Immigration

To provide further additional continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2019, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 December 2018

DIVISION A--FURTHER ADDITIONAL CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019 Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019 (Sec. 101) This division amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019 to provide continuing FY2019 appropriations to several federal agencies through the earlier of February 8, 2019 (December 21, 2018, under current law), or the enactment of the applicable appropriations legislation. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and ends the partial government shutdown that began when the existing CR expired because seven of the remaining FY2019 appropriations bills have not been enacted. (Five of the FY2019 appropriations bills were enacted earlier this year, including: the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2019; the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019; the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019; the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2019; and the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019.) The CR extends through February 8, 2019: the Department of Homeland Security Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program; the authority for the Department of Health and Human Services Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority to withhold from public disclosure certain technical data or scientific information that reveals vulnerabilities of existing medical or public health defenses against biological, chemical, nuclear, or radiological threats; and an exemption from antitrust laws for meetings and consultations to discuss the development of certain vaccines and drugs related to public health threats such as bioterrorism, pandemics, or epidemics. Additionally, the CR has the effect of extending through February 8, 2019, several authorities and programs that were extended in prior CRs, including: the National Flood Insurance Program, the Violence Against Women Act, the authority for the Environmental Protection Agency to collect and spend certain fees related to pesticides, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, and several authorities related to immigration. The CR also delays the release of required Congressional Budget Office and Office of Management and Budget sequestration reports. DIVISION B--MEDICAID EXTENDERS (Sec. 101) The division amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to make appropriations for FY2019, and otherwise revise, the Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Demonstration Program (Under this program, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must award grants to state Medicaid programs to assist states in increasing the use of home and community care for long-term care and decreasing the use of institutional care.) (Sec. 102) Additionally, the division temporarily extends the applicability of Medicaid eligibility criteria that protect against spousal impoverishment for recipients of home and community-based services. (Sec. 103) The division also reduces the federal medical assistance percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) for states that have not implemented asset-verification programs for determining Medicaid eligibility. (Sec. 104) The division reduces funding available to the Medicaid Improvement Fund beginning in FY2021. (Sec. 105) This section exempts the budgetary effects of this division from: (1) the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) rules established by the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 and the FY2018 congressional budget resolution, and (2) certain budget scorekeeping guidelines. It also requires any debits on the statutory PAYGO scorecard for 2019 to be transferred to the 2020 scorecard. (The Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 prohibits certain legislation from increasing the budget deficit. PAYGO scorecards are used to enforce the requirements and determine whether a sequestration order implementing spending cuts is necessary.)

Border Security and Child Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2018

Border Security and Child Safety Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to present to Congress a strategy to ensure the safety of children in the custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and to prioritize hiring medical personnel to handle the care of such children.

Shut Down Child Prison Camps Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2018

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

Training Highly Skilled Americans Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2018

Training Highly Skilled Americans Act of 2018 This bill imposes an additional fee on employers applying for or extending an H-1B visa, which are for temporary foreign workers in positions that require highly specialized knowledge. The collected funds shall go into the STEM Education and Training Account, to be used to strengthen U.S. education in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Protect American Taxpayers and Secure Border Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2018

Protect American Taxpayers and Secure Border Act This bill prohibits using taxpayer funds to build a barrier intended to impede travel between Mexico and the United States, requiring such funds to come from the government of Mexico. It also authorizes the Department of Justice to appoint 100 additional immigration judges.

Shut Down Child Prison Camps Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2018

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

Border Bonds for America Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2018

Border Bonds for America Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to issue up to $5 billion in bonds in a fiscal year, with proceeds going into a trust fund for the construction of reinforced fencing, physical barriers and related infrastructure for the U.S. southwest border with Mexico.

Venezuela TPS Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2018

Venezuela TPS Act of 2018 This bill addresses the migration of Venezuelan nationals by permitting them to qualify for temporary protected status, which prevents their removal from the United States and allows them to obtain employment and travel authorization. The bill also provides assistance to the migration systems of nations surrounding Venezuela.

MAPLE Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2018

Maintaining Appropriate Protections for Legal Entry Act of 2018 or the MAPLE Act of 2018 This bill removes various marijuana-related acts from the list of crimes that would make an alien inadmissible for entry into the United States or deportable, if the act was lawful in the jurisdiction where it occurred.

Venezuela Humanitarian Relief, Reconstruction, and Rule of Law Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2018

Venezuela Humanitarian Relief, Reconstruction, and Rule of Law Act of 2018 This bill authorizes various actions in response to economic and political unrest in Venezuela, including the provision of humanitarian aid to migrants who have left Venezuela due to the crisis.

Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2018

Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains Act of 2018 This bill revises the authority for state grants to improve the reporting of unidentified and missing persons. Among other things, the bill does the following: authorizes grants to be used for additional activities (e.g., transportation of missing persons and unidentified remains), including with respect to migrants; expands eligible entities; and gives priority to eligible entities in states along the southern border.

Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2018

Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains Act of 2018 This bill revises the authority for state grants to improve the reporting of unidentified and missing persons. Among other things, the bill does the following: authorizes grants to be used for additional activities (e.g., transportation of missing persons and unidentified remains), including with respect to migrants; expands eligible entities; and gives priority to eligible entities in states along the southern border.

WALL Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2018

WALL Act of 2018 This bill appropriates $25 billion for the construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. The amount shall remain available until expended. As offsets to the spending, this bill amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restrict the child tax credit, earned income credits, and lifetime learning credits to those with social security numbers and not prohibited from employment in the United States. Also, individuals who file taxes using an individual taxpayer identification number instead of a social security number shall pay a $300 fee. This bill also sets fines for aliens who improperly enter the United States or overstay their visas.

To allow the Secretary of the Treasury to accept public donations to fund the construction of a barrier on the border between the United States and Mexico and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2018

This bill authorizes the Department of the Treasury to accept gifts of money for constructing or maintaining a wall on the U.S. and Mexico border. Treasury shall establish a trust fund and website for that purpose.

Workforce Development Through Post-Graduation Scholarships Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2018

Workforce Development Through Post-Graduation Scholarships Act of 2018 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude post-graduation scholarship grants from gross income in the same manner as scholarships are currently excluded. A "post-graduation scholarship grant" is a grant provided by a program that: is established by certain tax-exempt organizations; requires the grantee to live and work in an applicable community that meets certain requirements regarding income, out-migration, and bachelor's degree attainment rates; and under which, in accordance with the conditions of a grant, the organization repays any portion of an education loan incurred by an individual to pay higher education expenses. In implementing this bill, the Department of the Treasury must prescribe specified regulations and meet reporting requirements. The Government Accountability Office must report on the post-graduation scholarship grants covered by this bill.

A bill to add Ireland to the E-3 nonimmigrant visa program.

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2018

This bill expands the E-3 visa program to cover Irish nationals, which is currently is only available to Australian nationals. For Irish E-3 initial applications, the Department of State may approve each fiscal year no more than 10,500 minus the number of Australian initial applications approved the previous fiscal year.

To add Ireland to the E-3 nonimmigrant visa program.

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2018

This bill expands the E-3 visa program to cover Irish nationals. Currently, the E-3 visa is only available to Australian nationals. The employer of an Irish national under the program shall file an attestation with the Department of Labor. The employer shall participate in the E-Verify program during the duration of the applicant's authorized employment period. For each fiscal year, the Department of State may approve 10,500 Irish E-3 initial applications minus the number of Australian E-3 initial applications approved the previous fiscal year. The total number of approved E-3 initial applications shall not exceed 21,000 in any two fiscal years. Currently, the State Department may approve up to 10,500 initial applications each fiscal year under the program.

H-4 Employment Protection Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2018

H-4 Employment Protection Act of 2018 This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from amending or repealing the rule entitled "Allowing Certain H-4 Dependent Spouses to Apply for Employment Authorization" and requires DHS to apply the rule as in effect on May 26, 2015. The rule was implemented on May 26, 2015, and authorizes employment for H-4 visa spouses of H-1B visa nonimmigrants (specialty occupation) who are in the process of becoming lawful permanent residents or who have H-1B status under the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000.

ADAPT Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2018

Asylum at Designated Arrival Ports and Terminals Act 2018 or the ADAPT Act of 2018 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require asylum applicants to arrive in the United States only at a designated port of arrival. Current law allows aliens to seek asylum whether or not they arrive at a designated port. The bill also requires asylum seekers to file their applications immediately upon arrival, where currently they have one year to do so.

Strengthening America's Public Schools Through Promoting Foreign Investment Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2018

Strengthening America's Public Schools Through Promoting Foreign Investment Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit a nonimmigrant foreign exchange student to attend a U.S. public elementary, secondary, or a publicly funded adult education program for more than one year if such student pays the full unsubsidized tuition. (Under current law such students are limited to one year's attendance. Such restriction does not apply to private school students.)

Families, Not Facilities Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2018

Families, Not Facilities Act of 2018 This bill amends the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 regarding the treatment of minor aliens that enter the United States unaccompanied by a guardian. When placing an unaccompanied alien child with a proposed custodian, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall not consider the proposed guardian's immigration status. This bill also limits the use of information obtained for placing an unaccompanied alien child with a custodian, if such information was obtained from the child or the Department of Health and Human Services. DHS shall not use such information to apprehend, detain, or deport: the child, a proposed or current custodian or sponsor, or a person living with the proposed or current custodian or sponsor. The Office of Refugee Settlement shall provide case management services for unaccompanied alien children after they have been released and facilitate efforts to connect the children with legal representation for immigration proceedings. This bill also establishes the Office of Refugee Resettlement Advisory Committee on Shelters for Accompanied Alien Children. The advisory committee may conduct unannounced inspections of Office of Refugee Settlement shelters that hold unaccompanied alien children. The advisory committee shall issue a report on its investigations and recommendations regarding the shelters.

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

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2018

Expresses disapproval of birthright citizenship.

To add Ireland to the E-3 nonimmigrant visa program.

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2018

This bill includes in the nonimmigrant E-3 visa category certain nationals of Ireland coming to the United States under a treaty of commerce to perform specialty occupation services.

50 Votes for the Wall Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2018

50 Votes for the Wall Act This bill establishes the Border Wall and Security Trust Fund for funds appropriated to construct a wall (including physical barriers and associated detection technology, roads, and lighting) along the international border between the United States and Mexico by January 19, 2021. The bill provides appropriations to the fund equal to amounts requested by the Department of Homeland Security, which may not exceed a total of $25 billion. The authority provided by this bill terminates on September 30, 2028. When the authority expires, any unobligated balances in the fund must be returned to the Treasury.

End Catch and Release Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2018

End Catch and Release Act This bill modifies provisions related to unaccompanied inadmissible alien children, such as directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to repatriate such children, where DHS currently has discretion whether to do so. It also modifies provisions relating to asylum seekers, including raising the standard of proof required to establish a credible fear of persecution.

Build the Wall, Enforce the Law Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2018

Build the Wall, Enforce the Law Act of 2018 This bill amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to modify provisions relating to the enforcement of immigration laws. Specifically, the bill prohibits any individual (e.g., an employer) from restricting or interfering with the enforcement of the immigration laws by federal officials. It also denies states or localities (i.e., sanctuary jurisdictions) that fail to cooperate in the enforcement of the immigration laws eligibility for federal funds and law enforcement grants under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The bill amends detainer provisions to authorize the Department of Homeland Security to issue detainers for the arrest of an illegal alien if there is probable cause to believe that the alien is inadmissible or deportable. It also provides qualified immunity to governmental and certain nongovernmental entities that detain an alien, except in cases of mistreatment, and allows a private right of action to relatives of victims of crime committed by an alien released from custody by a state or local governmental entity that failed to honor a detainer. The bill also revises provisions requiring detention of aliens during the pendency of removal proceedings to require indefinite detention of aliens who have committed certain serious crimes; enhances penalties for the criminal offense of reentry after removal; establishes new and specific grounds of inadmissibility and deportability for aliens who are members of designated criminal gangs (consisting of five or more persons); and provides funding for border barriers, technology and other resources at the southern border to prevent illegal entry.

Expressing support for the designation of the month of October 2018 as Filipino American History Month and celebrating the history and culture of Filipino Americans and their immense contributions to the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2018

Expresses support for the celebration of Filipino American History Month as: (1) a testament to the advancement of Filipino Americans, and (2) a time to renew efforts toward the research and examination of history and culture so as to provide an opportunity for all people of the United States to learn more about Filipino Americans and to appreciate the historic contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States.

A resolution recognizing the month of October 2018 as Filipino American History Month and celebrating the history and culture of Filipino Americans and their immense contributions to the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2018

Recognizes the celebration of Filipino American History Month in October 2018 as: (1) a testament to the advancement of Filipino Americans, and (2) a time to renew efforts toward the research and examination of history and culture so as to provide an opportunity for all people of the United States to learn more about Filipino Americans and to appreciate the historic contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States.

No Internment Camps Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2018

No Internment Camps Act This bill prohibits the use of funds, including previously authorized funds beginning one year after enactment of this bill, to operate or construct a family residential center, whether operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or by another governmental or nongovernmental contractor. The bill transfers funds obligated for family detention centers to the Alternatives to Detention Account (established by this bill) to implement the Family Case Management Program and additional community-based non-detention programs for alien families. The bill establishes, and funds through FY2024, the Emergency Fund for Asylum Seekers. The Department of Homeland Security may determine the number of alien families who have entered the United States seeking asylum in a fiscal year and based on specified percentage increases in such numbers receive amounts from the fund for the processing of such asylum seekers.

No Federal Funds for Public Charge Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2018

No Federal Funds for Public Charge Act of 2018 This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to implement, administer, enforce, or carry out the proposed rule of the Department of Homeland Security entitled "Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds." The rule makes aliens who are likely at any time to become a public charge and receive public benefits inadmissible.

Child Trafficking Victims Protection and Welfare Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2018

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

Child Trafficking Victims Protection and Welfare Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2018

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

Prevent CHILD Harm Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2018

Prevent Cruel Handling of Information Leading to Deportation Harm Act of 2018 or the Prevent CHILD Harm Act of 2018 This bill amends the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 to prevent the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from considering the immigration status of a proposed custodian when determining whether to place an unaccompanied alien child with such person. The Department of Homeland Security may not use information provided by an unaccompanied alien child or information initially obtained by HHS to make a suitability, home study, or secure facility determination in order to apprehend or remove from the United States: the unaccompanied alien child, the proposed or current custodian, a resident of the home in which the proposed or current custodian resides, the proposed or current sponsor, or a resident of the home in which the proposed or current sponsor resides.

DHS Body-Worn Camera Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2018

DHS Body-Worn Camera Act of 2018 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish pilot programs to test and evaluate the use of body-worn cameras by officers and agents of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). DHS must develop draft policies for the use of such camera by CBP and ICE officers and agents and submit to Congress a plan to implement, on a permanent basis, the use of such cameras.

Central America Reform and Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2018

Central America Reform and Enforcement Act This bill requires the Deaprtment of State to submit to Congress the United States Strategy for Engagement in Central America, a seven-year strategy to advance reforms in Central American countries that address the factors driving migration to the United States. The bill sets forth elements of such strategy, including strengthening the rule of law, combatting corruption, and confronting and countering violence and crime perpetrated by armed criminal gangs.

DHS Body-Worn Camera Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2018

DHS Body-Worn Camera Act of 2018 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish pilot programs to test and evaluate the use of body-worn cameras by officers and agents of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). DHS must develop draft policies for the use of such camera by CBP and ICE officers and agents and submit to Congress a plan to implement, on a permanent basis, the use of such cameras.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should redirect and target foreign assistance provided to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras in a manner that addresses the driving causes of illegal immigration into the United States from such countries, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2018

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should redirect foreign assistance provided to the governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras towards local governmental, private sector, and civil society entities that are addressing the causes of illegal immigration into the United States.

Lady Liberty Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2018

Lady Liberty Act of 2018 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the President to set the number of post-FY2018 refugee admissions at not less than 110,000 persons per fiscal year.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Presidential Determination of the annual refugee admissions limit in fiscal year 2019 shall be no less than 110,000 and that President Trump and his administration must operate the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) in good faith.

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2018

Reaffirms the bipartisan commitment of the United States to promote the safety, health, and well-being of refugees, including through U.S. resettlement for those who cannot return home. Urges President Trump and his administration to affirm the importance of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and to make a presidential determination for FY2019 that the admission of at least 110,000 refugees is justified. (Under the program, such determination establishes the overall admissions levels and regional allocations of all refugees for an upcoming fiscal year.)

THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE REINTERPRETATION OF THE FLORES SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT FOR BORDER SECURITY AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION INCENTIVES

United States · United States Senate · 18 September 2018

FAMILIES Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2018

Fixing America's Marred Immigration Laws to Improve and Ensure Security or the FAMILIES Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to inspect the conditions of family detention centers. It also requires reporting to the congressional homeland security committees on family separation, care of unaccompanied alien children, and alternatives to detention. DHS must (1) submit to Congress a maritime border threat analysis describing current and potential terrorism threats and improvements needed at U.S. sea ports, (2) develop a plan for managing its border security technology program, (3) provide for an option under the Secure Mail Initiative to have the U.S. Postal Service use the hold for pickup service or the signature confirmation service in delivering a document, (4) revise standards the hiring and retention of border patrol agents, and (5) provide for the care of alien children under the age of 18 who are in detention.

Responsibility for Unaccompanied Minors Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2018

Responsibility for Unaccompanied Minors Act This bill amends provisions relating to responsibilities of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the care of unaccompanied alien children. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended to authorize the Office of Refugee Resettlement of HHS to: (1) care for an unaccompanied alien child until the earlier of the conclusion of the child's immigration proceedings or until the child reaches 18 years of age, and (2) evaluate a child's need for follow-up services prior to placement with a sponsor. The William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 is amended to require a sponsor of an unaccompanied alien child to execute a sponsor care agreement with HHS. An agreement must provide for the child's physical and mental well-being, ensure the child's presence at immigration hearings, and ensure compliance with federal court or agency orders. HHS shall (1) reassume physical custody of a child if a non-parent or legal guardian sponsor fails to comply with a sponsorship agreement, and (2) notify state welfare agencies before releasing children to sponsors within a state. HHS shall perform background checks on potential sponsors and other adult household members before releasing a child to a sponsor. The Department of Justice shall increase the number of immigration judge teams.

Immigration Innovation Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2018

Immigration Innovation Act of 2018 This bill makes various changes related to employment-based visas, including by (1) providing statutory authority for extending employment authorization to the alien spouse of an H-1B visa holder, subject to prevailing wage-level requirements; (2) allowing an H-1B visa holder, under certain circumstances, to change jobs without amending the H-1B petition; and (3) increasing the issuance of employment-based visas based on the number of visas that went unissued in previous years.

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2019

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2018

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2019 Provides FY2019 appropriations to the Department of Homeland Security. Provides appropriations for Departmental Management, Operations, Intelligence, and Oversight for: the Office of the Secretary and Executive Management; the Management Directorate; Intelligence, Analysis, and Operations Coordination; and the Office of Inspector General. Provides appropriations for Security, Enforcement, and Investigations for: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Secret Service. Provides appropriations for Protection, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery for: the National Protection and Programs Directorate, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Provides appropriations for Research, Development, Training, and Services for: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, the Science and Technology Directorate, and the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office. Sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

Secure Border Communications Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2018

Secure Border Communications Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure that each U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer or agent is equipped with a secure radio or other two-way communication device, supported by system interoperability, that permits communication: (1) between ports of entry and inspection stations; and (2) with other federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement entities. DHS shall: (1) ensure that U.S. Border Patrol agents in remote mission critical locations and at border checkpoints have multi- or dual-band encrypted portable radios, and (2) acquire radios or other devices with the option to connect to commercial mobile broadband networks for deployment in areas where such networks enhance operations and are cost effective. DHS may evaluate new or emerging communications technologies to determine their suitability for border security operations.

Border Tunnel Task Force Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2018

Border Tunnel Task Force Act This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Department of Homeland Security to establish border tunnel task forces in jurisdictions in which such task forces can contribute to border security missions after evaluating: (1) whether the areas in which they would be established are significantly impacted by cross-border threats; and (2) the availability of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement resources to participate in such task forces. The purpose of the task forces is to enhance and integrate border security efforts for addressing and reducing cross-border tunnel related threats and violence by facilitating collaboration among law enforcement agencies and enhancing information sharing among such agencies.

TPS Extension Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2018

TPS Extension Act of 2018 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend temporary protected status (TPS) through September 15, 2021, for eligible nationals of countries currently designated for TPS. TPS designation permits eligible nationals of designated counties affected by armed conflict or natural disasters to temporarily reside and work in the United States.

Alternatives to Detention Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 31 August 2018

Alternatives to Detention Act of 2018 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish programs for providing alternatives to detaining individuals under the immigration laws, including community-based supervision and community support programs. DHS may not detain and must place in an alternative detention program individuals deemed members of a vulnerable population (e.g., asylum seekers, pregnant or nursing women, or crime victims), a parent of a child under age 18, or a caregiver. DHS must establish the position of Coordinator of Alternatives to Detention and Family Reunification to coordinate the use of alternative detention programs and to reunify parents with children separated from them.

Opposing the targeted harassment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and employees and reaffirming the fundamental principle that public safety services should be provided without discrimination.

United States · United States Congress · 31 August 2018

Expresses solidarity with the men and women of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Condemns the harassment of all officers and employees of ICE. Calls on the Mayor of Portland, Oregon, Ted Wheeler, to immediately resign.

E-Verify System Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 23 August 2018

E-Verify System Act of 2018 This bill (1) directs the Department of Homeland Security to develop an electronic employment eligibility verification system modeled after E-Verify and phases in the mandatory use of such a system, (2) directs the Social Security Administration to begin work toward the issuance of fraud-resistant and tamper-resistant Social Security cards, and (3) establishes the Office of the Small Business and Employee Advocate to assist small businesses and individuals to comply with employment-related immigration laws.