - Establishes a National Intelligence Director (Director) to, among other things: (1) serve as the head of the intelligence community (IC); (2) act as principal adviser for intelligence matters related to national security; and (3) manage, oversee, and direct the execution of the National Intelligence Program (formerly the National Foreign Intelligence Program). Establishes a National Intelligence Council to produce national intelligence estimates for the U.S. Government and evaluate the collection and production of intelligence by the IC. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center to: (1) analyze and integrate all U.S. intelligence pertaining to terrorism and counterterrorism; (2) conduct strategic operational planning for counterterrorism activities; and (3) ensure that intelligence agencies have access to and receive all intelligence needed to accomplish their missions. Establishes a: (1) Civil Liberties Protection Officer; and (2) Joint Intelligence Community Council. Authorizes the: (1) Secretary of Defense and the Director to jointly establish a program to advance foreign languages skills in languages critical to the capability of the IC to carry out U.S. national security objectives; and (2) assignment of IC personnel as language students. Requires the Director to conduct a pilot project to establish a Civilian Linguist Reserve Corps. Establishes the National Security Agency Emerging Technologies Panel to advise the Director on the research, development, and application of existing and emerging science and technology advances, advances in encryption, and other topics. Stop Terrorist and Military Hoaxes Act of 2004 - Provides criminal and civil penalties for false information concerning terrorist activities and military hoaxes. Material Support to Terrorism Prohibition Enhancement Act of 2004 - Provides criminal penalties for: (1) receiving military-type training from a foreign terrorist organization; and (2) providing material support to terrorism. Weapons of Mass Destruction Prohibition Improvement Act of 2004 - Expands the jurisdictional bases and scope of the prohibition against weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Includes chemical weapons within the definition of WMDs. Provides criminal liability for participation in nuclear and WMD threats against the United States. Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Antiterrorism Technical Corrections Act of 2004 - Provides additional funding to combat crimes involving terrorist financing. Criminal History Access Means Protection of Infrastructures and Our Nation - Requires the Attorney General to establish and maintain criminal history information checks for use by employers. Provides for the use of biometric technology in airport access control systems. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to prepare and update a transportation security strategic plan for defending aviation assets. Provides for: (1) next-generation airline passenger screening systems; (2) the deployment and use of explosive detection equipment at airport screening checkpoints; and (3) a pilot program to evaluate the use of blast-resistant cargo and baggage containers. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to establish a: (1) comprehensive intelligence program for FBI intelligence analysts and intelligence production, sources, and operations; and (2) national security workforce of agents, analysts, linguists, and surveillance specialists. Increases the number of full-time border patrol agents and immigration and customs enforcement investigators. Provides: (1) for expedited deportation of alien terrorists and supporters of terrorism; (2) minimum documentation requirements and issuance standards, for Federal recognition purposes, for driver's licenses, identification cards, and birth certificates; and (3) measures to enhance the privacy and integrity of social security numbers. Establishes within the State Department an Office of Visa and Passport Security. Requires specified reports concerning terrorist sanctuaries, including a priority list of countries providing such sanctuaries. Afghanistan Freedom Support Act Amendments of 2004 - Provides for the coordination of assistance to Afghanistan for various freedom support activities, and requires a long-term U.S. strategy with respect to such country. Authorizes assistance for counternarcotics efforts in Afghanistan. Outlines provisions concerning appropriate U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Requires the President to pursue international diplomatic and cooperative efforts to limit the availability, proliferation, and transfer of man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) (individual-fired surface-to-air missiles). Commends the use of multilateral organizations for fighting terrorist financing. Establishes an International Terrorist Finance Coordinating Council. Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2004 - Authorizes grants to improve first responder capabilities and to establish essential capabilities for emergency preparedness. Provides for congressional oversight over the Department of Homeland Security. Establishes an Office of Counternarcotics Enforcement. Requires public financial disclosure with respect to certain IC employees. Authorizes the FBI Director to establish an FBI Reserve Service for the temporary reemployment of former FBI employees during periods of emergencies. Revises security clearance requirements and procedures. Federal Agency Protection of Privacy Act of 2004 - Requires Federal agency rulemakings to take into consideration rule impacts on individual privacy. Requires the establishment of chief privacy officers for agencies with law enforcement or antiterrorism functions. Mutual Aid and Litigation Management Authorization Act of 2004 - Authorizes: (1) mutual aid agreements for utilities and services support during an emergency or public service event; and (2) litigation management agreements for limiting legal action against emergency response providers. Calls for adoption of the National Incident Management System. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should regularly assess the adequacy of the United States Northern Command to respond to all military and paramilitary threats within the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004
Designates Poland as a program country for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act's visa waiver program, notwithstanding designation requirements of current law.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004
Angel Island Immigration Station Restoration and Preservation Act - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior for restoring the Angel Island Immigration Station in San Francisco Bay, in coordination with the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation and the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Requires funds appropriated by this Act to be used first for restoration of the Immigration Station Hospital on Angel Island.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004
Secure Borders Act - Establishes the Land Border Infrastructure Improvement Fund. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to conduct a vulnerability assessment of land ports of entry (POEs). Directs the Secretary to: (1) make permanent specified pre-enrollment programs that allow expedited inspections at POEs for participants; (2) develop a comprehensive plan to deploy technological surveillance systems along U.S. borders; (3) increase the number of K-9 units working within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); (4) ensure that radiation portal monitors are installed at all southern border POEs no later than September 30, 2005; (5) contract with an independent entity to study the necessary allocation of personnel at POEs and Border Patrol sectors; and (6) provide ongoing training for inspectors. Requires the Commissioner of Customs to submit a report to Congress on the One Face at the Border Initiative (a Department of Homeland Security [DHS] initiative that unifies customs, immigration, and agricultural inspection functions by cross-training CBP personnel) that addresses: (1) the effectiveness of the initiative in enhancing security and facilitating trade; (2) the number of CBP personnel who worked for the former Customs Service or the former Immigration and Naturalization Service before the DHS was established and the number hired after its establishment; (3) training time provided to each employee for initiative components; (4) steps taken by CBP to ensure that expertise is retained with regard to customs, immigration, and agriculture inspection functions under the initiative; and (5) whether the missions of customs, agriculture, and immigration are equally emphasized. Requires the Comptroller General to review such reports and report on the effectiveness of the initiative. Requires the Secretary to: (1) submit unclassified and classified versions of a comprehensive border security strategy; (2) integrate the IDENT and IAFIS databases; and (3) make interoperable those databases used by inspectors in secondary inspections. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to create the positions of Northern Border Coordinator and Southern Border Coordinator within the DHS's Directorate of Border and Transportation Security. Requires the President to submit information regarding progress toward implementation of the Smart Border Accords. Expresses the sense of Congress that Mexicans and Canadians should be treated with parity in establishing periods of lawful admission. States that, once the entry-exit data system required by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 is fully implemented, the period of admission for aliens holding border crossing cards shall be six months. Requires the Secretary to create an Office of US-VISIT Outreach to inform local border officials, residents, and businesses about developments in the US-VISIT program. Amends the Immigration and Naturalization Service Data Management Improvement Act of 2000 to reconstitute the integrated entry-exit system task force. Requires the Secretary to: (1) ensure implementation of electronic arrival/departure records no later than December 1, 2005; (2) report on the development and distribution of a transportation worker identification card; and (3) establish standards and verification procedures for the security of intermodal cargo containers. Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the need for additional staff for the U.S. Consulate-General in Mexico. Establishes the Office of Tribal Security within DHS. Requires the Secretary to transfer the CBP Customs Patrol Officers unit operating on the Tohono O'odham Indian reservation (known as the Shadow Wolves) to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Requires development and implementation of State identification document standards as a prerequisite for the acceptance of such documents by Federal agencies. Requires the Secretary to make grants to assist States and localities in issuing documents that meet those standards. Authorizes appropriations for an increase in staff and detention space for ICE. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) immigration cases involving incarcerated criminal aliens should be processed while the alien is in prison; and (2) appropriations should be authorized for staff increases for judicial and prosecutorial offices to better enforce immigration laws. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to create a new subclass in the S (witness or informant) nonimmigrant visa category for certain aliens in possession of critical reliable information regarding commercial alien smuggling organizations or enterprises. Provides for adjustment of status for such nonimmigrants. Imposes increased penalties for, and establishes a rewards program to combat, aggravated alien smuggling. Requires the U.S. Sentencing Commission (USSC) to promulgate sentencing guidelines that reflect enhanced sentences and fines for alien smuggling. Amends the Federal criminal code to enhance penalties for smuggling merchandise into the United States. Requires the USSC to amend sentencing guidelines to provide sentencing enhancements for merchandise smuggling that results in a death. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to create an Office of Overseas Service within DHS's Office of International Affairs. Requires the Secretary to: (1) report on implementation of prior recommendations regarding visa security; (2) establish an electronic advance passenger screening system for visa waiver program (VWP) participants as part of an integrated entry-exit system; (3) create a VWP Office; and (4) provide fraud detection and foreign language training for inspectors inspecting VWP aliens. Requires the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) Ombudsman to launch a public information campaign and to establish an advisory group that provides private sector input. Directs the Comptroller General to assess CIS and report findings to the Secretary, the Secretary of State, and appropriate congressional committees. Requires the Secretary to study biometric identifiers that might be used for immigration benefit applications and petitions. Requires all fingerprints taken for adjudicating such applications or petitions to be digitized, and all such applications or petitions to be registered using a biometric identifier, no later than January 1, 2005.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2004
Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits, and Security Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant qualifying alien agricultural workers (and their spouses and minor children) temporary resident status and subsequently lawful permanent resident status upon the fulfillment of specified agricultural work and residency requirements. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) adjustment of status applications, including penalties for false statements; (2) the waiver of numerical limitations and certain grounds for inadmissibility; (3) the temporary stay of removal and work authorization; (4) administrative and judicial review; and (5) dissemination of program information. Amends the Social Security Act to provide for the correction of such aliens' social security records. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to set forth application requirements for H-2A (temporary agricultural worker) employers and employer associations, including assurances: (1) that the job opportunity is temporary or seasonal and is not the result of a labor dispute; (2) that attempts have been made to hire U.S. workers; and (3) respecting required wages and benefits and compliance with labor laws. Sets forth employment requirements with respect to H-2A worker wages, housing, and transportation reimbursement. Establishes the Commission on Agricultural Wage Standards under the H-2A program. Revises provisions respecting the admission and extension of stay of H-2A workers. Provides special rules for alien sheepherders. Sets forth worker protection and labor standards enforcement provisions for such aliens.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2004
Illegal Immigration Enforcement and Social Security Protection Act of 2004 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require inclusion of encrypted electronic identification strips on Social Security cards. Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to: (1) develop the strip in a manner that enables employers to access the Employment Eligibility Database (EED) established by this Act; and (2) transmit to the Secretary of Homeland Security necessary information from an individual's application for a Social Security card or number (as determined by the Secretary) for inclusion in the EED. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain the EED. Requires the EED to include data on the citizenship status and work and residency eligibility of noncitizens authorized to work in the United States. Restricts access to EED information. Prohibits individuals from commencing employment with a U.S. employer absent a Social Security card that meets the requirements of this Act and presentation of such card to the employer. Prohibits employers from hiring individuals absent verification of identity and work authorization. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) assess penalties against employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers or fail to comply with verification procedures; and (2) bring civil actions against those who fail to pay assessments or otherwise violate this Act. Establishes criminal penalties for such violations. Mandates integration of Border Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint databases. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to establish a national identification card.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2004
Montserrat Immigration Fairness Act - Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to grant lawful permanent resident status to certain nationals of Montserrat previously granted temporary protected status in the United States (and specified family members). Authorizes aliens previously ordered excluded, deported, or removed, or ordered to depart voluntarily, to apply for adjustment of status under this Act. Requires the Secretary to provide work authorization and related documentation to principal aliens seeking the benefits of this Act. Directs the Secretary to provide specified administrative review procedures for such aliens and their qualifying family members. States that the granting of adjustment of status for principal aliens under this Act shall not reduce the number of available immigrant visas.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2004
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to allow professional athletes (including members of minor league teams that are affiliated with professional sports team associations) and members or coaches of certain amateur sports leagues to enter the United States on P-1 nonimmigrant visas (currently, limited to athletes performing at an "internationally recognized level of performance"). Eliminates consultation requirements applicable to the Secretary of Homeland Security's approval of such visas. Requires the Secretary to permit a petition to seek P-1 classification for multiple alien athletes. Prohibits additional fees for such petitions. Requires the Secretary to allow athletes or their employers to seek admission for such athletes under INA provisions other than P-1 provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2004
Makes Ana Maria Moncayo-Gigax eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident of the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act, upon payment of the required visa fees.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit an alien child of an alien parent classified as an immediate relative to be classified as an immediate relative for purposes of the exemption from direct numerical limitations on immigration if the Secretary of Homeland Security determines, on the basis of a petition filed on the child's behalf, that: (1) the child is in the United States and is accompanied by the alien parent; (2) the child is receiving medical treatment unavailable outside the United States; and (3) such classification is necessary to avoid extreme hardship to the child or parent. Addresses petitioning procedures for such classification.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004
9/11 Commission Report Implementation Act of 2004 - National Intelligence Authority Act of 2004 - Establishes as an independent executive entity the National Intelligence Authority (Authority), headed by a National Intelligence Director (Director), to, among other things: (1) unify and strengthen efforts of the intelligence community (IC); (2) operate the National Counterterrorism Center and national intelligence centers; and (3) establish clear responsibility and accountability for counterterrorism and other intelligence matters relating to U.S. national security. Requires the Director to: (1) serve as the head of the IC; (2) advise the President on intelligence related to national security; and (3) direct, manage, and oversee the execution of the National Intelligence Program (formerly the National Foreign Intelligence Program). Establishes a National Intelligence Council (Council) to produce national intelligence estimates for the U.S. Government and evaluate the collection and production of intelligence by the IC. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center (Center) to: (1) unify strategy for U.S. civilian and military counterterrorism efforts; and (2) integrate counterterrorism intelligence and operations across agency boundaries, both inside and outside the United States. Requires the President to publicly disclose certain intelligence funding information for fiscal years after 2005. Merges the Homeland Security Council into the Council. Maintains within the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) the direction and execution of clandestine and covert operations. Makes the Secretary of Defense responsible for directing and executing paramilitary operations, whether clandestine or covert. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to develop and maintain within the FBI a national security workforce of agents, analysts, linguists, and surveillance specialists. Directs the President to: (1) establish an information sharing network to promote the sharing of terrorism information among all relevant Federal departments and agencies, State, tribal, and local authorities, and private sector entities in a manner consistent with national security and the protection of privacy and civil liberties; and (2) submit to Congress a network system design and implementation plan. Establishes an Advisory Council on Information Sharing. Prohibits the 108th Congress from adjourning until jurisdiction over proposed legislation and other matters relating to: (1) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is consolidated into a single committee in each House with a nonpartisan staff; and (2) intelligence resides in a joint committee or a committee with combined authorization and appropriations authority, with a subcommittee devoted solely to oversight. Requires the President-elect to be provided detailed, classified summaries by relevant outgoing executive officials of specific operational threats to national security, major military or covert operations, and pending decisions on possible use of military force. Outlines procedures for the President-elect to designate, the FBI to investigate, and the Senate to expeditiously consider nominees for high-level national security positions. Requires specified reports from the President to Congress concerning, among other things: (1) terrorist sanctuaries; (2) efforts to support Pakistan; (3) aid to Afghanistan; (4) the U.S.-Saudi Arabia relationship; (5) a strategy to help win the struggle of ideas within the Islamic world; (6) proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and (7) efforts to curtail the international financing of terrorism. Provides, through specified activities of the Secretary of State, for the expansion of international educational and cultural exchange programs between the United States and countries with sizable Muslim populations. Directs the President to establish an International Youth Opportunity Fund to provide financial assistance for the improvement of public education in the Middle East. Authorizes the President to establish an international counterterrorism policy contact group with leaders of governments of other countries to develop a comprehensive coalition strategy to fight Islamist terrorism. States U.S. policy concerning the humane treatment of prisoners. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to submit to Congress a: (1) strategy for combining terrorist travel intelligence, operations, and law enforcement into a cohesive effort to intercept terrorists, find terrorist travel facilitators, and constrain terrorist mobility domestically and internationally; and (2) plan describing how DHS and the State Department can acquire and deploy, to all consulates, ports of entry, and immigration benefits offices, technologies that facilitate document authentication and the detection of potential terrorist indicators on travel documents. Directs the Secretary to develop plans: (1) for a comprehensive integrated screening system; (2) to accelerate the full implementation of an automated biometric entry and exit data system for preventing the entry of terrorists; (3) to expedite the processing of registered travelers who enter and exit the United States through a single registered traveler program; and (4) to require biometric passports and other secure identification for all travel into the United States by U.S. citizens and individuals for whom immigration and nationality documentation requirements have previously been waived. Directs the Secretary to develop, implement, and revise as necessary a National Strategy for Transportation Security for the protection from terrorist or other hostile acts of all transportation infrastructure assets. Directs the Secretary to allocate homeland security assistance grants to communities based on threat levels, presence of critical infrastructure, population density, and other criteria. Calls for adoption by all appropriate entities of the Incident Command System (a national, coordinated emergency response system developed by the National Incident Management System). Authorizes specified officials of the National Capital Region to enter into, provide, or request from other Region entities mutual aid assistance for emergency services related to a terrorist or other hostile act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage and support the establishment of consistent and effective communications capabilities in high risk urban areas; (2) establish a program to promote private sector preparedness; (3) undertake certain critical infrastructure readiness assessments; and (4) regularly assess the adequacy of the United States Northern Command to respond to all military and paramilitary threats within the United States. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004
Makes Helene Jensen eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident of the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act, upon payment of the required visa fees.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2004
9/11 Commission Report Implementation Act of 2004 - National Intelligence Authority Act of 2004 - Establishes as an independent executive entity the National Intelligence Authority (Authority), headed by a National Intelligence Director (Director), to, among other things: (1) unify and strengthen efforts of the intelligence community (IC); (2) operate the National Counterterrorism Center and national intelligence centers; and (3) establish clear responsibility and accountability for counterterrorism and other intelligence matters relating to U.S. national security. Requires the Director to: (1) serve as the head of the IC; (2) advise the President on intelligence related to national security; and (3) direct, manage, and oversee the execution of the National Intelligence Program (formerly the National Foreign Intelligence Program). Establishes a National Intelligence Council (Council) to produce national intelligence estimates for the U.S. Government and evaluate the collection and production of intelligence by the IC. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center (Center) to: (1) unify strategy for U.S. civilian and military counterterrorism efforts; and (2) integrate counterterrorism intelligence and operations across agency boundaries, both inside and outside the United States. Requires the President to publicly disclose certain intelligence funding information for fiscal years after 2005. Merges the Homeland Security Council into the Council. Maintains within the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) the direction and execution of clandestine and covert operations. Makes the Secretary of Defense responsible for directing and executing paramilitary operations, whether clandestine or covert. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to develop and maintain within the FBI a national security workforce of agents, analysts, linguists, and surveillance specialists. Directs the President to: (1) establish an information sharing network to promote the sharing of terrorism information among all relevant Federal departments and agencies, State, tribal, and local authorities, and private sector entities in a manner consistent with national security and the protection of privacy and civil liberties; and (2) submit to Congress a network system design and implementation plan. Establishes an Advisory Council on Information Sharing. Prohibits the 108th Congress from adjourning until jurisdiction over proposed legislation and other matters relating to: (1) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is consolidated into a single committee in each House with a nonpartisan staff; and (2) intelligence resides in a joint committee or a committee with combined authorization and appropriations authority, with a subcommittee devoted solely to oversight. Requires the President-elect to be provided detailed, classified summaries by relevant outgoing executive officials of specific operational threats to national security, major military or covert operations, and pending decisions on possible use of military force. Outlines procedures for the President-elect to designate, the FBI to investigate, and the Senate to expeditiously consider nominees for high-level national security positions. Requires specified reports from the President to Congress concerning, among other things: (1) terrorist sanctuaries; (2) efforts to support Pakistan; (3) aid to Afghanistan; (4) the U.S.-Saudi Arabia relationship; (5) a strategy to help win the struggle of ideas within the Islamic world; (6) proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and (7) efforts to curtail the international financing of terrorism. Provides, through specified activities of the Secretary of State, for the expansion of international educational and cultural exchange programs between the United States and countries with sizable Muslim populations. Directs the President to establish an International Youth Opportunity Fund to provide financial assistance for the improvement of public education in the Middle East. Authorizes the President to establish an international counterterrorism policy contact group with leaders of governments of other countries to develop a comprehensive coalition strategy to fight Islamist terrorism. States U.S. policy concerning the humane treatment of prisoners. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to submit to Congress a: (1) strategy for combining terrorist travel intelligence, operations, and law enforcement into a cohesive effort to intercept terrorists, find terrorist travel facilitators, and constrain terrorist mobility domestically and internationally; and (2) plan describing how DHS and the State Department can acquire and deploy, to all consulates, ports of entry, and immigration benefits offices, technologies that facilitate document authentication and the detection of potential terrorist indicators on travel documents. Directs the Secretary to develop plans: (1) for a comprehensive integrated screening system; (2) to accelerate the full implementation of an automated biometric entry and exit data system for preventing the entry of terrorists; (3) to expedite the processing of registered travelers who enter and exit the United States through a single registered traveler program; and (4) to require biometric passports and other secure identification for all travel into the United States by U.S. citizens and individuals for whom immigration and nationality documentation requirements have previously been waived. Directs the Secretary to develop, implement, and revise as necessary a National Strategy for Transportation Security for the protection from terrorist or other hostile acts of all transportation infrastructure assets. Directs the Secretary to allocate homeland security assistance grants to communities based on threat levels, presence of critical infrastructure, population density, and other criteria. Calls for adoption by all appropriate entities of the Incident Command System (a national, coordinated emergency response system developed by the National Incident Management System). Authorizes specified officials of the National Capital Region to enter into, provide, or request from other Region entities mutual aid assistance for emergency services related to a terrorist or other hostile act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage and support the establishment of consistent and effective communications capabilities in high risk urban areas; (2) establish a program to promote private sector preparedness; (3) undertake certain critical infrastructure readiness assessments; and (4) regularly assess the adequacy of the United States Northern Command to respond to all military and paramilitary threats within the United States. Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2004
Declares Raheela Naz Khan to be eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Makes Jose Manual Guzman-Morales eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident of the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act, upon payment of the required visa fees.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Makes Malachy McAllister, Nicola McAllister, and Sean Ryan McAllister each eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident of the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act, upon payment of the required visa fees.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Makes Judith Atuh Tanjoh, Serge Mbah Tikum, Marie Noel Tikum, Emmanuel Ngwa Tikum, and Roger Fon Tikum each eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident of the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act, upon payment of the required visa fees.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Material Support to Terrorism Prohibition Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit knowingly receiving military-type training from a foreign terrorist organization. Grants extraterritorial jurisdiction over such offense if specified conditions apply, such as if: (1) the offender is a U.S. national; (2) an offender is a stateless person whose habitual residence is in the United States; (3) the offense occurs within the United States; (4) the offense occurs in or affects interstate or foreign commerce; or (5) an offender aids or abets or conspires in such offense with any person over whom jurisdiction exists. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit granting visas to or admitting, and provides for the deportation of, aliens who have received such training. Expands the scope of the prohibition against: (1) providing material support to terrorists to include providing resources or concealing or disguising material support or resources, knowing or intending that they will be used for an act of terrorism, where the offense occurs in or affects interstate or foreign commerce); and (2) financing terrorism to cover proceeds of funds used to knowingly disguise any material support to terrorists and knowing that funds are to be provided or collected for such proscribed purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004
International Student and Scholar Access Act of 2004 - Directs the President to submit to specified congressional committees a strategic plan for enhancing international student access to the United States for study and exchange activities. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to provide for reduced fees in cases of short-term study, under the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Directs the Secretaries of State and of Homeland Security to report on improving SEVIS fee collection. Expresses the sense of Congress on improving the visa process. Directs the Secretary of State to issue certain guidance on visa processing. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to ensure that: (1) FBI databases and systems used in the National Name Check Program are interoperable with the requisite databases and systems at the Department of State; (2) FBI files are automated and a common database is set up between FBI field offices and headquarters; and (3) the FBI has full connectivity to the Consular Consolidated Database through the Open Source Information System. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise standards for visa evaluations for those having the intention, capability, and financial resources to complete a course of study in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004
Comprehensive Immigration Fairness Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to make permanently available the exception to the adjustment of status bar for beneficiaries of family petitions or labor certification applications. Adds grounds for discretionary waiver of inadmissibility. Authorizes K nonimmigrant status for specified family members of lawful permanent residents (LPRs) and additional family members of U.S. citizens who are awaiting immigrant visas. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to disregard as aggravated felonies (with immigration consequences) certain criminal convictions. Provides that a person who is a child on the last day of the 90-day period after a pending application for INA benefits is filed shall be considered to be a child for all purposes related to such application. Clarifies that the term "child" includes children for whom adoption proceedings were initiated prior to specified ages. Authorizes the Secretary to waive certain bars to admission. Establishes a program for earned access to legalization. Authorizes the adjustment of status of certain undocumented children. Amends the registry provision. Expands the list of unfair immigration-related employment practices. Requires petitioners for nonimmigrant workers to file affidavits describing efforts to recruit U.S. citizens or LPRs. Doubles the numerical cap on worldwide diversity immigrant visas. Provides for adjustment of status of certain Haitian nationals. Eliminates mandatory detention in asylum seekers' expedited removal proceedings. Amends the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998 to remove document fraud as a ground of inadmissibility and to address child-related determinations. Provides for adjustment of status of certain Liberian nationals. Modifies requirements applicable to asylum and refugee proceedings. Authorizes adjustment of status for certain recipients of temporary protected status. Repeals a provision in the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 that bars Federal, State, and local governments from preventing the communication of immigration status information to the Department of Homeland Security. Repeals a provision of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 concerning verification of eligibility for Federal public benefits. Eliminates statutory authority permitting State personnel to carry out immigration officer functions.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004
States that notwithstanding his inability to satisfy the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act relating to knowledge and understanding of the English language, Roger Paul Robert Kozik shall be deemed eligible for naturalization upon the filing of the appropriate application if otherwise qualified under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004
Declares Maria Cristina Degrass to be eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2004
Active Duty Naturalization Accommodation Act of 2004 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to establish procedures under which deadlines, interviews, and similar requirements otherwise applicable to the naturalization process are suspended with regard to an alien who has applied for naturalization and is stationed abroad on active duty status in the U.S. Armed Forces until the alien is provided additional time (at least 30 days) after returning to the United States in which to meet such requirements. Allows aliens to waive application of the suspension provision and to meet naturalization requirements while absent from the United States. Directs the Secretary to establish a form that an alien may (but shall not be required to) use to request such suspension. Requires: (1) the Secretary to provide information about the suspension provisions of this Act to aliens applying for naturalization; and (2) to the extent practicable, the Secretary of Defense to inform aliens on active duty abroad of the procedures applicable to suspension and to make available the form for requesting suspension. Sets forth transition provisions for aliens who had applied for naturalization but missed applicable deadlines, interviews, or similar requirements while on active duty abroad during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2004
Makes Malik Jarno eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident of the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act, upon payment of the required visa fees.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2004
Declares Majan Jean to be eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2004
Declares Maria Cristina Degrass to be eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2004
Declares Majan Jean to be eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.