Immigration

Protection from Enemy Combatants Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2008

Protection from Enemy Combatants Act - Defines a "covered alien" as an alien who was detained as an enemy combatant by the United States at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Prohibits: (1) a U.S. court from ordering the release or parole into the United States of a covered alien; (2) the Secretary of State from issuing any visa to a covered alien that would permit such alien to enter, or be admitted to, the United States; and (3) the Secretary of Homeland Security from admitting or providing any type of immigration status to a covered alien that would permit such alien to enter, or be admitted to, the United States. Authorizes the President to waive restrictions by the Secretaries if consistent with U.S. national security.

Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2008

Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to mandate live training of all Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel who come into contact with unaccompanied alien children. Sets forth detention standards for immigration detention facilities. Directs the Secretary to: (1) convene a detention advisory committee; (2) promulgate regulations regarding detainee care and custody; (3) implement secure alternatives to detention programs under which eligible aliens are released under supervision, assistance, and monitoring that ensure their appearance at all immigration interviews, appointments, and hearings; and (4) provide protective detention alternatives for specified categories of vulnerable aliens.

Jonathan R. Scharfen, of Virginia, to be Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security, vice Emilio T. Gonzalez.

United States · United States Senate · 1 October 2008

A bill to amend chapter 63 of title 5, United States Code, to modify the rate of accrual of annual leave for administrative law judges, contract appeals board members, and immigration judges.

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2008

Modifies the rate of accrual of annual leave for administrative law judges, contract appeals board members, and immigration judges to require accrual of one day of annual leave for each full biweekly pay period.

A bill to require the accreditation of English language training programs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2008

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require that a nonimmigrant foreign student seeking to enter the United States to study at a language training program enroll at a language program that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of Education. Provides for a specified three-year exception to such requirement.

STAPLE Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2008

Stopping Trained in America Ph.D.s From Leaving the Economy Act of 2008 or the STAPLE Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt from: (1) direct numerical limitations aliens who have earned a Ph.D. degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics from a U.S. institution of higher education and who have an offer of employment from a U.S. employer in a field related to such degree; and (2) H-1B visa (specialty occupation) numerical limitations aliens who have earned a Ph.D. degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics from a U.S. institution of higher education and with respect to whom the petitioning employer requires such education as an employment condition.

Preserving Patient Access to Primary Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2008

Preserving Patient Access to Primary Care Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award recruitment incentive grants or contracts to graduate medical schools to enable them to improve primary care education and training for medical students. Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to: (1) award grants to critical shortage health facilities to enable them to provide scholarships to individuals who agree to serve as physicians at such facilities after completing a residency in the field of family practice, pediatrics, or internal medicine; and (2) establish an educational loan repayment program for individuals who agree to serve as primary care physicians in an area that is not a health professional shortage area. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for deferment of education loans during medical residency and internships in family medicine, internal medicine, or pediatric medicine. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994 to make permanent the Conrad State J-1 Visa Waiver Program. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt from the H-1 B Visa Limitation individuals awarded a medical speciality certification in internal medicine, pediatrics, or family medicine by the appropriate medical board based on post-doctoral training and experience in the United States. Amends the PHSA to direct the Secretary to award grants to eligible state and local government entities for the development of informational materials that promote careers in primary care. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to allow the use of Medicaid transformation payments for methods for improving medical assistance under Medicaid and SSA title XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) by encouraging certain medical practices to qualify as patient centered medical homes. Establishes the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC). Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to: (1) increase budget neutrality limits under the physician fee schedule to account for anticipated savings resulting from payments for certain services and the coordination of beneficiary care; and (2) require a separate Medicare payment for designated primary care services and comprehensive care coordination services. Amends SSA title XVIII, as amended by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, to cover patient-centered medical home services. Directs the Secretary to develop a methodology to increase payments for designated evaluation and management services provided by primary and principal care physicians. Requires: (1) additional incentive payments for primary care services furnished in health professional shortage areas; (2) permanent extension of the floor on the Medicare work geographic adjustment under the physician fee schedule; and (3) permanent extension of the Medicare incentive payment program for physician scarcity areas. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the process for determining relative value under the Medicare physician fee schedule. Eliminates cost sharing for preventive benefits and the time restriction for initial preventive physical examination. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on: (1) facilitating the receipt of Medicare preventive services by Medicare beneficiaries; and (2) increasing the ability of the physician to assist Medicare beneficiaries in obtaining needed prescriptions under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program). Requires additional payments to physicians for services to individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). Requires various specified studies.

Two Strike Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2008

Two Strike Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include in the definition of "aggravated felony" a criminal violation committed by an alien who improperly entered the United States.

Special Immigrant Nonminister Religious Worker Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Special Immigrant Nonminister Religious Worker Program Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend the special immigrant program for non-minister religious workers until March 6, 2009. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue final regulations to eliminate or reduce fraud in the special immigrant non-minister religious worker program not later than 30 days after enactment of this Act. Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security to report to Congress on such regulations' effectiveness by March 6, 2009.

Every Student Counts Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Every Student Counts Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require, beginning by the 2011-2012 school year, states, local educational agencies (LEAs), and secondary schools annually to include on the report cards required under title I of the Act: (1) their four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate; (2) their cumulative graduation rate; (3) the number of students graduating in more than four years with a regular secondary school diploma; (4) the number of students who have been removed from the adjusted cohort; (5) the percentage of students from an adjusted cohort who remain in secondary school after four years; and (6) the percentage of secondary school students in each grade, except the graduating grade, prepared to advance to the next grade. Requires such data, except for data on students who remain in secondary school after four years, to be disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, disability status, migrant status, English proficiency, and status as economically disadvantaged. Directs states, LEAs, and secondary schools in states that lack a statewide longitudinal data system with individual student identifiers to make certain annual interim graduation rate calculations; but prohibits the use of such interim calculations after the 2010-2011 school year. Requires the use of aggregate and disaggregated cumulative graduation rates in determining the success of each secondary school and LEA in making adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward state academic performance standards under the Act. Requires states, LEAs, and schools that have a cumulative graduation rate below 90% overall or for any of the student subgroups, to make specified yearly progress in improving such rate or be deemed as failing to make AYP.

Travelers' Privacy Protection Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Travelers' Privacy Protection Act of 2008 - Sets forth standards and procedures for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) border searches or seizures of electronic equipment transported by a U.S. resident. Prohibits a DHS official from considering race, ethnicity, national origin, or religion in selecting U.S. residents for such searches except as provided for by this Act. Sets forth limitations on the access to such equipment or the disclosure of related information. Authorizes claims to be made for damaged equipment. Sets forth remedy and enforcement provisions.

Travelers' Privacy Protection Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Travelers' Privacy Protection Act of 2008 - Sets forth standards and procedures for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) border searches or seizures of electronic equipment transported by a U.S. resident. Prohibits a DHS official from considering race, ethnicity, national origin, or religion in selecting U.S. residents for such searches except as provided for by this Act. Sets forth limitations on the access to such equipment or the disclosure of related information. Authorizes claims to be made for damaged equipment. Sets forth remedy and enforcement provisions.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Improvement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Improvement Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of State to adjudicate U.S. passport applications in an individualized, evidence-based manner. Requires the passport application adjudicatory process to be based on an assessment of individual circumstances and evidence. Prohibits an applicant's race, ethnicity, or ancestry from being taken into account in the passport application adjudicatory process. Requires: (1) an applicant to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the applicant is a U.S. citizen or national; (2) the preponderance of the evidence standard to be applied in a uniform and consistent manner to all passport applications; and (3) any determination that an applicant has not met the burden of proving U.S. citizenship or nationality by a preponderance of the evidence to be made in writing, state the reasons for the determination, and be provided to the applicant in a timely manner. States that a birth certificate signed by a person authorized under state law to sign such a document, or a previously-issued U.S. passport, shall constitute prima facie evidence of U.S. citizenship or nationality and, absent individualized evidence that a birth did not take place in the United States, shall satisfy the preponderance of the evidence standard.

Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detention Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008

Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detention Act - Sets forth protections against unlawful detentions of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents regarding: (1) notifications; (2) access to counsel; (3) notice and charges; (4) issuance of detainers; (5) access to telephones; (6) protection of community institutions; (7) transfer of detainees; and (8) immigration enforcement-related training of personnel. Sets forth requirements that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must follow in immigration enforcement operations: (1) that are expected to target more that 50 individuals; and (2) respecting coordination with the Department of Labor and other relevant agencies. Sets forth protections for specified vulnerable populations. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) ensure that U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other individuals are not unlawfully detained by establishing secure alternative custody programs; and (2) establish a detention advisory committee. Establishes within DHS a position of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Ombudsman.

To require the accreditation of English language training programs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require that a nonimmigrant foreign student seeking to enter the United States to study at a language training program enroll in a program recognized as accredited by the Secretary of Education. Provides for a specified three-year exception to such requirement.

Military Personnel Citizenship Processing Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008

Military Personnel Citizenship Processing Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish an Office of the FBI Liaison in United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which shall monitor and assist with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) functions related to expeditiously processing naturalization applications filed by members and former members of the Armed Forces. Amends the the Immigration and Nationality Act to require that USCIS, within six months of receipt of a naturalization application filed by a member of the Armed Forces: (1) process and adjudicate the application; or (2) provide the applicant with an explanation for the inability to meet such deadline and an estimate of the adjudication date. Repeals the provisions of this Act five years after the date of enactment of this Act.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR IMMIGRATION REVIEW

United States · United States House of Representatives · 23 September 2008

Reuniting Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008

Reuniting Families Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish the fiscal year worldwide level of employment-based immigrants at 140,000 plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY1992-FY2007. Establishes the fiscal year worldwide level of family-sponsored immigrants at 480,000 plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY1992-FY2007. Revises the definition of "immediate relative" to: (1) mean a child, spouse, or parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (and for each family member of a citizen or resident, such individual's accompanying spouse or child), except that in the case of parents such citizens shall be at least 21 years old; (2) permit a widow or widower of a U.S. citizen or resident to seek permanent resident status if married at least two years at the time of the citizen's or resident's death or, if married less than two years, by showing through a preponderance of the evidence that the marriage was entered into in good faith and not solely to obtain an immigration benefit; and (3) include an alien who was the child or parent of a U.S. citizen or resident at the time of the citizen's or resident's death if the alien files a petition within two years after such date or prior to reaching 21 years old. Increases immigration visas for: (1) unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens; and (2) brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. Provides a 60,000 visa allocation for the unmarried sons and daughters of permanent resident aliens. Increases annual per country (10% of annual total) and dependent area (5% of annual total) limits for employment-based and family-sponsored immigrant visas. Expands specified family-unity exceptions to unlawful presence-based inadmissibility. Provides specified relief for orphans and spouses regarding: (1) petitions for immediate relative status; (2) parole eligibility; (3) permanent resident status adjustment; and (4) processing of immigrant visas. Exempts children of naturalized Filipino World War II veterans from worldwide or numerical immigrant limitations.

Reuniting Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008

Reuniting Families Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish the fiscal year worldwide level of employment-based immigrants at 140,000 plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY1992-FY2007. Establishes the fiscal year worldwide level of family-sponsored immigrants at 480,000 plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY1992-FY2007. Revises the definition of "immediate relative" to: (1) mean a child, spouse, or parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (and for each family member of a citizen or resident, such individual's accompanying spouse or child), except that in the case of parents such citizens shall be at least 21 years old; (2) permit a widow or widower of a U.S. citizen or resident to seek permanent resident status if married at least two years at the time of the citizen's or resident's death or, if married less than two years, by showing through a preponderance of the evidence that the marriage was entered into in good faith and not solely to obtain an immigration benefit; and (3) include an alien who was the child or parent of a U.S. citizen or resident at the time of the citizen's or resident's death if the alien files a petition within two years after such date or prior to reaching 21 years old. Increases immigration visas for: (1) unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens; and (2) brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. Provides a 60,000 visa allocation for the unmarried sons and daughters of permanent resident aliens. Increases annual per country (10% of annual total) and dependent area (5% of annual total) limits for employment-based and family-sponsored immigrant visas. Expands specified family-unity exceptions to unlawful presence-based inadmissibility. Provides specified relief for orphans and spouses regarding: (1) petitions for immediate relative status; (2) parole eligibility; (3) permanent resident status adjustment; and (4) processing of immigrant visas. Exempts children of naturalized Filipino World War II veterans from worldwide or numerical immigrant limitations.

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY2009 for: (1) the Offices of the Secretary, the Under Secretary for Management, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Information Officer, the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, and the Inspector General; (2) Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including for customs and border protection fencing, infrastructure, and technology; (3) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including for detention and removal operations (including to identify and remove aliens who have been convicted of a crime once they are judged deportable) and the Federal Protective Service; (4) the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), including for screening operations and procurement and installation of checked baggage explosive detection systems and for Federal Air Marshals; (5) the Coast Guard; (6) the Secret Service; (7) the Office of the Under Secretary for National Protection and Programs Directorate, including for the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (U.S.-VISIT) project and the Office of Health Affairs; (8) the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including for the U.S. Fire Administration; (9) Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS); (10) the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center; (11) the Office of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology; and (12) the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office. Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) implementation, on other than a test basis, of the Secure Flight program or other passenger prescreening program until prescribed conditions have been met; (2) deployment or operation of a DHS human resources management system; or (3) preventing an individual from importing a personal-use quantity of a prescription drug from Canada. Requires: (1) the FEMA Administrator to submit to Congress, and publish on the FEMA website, a report summarizing damage assessment information used to make a declaration that a major disaster exists, with a national security limitation; and (2) the Secretary of Homeland Security to obtain new technologies to screen air cargo on passenger aircraft. Requires incremental quarterly increases in the screening of such cargo.

Jihad Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008

Jihad Prevention Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) make an alien who fails to attest that he or she will not advocate installing a Sharia law system in the United States inadmissible for U.S. entry; (2) require the visa revocation of an alien advocating the installation of a Sharia law system in the United States; and (3) make advocating the installation of a Sharia law system in the United States a ground for revocation of naturalization.

Complete the Fence Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2008

Complete the Fence Act - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to: (1) provide that fencing that does not effectively restrain pedestrian traffic may not be used to meet the requirement that the Secretary of Homeland Security construct reinforced fencing along not less than 700 miles of the southwest U.S. border; (2) require the Secretary to complete construction of such fencing and installation of related equipment by December 31, 2010; and (3) prohibit any amounts appropriated for such fencing from being withheld because of the Secretary's failure to comply fully with consultation requirements regarding its impact on nearby communities and residents. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress by June 30, 2009, on progress made in completing such fencing and on plans for completing it by the deadline.

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Azorean Refugee Act of 1958 and celebrating the extensive contributions of Portuguese-American communities to the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008

Commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Azorean Refugee Act of 1958. Recognizes the contributions of Portuguese immigrants and their descendants to the United States.

National Commission to Study the Establishment of the National Museum of the American People Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2008

National Commission to Study the Establishment of the National Museum of the American People Act of 2008 - Establishes the National Commission to Study the Establishment of the National Museum of the American People to conduct a study regarding the feasibility of establishing a National Museum of the American People in Washington, D.C. that tells the story of the making of the American people. Specifies a summary of issues of which the Commission shall examine and report on, including the following possible components for the Museum: (1) a Center for Advanced Studies of the American People; (2) a National Genealogical Center; (3) a National Archives and Library of American Migration and Immigration; (4) an Education Resource Center; and (5) a Peopling of America Center.

Dairy and Sheep H-2A Visa Enhancement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2008

Dairy and Sheep H-2A Visa Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include within the H-2A nonimmigrant visa category (temporary agricultural workers) an alien coming temporarily to the United States to work as a sheepherder or dairy worker. Provides for a three-year initial period of admission with additional three-year extensions. Directs the Secretary of Labor to issue housing regulations for workers engaged in the range production of livestock.

Federal Death Penalty Abolition Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2008

Federal Death Penalty Abolition Act of 2008- Repeals death penalty provisions for a wide range of homicide-related offenses under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the federal criminal code, the Controlled Substances Act, and other statutes relating to aircraft hijacking, espionage and treason, and offenses punished under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Prohibits the sentencing to death or execution of any person for any violation of federal law after the enactment of this Act. Commutes death penalties imposed prior to the enactment of this Act to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Officer Andrew Widman Criminal Alien Enforcement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2008

Officer Andrew Widman Criminal Alien Enforcement Act of 2008 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit extension of the 90-day detention period for an alien under order of removal if the alien fails to: (1) make all reasonable efforts to comply with the removal order; or (2) cooperate with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) efforts to establish the alien's identity and carry out the removal order, including failing to make timely application for travel or departure documents, or acting to prevent such removal. States that the removal period shall: (1) not begin until the alien is in DHS custody; and (2) if the alien is transferred to another federal or state agency, be tolled until return to DHS custody. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to detain an alien subject to an administrative final order of removal who has been granted a stay of removal during the pendency of such stay. Authorizes the Secretary to parole an alien ordered removed and provide that such alien not be detained unless: (1) the alien violates parole conditions; or (2) removal becomes reasonably foreseeable. Requires that a detention review process be established for aliens under order of removal who have effected an entry and are cooperating with removal. Sets forth evidence provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to detain an alien for 90 days beyond the original removal (and extension) period. Authorizes the Secretary to detain an alien beyond such 90-day period until removal if the Secretary certifies in writing that: (1) it is likely that the alien will be removed in the foreseeable future; or (2) the alien has a highly contagious disease that poses a public safety threat, release of the alien would have serious adverse foreign policy consequences or would threaten U.S. national security, or the alien's release would threaten the community or an individual because of the alien's criminal history. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) renew detention by certification every six months (provides that the alien shall be released from detention if certification is not renewed); (2) condition an alien's release; and (3) re-detain persons on supervised release. Directs the Secretary to detain an alien who has effected an entry and is not cooperating with removal or if the Secretary has certified the detention. Restricts judicial review of detention to habeas corpus petitions in U.S. district court after exhaustion of all administrative remedies.

A bill to authorize the adjustment of status for immediate family members of aliens who served honorably in the Armed Forces of the United States during the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2008

Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General to adjust to permanent resident status certain alien family members of specified Armed Forces members or veterans who are serving or have served honorably on or after October 7, 2001, in the National Guard, the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve, or in active-duty status.

LEAVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Loophole Elimination and Verification Enforcement Act or the LEAVE Act - Revises immigration- and alien-related provisions regarding: (1) alien smuggling and related offenses; (2) identity security; (3) birthright citizenship; (4) housing and homeownership; (5) taxes and social security; (6) employee verification; (7) financial services; (8) border and law enforcement; (9) state and local government authority; and (10) in-state tuition.

New IDEA (Illegal Deduction Elimination Act)

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

New IDEA (Illegal Deduction Elimination Act) - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny a tax deduction for wages and benefits paid to or on behalf of an unauthorized alien. Directs the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretaries of Homeland Security and the Treasury to jointly establish a program to share information that may lead to the identification of unauthorized aliens. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to provide taxpayer identity information to the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Homeland Security on employers who paid nondeductible wages to unauthorized aliens and on the aliens to whom such wages were paid. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to: (1) make permanent the pilot program for verifying the employment eligibility of alien workers (E-Verify Program); (2) apply such program to current employees in addition to new hires; and (3) establish a rebuttable presumption that employers who participate in the pilot program have not violated the prohibition against continued employment of unauthorized aliens.

Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2008 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a toll-free telephone- or electronic media-based employment eligibility verification system. Requires such system to: (1) provide verification or tentative non-verification of an individual's identity and employment eligibility within three days of an inquiry; and (2) provide, in the case of tentative non-verification, a secondary process for final verification or non-verification within 10 days. Provides that: (1) the Commissioner of Social Security shall develop a process for comparing names and social security numbers against appropriate databases in response to employer inquiries; and (2) the Secretary shall develop a process for comparing names and alien identification or authorization numbers and shall investigate uses of the same social security number that suggest fraud. Limits verification system-related individual relief to procedures under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Prohibits class actions. Immunizes from civil or criminal liability a person or entity who takes action in good faith reliance on verification system information. Sets forth employer verification requirements with respect to an affirmative defense to liability for employment of unauthorized workers, including revision of attestation and retention of verification form provisions. Places limits on the collection and use of data from the verification system. Expands the employment eligibility verification system to include: (1) previously hired individuals; and (2) recruitment and referral. Provides for: (1) voluntary employer verification utilizing such system two years after enactment of this Act for previously hired individuals; (2) mandatory employer verification three years after enactment of this Act by federal, state, and local governments, and the military for employees not verified under such system working at federal, state or local government buildings, military bases, nuclear energy sites, weapons sites, airports, or critical infrastructure sites; and (3) mandatory employer verification six years after enactment of this Act for all employees not previously verified under such system. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to extend the E-Verify program (formerly the basic pilot program) until two years after enactment of this Act. Applies employment eligibility verification requirements to labor service agencies. Revises civil and criminal penalty provisions. Establishes in the Treasury the Employment Verification Compensation Fund. Directs the Secretary to establish a publicly available contractor database. Requires the Commissioner to report to Congress on Social Security card-based verification, including requirements for: (1) durable and machine-readable cards; (2) a unified database that specifies work authorizations; and (3) employer verification of new hires using the new Social Security cards and an electronic mechanism to seek verification. Authorizes the Commissioner (subject to limits) to carry out verification responsibilities under this Act. Prohibits funds from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund or the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund from being used to carry out such responsibilities. Sets forth other reporting requirements by the Secretary and the Commissioner.

Visa Efficiency and E-Verify Extension Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Visa Efficiency and E-Verify Extension Act of 2008 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish the fiscal year worldwide level of employment-based immigrants at 140,000 plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY2002-FY2007. Establishes the fiscal year worldwide level of family-sponsored immigrants at 480,000 minus the number of certain aliens not subject to direct numerical limitations plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY2002-FY2007. (States that such annual level shall not be less than 226,000.) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994 to extend the J-1 visa waiver (Conrad state 30/medical services in underserved areas) program through June 1, 2013. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue final regulations to eliminate or reduce fraud in the special immigrant non-minister religious worker program by no later than December 31, 2008. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend the special immigrant program for non-minister religious workers until October 1, 2011. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to extend the employment eligibility confirmation pilot programs (which includes the E-Verify basic pilot program) for five years. Directs the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary, for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2008, to enter into a fiscal year agreement which shall: (1) provide funds to the Commissioner for such programs' full costs in quarterly advances; and (2) require an annual accounting and reconciliation of costs incurred and funds provided. Provides for interim funding continuation (based upon the latest agreement) if an agreement has not been reached by October 1 of a fiscal year. Requires that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct studies regarding: (1) erroneous tentative nonconfirmations under the E-Verify program; and (2) such program's effects on small entities.

Fuel Immigration Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Fuel Immigration Enforcement Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) calculate the annual fuel expense cost for all United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement vehicles according to gasoline prices reported by the Energy Information Administration Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update; and (2) report such information to the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Azorean Refugee Act of 1958 and celebrating the extensive contributions of Portuguese-American communities to the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Azorean Refugee Act of 1958. Recognizes the contributions of Portuguese immigrants and their descendants to the United States.

A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for relief to surviving spouses and children, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow a surviving spouse of a U.S. citizen who was married for less than two years at the time of the citizen's death who proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the marriage was entered into in good faith and not for the purpose of obtaining an immigration benefit to self-petition (within the required two years) for continued immediate relative status. (Applies such provision to applications and petitions pending on or after the date of enactment of this Act.) Extends the petition filing deadline for two years after the date of the enactment of this Act if: (1) the alien's U.S. citizen spouse died before the date of the enactment of this Act; (2) the alien and the citizen spouse were married for less than two years at the time of the citizen spouse's death; and (3) the alien has not remarried.

Employee Verification Amendment Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2008

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Employee Verification Amendment Act of 2008 - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to extend the employment eligibility confirmation pilot programs (which includes the E-Verify basic pilot program) for five years. Directs the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Homeland Security, for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2008, to enter into a fiscal year agreement which shall: (1) provide funds to the Commissioner for such programs' full costs in quarterly advances; and (2) require an annual accounting and reconciliation of costs incurred and funds provided. Provides for interim funding continuation (based upon the latest agreement) if an agreement has not been reached by October 1 of a fiscal year. Requires that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct studies regarding: (1) erroneous tentative nonconfirmations under the E-Verify program; and (2) such program's effects on small entities.

Foster Children Opportunity Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2008

Foster Children Opportunity Act - Amends part E (Federal Payments for Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require state plans to have procedures to help alien children in the child welfare system achieve special immigrant juvenile status and lawful permanent resident status. Requires state child welfare agencies to document their efforts to pursue special immigrant juvenile status and legal immigrant status for eligible alien foster children. Requires the permanency hearing for an alien child who will not be returned to a parent to determine: (1) whether petitions for special immigrant juvenile status and lawful permanent resident status have been filed on the child's behalf; and (2) if no petition has been filed, whether it is in the best interests of the child to have such a petition filed or to have immigration counsel appointed. Authorizes the use of court improvement program grant funds to educate and train judges and lawyers to assist alien children in achieving special immigrant juvenile status and lawful permanent resident status.

IMMIGRATION RAIDS: POSTVILLE AND BEYOND

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 July 2008

Strengthening Communities Through Education and Integration Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Strengthening Communities Through Education and Integration Act of 2008 - Amends the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (the Act) to allow state leadership activities grants to be used to: (1) provide technical assistance to faith and community-based organizations desiring grants under the Act; and (2) study the effectiveness of distance learning or self-study programs for English language learners. Directs the National Institute for Literacy to disseminate information regarding integrated English literacy and civics education programs. Makes such programs eligible for assistance under the Secretary of Education's national leadership activities program. Requires the Secretary to award grants to states for integrated English literacy and civics education programs, with each state's grant amount tied to the size and growth of their recent immigrant population. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to reauthorize appropriations for the Even Start Family Literacy program. Requires the Director of the National Institute for Literacy to conduct a longitudinal evaluation of the Even Start program and research into the components of successful family literacy services. Directs the Secretary to award matching grants to states and, through them, matching, competitive subgrants to local educational agencies for high quality expanded learning time programs that provide additional language and civics education to middle and secondary school students who are English language learners. Amends the Act and ESEA to replace references to individuals of limited English proficiency with references to English language learners. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide: (1) tax credits to teachers of English language learners; (2) tax deductions for the expenses of becoming certified as such teachers; and (3) tax credits for employers' expenses in making adult education and literacy services available to their employees. Requires the Commissioner for Education Research of the National Center for Education Research to establish a national research and development center for adult education and literacy, or include adult education if a center for adult literacy has already been established. Renames the Office of Citizenship within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the Department of Homeland Security the Office of Citizenship and Immigrant Integration (the Office). Includes among its functions, furthering the integration of immigrants into their communities. Authorizes the Chief of the Office to provide grants to states to: (1) form State New American Councils to develop and implement comprehensive immigrant integration plans; and (2) award subgrants, through such Councils, to local governments to assist them in integrating immigrants into communities pursuant to such plans.

Strengthening Communities Through Education and Integration Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Strengthening Communities Through Education and Integration Act of 2008 - Amends the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (the Act) to allow state leadership activities grants to be used to: (1) provide technical assistance to faith and community-based organizations desiring grants under the Act; and (2) study the effectiveness of distance learning or self-study programs for English language learners. Directs the National Institute for Literacy to disseminate information regarding integrated English literacy and civics education programs. Makes such programs eligible for assistance under the Secretary of Education's national leadership activities program. Requires the Secretary to award grants to states for integrated English literacy and civics education programs, with each state's grant amount tied to the size and growth of their recent immigrant population. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to reauthorize appropriations for the Even Start Family Literacy program. Requires the Director of the National Institute for Literacy to conduct a longitudinal evaluation of the Even Start program and research into the components of successful family literacy services. Directs the Secretary to award matching grants to states and, through them, matching, competitive subgrants to local educational agencies for high quality expanded learning time programs that provide additional language and civics education to middle and secondary school students who are English language learners. Amends the Act and ESEA to replace references to individuals of limited English proficiency with references to English language learners. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide: (1) tax credits to teachers of English language learners; (2) tax deductions for the expenses of becoming certified as such teachers; and (3) tax credits for employers' expenses in making adult education and literacy services available to their employees. Requires the Commissioner for Education Research of the National Center for Education Research to establish a national research and development center for adult education and literacy, or include adult education if a center for adult literacy has already been established. Renames the Office of Citizenship within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the Department of Homeland Security the Office of Citizenship and Immigrant Integration (the Office). Includes among its functions, furthering the integration of immigrants into their communities. Authorizes the Chief of the Office to provide grants to states to: (1) form State New American Councils to develop and implement comprehensive immigrant integration plans; and (2) award subgrants, through such Councils, to local governments to assist them in integrating immigrants into communities pursuant to such plans.

Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Okeechobee Hurricane of September 1928 and its associated tragic loss of life.

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Memorializes the loss of more than 4,000 lives due to the Okeechobee Hurricane of 1928. Recognizes: (1) the importance of hurricane preparedness measures, enhanced evacuation, emergency plans, and disaster response training in economically disadvantaged communities to prevent a disproportionate impact of natural disasters and disparities in disaster response; and (2) the role of relevant federal agencies, research institutes, universities, and disaster response organizations in such activities to better prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the impacts of storms and hurricanes. Expresses support for initiatives to enhance our understanding of mitigation impacts on physical structures. Urges the federal, state, and local governments to: (1) commemorate the 80th anniversary of Okeechobee Hurricane; (2) recognize mass graves of the victims; (3) act to quickly repair and rehabilitate dikes, water management systems, and other infrastructure in hurricane-prone regions designated by the Army Corps of Engineers with Class I "urgent and compelling" vulnerability and to encourage hurricane and disaster preparedness, education, response, and mitigation; and (4) support programs that promote disaster preparedness, education, response, and mitigation in economically disadvantaged and migrant communities. Recommits to hurricane preparedness, safety education, response, and mitigation for all communities.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Passport Month.

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Supports the goals and ideals of National Passport Month.

Commending Federal and local law enforcement for their efforts to crack down on illegal immigration in the Chicagoland suburbs and calling on the Governor of the State of Illinois to immediately implement employee verification technology to curb rising trends in illegal immigration in the State of Illinois.

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Commends local law enforcement officers participating in Operation Community Shield. Reaffirms the basic right of employers to verify the immigration status of prospective employees. Calls on the Illinois General Assembly to repeal Illinois Public Act 095-0138, which denies employers the right to verify the legal status of potential employees. Urges the Governor and legislature of Illinois to take every possible action to enforce existing immigration laws and address the growing illegal immigrant population in Illinois.

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to require the country of origin of a nonimmigrant religious worker to extend reciprocal immigration treatment to nationals of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2008

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit issuance of a nonimmigrant temporary religious worker visa (R-visa) to an alien whose country of nationality has been determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security to not extend reciprocal immigration treatment to U.S. nationals.

Tibetan Refugee Assistance Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008

Tibetan Refugee Assistance Act of 2008 - Makes 3,000 immigrant visas in FY2010-FY2012 available to individuals who: (1) were born in Tibet; and (2) have been continuously residing in India or Nepal prior to the date of the enactment of this Act. Makes such visas available to the sons, daughters, grandsons, or granddaughters of such individuals.

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to temporary admission of nonimmigrant aliens to the United States for the purpose of receiving medical treatment, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2008

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include among nonimmigrant classifications: (1) an alien seeking to enter the United States temporarily and solely to receive medical treatment (including participation in a research study) for a disease or condition that if untreated threatens to undermine the alien's survival or day-to-day functioning with an increased likelihood of progression to a more severe disease or condition; or (2) such alien's accompanying or following son, daughter, spouse, or parent. Sets forth related conditions of admission.

Legal Immigration Extension Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2008

Legal Immigration Extension Act of 2008 - Extends: (1) the EB-5 regional center pilot program; (2) the Conrad state 30 program; (3) the special immigrant nonminister religious worker program; and (4) the E-Verify program.

E-Verify Extension and Expansion Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2008

E-Verify Extension and Expansion Act of 2008 - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to replace the current three employment eligibility confirmation pilot programs with two pilot programs: (1) the revised E-Verify program in all 50 states; and (2) the secure electronic employment verification system (SEEVS) in all 50 states by December 1, 2009. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish such programs. Terminates such pilot programs not later than December 31, 2013. States that the E-Verify program shall be voluntary except for: (1) the federal government; and (2) employers who have violated certain employment provisions.

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2008

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY2009 for: (1) the Offices of the Secretary, the Under Secretary for Management, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Information Officer, the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, and the Inspector General; (2) Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including for customs and border protection fencing, infrastructure, and technology; (3) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including for detention and removal operations (including to improve efforts to identify and remove aliens convicted of a crime and sentenced to imprisonment who are judged deportable) and the Federal Protective Service; (4) the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), including for screening operations and explosives detection systems and for Federal Air Marshals; (5) the Coast Guard; (6) the Secret Service; (7) the Office of the Under Secretary for National Protection and Programs Directorate, including for the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (U.S.-VISIT) project and the Office of Health Affairs; (8) the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including for the U.S. Fire Administration; (9) Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS); (10) the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center; (11) the Office of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology; and (12) the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office. Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) implementation, on other than a test basis, of the Secure Flight program or other passenger prescreening program until prescribed conditions have been met; (2) amending the oath of allegiance required under the Immigration and Nationality Act; (3) deployment or operation of a DHS human resources management system; (4) preventing an individual from importing a personal-use quantity of a prescription drug from Canada; or (5) developing a national identification card. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to obtain new technologies to screen air cargo on passenger aircraft. Requires incremental quarterly increases in the screening of such cargo. Requires the President to provide single payments to police and fire stations and criminal justice facilities that were damaged by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita in 2005.

A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to impose criminal penalties on individuals who assist aliens who have engaged in genocide, torture, or extrajudicial killings to enter the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2008

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to impose criminal penalties on an individual who assists an alien to enter the United States who has engaged in Nazi persecution or participated in genocide, torture, or extrajudicial killings.