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Bill· HRH.R. 9064 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 December 2020
Refurbishing the Pillars of American Exceptionalism Act of 2020 This bill addresses various issues including immigration, health care, firearms, abortion, and taxes. Among other things, this bill limits who may receive citizenship by virtue of being born in the United States; repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; prohibits providing an abortion if the fetus has a detectable heartbeat, with some exceptions; removes from federal jurisdiction any case seeking the review of any law or regulation that limits or regulates abortions; repeals certain nutritional standards for national school lunch and school breakfast programs; prohibits the state or local regulation of firearm silencers; makes English the official language of the United States and authorizes a person injured by a violation of this provision to sue; caps noneconomic damages at $250,000 in any health care lawsuit; repeals federal income taxes, payroll taxes, and estate taxes; and establishes a national sales tax.
Bill· HRH.R. 9062 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 December 2020
No Sanctuary for Criminals Act This bill prohibits federal, state, or local government entities from having policies that restrict any government entity from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement activities. A state or local government entity that violates this provision shall be ineligible for certain Department of Justice or Department of Homeland Security grants.
Bill· HRH.R. 9039 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2020
Practical Alternatives to Detention Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fully implement and use alternatives to detention programs for aliens who are not subject to mandatory detention. For such alternatives to detention programs, DHS shall prioritize certain aliens, such as those who are pregnant or have serious medical needs.
Bill· HRH.R. 9040 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2020
Protect Asylum Seekers Act This bill limits the separation of alien families and provides protections for asylum seekers. Certain civil and criminal penalties related to improper entry into the United States shall not apply if, after entering the United States, an alien without delay communicates to an immigration or asylum officer a non-fraudulent (1) desire to seek asylum, or (2) fear of persecution. The Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Justice, and Health and Human Services shall not separate a child from a parent or legal guardian unless a state court terminates the parent or legal guardian's rights; a state child welfare agency or court determines it is in the child's best interests to be removed; or the child is determined to be a trafficking victim or at risk of becoming one, the accompanying adult is most likely not the parent or legal guardian, or the child is in danger of abuse or neglect. An agency may not separate a child from a parent or legal guardian solely to deter migration into the United States or to promote compliance with immigration laws. DHS shall develop (1) training related to the bill's family separation requirements, and (2) guidance for how parents and legal guardians may locate a separated child. DHS shall provide parents and legal guardians periodic status updates about a separated child. The Government Accountability Office shall report to Congress on the criminal prosecution of asylum seekers.
Bill· HRH.R. 9008 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2020
Health and Nutrition Access for All Act This bill expands eligibility under Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to generally include individuals who are lawfully present in the United States without regard to their immigration status.
Bill· SS. 5055 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2020
Fairness for Immigrant Families Act This bill addresses various immigration-related issues, including by (1) repealing certain provisions barring an alien from admission into the United States if that alien had been previously removed, (2) making it unlawful to fraudulently provide immigration services or make certain misrepresentations related to such services, and (3) establishing a National Office of New Americans to support the integration of immigrants and refugees.
Bill· SS. 5027 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2020
Secure Data and Privacy for Contact Tracing Act of 2020 This bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to award grants to public health agencies in states, tribes, and territories to incorporate digital contact tracing technology in COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) contact tracing programs. This technology must meet requirements with respect to contact tracing functions, data security and privacy, and voluntary use. Grantees that develop or procure technology that does not meet these requirements lose eligibility for this funding and future funding for COVID-19 contact tracing technology. Furthermore, as a condition of receiving funding, grantees must (1) undertake an independent security assessment, and (2) develop a plan that delineates how the technology augments existing COVID-19 contact tracing and response efforts and addresses interoperability and protections to limit access to the data. In addition, the bill expressly applies federal privacy standards for the use and disclosure of personal health information by health care providers, health plans, health clearinghouses, and their business associates to contact tracing technology and its use. Current law provides an exception to these standards for personal health information used by, or disclosed to, a public health authority that is legally authorized to collect the information. The bill also prohibits the use of data derived from the contact tracing technology in legal proceedings or for immigration enforcement. The Government Accountability Office must evaluate this program.
Bill· HRH.R. 8954 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2020
Seasonal Worker Solidarity Act of 2020 This bill modifies the H-2B (temporary nonagricultural workers) visa program and expands protections for aliens who report workplace violations. Changes to the H-2B program include requiring the Department of Labor to establish a centralized national electronic platform for U.S. workers to find and apply for positions that employers are seeking to fill with H-2B workers; requiring employers to recruit U.S. workers nationwide, including by posting the openings on the platform, before applying for H-2B visas; requiring employers to guarantee at least 40 hours of paid work per week for each H-2B worker (currently employers may guarantee less paid hours in certain instances); requiring employers to pay for housing for H-2B workers and transportation to and from the work site (currently employers are allowed to deduct fees for lodgings from an H-2B worker's pay); modifying the requirements for determining the minimum wage for H-2B workers; and prioritizing H-2B visas for certain employers, such as those that pay higher wages. Furthermore, an alien who has worked a certain amount of time as an H-2B worker may obtain permanent resident status, subject to various requirements. In addition, an alien who is likely helpful in an investigation of a workplace claim (i.e., an alleged violation of law or workplace-related injury) may qualify for a U visa for victims of criminal activity. The bill also removes statutory numerical limitations on U visas. The bill also provides protections for certain aliens who file or assist in the investigation of workplace claims.
Bill· SS. 4984 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2020
COVID-19 in Immigration Detention Data Transparency Act This bill requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to collect and report various information about detained individuals, including data on COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) testing. During the COVID-related declared public health emergency and for one year after, ICE, CBP, and ORR shall publicly post on a website certain data about its detention facilities, including COVID-19 testing numbers for detained individuals and detention facility staff, COVID-19 case outcomes, and COVID-related information about detained individuals who were released or removed from the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shall issue guidance as to the COVID-related data that ICE, CBP, and ORR must collect and report weekly to the CDC. The CDC shall periodically report to Congress a summary of this data and an analysis of the trends and pattern of the spread of the disease. ICE, CPB, and ORR shall also ensure that each detained individual receives all medical records related to any COVID-19 test administered to the individual. ICE, CPB, and ORR shall also report to Congress on (1) the COVID-19 safety protocols in their facilities, and (2) their efforts to ensure that each detained individual has access to legal counsel. This bill's data collection and reporting requirements that apply to ICE, CPB, and ORR shall also apply to any contract facilities that they use to hold detained individuals.
Bill· HRH.R. 8911 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2020
Compact Impact Fairness Act of 2020 This bill eliminates residency requirements for a citizen of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, or Palau to be eligible to receive certain federal public benefits. (A citizen of one of these countries may stay and work in the United States as a nonresident alien without a visa. But as a nonresident alien, that individual is ineligible for most federal public benefits under current law.)
Bill· HRH.R. 8913 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2020
COVID-19 in Immigration Detention Data Transparency Act This bill requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to collect and report various information about detained individuals, including data on COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) testing. During the COVID-related declared public health emergency and for one year after, ICE, CBP, and ORR shall publicly post on a website certain data about its detention facilities, including COVID-19 testing numbers for detained individuals and detention facility staff, COVID-19 case outcomes, and COVID-related information about detained individuals who were released or removed from the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shall issue guidance as to the COVID-related data that ICE, CBP, and ORR must collect and report weekly to the CDC. The CDC shall periodically report to Congress a summary of this data and an analysis of the trends and pattern of the spread of the disease. ICE, CPB, and ORR shall also ensure that each detained individual receives all medical records related to any COVID-19 test administered to the individual. ICE, CPB, and ORR shall also report to Congress on (1) the COVID-19 safety protocols in their facilities, and (2) their efforts to ensure that each detained individual has access to legal counsel. This bill's data collection and reporting requirements that apply to ICE, CPB, and ORR shall also apply to any contract facilities that they use to hold detained individuals.
Bill· HRH.R. 8883 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2020
Reporting Exogenous Participation Among Incoming Researchers in Academia Act or REPAIR Academia Act This bill imposes certain reporting requirements on the sponsor of an F, M, or J (student or exchange visitor) visa and authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to revoke such a visa in certain instances. The Department of State shall require a sponsor of a J visa to report any change to the visa holder's primary field of study. The State Department and DHS shall require a sponsor of an F, M, or J visa to report when the visa holder is participating in a federally funded research program. DHS may review and revoke an F, M, or J visa in certain instances, such as finding that (1) the visa holder misrepresented an intention to pursue a field of study, or (2) the visa holder's participation in a federally funded research program poses a national security risk. The bill also imposes certain limits on the ability to appeal such a revocation decision.
Bill· HRH.R. 8876 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2020
This bill authorizes the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to reclassify the Shadow Wolves as special agents. (The Shadow Wolves are a tactical patrol unit based in the Tohono O'odham Nation in southern Arizona.)
Bill· SS. 4960 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2020
This bill extends to June 30, 2021, the deadline for a qualifying national of Liberia to apply for permanent resident status, where currently the deadline is December 20, 2020.
Bill· HRH.R. 8838 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2020
Legal Immigration for the U.S. Act This bill makes various changes to immigration law, including by (1) limiting the number of refugees and aliens granted asylum who may receive legal permanent residence to 50,000 each fiscal year, (2) denying a tax deduction for wages and benefits paid to or on behalf of an unauthorized alien, (3) eliminating the EB-5 investor visa, and (4) requiring certain nonimmigrant aliens to post a bond prior to receiving a U.S. entry visa.
Bill· HRH.R. 8799 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2020
End Transfers of Detained Immigrants Act This bill imposes requirements related to individuals in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency declared by the Department of Health and Human Services. ICE may not transfer an individual between ICE facilities until the COVID-19 transmission rate in the United States meets or drops below a certain threshold. In addition, ICE may not apprehend or transfer an individual between an ICE detention facility and a facility operated by an outside entity, such as a state or local prison, unless the individual is tested for COVID-19 and placed in quarantine (1) for 14 consecutive days, or (2) until the test comes back negative. These two requirements shall not prohibit the transfer of (1) an individual solely to process that individual's release from custody, or (2) a minor from ICE custody to the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement. If ICE cannot ensure compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for mitigating the spread of COVID-19 (including maintaining social distancing requirements at all times) in any ICE facility, ICE shall (1) immediately review the custody of all detained individuals in that facility, and (2) release individuals found eligible for release.
Bill· HRH.R. 8793 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2020
Hurricane Eta Relief Act of 2020 This bill designates Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala as temporary protected status (TPS) countries for 18 months from the enactment of this bill. (Qualified nationals of a TPS-designated country shall have work authorization and may not be removed from the United States while the designation is in effect.) A national of one of these countries shall qualify for temporary protected status if the individual (1) has been continuously physically present in the United States since the bill's enactment, (2) meets certain admissibility and eligibility requirements generally required for such status, and (3) registers with the Department of Homeland Security.
Bill· HRH.R. 8777 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2020
Chinese Communist Party Visa Disclosure Act of 2020 or the CCP Visa Disclosure Act of 2020 This bill requires an applicant for an F, J, or M (student or exchange visitor) visa to disclose in the application certain information about whether the applicant has received or will receive funds from the Chinese government, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), or an entity controlled by either. If an individual receives such funds after receiving such a visa, the individual must inform the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State. Any visa issued to an alien who violates these disclosure requirements may be revoked.
Bill· HRH.R. 8772 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2020
Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains Act of 2020 This bill revises the authority for state grants to improve the reporting of unidentified and missing persons. Specifically, the bill authorizes grants to be used for additional activities (e.g., transportation of missing persons and unidentified remains), including with respect to migrants; and expands eligible entities. The bill also requires the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to deploy rescue beacons along the southern border to mitigate migrant deaths.
Bill· HRH.R. 8768 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2020
Keeping America's Energy Resources Moving Act of 2020 This bill authorizes an alien crewman to obtain a permit to land in the United States for up to 180 days if, during this period, the crewman will perform ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfer operations involving a vessel engaged in foreign trade. Currently, an alien crewman may obtain a permit to land for up to 29 days. Under this bill, an alien passing in transit through the United States to board a vessel to perform the above-described liquid cargo transfer operations may qualify as a nonimmigrant in transit. (A qualifying nonimmigrant in transit may obtain a transit visa.)
Bill· HRH.R. 8764 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2020
Stop China's IP Theft Act This bill directs the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to deny entry into the United States to senior Chinese Communist Party officials, the spouses and children of such officials, members of the cabinet of the Chinese government, and active duty members of China's armed forces. This prohibition shall not apply in any year in which the Office of the Director of National Intelligence certifies to Congress that China's government has stopped sponsoring, funding, facilitating, and actively working to support efforts to infringe the intellectual property rights of U.S. citizens and companies.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1221 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2020
This resolution urges the United States to uphold its commitments under U.S. law and international treaties related to asylum seekers and also urges the Department of Homeland Security to stop detentions for legitimate asylum seekers. The resolution also calls on the government of Cameroon to respect the fundamental rights of its citizens.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1214 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2020
This resolution recognizes the discrimination that Sikhs have faced and continue to face in the United States and elsewhere and condemns all acts of bias and hatred against the Sikh community. The resolution also expresses respect and gratitude for the contributions of all Sikh Americans.
Bill· HRH.R. 8708 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2020
American Families United Act This bill limits what constitutes a conviction for immigration purposes and contains other related provisions. (A conviction can in certain instances be grounds for denying an individual immigration benefits.) Under this bill, certain judgments of guilt, such as one that has been deferred, expunged, or invalidated, shall not be considered a conviction for immigration purposes. An order of probation without an entry of judgment shall also not count as a conviction. Similarly, a pardon shall render the underlying conviction null for immigration purposes. Furthermore, for immigration purposes, a term of imprisonment shall only include the actual period of incarceration ordered by a court. If a term of imprisonment is suspended for any length, the suspended time shall not be considered as part of the term of imprisonment. (An individual may be denied certain immigration benefits if the individual has been convicted for a crime with a certain term of imprisonment.) The bill also provides statutory authority for the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security to, in certain instances, exercise discretion when enforcing immigration laws, such as waiving one or more grounds of inadmissibility or declining to order an alien removed. Such discretion may only be exercised on a case-by-case basis for humanitarian purposes or to preserve family unity and is subject to other limitations.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 761 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2020
This resolution expresses the Senate's support for the celebration of Filipino American History Month in October 2020 as a testament to the advancement of Filipino Americans and a time to renew efforts toward researching and examining the history of Filipino Americans to give all people of the United States an opportunity to learn about their contributions.
Bill· SS. 4874 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2020
Visa Security Expansion Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to increase the number of personnel in visa security units at certain diplomatic and consular posts. DHS shall increase the number of such personnel in at least two posts each year during a 10-year period. The bill establishes criteria for deciding which country's posts shall receive additional personnel, such as the number of nationals of that country who have been identified as a suspected terrorists and whether that country has been cooperative with U.S. counterterrorism efforts. In addition to existing duties, such personnel shall screen visa applications against U.S. criminal, national security, and terrorism databases. DHS shall establish a security fee for all nonimmigrant visa applications to offset the costs of operating and increasing the size of the visa security units.
Bill· SS. 4842 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2020
This bill limits the application of a June 22, 2020, presidential proclamation that suspended the entry of certain classes of aliens. Specifically, if an alien is entering the United States on a J-1 visa to provide childcare for a member of the Armed Forces through an au pair program, the proclamation shall not bar such an alien's entry unless the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and Department of State jointly issue a written justification for the bar.
Bill· SS. 4837 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2020
Neighbors Not Enemies Act This bill repeals provisions authorizing the President to apprehend and remove from the United States the citizens of a particular nation, if the United States has declared war against that nation or that nation has threatened an invasion against the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 8648 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2020
Homeland Security Investigations Victim Assistance Act of 2020 This bill provides statutory authority for a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement program that assists victims of human trafficking, child sexual exploitation, and other crimes.
Bill· HRH.R. 8617 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2020
Temporary Family Visitation Act This bill establishes a new nonimmigrant visa category (B-3) for an eligible alien to enter the United States to visit certain relatives. To qualify for a B-3 visa, the alien must (1) be visiting a qualifying relative (such as a child, parent, uncle, or aunt) who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, (2) have an affidavit of support executed by the U.S.-based relative or another sponsor, and (3) have travel medical insurance covering the duration of the visit. (An affidavit of support is a contract in which the sponsor agrees to financially support the alien during the alien's stay in the United States, if necessary.) The Department of State may waive any of these requirements for public interest purposes, such as to assure family unity. The period of stay for a B-3 visa may be for up to 120 days.
Bill· HRH.R. 8585 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2020
American Right to Family Act This bill requires the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status for an alien parent who meets certain requirements. To be eligible for cancellation of removal and adjustment of status under this bill, an alien must (1) meet certain residency-related requirements, such as having been physically present in the United States for at least 10 years or having received a deferral of removal under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy; (2) be a parent of either a U.S. national or an individual who first entered the United States under 16 years of age and has been continuously present in the United States since entry; and (3) not be barred from receiving certain immigration benefits on specified grounds, including certain grounds related to criminal conduct or national security. The Department of Homeland Security may waive certain crime-related grounds of inadmissibility for reasons related to the public interest, subject to various limitations. An alien whose removal is canceled under this bill shall be adjusted to temporary resident status for a three-year period, which may be renewed. Furthermore, a cancellation for removal or adjustment of status under this bill shall not count toward certain annual numerical limitations on such actions.
Bill· SS. 4797 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2020
Chinese-Backed Media Accountability Act This bill places restrictions on nonimmigrant visas for journalists from China who work for a Chinese state-run media organization. The Department of State shall report to Congress on the number of Chinese nationals who (1) work as journalists for an organization identified as a Chinese state-run media organization (or whose work product is effectively controlled by China's government or the Chinese Communist Party); (2) were in the United States on the date this bill was enacted; and (3) were issued an H-1B, I-1, or L-1 visa in the past year. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services may not approve a petition for one of these visas for such a Chinese journalist until the State Department submits this report, which shall be due within 30 days of this bill's enactment. The State Department shall update this report every two years and provide other related information. In addition, the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs must ensure that (1) the number of such visas issued to Chinese journalists does not exceed the number of U.S. journalists in China, and (2) such a visa is valid for no longer than 90 days. The bill identifies specific organizations, such as China Central Television and the People's Daily, as Chinese state-run media organizations, and directs the State Department to identify any other organizations that qualify as such.
Law· HRH.R. 8472 (116th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2020
Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Act This bill revises the Impact Aid Program application process for FY2022. It also revises FY2021 allocations under the Migrant Education Program. First, the bill requires local educational agencies (LEAs) participating in the Impact Aid Program to use the student count or federal property valuation data from their FY2021 program applications, as applicable, for their FY2022 program applications. The program provides funding to LEAs that have lost property tax revenue due to the presence of tax-exempt federal property or to those that have experienced increased expenditures due to enrollment of federally connected children (e.g., children living on Indian lands or military bases). In addition, the bill directs the Department of Education to use school year 2018-2019 data or school year 2019-2020 data, whichever is greater, for making FY2021 allocations to states under the Migrant Education Program. States use these program funds to identify eligible migratory children and provide them with education and support services.
Bill· HRH.R. 8477 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2020
American Jobs First Act of 2020 This bill imposes additional requirements related to the H-1B (specialty profession) nonimmigrant visas and repeals various immigration-related programs. The bill repeals the diversity visa program, which makes immigrant visas available to aliens from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. The bill also eliminates a program that provides temporary employment authorization to an F-1 student visa holder during or after the completion of the student's studies, unless Congress expressly authorizes such a program. The bill's provisions relating to the H-1B program include requiring an H-1B employee to receive a wage that is at least the wage of the U.S. citizen or permanent resident who had the same job in the two years before the H-1B application was filed, where currently an H-1B worker may be paid the prevailing wage for the occupational classification in the area of employment; prohibiting an employer from hiring an H-1B employee if the employer has involuntarily separated without cause an employee in a substantially similar occupation in the two years before filing the H-1B application or will do so in the two years after the filing; prohibiting an employer from hiring an H-1B employee if there had been a strike or lockout related to salary or benefits in the two years before filing the H-1B application; increasing the maximum penalties for violating certain H-1B requirements; and prohibiting in some instances the use of nondisclosure agreements to prevent an employee from disclosing an employer's possible misuse of the H-1B program.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1166 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2020
This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' support for the celebration of Filipino American History Month as a testament to the long and proud advancement of Filipino Americans and a time to renew efforts toward researching and examining the history of Filipino Americans to give all people of the United States an opportunity to learn about their contributions.
Bill· HRH.R. 8428 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2020
Hong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act of 2020 This bill provides for temporary protected status (TPS) and refugee status for qualifying Hong Kong residents and contains other immigration-related provisions. Hong Kong shall be treated as a TPS-designated country for 18 months starting from this bill's enactment. (Qualifying nationals of a TPS-designated country may not be removed from the United States and shall have employment authorization while the designation is in effect.) Furthermore, Hong Kong shall be treated as separate from China for the purposes of various numerical limitations on immigrant visas. (Hong Kong is part of China but has a largely separate legal and economic system.) The bill also establishes Priority Hong Kong Resident status for qualified individuals. To obtain such status, an individual must meet certain requirements, such as having resided in Hong Kong for at least ten years and not having citizenship in any jurisdiction other than China, Hong Kong, or Macau. For the purposes of seeking refugee status or asylum, a Priority Hong Kong Resident (and certain family members of such an individual) may establish that the individual has a well-founded fear of persecution if the individual asserts such fear and (1) had a significant role in an organization that supported the 2019 or 2020 protests related to China's encroachment into Hong Kong's autonomy or the Hong Kong National Security Law enacted in 2020; or (2) was arrested, charged, detained, or convicted for participating in the nonviolent exercise of certain rights.
Bill· SS. 4741 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2020
End Transfers of Detained Immigrants Act This bill imposes requirements related to individuals in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency declared by the Department of Health and Human Services. ICE may not transfer an individual between ICE facilities until the COVID-19 transmission rate in the United States meets or drops below a certain threshold. In addition, ICE may not apprehend or transfer an individual between an ICE detention facility and a facility operated by an outside entity, such as a state or local prison, unless the individual is tested for COVID-19 and placed in quarantine (1) for 14 consecutive days, or (2) until the test comes back negative. These two requirements shall not prohibit the transfer of (1) an individual solely to process that individual's release from custody, or (2) a minor from ICE custody to the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement. If ICE cannot ensure compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for mitigating the spread of COVID-19 (including maintaining social distancing requirements at all times) in any ICE facility, ICE shall (1) immediately review the custody of all detained individuals in that facility, and (2) release individuals found eligible for release.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1153 (116th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2020
This resolution condemns the performance of unwanted, unnecessary medical procedures on individuals without their informed consent and recognizes the need for additional accountability, oversight, and transparency to protect individuals from such medical procedures while they are in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It also calls on the Department of Homeland Security to fully cooperate with investigations about, and take other actions related to, medical procedures in one of its detention centers.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1147 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2020
This resolution expresses support for the goals of a feminist foreign policy and outlines the governmental efforts necessary to ensure that these goals are met.
Law· HRH.R. 8337 (116th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2020
Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act This bill provides continuing FY2021 appropriations to federal agencies through December 11, 2020, and extends several programs. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2021 appropriations bills have not been enacted when FY2021 begins on October 1, 2020. The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2020 levels with several exceptions that provide funding flexibility and additional appropriations to various programs. In addition, the bill extends several authorities and programs, including surface transportation programs; public health, Medicare, and Medicaid authorities and programs; several authorities related to veterans benefits; authorities to waive certain requirements for nutrition programs; the National Flood Insurance Program; the Appalachian Regional Commission; the U.S. Parole Commission; the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program; and several authorities related to immigration. The bill also includes provisions that accelerate reimbursements to the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) for net realized losses to allow the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to continue making certain payments to farmers, prohibit USDA from using CCC funds to provide payments or support to fossil fuel refiners and importers, expand nutrition assistance programs, increase and expand U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services fees for providing premium processing services for certain immigration-related applications, and reauthorize a program that provides incentives (e.g., limitations on civil liability) for corporations to self-report antitrust violations to the Department of Justice.
Bill· HRH.R. 8319 (116th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2020
Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act This bill provides continuing FY2021 appropriations to federal agencies through December 11, 2020, and extends several programs. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2021 appropriations bills have not been enacted when FY2021 begins on October 1, 2020. The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2020 levels with several exceptions that provide funding flexibility and additional appropriations to various programs. In addition, the bill extends several authorities and programs, including surface transportation programs; public health, Medicare, and Medicaid authorities and programs; several authorities related to veterans benefits; the National Flood Insurance Program; the Appalachian Regional Commission; the U.S. Parole Commission; the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program; and several authorities related to immigration. The bill also includes provisions that increase and expand U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services fees for providing premium processing services for certain immigration-related applications, and reauthorize a program that provides incentives (e.g., limitations on civil liability) for corporations to self-report antitrust violations to the Department of Justice.
Bill· SS. 4631 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2020
Hong Kong Refugee Protection Act This bill removes statutory authority for the President to allow the admission of more than 50,000 refugees in a fiscal year for humanitarian concerns or national interest considerations and suspends the diversity visa program through FY2025. (The program makes immigrant visas available to aliens from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States.) The bill also provides certain Hong Kong residents with priority refugee status or special visas. An individual and certain family members shall have priority refugee status if the individual (1) is a Hong Kong resident who suffered persecution or has a well-founded fear of persecution as a result of peaceful political activity; or (2) has been formally charged, detained, or convicted for certain peaceful actions. The general presumption that an alien is seeking immigrant status shall not apply to certain Hong Kong residents (generally, those who participated in pro-democracy protests in 2019 and 2020) seeking asylum. (Typically, an alien seeking admission as a nonimmigrant must establish that the alien does not intend to immigrate to the United States.) The Department of Homeland Security shall admit up to 30,000 eligible Hong Kong residents as immigrants using a points system each year through FY2025. Points shall be awarded to an individual based on various characteristics including age, educational attainment, commitment to invest certain amounts in the United States, and salary. Every six months, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services shall invite the individuals with the highest point totals to apply for admission.
Bill· HRH.R. 8309 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020
Keep America Secure Act This bill provides for a two-year reauthorization of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) activities for FY2021-FY2022. Specifically, the bill sets forth provisions to address management reform and accountability, including the establishment of an Office of Biometric Identity Management within the Management Directorate of DHS; intelligence and information sharing, including requiring annual assessments of the terrorist threat to the homeland; cybersecurity, including the establishment of a Cybersecurity Advisory Committee within the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency; border and visa security, including directing U.S. Customs and Border Protection to hire specified numbers of agents and authorizing an immigration advisory program to assist air carriers and security employees at foreign airports with review of traveler information during the processing of U.S.-bound flights; transportation security, including requiring the Transportation Security Administration to establish a task force to analyze emerging and potential future threats and requiring DHS to prioritize the research and facilitation of next generation technologies to detect explosives in the nation's surface transportation systems; emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, including modifying specified grant programs and reauthorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); and pandemic preparedness, including establishing a medical countermeasures program to facilitate personnel readiness and protection for DHS employees and working animals and individuals in its care and custody, in the event of a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosives attack, naturally occurring disease outbreak, or pandemic, and to support DHS mission continuity.
Bill· HRH.R. 8310 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020
Countering China's Theft of American Research and Innovation Act or the CCTARI Act This bill modifies provisions related to reviewing visa applications for risks, including the illicit transfer of sensitive research from U.S. research institutions, and contains other related provisions. A previously established interagency working group to coordinate the protection of federally-funded research from foreign interference shall report to Congress on a review of current Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State policies for preventing the illicit transfer of sensitive research from U.S. higher education and research institutions, including visa issuance procedures and national security reviews of certain nonimmigrant students. The bill also modifies provisions authorizing DHS to assign its employees to diplomatic and consular posts to conduct visa application reviews and related tasks. When making such an assignment, DHS shall do so in a risk-based manner based on certain criteria, such as the number of nationals in a country identified as known or suspected terrorists and the number of cases involving illicit technology transfer. Such employees shall review visa applications to improve detection of cases that pose a substantial risk of illicit technology transfers. DHS shall also prioritize establishing new overseas assignments with the goal of countering the exploitation or illicit transfer of sensitive technologies by student and exchange visitor visa holders. DHS and the State Department shall jointly carry out a pilot program to evaluate the use of machine-readable technology to improve visa application and security vetting processes.
Bill· SS. 4595 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020
This bill provides an automatic extension for certain J-1 (exchange visitor) visas if the visa holder has a contract or employment agreement with the U.S. Agency for Global Media, the agency that operates U.S. government media outlets such as Voice of America and Radio Free Asia. Specifically, if such a J-1 visa expires during the two-month period before this bill's enactment or the 90-day period after, the visa shall remain valid until the end of the 90-day period. The Department of Homeland Security may deny an extension on a case-by-case basis if it (1) determines that extending a particular visa would pose a national security risk, and (2) explains the reasons for the determination to Congress.
Bill· SS. 4573 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020
DHS Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Defense Act This bill authorizes for FY2021 and FY2022 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) activities to identify and remediate illicit cross-border tunnels. CBP shall also develop and report to Congress a strategic plan to improve such operations.
Bill· HRH.R. 8225 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2020
Fight Notario Fraud Act of 2020 This bill prohibits certain types of fraud or misrepresentations related to immigration matters, provides for criminal penalties for such actions, and contains related provisions. Specifically, a person shall be subject to fines, imprisonment, or both, if that person knowingly executes a scheme related to immigration laws to (1) defraud another, or (2) receive anything of value from another based on false pretenses or representations. Such a person shall be subject to additional criminal penalties if that person (1) threatens to report another to federal or state authorities, (2) takes actions or makes attempts to adversely impact another's immigration status, or (3) demands or retains anything of value for services fraudulently performed or not performed. Similarly, a person shall be subject to fines, imprisonment, or both, if the person knowingly and falsely claims to be an attorney or an accredited representative in any matter arising under the immigration laws. (An accredited representative is an individual authorized by the Executive Office of Immigration Review to represent clients in certain immigration matters.) The bill provides for longer terms of imprisonment for a person who causes a cumulative loss of more than $10,000 through actions prohibited under this bill. The Department of Justice shall establish at least 15 Special U.S. Attorney positions to enforce these provisions and take other actions related to enforcement and protecting consumers from fraudulent immigration schemes.
Bill· HRH.R. 8230 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2020
Integrating New Technologies to Empower Law Enforcement at Our Borders Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to report to Congress a plan to identify and deploy emerging and advanced technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence, automation, and optical radar) to achieve greater situational awareness along the northern and southern U.S. borders between ports of entry. The report shall contain information including assessments of (1) how Customs and Border Protection is currently using such technologies, (2) how such technologies can address border security capability gaps, and (3) the cost of acquiring such technologies.
Bill· HRH.R. 8119 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 August 2020
Voter Integrity Protection Act This bill imposes additional immigration-related penalties for aliens who vote in an election for federal office. It shall be an aggravated felony for an alien who is unlawfully present to violate an existing prohibition against an alien voting in a federal election. (An aggravated felony conviction carries various immigration consequences, such as rendering the alien inadmissible, deportable, and barred from establishing good moral character for naturalization.) An alien who is unlawfully present and who knowingly violates the prohibition against voting in a federal election shall be deportable.
Bill· HRH.R. 8089 (116th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 August 2020
Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act This bill expands Department of Homeland Security (DHS) authority to provide premium processing services for certain immigration-related applications and contains other related provisions. DHS may collect a fee to provide premium processing of an application for any immigration benefit that DHS considers appropriate, subject to certain requirements. Currently, DHS only has statutory authority to provide premium processing for employment-based applications. Under current law, DHS must use such premium fees to provide premium processing services and make infrastructure improvements. Under this bill, such fees shall be used for these purposes and other activities that offset the cost of providing adjudication and naturalization services. DHS may suspend premium processing of applications only if circumstances prevent the timely processing of a significant number of such applications. DHS shall provide those who have requested premium processing with access to case status information and communications channels to the premium processing units. DHS may expand premium processing to certain immigrant benefits and set fees for such processing without following certain rulemaking procedures if DHS meets certain requirements, such as limiting the premium fee to specified amounts. The bill also increases the premium fees charged to applicants. DHS may, subject to requirements, biennially adjust premium fees to reflect inflation without following certain rulemaking requirements.