Immigration Legislation

*Note: Updated for the 115th Congress (as of August 9, 2017)

House Bills and Resolutions

Pro-Immigration Bills and Resolutions:

H.R.60 – The Encourage New Legalized Immigrants to Start Training Act or ENLIST Act would provide a way for undocumented immigrants who entered the United States before they were 15 years old to secure permanent legal residence in the United States. Undocumented immigrants present in the United States on December 31, 2012 and who entered the United States before they were 15 years old and who, aside from being undocumented, are eligible to enlist in the United States military may do so. Through their honorable military service, undocumented immigrants will receive permanent legal residence in the United States. Immigrants who are dishonorably discharged before the end of their term of enlistment will not receive permanent legal residence. Sponsors: Rep. Denham, Jeff [R-CA-10] and co-sponsored by Rep. Coffman, Mike [R-CO-6] and 29 Republican Representatives and 29 Democrat Representatives.

H.R.281 – The Family Farm Relief Act of 2017 simplifies the H-2A program by amending the Immigration and Nationality Act. The bill makes the application process easier by requiring petitions for nonimmigrant visas available to be filed over the Internet or in paper. The 50% domestic workforce requirement is repealed, so more nonimmigrant workers may come to the United States to work as farm laborers. The former requirement that agricultural employers first look for American employees within “a multi-state region of traditional or expected labor” is changed to within 150 square miles of the area of employment. Certain rules that make it difficult to hire foreign workers are prohibited, including employers having to advertise employment opportunities on certain dates or in certain publications, the requirement to submit an employer recruitment report, and contacting previous workers. Workers cannot file a petition for an H-2A visa if they are undocumented immigrants. Associations of agricultural employers may, as a group, file hire applications for H-2A workers, and workers may be transferred among members of the association. 90 days after this bill is passed, the Comptroller General must submit a report to Congress that evaluates whether having H-2A workers use biometric identification cards increases enforcement of immigration laws, streamlines the visa application and admission process for H-2A workers, and decreases delays in the admission process. Sponsors: Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21] and co-sponsored by 1 Republican Representative.

HR 392 – The Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2017 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act and increases immigration by eliminating the per-country limitation quota for employment-based immigrants, while raising the per-country limitation quota for family-based immigrants from 7% to 15%. This also eliminates the Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992 which annually reduced the number of Chinese immigrant visas to offset status adjustments. Sponsors: Rep. Chaffetz, Jason [R-UT-3] and co-sponsored by Rep. Bishop, Mike [R-MI-8] and 27 Republican Representatives.

H.R.496 – The Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy Act or BRIDGE Act protects undocumented immigrants by giving them provisional protected presence in the United States for three years and employment authorization. For these three years, the immigrant is considered lawfully present in the United States and cannot be deported. To be eligible for provisional protected presence, an individual must have entered the United States before she or he turned 16, be born after June 15, 1981, lived continually in the United States since June 15, 2007, and been physically and unlawfully present in the United States on June 15, 2012. The individual must also be currently enrolled in high school or its equivalent, graduated from high school, earned a general educational development certificate (GED), or be an honorably discharged U.S. veteran. The individual cannot have been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, three separate misdemeanors, or be a threat to national security or public safety. Immigrants currently in deportation proceedings or subject to final removal or voluntary departure orders but are otherwise eligible for the BRIDGE Act may apply for provisional protected presence and must be given the opportunity to apply. Immigrants must be at least 15 years old to apply for protection, unless they are in any stage of removal proceedings, then there is no age requirement. Information provided by applicants for protected status must be kept confidential. Information submitted under DACA must also be protected. After August 15, 2012, all travel outside of the United States must have been authorized by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Brief, casual, or innocent absences from the United States between June 15, 2007, and August 14, 2012, are not disqualifiers for protected status. Expunged convictions will not automatically disqualify an applicant and will be reviewed individually. DACA recipients will continue to have provisional protected status, employment authorization, and may apply for extended provisional protection under the BRIDGE Act. This is the same bill as S.128. Sponsors: Rep. Coffman, Mike [R-CO-6] and co-sponsored by 8 Democrat Representatives and 7 Republican Representatives.

H.R. 532 – The DREAMer Information Protection Act would protect any information submitted by an applicant for deferred action under DACA from being used in immigration enforcement proceedings. The bill is intended to help and prevent the deportation of the over 700,000 individuals who have submitted their information since 2012 following the announcement of DACA by President Obama. Sponsors: Rep. O’Rourke, Beto [D-TX-16] and co-sponsored by 25 Democrat Representatives.

H.R.639 – The Electronic Notification Improvement Act of 2017 requires the Department of Homeland Security to send an electronic notification to a petitioner when that petitioner submits a petition or payment of fee for the immigration of a foreign national. Sponsors: Rep. Abraham, Ralph Lee [R-LA-5] and co-sponsored by 11 Republican Representatives.

H.R.670 – The High-Skilled Integrity and Fairness Act of 2017 reforms the H-1B visa program.  Sponsors: Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-19] and zero co-sponsors.

H.R. 730 – The Equal Protection of Travel Act of 2017 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to remove limitations of certain dual citizens from participating in the Visa Waiver Program. It allows nationals of Iraq or Syria to participate in the Program. Sponsor: Rep. Amash, Justin [R-MI-3] and co-sponsored by 2 Democrat Representatives and 1 Republican Representative.

H.R.748 – The Safeguarding Sanctuary Cities Act of 2017 states that cities, states, and other local governments with policies that limit compliance with an immigration detainer in any way may not have their federal funding reduced or eliminated because of their noncompliance policies. Sponsors: Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5] and co-sponsored by 52 Democrat Representatives.

H.R.837 – The Build Bridges Not Walls Act would nullify and void President Trump’s executive order to build a wall along the United States-Mexico border. The wall would cost billions of dollars in taxpayer resources and would have negative impacts on the environment, Native American populations, and decrease the United States’ global reputation. Sponsors: Grisham, Lujan [D-NM-1] and co-sponsored by 76 Democrat Representatives.

H.R.858 – The DREAMers, Immigrants, and Refugees (DIRe) Legal Aid Act requires the Attorney General to give grants to nonprofit legal services providers with immigration expertise. These grants must be used to provide legal advice and services to immigrants who are legal permanent residences, DACA recipients, or refugees, and their spouses and parents, who have already been admitted to or who qualified for admittance to the United States. Immigrants must be given the contact information of these legal services providers, and immigrants in detention must be allowed to speak with one of these providers. The bill affords $5,000,000 in grants. Within 180 days of the enactment of the bill, the Under Secretary for Science and Technology will conduct a study to note the differences in outcomes between immigrants with legal representation and those without representation. Sponsors: Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-Ca-46] and co-sponsored by 57 Democrat Representatives.

H.R. 912– The Protecting Immigrants from Legal Exploitation Act of 2017 protects immigrants victimized by any individual acting under fraudulent pretenses. The bill would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow for re-entry by aliens who left the United States based on the erroneous advice of an unauthorized legal representative or any individual engaged in immigration practitioner fraud. Sponsors: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] and co-sponsored by 19 Democratic Representatives.

H.R.913 – The Immigrant Detainee Legal Rights Act orders the Attorney General to establish and maintain an Office of Legal Access Programs that will develop and administer legal orientation programs. These programs will teach immigrants about immigration law, administrative procedures, and their legal rights under immigration law. The Attorney General must submit a plan to Congress within 180 days of the enactment of H.R.913, including a plan to develop and present legal orientation programs to all detainees within one year of the enactment of H.R.913. The programs must be available in English and the five most commonly spoken native languages of detainees held at that detention center. The programs will identify unaccompanied immigrant children, immigrants with serious mental disabilities, and other vulnerable immigrants for consideration by the Attorney General in accordance to section 292(c), by section 3502(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Programs will be available to all detainees within five days of arrival into custody and will inform them of basic procedures of immigration hearings, their rights in those hearings, information that may keep them from filing frivolous legal claims, and any other appropriate information. Sponsors: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11] and co-sponsored by Rep. Deutch, Theodore E. [D-FL-22].

H.R.1006 – The Access to Counsel Act states that any person subject to removal, exclusion, deportation proceedings, or inspection is entitled to legal counsel and representation as he or she chooses. The government does not pay for the counsel. If counsel cannot meet directly with a person in holding, detention, or inspection at a port of entry, redress options must be provided within the first hour of holding or detainment regardless of the day or time of day. Individuals held or detained at ports of entry cannot submit a valid Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status or Withdrawal of Application for Admission if they have been denied access to counsel. Individuals held or detained at ports of entry or any detention facility must have access to food, water, restroom facilities, and must be held for the shortest amount of time and in the least restrictive conditions possible. Sponsors: Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-Wa-7] and co-sponsored by 46 Democrat Representatives.

H.R.1076 – The Protect Our Sanctuary Cities Act outlines several dangers of Section 9 of Executive Order 13768, such as making it more difficult for local law enforcement to police their communities. The bill makes Section 9 of the order null and void so that is has no effect, and prohibits any funds from being used to enforce any executive order that compels local law enforcement and government officials to help the Federal government remove immigrants from the United States. Sponsors: Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9] and co-sponsored by 23 Democrat Representatives.

H.R.1236 – The Protecting the Rights Of Towns against federal Enforcement contrary to Constitutional Tenets for Immigration Act of 2017 or PROTECT Immigration Act of 2017 explicitly gives the authority to inquire about or verify immigration and citizenship status and to investigate, arrest, or detain individuals for violating immigration law to immigration officers and authorized employees of DHS. This means local and state law enforcement may not take part in immigration and deportation proceedings. Sponsors: Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5] and co-sponsored by 20 Democrat Representatives.

H.R.1303 – The H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2017 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to give more explicit instructions to employers on the employment of H-1B (nonimmigrant aliens with a specialty degree in the field of science) and L-1 (nonimmigrant aliens entering the country via employment with U.S. companies who operate on domestic and foreign soil) classifications. Sponsors: Rep. Pascrell, Bill, Jr. [D-NJ-9] and co-sponsored by 2 Republican Representatives and 1 Democrat Representative.

H.R. 1405 – The Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2017 requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a veterans visa program to permit veterans who have been removed from the United States to return as immigrants. It gives lawful immigrant status to these veterans with unlawful immigrant status  and cancels their removal from the United States. This does not apply to veterans who were ordered removed from the U.S. due to crimes of violence or for a crime that endangered U.S national security for which the person served at least five years’ imprisonment. Sponsor: Rep. Grijalva, Raul M. [D-AZ-3] and co-sponsored by 46 Democrat Representatives.

H.R. 1435 – The Exchange Inclusion for a Healthy America Act of 2017 allows undocumented aliens to obtain health care coverage. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow undocumented immigrants to receive tax credit for health insurance assistance and amends the Patient  Protection and Affordable Care Act so that undocumented immigrants have access to  cost sharing reductions, pre-existing condition coverage, and minimum essential health care coverage. Sponsors: Rep Gutierrez, Luis V. [D-IL-4] and co-sponsored by 2 Democrat Representatives

H.R. 1446 – The No State Resources for Immigration (NSRIE) Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit state and local officers and employers from performing immigration officer functions. It states that the Secretary of Homeland Security cannot authorize any officer or employee of the state to carry out functions including the investigation, apprehension, or detention of aliens in the U.S. Sponsors: Rep. Velazquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7} and co-sponsored by 11 Democrat Representatives.

H.R.1468 – The Recognizing America’s Children Act protects undocumented immigrants who entered the United States as children from being deported and gives them conditional permanent residence. Conditional permanent resident status is granted on the basis of the immigrant entering the United States before January 1, 2012, living continuously in the United States since entry, and being younger than 16 years old upon entry. If the immigrant is 18 years old or older, he or she must have a high school diploma or its equivalent, be admitted to a U.S. institute of higher education, or have a valid work authorization. The bill also lays out additional requirements to be granted permanent residence, including demonstrating good moral character while having conditional status; that he or she has not persecuted others on the basis of race, religion, national, social group, or political opinion, and has not abandoned residence or, excluding military service, been absent from the United States for more than 730 aggregate days. Unless an immigrant has a physical, developmental, or mental disability that prevents them from meeting this requirement, an immigrant must have a basic understanding of English and the fundamentals of U.S. history and government to have the conditional basis of his or her permanent residency removed. Sponsor: Rep. Curbelo, Carlos [R-FL-26] and co-sponsored by 17 Republican Representatives.

H.R. 1470 – The Restoring Respect for Immigrant Service in Uniform Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to limit the grounds for deportation of certain members of the United States Armed Forces. The bill states that if an alien has been a member of the United States Armed Forces for longer than 180 days and has not received a discharge other than an honorable discharge, they are exempt from deportation. The exception would be if the alien has been convicted of a felony or significant misdemeanors, or if they are a threat to national security or public safety. Sponsors: Rep. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ-7] and zero co-sponsors.

H.R.1477 – The No Taxpayer Funding for the Wall Act finds that Donald Trump has repeatedly insisted that the United States will build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border and Mexico will pay for the wall. Federal funds may not be used to carry out section 102 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 or any other related law, or build a border wall and barriers in any way. States may not use federal funding or grants to build any sort of wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. With the Senate’s approval, the President may enter into a binding, written, and enforceable treaty with a foreign country to pay for building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. The Inspector General of the federal department or agency in charge of carrying out the treaty will oversee the use of funds and building practices. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) will annually audit each federal department, federal agency, and state receiving federal funding to ensure that no funds are being used to build a wall. If the GAO determines that funds are being used to build a wall, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) may not expend more than 25% of authorized funds to the non-complying federal agency during the fiscal year in which the audit was performed and until the GAO determines the agency or department is complying. For a non-complying state, the heads of federal agencies and departments will decide how to reduce federal funds to the state and will require the state to repay funds to the federal government. The OMB will detail the budgetary impact of all executive orders or presidential memorandums relating to border security from fiscal year 2017 to fiscal year 2021. OMB will create and monthly update a website that tracks and displays funds from non-federal sources to build the wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. Sponsors: Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4] and co-sponsored by Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2] and co-sponsored by 26 Democrat Representatives.

H.R.1487 – The Dreamer Protection Act prohibits federal funds from being used to apprehend, detain, or remove any immigrant who was ever a DACA recipient at any time if he or she lost his or her deferred status because of any action related to DACA taken by the President or any federal official. Sponsors: Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35] and co-sponsored by Rep. O’Rourke, Beto [D-TX-16].

H.R.1497 – The ICE Body Camera Act of 2017 requires that, within 18 months of the enactment of this act, all ICE officers must wear body cameras when engaged in field operations or removal proceedings. Within 12 months of enacting this act, ICE must have policies for the most effective placement and treatment of body cameras and the videos they record. Recordings from ICE body cameras will be provided to every party in any proceeding, civil action, or criminal prosecution that the recording pertains to. Funding for body cameras will come from funds used to buy new weapons for ICE officials. Sponsors: Rep. Clarkre, Yvette D. [D-NY-9] and co-sponsored by 18 Republican Representatives.

H.R.1503 – The Statue of Liberty Values Act 2.0 of 2017 or SOLVE Act 2.0 of 2017, beginning March 6, 2017, nullifies and voids the March 6, 2017, Executive Order “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States” so that the order has no force or effect and cannot be implemented or enforced in any way. No federal funds or fees for any fiscal year may be used to carry out or enforce the order. Sponsors: Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-19] and co-sponsored by 172 Democrat Representatives.

H.R. 1520– The Uniting Families Act of 2017 would create a non-immigrant W-visa category for aliens 18 or older who served in the Armed Forces on active duty abroad or who is the spouse or child of such an alien. The bill would allow for a five year duration of a W-visa and allow for no more than 5000 W-visa aliens to be admitted each year. Sponsors: Rep. Kind, Ron [D-WI-3] and zero-cosponsors.

H.R.1544 – The Keeping Our Promise to Our Afghan Allies Act increases the number of visas available for the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa program from 8,500 a year to 11,000. This is the house version of S.608. Sponsors: Rep. Kinzinger, Adam [R-IL-16] and co-sponsored by 9 Democrat Representatives and 8 Republican Representatives.

H.R.1608 – The ICE and CBP Body Camera Accountability Act requires all ICE and CMP agents and officers to wear body cameras whenever engaged in official operations. Footage from body cameras will be available to each party involved in any administrative proceeding, civil action, or criminal prosecution to which the footage is relevant. If footage is not made available, involved parties may notify ICE or CBP in order to begin an adverse action investigation. If an ICE or CBP officer or agent’s body camera does not record footage, and he or she cannot give sufficient evidence that it was due to a technical malfunction, the officer or agent will be subject to furlough, reduction in pay or grade, or a suspension of up to 30 days. No additional funding will be given to implement this act and buy body cameras. The bill must be carried out using existing funds. Sponsors: Rep. Espaillat, Adrinao [D-NY-13] and co-sponsored by 32 Democrat Representatives.

H.R.1627 – The Small Business Assistance Act of 2017 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to reinstate the returning worker exemption for H-2B visas by making fiscal years 2014, 2015, and 2016 not count toward the numerical limitation on nonimmigrant workers. Sponsors: Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1] and co-sponsored by 2 Democrat Representatives and 12 Republican Representatives.

Anti-Immigration Bills and Resolutions:

H.R.1633 – The Landing Pass Extension Act of 2017 extends the amount of time a conditional permit to land temporarily may be granted to a foreign crewmember from 29 days to 90 days. Sponsors: Rep. Farenthold, Blake [R-TX-27] and co-sponsored by zero Representatives.

H.Con.Res.25 – The resolution Expressing the sense of Congress on the admission of refugees and immigrants to the United States decries the executive order “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States” and its suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admission Program, travel ban of seven majority Muslim countries, and the suspension of the Visa Interview Waiver Program. The resolution states that the executive order does not reflect American values and that refugees should immediately be allowed to resettle in the United States regardless of nationality. Lawful permanent residents should be allowed reentry into the United States, and the Visa Interview Waiver Program should not be suspended because of its negative impact on students. Sponsors: Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12] and co-sponsored by Rep. Velazquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7] and 5 Democrat Representatives.

H.R. 1815– Protecting Sensitive Locations Act  prevents immigration, border, and customs enforcement from apprehending aliens at, or within 1,000 feet of any placed deemed to be sensitive. These places include: houses of worship, schools and buildings/vehicles associated with education, and government buildings. Sponsor: Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13] and co-sponsored by 29 Democratic Representatives

H.R. 1941– Returning Worker Accountability Act of 2017 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act by making an exception for returning workers in regards to predetermined numerical limitation. This allows them to be excluded from being counted towards the limitation if they have been counted in any of the three previous fiscal years. Sponsor: Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3] and co-sponsored by zero representatives

H.R. 1970 – The Kerrie Orozco Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide expedited naturalization for the spouses of first responders who die as a result of their employment. A person who is the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen who died as a result of being a first responder does not have to prove prior residence or specified presence within the United States in order to be naturalized. In addition, the Department of Homeland Security would provide posthumous citizenship to a person who died as a result of injury or disease incurred while serving as a first responder in the U.S. Sponsors: Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2] and co-sponsored by 2 Republican Representatives

H.R. 1985– Justice For Children Now Act of 2017 authorizes the Department of Justice to appoint 70 additional immigration judges upon the enactment of this bill. Sponsor: Rep. Jackson Lee, Sheila [D-TX-18] and co-sponsored by zero representatives

HR 2004– Strengthen Employment and Seasonal Opportunities Now Act allows nonimmigrant workers to be labeled as “returning workers” in successive years of returning for seasonal labor, as opposed to counting them against the numerical limit every year. Sponsor: Rep. Chabot, Steve [R-OH-1] and co-sponsored by 23 Republican Representatives

H.R. 2043– Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2017 assures that unaccompanied children on trial for their undocumented status receive court appointed attorneys at the expense of the government. If the Department of Justice fails to provide an attorney, a motion may be filed against them which also prevents the removal of the undocumented minor. Sponsor: Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-19] and co-sponsored by 29 Democratic Representatives

H.R. 2082– For the Relief of Daniela Vargas  dismisses any previous order of removal issued by the Secretary for Homeland Security for Daniela Vargas. Sponsor: Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2] and co-sponsored by zero representatives

H.R. 2070– FAFSA For All Act will include dependant students without Social Security Numbers into the process of applying for financial aid to attend post-secondary institutions. Sponsor: Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33] and co-sponsored by 8 Democratic Representatives

HR 2071– American Dream Promise Act amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit institutions of higher education from denying students admission on the basis of immigration or naturalization status. Sponsor: Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33] and co-sponsored by zero representatives

H.R. 2072– FIFA Act provides alternative identity verification processes for students applying for financial aid. This will be accomplished by assigning a Personal Identification Number after a student has verified their Taxpayer Identification Number. Sponsor: Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33] and co-sponsored by zero representatives

HR 2073– A bill to amend section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit immigration officers or agents of the Department of Homeland Security from wearing clothing or other items bearing the word “police”. Sponsor: Rep. Velazquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7] and co-sponsored by 18 Democratic Representatives

H.R. 2087– DAIRY Act of 2017 makes a provision for increased numbers of H-2A workers for the sake of meeting agricultural production labor needs across the country, specifically within the dairy industry. Sponsor: Rep. Duffy, Sean P. [R-WI-7] and co-sponsored by zero representatives

H.R. 2106– Partner with Korea Act would provide high-skilled visas for nationals of South Korea. Sponsor: Rep. Roskam, Peter J. [R-IL-6] and co-sponsored by 9 Republican and 7 Democratic Representatives

H.R. 2141– Conrad State 30 and Physician Reauthorization Act would extend and expand the Conrad 30 Waiver Program, which permits foreign doctors to remain in the U.S. upon completing their residency under the condition that they practice in underserved areas for at least three years. Sponsor: Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10] and co-sponsored by 1 Republican Representative

H.R. 2155– New HOPE Act would amend the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 to authorize funds to identify and eliminate excessive occupational licensure. The Perkins Act is the main source of federal funding for secondary and postsecondary career and technical education (CTE) programs, which are important for building the skills of workers, including immigrants, to meet the needs of employers and growing the economy. Sponsor: Rep. Walberg, Tim [R-MI-7] and co-sponsored by 1 Republican and 1 Democratic Representative

H.R. 2346– The Support and Defend Our Military Personnel and Their Families Act would facilitate the naturalization process for non-citizen service members, veterans and their families. Sponsor: Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-5] and co-sponsored by 1 Republican Representative

H.R. 2353– To reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 would reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, which aims to increase the quality of technical education for all Americans, including immigrants. Sponsor: Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-5] and co-sponsored by 4 Republican and 4 Democratic Representatives

H.R. 2451– The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act would increase funding and availability for Federal Pell Grants including for DREAMer students and DACA recipients. The grant would be available after the student has become a citizen or a permanent resident. Sponsor: Rep. Davis, Susan A. [D-CA-53] and co-sponsored by 7 Democratic Representatives

H.R. 2466– The GRAD Act of 2017 would begin the expedited review of applications of aliens applying for admission to the United States to participate in a program where they will receive graduate medical education or training. The bill would also provide graduate medical training to Foreign Service officers in the countries where they are serving. Sponsor: Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6] and co-sponsored by 1 Republican Representative and 1 Democratic Representative

H.R 2473– The Enforcing Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2017 would mandate training and support  for prosecutors and law enforcement in investigating human trafficking. The bill also develops a working group to investigate and generate a report on the prevalence of human trafficking. It encourages states to adopt their own policies to protect victims of trafficking, including the screening unaccompanied children migrating into the country to identify child trafficking victims. Sponsors: Rep Wagner, Ann  [R-MO-2] and co-sponsored by zero cosponsors.

H.R 2508 – The Child Citizen Protection Act provides discretionary authority to immigration judges to determine that an alien parent of a United States citizen child should not be ordered removed, deported, or excluded from the United States. The bill allows judges to decline to deport alien parents of children if they decide that it would not be in the child’s best interest to do so. Sponsor: Rep Serrano, Jose E. [D-NY-15] and co-sponsored by 15 Democrat Representatives

H.R. 2524 –  A bill to provide for conveyance of a former immigration and customs facility from the Department of Homeland Security to Ventura County, California. This bill gives the property of a former immigration and customs facility to Ventura County for the county to use for public purposes. Any revenue generated from the property in the future must also be put into a fund designated for public purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26] and co-sponsored by zero cosponsors.

H.R. 2532 – The Vulnerable Children and Families Act of 2017 would have the President appoint an Ambassador at Large to support the development of children in foreign countries and promote both domestic and intercountry adoptions. The Ambassador should work with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to represent the US in discussions and negotiations on intercountry adoptions. In addition, USAID must focus its development programs to protect the health and rights of children. Sponsor: Rep. Granger, Kay [R-TX-12] and co-sponsored by 2 Republican and 1 Democratic Representatives.

H.R. 2572– The Protect Family Values at the Border Act would establish humane practices for the repatriation of aliens at the border and provide humane standards of custody for individuals detained by the Department of Homeland Security. These standards would include family unity wherever possible, exit interviews that ask if the individual detained has been provided with information regarding their family members who have also been detained, providing every detained individual with a copy of all signed documents, etc. Sponsor: Rep. Roybal-Allard, Lucille [D-CA-40] and co-sponsored by 20 Democratic Representatives

H.R. 2577 – The Jobs in America Act would establish an employment-based immigrant visa for alien entrepreneurs who have received significant capital from investors to establish a business in the US. The bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to create StartUp visas for people who can prove to the Secretary of Homeland Security that a qualified investor has invested at least $100,000 in their company. The new company must also meet other requirements, including proving that they will create at least 5 full-time jobs in the US and generate more than $500,000 in revenue. The entrepreneur’s permanent resident status can be terminated if they fail to meet these requirements after three years. Sponsor: Rep. Sinema, Kyrsten [D-AZ-9] and co-sponsored by 2 Democrat and 3 Republican Representatives.

H.R. 2595– The Strengthening the Department of Homeland Security Secure Mail Initiative Act would create an option where an individual to whom a document is sent could choose to have the USPS use the Hold for Pickup Service or the Signature Confirmation service for a reasonable fee. A portion of the funds collected through this fee will be used as a deposit by the Secretary of Homeland Security as offsetting receipts into the Immigration Examinations Fee Account Sponsor: Rep. Speier, Jackie [D-CA-14] and co-sponsored by 1 Republican Representative

H.R. 2597 – The West African Ebola Relief Act would extend temporary protected status (TPS) to certain individuals from Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea from May 19, 2017 to November 21, 2018. However, DHS can choose to extend TPS past the November 21, 2018 date if they so choose. Sponsors: Rep. Ellison, Keith [D-MN-5] and co-sponsored by 3 Democrat Representatives.

H.R. 2635 – The Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act of 2017 would exempt certain children of Filipino World War II veterans from numerical limitations on immigrant visas by amending the Immigration and Nationality Act. Sponsor: Rep. Hanabusa, Colleen [D-HI-1] and co-sponsored by 18 Democrat Representatives.

H.R. 2690– The Agricultural Worker Program Act of 2017 would improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States. The bill would protect farm workers from deportation and put them on a pathway to legal citizenship if they show consistent employment in US agriculture and meet other outlined criteria. Sponsor: Rep. Gutierrez, Luis V. [D-IL-4] and co-sponsored by 34 Democratic Representatives

H.R. 2717– The Stopping Trained in America Ph.D.s From Leaving the Economy Act of 2017 would authorize certain aliens who have earned a Ph.D. degree from a United States institution of higher education in a field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics to be admitted for permanent residence. Sponsor: Rep. Paulsen, Erik [R-MN-3] and co-sponsored by 1 Democratic Representative

H.R. 2760 – The Immigrant Veterans Eligibility Tracking System (I-VETS) Act would require that the Secretary of Homeland Security identify aliens who have served, or are serving, in the Armed Forces of the United States when those aliens apply for an immigration benefit or are placed in an immigration enforcement proceeding. The Secretary of Homeland Security would also be required to mark all immigration and naturalization records to indicate aliens who have served in the armed-forces. Sponsor: Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-51] and co-sponsored by 11 Democratic Representatives.

H.R. 2761 – The Healthcare Opportunities for Patriots in Exile (HOPE) Act would alter a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow certain foreign national veterans living abroad to have access to health care provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. It would exclude those who have been convicted of a violent crime or a crime regarding national security. Sponsor: Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-51] and co-sponsored by 14 Democratic Representatives

H.R 2788 – The Health Equity and Access under the Law (HEAL) for Immigrant Women and Families Act of 2017 expands access to health care services, including sexual, reproductive, and maternal health services, for immigrant women, men, and families. The bill would amend Medicaid under the Social Security Act to remove legal barriers to health insurance coverage because of immigration status, as long as the immigrant has been granted federal authorized status in the United States. Sponsor: Rep. Lujan Grisham, Michelle [D-NM-1] and co-sponsored by 31 Democratic Representatives

H.R. 3020– The Border Enforcement Accountability, Oversight, and Community Engagement Act would increase transparency, accountability, and community engagement within U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The bill would establish a Border Oversight Commission with two subcommittees composed of states on the northern and southern borders. These subcommittees would develop recommendations for improvements/provide oversight regarding border enforcement and federal agencies. The bill would create an Ombudsman for Border and Immigration Concerns to investigate, resolve, and provide redress for complaints regarding all border security and immigration activities. The bill would mandate training, management reports at the border, and an annual report of deaths occurring at the border. Sponsor: Rep. O’Rourke, Beto [D-TX-16] and co-sponsored by 1 Republican Representative

H.R. 3130–  The Protect Family Values at the Border Act would ensure that immigrants with children apprehended and placed in deportation proceedings have the needs of those children and their families taken into consideration when faced with repatriation. The bill would also mandate an annual report on the number of immigrants with children who are deported. The bill would also limit maximum custody time for those detained and require more humane treatment for those in proceedings. Sponsor: Rep. Roybal-Allard, Lucille [D-CA-40] and co-sponsored by 2 Democratic Representatives

H.R. 3227 – The Justice is Not For Sale Act of 2017 would bar state, federal and local governments from contracting with private entities to provide for/operate private prisons or detention centers. The bill would bar government contracts with private entities to transport individuals in an effort to prevent abuse. The bill reinstates the federal parole system for individuals on a case-by-case basis to alleviate federal prison over-capacity. The bill increase oversight to protect detainees, ends ICE’s 34,000 detention quota, requires ICE to improve the monitoring of detention facilities to ensure humane treatment of individuals, and ends immigrant family detention facilities which currently detain women and children. Sponsor: Rep. Grijalva, Raul M. [D-AZ-3] and co-sponsored by 17 Democratic Representatives

Anti-Immigration Bills and Resolutions

H.R.82 –  The Criminal Alien Deportation Enforcement Act of 2017 prohibits issuing any visas or giving any Federal financial assistance to every country that denies or unreasonably delays the return of its nationals who have been ordered removed from the United States. Unreasonable delay is if 90 days after receiving a repatriation request from the United States, the country has not issued valid travel documents or accepted its national. Every three months, the Secretary of Homeland Security will submit a report to Congress that lists all countries which refuse or unreasonably delay repatriation. If this bill is not enforced, victims or immediate family members of victims of certain crimes may sue the federal government, however no money may be awarded the suer. Sponsors: Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36] and co-sponsored by 37 Republican Representatives and 1 Democrat Representative.

H.R.83 – The Mobilizing Against Sanctuary Cities Act revokes funding from any state or local government that the Attorney General determines is violating section 642 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. Each year a list will be made for Congress by the Attorney General of all cities violating section 642. Each city on the list will lose Federal financial assistance for at least one year. Sponsors: Rep. Barletta, Lou [R-PA-11] and co-sponsored by 9 Republican Representatives.

H.R.114 – The Social Media Screening for Terrorists Act of 2017 requires the Department of Homeland Security to search all Internet sites, social media profiles, and public records when deciding whether an immigrant is inadmissible into the the United States. Sponsors: Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16] and co-sponsored by Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10] and 1 Republican Representative.

H.R.120 – The Unaccompanied Alien Children Assistance Control Act reduces the amount of foreign assistance given by the United States to Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador by $15,000 for every child who is a national of one of these countries and is in Federal custody because of his or her immigration status. Sponsors: Rep. Burgess, Michael C. [R-TX-26] and zero co-sponsors.

H.R.140 – The Birthright Citizenship Act of 2017 amends Section 301 of the Immigration and Nationality Act so that only children born to at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen or national, an immigrant living in the United States as a legal permanent resident, and/or an immigrant performing active service in the U.S. armed forces are U.S. citizens. This amendment would not change the citizenship or nationality status of anyone born before the enactment of this act. Currently any person born in the United States is a U.S. citizen, and this bill would end that practice. The bill seeks to discourage undocumented immigration into the United States by making the U.S. born children of undocumented immigrants non-citizens. The bill does not say what the legal status of these children would be—undocumented immigrants, legal permanent residents, or otherwise. Sponsors: Rep. King, Steve [R-IA-4] and co-sponsored by Rep. Duncan, Jeff [R-SC-3] and 14 Republican Representatives.

H.R.170 – The Protect and Grow American Jobs Act seeks to protect American workers from losing their jobs to less-expensive foreign workers. In 1990, Congress created the H-1B visa program to make it easier for employers to hire highly-skilled foreign workers when American workers with the equivalent skill set could not be found. It was intended to help grow the American economy and labor force. Unintended consequences included some American workers being laid-off, and so in 1998 “Congress passed new enforcement provisions to the H-1B program to prevent companies from” laying off American workers for “lower-cost foreign professionals” by requiring foreign workers to be paid sufficiently high wages. However, inflation was not included and so required wages remain at 1998 wage levels. The act seeks to close this loophole by raising wage requirements to current inflation levels. It changes the definition of an exempt H-1B nonimmigrant to “an H-1B nonimmigrant who receives wages (including cash bonuses) at an annual rate equal to at least the greater of $100,000 or the applicable adjusted amount.” Every three years, the base wage requirement for exempt H-1B nonimmigrants is increased to match the Consumer Price Index. Sponsors: Rep. Issa, Darrell E. [R-CA-49] and co-sponsored by Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-52] and 1 Democrat Representative and 4 Republican Representatives.

H.R.174 – Sarah’s Law requires the detainment of any undocumented immigrant who has been charged in the United States with a crime that resulted in the death or serious bodily injury of another person. The act requires the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the victims of these crimes and present the victim or, if the victim is deceased, the closest living relative with the immigrant’s full name, aliases, birthday, nationality, immigration status, criminal history, custody status, and a description of the government’s efforts to deport the immigrant. This is the House version of S.37. Sponsors: Rep. King, Steve [R-IA-4] and co-sponsored by Rep. Duncan, Jeff [R-SC-3] and 14 Republican Representatives.

H.R. 176 – The New IDEA Act or the New Illegal Deduction Elimination Act amends the internal revenue code to deny a tax deduction for wages and benefits paid to an unauthorized alien. The Social Security Administration,  Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of the Treasury must establish a program to share information that may lead to the identification of unauthorized aliens. The bill also amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to make the E-Verify program permanent and apply this program to current employees as well as new hires. Sponsor: Rep. King, Steve [R-IA-4] and co-sponsored by 8 Republican Representatives

H.R.178 – The Religious Worker Visa Reciprocity Act of 2017 prohibits from applying as a special immigrant religious workers from “countries of particular concern” (countries with religious freedom problems) or from nations that do not extend reciprocal immigration treatment of American religious workers seeking work in those foreign countries. Sponsors: Rep. King, Steve [R-IA-4] and zero co-sponsors.

H.R.241 – The Timely Repatriation Act puts immigration restrictions on nations that refuse or unreasonably delay the return of nationals to their country. Every six months a list will be made of all countries with excessive repatriation failure rates. As long as a country is on that list, visas may not be issued to attendants, servants, personal employees, and immediate family members of the nonimmigrant officials and employees of that country. For every six months that the country is on the list, the number of vias available to that country for the fiscal year will be decreased by 10% of the baseline visa number. The number of visas may not be decreased to below 20% of the baseline visa number. For national security reasons and temporary exigent circumstances, these sanctions may be waived. Repatriation failure rate is the percentage of repatriation requests refused or unreasonably denied by a country, and an excessive failure rate is anything above 10%. Refusal or unreasonable delay is when, after 90 days of receiving a repatriation request from the United States, the country does not accept its national or issue valid travel documents. Sponsors: Rep. Poe, Ted [R-TX-2] and co-sponsored by 16 Republican Representatives.

H.R.278 – The Finish the Fence Act of 2017 amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to require the 700-mile fence along the Mexico-United States border to be finished by December 31, 2017. The bill requires that border states governors, mayors of border towns and cities, and border sheriffs be consulted in the wall building process. Sponsors: Rep. Ross, Denis A. [R-FL-15] and zero co-sponsors.

H.R. 300 – Sarah’s Law requires U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement to take into custody certain aliens who have been charged in the U.S. with a crime that resulted in the death or serious bodily injury of another person. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement must also make efforts to obtain information about the identities of the victims and provide the victim or the closest living relative of a deceased victim with information about the alien. Sponsor: Rep. Young, David [R-IA-3] and co-sponsored by 12 Republican Representatives.

H.R.361 –  The Establishing Mandatory Minimums for Illegal Reentry Act of 2017 or Kate’s Law standardizes the minimum mandatory prison sentences for undocumented immigrants convicted of certain crimes, including drug related crimes (not less than five years, no more than 10 years) and aggravated felonies (not less than five years, not more than 20 years). Sponsors: Rep. King, Steve [R-IA-4] and co-sponsored by 14 Republican Representatives.

HR 391 – Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act of 2017 would prohibit the government from bearing any expense to provide legal counsel for any person undergoing prosecution for illegal entry. This act would also require the establishment of a credible fear of persecution in any application for asylum. Sponsors: Rep. Chaffetz, Jason [R-UT-3] and co-sponsored by 21 Republican Representatives

H.R.400 – The Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act cracks down on undocumented immigrants by pressuring sanctuary cities. State and local law enforcement that comply with immigration detainers are considered agents and employees of the Federal government and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), giving them all the authority of DHS agents. A sanctuary jurisdiction is defined as a state or political subdivision of a state (e.g. counties, cities, towns) that prohibits or restricts the government from sending, receiving, maintaining, or exchanging an individual’s citizenship or immigration status, or from complying with DHS detainers. States or cities that have policies prohibiting sharing information or that do not comply with a DHS detainer request when the individual is a victim of or witness of crime are not considered sanctuary jurisdictions and are still eligible for federal grants. The bill prohibits sanctuary states and sanctuary cities from receiving federal grants for things such as planning and administrative expenses, training, research, and technical assistance. If a political unit enacts sanctuary policies while using federal grants, the amount of the grant must be returned to the federal government and the money is redistributed to non-sanctuary states and cities. Sponsors: Rep. Black, Diane [R-TN-6] and co-sponsored by 77 Republican Representatives.

H.R.454 – The Finish the Fence Act of 2017 demands the completion of the 700-mile border wall along the Mexican-American border by December 31, 2017. Sponsors: Rep. Ross, Dennis A. [R-FL-15] and zero co-sponsors.

H.R.483 – The No Funding for Sanctuary Campuses Act amends title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 so that no funds under title IV will be given to institutions of higher education that have policies that restrict government entities from receiving and using information about a person’s citizenship or immigration status, refuse to comply with detainers, and provide postsecondary education benefits based on in-state residency to undocumented immigrants at the same extent as they would to U.S. citizens. Schools with these policies are considered sanctuary campuses. Schools with policies that only restrict federal access to individuals’ citizenship and immigration status because they are the victims of or witnesses to crime are not considered sanctuary campuses and are eligible for funding. Sponsors: Rep. Hunter, Duncan D. [R-CA-50] and co-sponsored by 14 Republican Representatives.

H.R.486 – Grant’s Law requires any undocumented immigrant arrested for inadmissible or deportable crimes to be detained. DHS may release immigrants to the proper authority for proceedings related to their arrest, but immigrants must be in DHS’s custody whenever not in the proper arrest related authority’s custody. Even if the immigrant is not convicted of the crime, he or she must continue to be detained until removal proceedings are complete. Removal proceedings must be completed in 90 days. Sponsors: Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5] and co-sponsored by 15 Republican Representatives.

H.R. 495 – The Protection of Children Act of 2017 would expedite the removal of unaccompanied children who are not victims of severe trafficking and who do not have a fear of returning to their home country. It says that an unaccompanied child who is in the removal proceeding will have a hearing within 14 days, will be transferred to HHS custody, and will have access to legal counsel at no cost to the government. It also opens host families up for investigation and authorizes their removal if they are found to be undocumented. It would be applied to any child apprehended on or after June 15, 2012. Sponsor: Rep. Carter, John R. [R-TX-31] and co-sponsored by 2 Republican Representatives

H.R. 505 – The Border Security Technology Accountability Act of 2017 amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that each major border security technology acquisition program has an approved baseline, and document that these programs are meeting the cost and performance schedule thresholds specified in these baselines. The Under Secretary for Management and the Commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection would ensure that the acquisition program managers follow internal control standards set up by the Government Accountability Office. The Under Secretary for Management and the Under Secretary for Science and Technology and the Commissioner would submit a plan for border security technology to make sure they comply with regulations and ensure effectiveness of taxpayer dollars. House version of S.146. Sponsors: Rep. McSally, Martha [R-AZ-2] and co-sponsored by 19 Republican Representatives and 1 Democrat Representative.

H.R. 514 – The Help Ensure Legal Detainers or HELD Act prohibits the use of federal funds by a state or local subdivision that has a law, policy, or procedure that prevents or impedes timely response by the Department of Homeland Security or information about an alien in custody, or compliance with a detainer request. Sponsor: Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-42] and co-sponsored by 4 Republican Representatives.

H.R.591 – The Use Spending for Congressional Immigration Supervision Act (USCIS Act) requires deposits into the Immigration Examinations Fee Account to be subject to appropriations. The Immigration and Nationality Act is amended so that all deposits into the Immigration Examinations Fee Account are available to the Department of Homeland Security for administrative expenses reimbursement. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 is amended so that certain foreign student and exchange program fees deposited into the account are open to DHS for reimbursement of administrative expenses. Sponsors: Rep. Brat, Dave [R-VA-7] and co-sponsored by Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-4] and 8 Republican Representatives.

H.R.643 – The Visa Overstay Enforcement Act of 2017 requires any immigrant who overstays his or her visa for any length to, for the first offense, pay a fine, be imprisoned for up to six months, or both. For any subsequent visa overstay offenses, the immigrant may be fined, imprisoned up to two years, or both. First offenders may not enter the United States for five years and may not receive a visa for ten years. Subsequent offenders may not enter the United States and may not receive a visa. Sponsors: Rep. Barletta, Lou [R-PA-11] and co-sponsored by Rep. King, Steve [R-IA-4].

H.R. 819 – The Tax Credit Accountability Act of 2017 amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prohibit people with unlawful immigration statuses from claiming earned income tax credit. This means that anyone who was an unlawful immigrant at any point during the taxable year does not receive earned income tax credit for that year. Sponsor: Rep. Collins, Doug [R-GA-9] and co-sponsored by 7 Republican Representatives.

H.R.844– The Terrorist Deportation Act of 2017 would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to make inadmissible for entry as well as allow for the deportation of any alien identified in the terrorist screening database. It would make such aliens ineligible for withholding or deferral of removal as well as remove them from the protection of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Sponsors: Rep. Duncan, Jeff [R-SC-3] and co-sponsored by 12 Republican Repesentatives

H.R.997 – The English Language Unity Act of 2017 makes English the official language of the United States. All official U.S. government functions must be performed in English. English must be used in all laws, public proceedings, publications, orders, actions, programs, and policies. Language teaching, requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the census, actions that protect victims of crimes and criminal defendants, actions and documents for nationality security, public health, trade, tourism, commerce, international health, and safety will not be impacted by this bill. All naturalization ceremonies must be in English and to become a naturalized citizen, a person must be able to read and understand generally the English text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the laws of the United States. Any waiver of the English requirement for naturalization may only be for extreme circumstances, such as asylum. This bill does not prohibit members of Congress or other federal government employees from communicating unofficially in other languages, limit the preservation and use of Native Alaskan and Native American languages, or discourage people from learning or using other languages. Sponsors: Rep. King, Steve [R-IA-4] and co-sponsored by 14 Republican Representatives.

H.R.1010 – The Defense of Legal Workers Act of 2017 states that an immigrant authorized to work under the Immigration and Nationality Act is one who has been admitted to and is lawfully present in the United States. The bill defines an undocumented immigrant as a person without lawful status in the United States. Sponsors: Rep. Barletta, Lou [R-PA-11] and co-sponsored by 1 Republican Representative.

H.R.1021 – The Expatriate Terrorist Act outlines actions that would revoke a person’s United States citizenship. A person must be 18 years old or older for any of the following actions to revoke his or her American citizenship, and all actions must be performed voluntarily. The following actions would revoke U.S. nationality under this bill: applying for naturalization in a foreign state; obtaining naturalization in a foreign state; making a formal declaration of allegiance to a foreign state or foreign terrorist organization; serving in the military of a foreign state or foreign terrorist organization if that military is engaged in hostilities against the United States; serving as a commissioned or noncommissioned officer in a foreign military; joining, training, or providing materials to any foreign terrorist organization; accepting or serving in any employment of a foreign state or foreign terrorist organization if the person is a national of that state, or if a declaration of allegiance to the foreign state or foreign terrorist organization is required for employment; formally renouncing U.S. nationality before an American diplomatic or consular officer in a foreign state; formally renouncing U.S. nationality in the United States whenever the United States is at war; committing treason against the United States; attempting to overthrow or attack the United States. Passports cannot be issued to a person who is or is becoming a member of a foreign terrorist organization. Passports must be revoked from a person who is or is becoming a member of a foreign terrorist organization. People whose passports have been revoked or denied under this clause have a right to review. Sponsors: Rep. King, Steve [R-IA-4] and co-sponsored by Rep. Brat, Dave [R-VA-7].

H.R.1125 – The Visa Investigation and Social Media Activity Act of 2017 or the VISA Act of 2017 outlines new procedures for issuing visas to increase national security. No person may be given an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa unless he or she has had a background check determining that he or she is not a national security threat. All public social media and other internet postings must be included in the background check. Unless he or she is 10 years old or younger, any immigrant or nonimmigrant applying for any benefit of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), except work authorization, must interview in-person with a DHS officer. Any documents submitted in a foreign language without a full English translation by a certified translator will be rejected. Additional information requested by DHS or consular officers may not be accepted unless all information is provided in complete form on or before the given deadline. Within 180 days of the enactment of the VISA Act of 2017, DHS will submit a plan to the Senate and House Judiciary Committees for how to use advanced software to prevent fraud in immigration benefits applications and ensure applicants are not threats to national security. Within 1 year of submitting this plan, the plan must be implemented. Within 4 years of enacting the VISA Act of 2017, DHS personnel must be stationed at all diplomatic and consular posts where visas are issued; $60,000,000 for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 will be appropriated for this. Within 18 months of enacting this act, the Comptroller General will submit a report to Congress detailing how security screenings and background checks for visas are done. Sponsors: Rep. Banks, Jim [R-IN-3] and co-sponsored by zero Representatives.

H.R. 1149 – The Nuclear Family Priority Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate parents from the definition of “immediate relative” for aliens who are not subject to worldwide immigration levels or numerical limitation.  The bill changes family-sponsored immigrant categories so that priority is given to spouses and children of permanent residents. The bill also reduces the number of family-sponsored immigrant entrants per fiscal year. It establishes a separate nonimmigrant visa category for an alien who is a parent of a U.S citizen at least 21 years old. Sponsors: Rep. Hice, Jody B [R- GA-10} and co-sponsored by 12 Republican Representatives.

H.R.1178 – The Security and Fairness Enhancement for America Act of 2017 or SAFE for America Act eliminates the diversity immigrant program and will be effective October 1, 2017. Sponsors: Rep. Posey, Bill [R-FL-8] and co-sponsored by 9 Republican Representatives.

H.R.1334 – The Assuring Law Enforcement Requests Are Timely Evaluated by the Department of Homeland Security Act of 2017 or ALERTED Act of 2017 requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to quickly decide, after a law enforcement official’s request, whether or not to issue a detainer for an immigrant who has been arrested by that law enforcement official for any law violation, not just violations regarding controlled substances. Sponsors: Rep. Carter, Earl L. “Buddy” [R-GA-1] and co-sponsored by 19 Republican Representatives.

H.R.1342 – The Federal Immigration Law Campus Compliance Act of 2017 or FILCCA of 2017 prohibits any institution of higher education that receives federal research and development grants from receiving indirect cost reimbursement funding if the institution refuses to comply with immigration inquires and detainment requests. Any state or local law enforcement officer who complies with detainers issued by DHS is considered an acting agent of DHS and has all the authority of a DHS officer. DHS may issue detainers for immigrants in federal, state, or local custody, request the law enforcement official to provide all relevant information on the immigrant, including the immigrant’s release date, and may ask the law enforcement official to continue detaining the immigrant until DHS can take custody of the immigrant. To enforce immigration laws, DHS may request information about an immigrant from any entity receiving federal funding. Sponsors: Rep. Harris, Andy [R-MD-1] and co-sponsored by 26 Republican Representatives.

H.R.1463 – The Equal Protection for American Workers Act prohibits DHS from issuing work authorizations to undocumented immigrants. Sponsors: Rep. Burgess, Michael C. [R-TX-26] and co-sponsored by Rep. Hice, Jody B. [R-GA-10].

H.R.1471 – To suspend assistance to countries denying or delaying accepting aliens ordered removed from the United States, and for other purposes. All assistance will be suspended to every country that DHS determines is denying or unreasonably delaying accepting its citizens who have been ordered removed from the United States. DHS will make an annual list of which countries are denying or unreasonably delaying the acceptance of their citizens. Sponsors: Rep. Grothman, Glenn [R-WI-6] and co-sponsored by zero Representatives.

H.R.1502 – The act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to terminate the EB-5 program. On the date of the enactment of this act, DHS will immediately stop accepting applications for the EB-5 program and all pending applications will be dismissed. Sponsors: Rep. King, Steve [R-IA-4] and co-sponsored by Rep. Gohmert, Louie [R-TX-1].

H.R. 1705– Keeping American Jobs Act would prohibit employers from obtaining H-1B nonimmigrant workers for the purpose of training them with U.S. workers, and then displacing those workers with the H-1B nonimmigrant worker. Overall, this protects the U.S. workers from foreign competition. Sponsor: Rep. Kilmer, Derek [D-WA-6] and co-sponsored by 1 Republican Representative

H.R.1741 – The Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act requires that anyone who knowingly gives another person the location, movement, or activities of any law enforcement agency with the intent to further a federal crime relating to U.S. immigration, customs, controlled substances, agriculture, money, or other border controls will be fined, imprisoned at most for 10 years, or both. Anyone who knowingly and without legal authorization destroys, alters, or damages any border fencing or border enforcement technology (like cameras and sensors), or makes any structure intended to evade or circumvent border enforcements will be fined, imprisoned no longer than 10 years, or both. If while damaging or evading border enforcement the offender uses or carries a firearm, he or she will be fined, imprisoned no longer than 20 years, or both. Anyone who attempts or conspires to carry out any of these offenses will be punished as if he or she had successfully completed the offense. This is the House version of S.725. Sponsors: Rep. McSally, Martha [R-AZ-2] and co-sponsored by 4 Republican Representatives and 1 Democrat Representative.

H.R.1813– Border Wall Funding Act of 2017 requires a fee to be placed on any electronic transfer of money from the U.S. to every Central and South American country. This fee that is collected will then be placed in a fund to be used for the express purpose of building a wall that spans the southern border of the U.S. Sponsor: Rep. Rogers, Mike D. [R-AL-3] and co-sponsored by 9 Republican Representatives

HR 2146– Unaccompanied Alien Children Placement Transparency Act of 2017 amends the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide notice to State authorities when unaccompanied alien children are placed in that State. Sponsor: Rep. Roe, David P. [R-TN-1] and co-sponsored by 6 Republican Representatives

H.R. 2213– Anti-Border Corruption Reauthorization Act of 2017 would provide the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with discretionary authority to exempt existing law enforcement officers and veterans who meet certain requirements from undergoing a polygraph examination as part of the CBP hiring process. Sponsor: Rep. McSally, Martha [R-AZ-2] and co-sponsored by 4 Republican and 2 Democratic Representatives

H.R.2233– American Jobs First Act of 2017 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to improve the H-1B visa program, to repeal the diversity visa lottery program, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Brooks, Mo [R-AL-5] and co-sponsored by 2 Republican Representatives

H.R. 2406 – The Immigration and Customs Enforcement Authorization Act of 2017 would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the first time in law, replacing the Bureau of Border Security. The bill would establish a Director of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement giving general enforcement powers for authorization of agents of the organization to act in a manner similar to law enforcement individuals. The bill would establish and outline duties for an Office of Homeland Security Investigations, Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations, Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, and other management authorities. Sponsors: Rep. Goodlatte, Bob [R-VA-6] and zero Representatives

H.R. 2407 – The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Reauthorization Act would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and establish United States Citizenship and Immigration Services replacing the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services and is tasked with processing immigrant and nonimmigrant petitions. The bill would establish the permanent authorization of E-verify within the agency. Sponsors: Rep. Goodlatte, Bob [R-VA-6] and zero Cosponsors

H.R. 2431– The Michael Davis, Jr. and Danny Oliver in Honor of State and Local Law Enforcement Act would allow states to enforce immigration criminal penalties as long as they don’t exceed federal criminal penalties. The bill would allow state and local law enforcement officials to investigate, apprehend, arrest, and transfer to federal custody illegal aliens to the same degree as federal law enforcement officials. The bill would consolidate state and federal power in deportation efforts, including requiring states to provide the Department of Homeland Security with identifying information about specific apprehended aliens. The bill would add new grounds for immigrant deportability, expand definitions of immigrant criminal activity, and expedite deportations. Sponsors: Rep. Labrador, Raul R. [R-ID-1] co-sponsored by 6 Republican Representatives.

H.R. 2458– The Jamiel Shaw, II Memorial Act– would make it so that no state or political subdivision would receive funds for any program administered by the DHS unless it has compiled statistics on every person arrested or charged with a crime. The bill similarly requires any federal agency that arrests or charges individuals with a crime to compile similar statistics and report those statistics monthly to the FBI. The statistics are: the immigration status of the person, their country of origin, and their crime. These statistics would be published annually by the FBI. Sponsor: Rep. Jones, Walter B., Jr. [R-NC-3] and co-sponsored by zero-cosponsors

H.R. 2461 – The Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act would expand the use of E-verify by making it mandatory that anyone entering a contract with the Federal Government participate in E-verify. All employers would need to certify in their contracts with individuals that they have used E-verify and failure to do so would result in a heavy fine. The bill would also require that all existing employees participate in E-verify. Sponsor: Rep. Lance, Leonard [R-NJ-7] and co-sponsored by zero-cosponsors

H.R. 2626– The Strong Visa Integrity Secures America Act would assign more employees of the Department of Homeland Security to locations where visas are issued based on the risks associated with the individuals coming to seek visas at those locations. The act would also implement the use of electronic passports and facial recognition (or other biometric) technology at airports. Sponsor: Rep. Hurd, Will [R-TX-23] and co-sponsored by 2 Republican Representatives

H.R. 2724– The Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Act of 2017 would grant immigrant visas to qualified immigrants who pay a fee of $1,000,000. Only 10% of those funds can come from other sources than the immigrant, and the funds must be obtained legally. The money collected will be made available to the Secretary of Homeland Security to be allocated to ICE and CBP to carry out their functions. Sponsor: Rep. Rohrobacher, Dana [R-CA-48] and co-sponsored by 1 Republican Representative

H.R. 2751 – The U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement Authorization Act would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The bill establishes multiple offices within the new agency, including the Office of Homeland Security Investigations and the Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations, The Office of Homeland Security Investigations would be in charge of investigating terrorist and criminal organizations and investigate violations of federal law. The Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations would enforce civil immigration and nationality laws and detain and arrest aliens who may be subject to removal. Sponsor: Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3] and co-sponsored by 3 Republican Representatives.

H.R. 2752 – The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Authorization Act would amend Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Within the agency, there would be an office of citizenship, which is responsible for the education of citizenship responsibilities. The bill also calls for a field operations directorate, which would be responsible for interviewing immigration applicants and adjudicating applications, as well as overseeing the background and security investigations of applicants. The Refugee, Asylum, and International Operations Directorate would adjudicate asylum and refugee applications and oversee security screenings. Sponsor: Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3] and co-sponsored by 3 Republican Representatives.

H.R. 2825 – The Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act of 2017 would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 by making several technical changes and providing definitions and clarifications of many existing programs. The bill would also establish several new programs including a Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships within the Department, an office called the Program Accountability and Risk Management to serve as central oversight for all Department acquisition programs, and a program for giving grants to border patrol agencies of $110 million each year through 2022. Sponsor: Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10] and co-sponsored by 11 Republican Representatives

H.R. 2832– The Welfare Reform and Upward Mobility Act would require able-bodied adults with no dependents to search for work at least 8 hours a week or work for 100 hours a week in order to receive supplemental nutrition assistance. The bill would also require states to operate work activation programs to help people gain training and work experience.  The government would have to submit to the Congressional Budget Office an annual report documenting the means-tested welfare spending of each state, including welfare spending related to refugees. Sponsor: Rep Jordan, Jim [R-OH-4] and co-sponsored by 5 Republican Representatives.

H.R. 3003– The No Sanctuary for Criminals Act would prohibit any individual from restricting a Federal, State, local government entity, official, or other personnel from complying with immigration laws. A State or political subdivision of a State found not to be in compliance will not receive any of the funds allocated under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the ‘Cops on the Beat’ program, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, or any other grant administered by the DOJ or the DHS related to law enforcement, terrorism, national security, immigration, or naturalization. This bill would effectively mean the end of sanctuary. Sponsor: Rep. Goodlatte, Bob [R-VA-6]  and co-sponsored by 15 Republican Representatives

H.R. 3004 –  Kate’s Law would set new maximum sentences for undocumented immigrants who re-enter the United States after having been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony: for anyone who has been convicted of 3 or more misdemeanors or any felony, the maximum sentence would be 10 years. For those convicted of a felony with a sentence of 30 months or more, the maximum sentence for re-entry would be 15 years. For those convicted for 60 months or more, the maximum sentence would be 20 years. For those convicted of murder, rape, kidnapping, or any felony relating to peonage, slavery, or terrorism, or for any 3 felonies, the maximum sentence would be 25 years. This bill was voted into law on June 29, 2017. Sponsor: Rep. Goodlatte, Bob [R-VA-6] and co-sponsored by 17 Republican Representatives

H.R. 3267 – The Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act would make appropriations for these departments for FY 2018. Appropriations include for alien transport and detention and the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program and would expand these programs. Sponsor: Rep. Culberson, John Abney [R-TX-7] and co-sponsored by 0 co-sponsors

H.R. 3479 – The Secure Miles with All Resources and Technology Act would ensure that the Department of Homeland Security deploys the most effective and practical technology for achieving situational awareness at the border. The bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a comprehensive border strategy including a plan for technology to be deployed, the estimated costs of all technology or other physical barriers, and the detailed justification for why a more expensive technology is chosen over a less expensive one. The bill will also eradicate the carrizo cane plant and salt cedar along the Rio Grande River. The bill also provides grants for improved emergency communication at the border. Sponsor: Rep. Hurd, Will [R-TX-23] and co-sponsored by  2 Democratic and 6 Republican Representatives

H.R. 3486 – The Ending the Sanctuary Capitol Policy Act would allow Capitol police to enforce immigration laws within the District of Columbia. Sponsor: Rep. King, Steve [R-IA-4] and co-sponsored by  0 co-sponsors

Res. 414 – This resolution, [p]roviding for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3003) to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to modify provisions relating to assistance by States, and political subdivision of States, in the enforcement of Federal immigration laws, and for other purposes, also waives the points of order against consideration and provisions, and considers the bill read. It specifies one hour of debate to be equally divided by the chair and the ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary and one vote to recommit the bill. Sponsor: Rep. Collins, Doug [R-GA-9] and co-sponsored by 0 Representatives.

Res. 415 – This resolution, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3004) to amend section 276 of the Immigration and Nationality Act relating to reentry of removed aliens, and providing for proceedings during the period from July 3, 2017, through July 10, 2017,  also waives the points of order against consideration and provisions, and considers the bill read. It specifies one hour of debate to be equally divided by the chair and the ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary and one vote to recommit the bill. Sponsor: Rep. Sessions, Pete [R-TX-32] and co-sponsored by 0 Representatives.

Senate Bills and Resolutions

Pro-Immigration Bills and Resolutions

S.127 – The Securing Active and Fair Enforcement Act (SAFE Act) would extend many of the benefits of President Obama’s DACA Program.These benefits would be granted to any undocumented immigrant if they were: born after June 15, 1981; entering the U.S. before turning 16 years of age; residing in the U.S. since June 15, 2007; enrolled in school; discharged honorably from the military; and posing no other threat to national security. Sponsors: Sen. Flake, Jeff [R-AZ] and co-sponsored by 0 Representatives.

S.128  – The Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy Act or BRIDGE Act protects undocumented immigrants by giving them provisional protected presence in the United States for three years and employment authorization. To be eligible for provisional protected presence, an individual must have entered the United States before she or he turned 16, be born after June 15, 1981, lived continually in the United States since June 15, 2007, and been physically and unlawfully present in the United States on June 15, 2012. The individual must also be currently enrolled in high school or its equivalent, graduated from high school, earned a general educational development certificate (GED), or be an honorably discharged U.S. veteran. The individual cannot have been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, three separate misdemeanors, or be a threat to national security or public safety. Immigrants currently in deportation proceedings or subject to final removal or voluntary departure orders but are otherwise eligible for the BRIDGE Act may apply for provisional protected presence and must be given the opportunity to apply. Immigrants must be at least 15 years old to apply for protection, unless they are in any stage of removal proceedings, then there is no age requirement. Information provided by applicants for protected status must be kept confidential. Information submitted under DACA must also be protected. This is the same bill as H.R.496. Sponsors: Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC] and co-sponsored by 5 Democrat Senators and 3 Republican Senators.  

S.229 – The Protect DREAMer Confidentiality Act of 2017 prohibits the disclosure of DACA application information to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or U.S. Customs and Border Protection except to implement DACA, prevent fraudulent claims, further national security, or during the investigation of a felony not related to immigration status. No person whose immigration case has been deferred because of DACA may be referred to ICE or CBP. Sponsors: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM] and co-sponsored by 10 Democrat Senators.

S.303 – The bill clarifies that State and local law enforcement do not have the authority to ask about or verify an individual’s immigration or citizenship status and cannot investigate, apprehend, or detain undocumented immigrants because of their immigration status. Only immigration officers and authorized employees of the Department of Homeland Security may investigate and detain individuals based on their immigration and citizenship status. Sponsors: Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ] and co-sponsored by 6 Democrat Senators.

S.415 – A bill to nullify the effect of the recent Executive order that makes the vast majority of unauthorized individuals priorities for removal and aims to withhold critical Federal funding to sanctuary cities. The bill rescinds Executive Order 13768, “Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States,” so that the order has no legal effect. The order makes most undocumented immigrants deportation priorities and withholds federal funding from sanctuary cities. Sponsors: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV] and co-sponsored by 19 Democrat Senators and 1 Independent Senator.

S.549 – A bill to block implementation of the Executive Order that restricts individuals from certain countries from entering the United States. The bill finds the executive order “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States,” signed March 6, 2017, in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) because INA prohibits visa issue discrimination based on race, sex, nationality, place of birth, or place of residence. The order also violates the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause and the equal protection granted by the Fifth Amendment’s Due Process Clause. The bill prohibits using any of the funds, resources, or fees available to DHS or any other federal agency to implement or enforce the order. Sponsors: Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT] and co-sponsored by 16 Democrat Senators and 1 Independent Senator.

S.608 –A bill to nullify the effect of the March 6, 2017, Executive order that temporarily restricts most nationals from six countries from entering the United States. The bill nullifies the executive order 13780, which, on March 6, 2017, banned most nationals from Iran, Somalia, Libya, Syria, Sudan, and Yemen, so that the order has no legal effect. Sponsors: Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] and co-sponsored by 36 Democrat Senators and 2 Independent Senators.

S.630 – The Keeping Our Promise to Our Afghan Allies Act increases the number of visas available for the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa program from 8,500 a year to 11,000. This is the Senate version of H.R.1544. Sponsors: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH] and co-sponsored by 2 Republican Senators and 4 Democrat Senators.

S.668 – A bill to nullify the effect of the recent Executive order regarding border security and immigration enforcement. The bill rescinds the Executive Order “Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements” so that they have no legal effect. Once passed, this bill will take effect as if enacted on January 25, 2017, the day the executive order was issued. Sponsors: Sen. Carper, Thomas R. [D-DE] and co-sponsored by 22 Democrat Senators and 1 Independent Senator.

S.727– Invest in our Communities Act exempts the spouses and children of EB-5 investor immigrants from being counted against the fiscal year limits of EB-5 immigrants. This allows a larger portion of EB-5 immigrants to enter the country for the sake of boosting the economy via trade and business. Sponsor: Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY] and co-sponsored by zero representatives

S.745– A bill to reauthorize the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, and for other purposes provides assistance from the federal government to states who incur expenses to care for incarcerated aliens’ medical needs. Sponsor: Sen. Flake, Jeff [R-AZ] and co-sponsored by 1 Republican Representative

S.757– Border Landowner and Lessee Consultation Act opens communications between Border Patrol and the owners of land who have immigration enforcement operations take place on their land. This allows the landowners to voice their concerns and interests with the Border Patrol. Sponsor: Sen. Flake, Jeff [R-AZ] and co-sponsored by zero representatives

S.792– Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2017 establishes an H-2B non-agricultural work visa program for spurring on economic development in sectors of the economy that can benefit from seasonal labor besides agriculture. Sponsor: Sen. Tillis, Thom [R-NC] and co-sponsored by 9 Republican, 1 Democrat, and 1 Independant Representative

S.845– Protecting Sensitive Locations Act  prevents immigration, border, and customs enforcement from apprehending aliens at, or within 1,000 feet of any placed deemed to be sensitive. These places include: houses of worship, schools and buildings/vehicles associated with education, and government buildings. Sponsor: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT] and co-sponsored by 12 Democratic Representatives

S.979– A bill for the relief of Arturo Hernandez-Garcia dismisses all actions of removal against Arturo Hernandez-Garcia, and ensures that he will be allowed to receive a standard visa to remain in the U.S. Sponsor: Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO] and co-sponsored by zero representatives

S.945– New HOPE Act would amend the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 to authorize funds to identify and eliminate excessive occupational licensure. The Perkins Act is the main source of federal funding for secondary and post-secondary career and technical education (CTE) programs, which are important for building the skills of workers, including immigrants, to meet the needs of employers and growing the economy. Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX] and co-sponsored by zero representatives

S.1034– The Agricultural Worker Program Act would create a “blue card” that would protect farm workers from deportation and put them on a pathway to legalization and citizenship. Employees who have worked 100 days in the last two years would qualify for temporary residency, and those who work an additional three to five years in the agricultural industry would qualify for permanent residency in the United States. Sponsors: Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] and co-sponsored by 7 Democratic Senators

S.1040– A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for a State-sponsored nonimmigrant pilot program, and for other purposes would permit state legislatures to create state-based nonimmigrant guest worker visa programs to meet their individual workforce needs. The programs would need to be approved by Department of Homeland Security. Sponsor: Sen. Johnson, Ron [R-WI] and co-sponsored by 1 Republican Representative

S.1205– The American Dream Accounts Act establishes a grant for low-income students that creates an American Dream Account for the student where they open a college savings account, monitor the progress of each student online, provide opportunities to build financial capability, assist in applying to college and for financial aid, etc. There is no specification about the immigration status of the student in question. Sponsor: Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE] and co-sponsored by 1 Republican Senator

S.1220– The Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act of 2017 would exempt certain children of Filipino World War II veterans from numerical limitations on immigrant visas by amending the Immigration and Nationality Act. Sponsor: Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI] and co-sponsored by 4 Democrat Senators and 1 Republican Senator.

S.1560– The Integrity in Border and Immigration Enforcement Act would require CBP and ICE to administer polygraph exams to all applicants for law enforcement positions and require post-hire polygraph examinations for law enforcement personnel as part of periodic reinvestigations. Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL] and co-sponsored by 2 Democratic Senators

Anti-Immigration Bills and Resolutions

S.36 – The Keep our Communities Safe Act of 2017 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act of 2017 to expand the authority of the Department of Homeland Security in the detention and removal of aliens. The bill allows the DHS to take a criminal alien into custody pending a determination of removability and allows the DHS to be detained without limitation, unless they are eligible for bond release. The bill also requires the removal and detention period to be extended beyond 90 days if the alien fails to refuses to comply with the removal order or under order from the Board of Immigration Appeals. The bill also requires mandatory detention for an alien who is deportable under specific criminal or terrorist grounds. Sponsors: Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK] and co-sponsored by 5 Republican Senators.

S.37 – Sarah’s Law requires the detainment of any undocumented immigrant who has been charged in the United States with a crime that resulted in the death or serious bodily injury of another person. The act requires the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the victims of these crimes and present the victim or, if the victim is deceased, the closest living relative with the immigrant’s full name, aliases, birthday, nationality, immigration status, criminal history, custody status, and a description of the government’s efforts to deport the immigrant. This is the Senate version of H.R.174. Sponsors: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA] and co-sponsored by 12 Republican Senators.

S.45 – The Stop Illegal Reentry Act or Kate’s Law amends the Immigration and Nationality act by increasing the penalties for repeated illegal reentries. The act elevates the minimum sentence from 2 years to 5 years in prison for an alien who has 2 or more previous entries, with the maximum sentence being 10 years for 3 or more previous entries. Sponsors: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX] and co-sponsored by 11 Republican Representatives

S.51 – The Taking Action Against Drunk Drivers Act requires that any undocumented immigrant charged with driving while under the influence or while intoxicated be detained. Any undocumented immigrant convicted of three or more offenses for driving under the influence or while intoxicated is deportable. One of the offenses must have occurred after this act is enacted. Sponsors: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] and co-sponsored by 12 Republican Senators.

S.52 – The bill makes any immigrant who has ever been a member of a domestic or foreign gang inadmissible to the United States. Any immigrant who has been associated with a gang is deportable from the United States, can never be granted asylum in the United States, may be detained even if he or she has temporary protected status, may not receive deferred action, and cannot have a withholding of removal. Minors with gang association are ineligible for any immigration benefit. Immigrants associated with gangs may not be paroled unless they are helping U.S. law enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security may decide whether a group is a criminal gang. Sponsors: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-PA] and co-sponsored by 5 Republican Senators.

S.87 – The Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act cracks down on undocumented immigrants by pressuring sanctuary cities. State and local law enforcement that comply with immigration detainers are considered agents and employees of the Federal government and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), giving them all the authority of DHS agents. A sanctuary jurisdiction is defined as a state or political subdivision of a state (e.g. counties, cities, towns) that prohibits or restricts the government from sending, receiving, maintaining, or exchanging an individual’s citizenship or immigration status, or from complying with DHS detainers. States or cities that have policies prohibiting sharing information or that do not comply with a DHS detainer request when the individual is a victim of or witness of crime are not considered sanctuary jurisdictions and are still eligible for federal grants. The bill prohibits sanctuary states and sanctuary cities from receiving federal grants for things such as planning and administrative expenses, training, research, and technical assistance. If a political unit enacts sanctuary policies while using federal grants, the amount of the grant must be returned to the federal government and the money is redistributed to non-sanctuary states and cities. Sponsors: Sen. Toomey, Pat [R-PA] and co-sponsored by 25 Republican Senators.

S.146 – The Border Security Technology Accountability Act of 2017 amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that each major border security technology acquisition program has an approved baseline, and document that these programs are meeting the cost and performance schedule thresholds specified in these baselines. The Under Secretary for Management and the Commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection would ensure that the acquisition program managers follow internal control standards set up by the Government Accountability Office. The Under Secretary for Management and the Under Secretary for Science and Technology and the Commissioner would submit a plan for border security technology to make sure they comply with regulations and ensure effectiveness of taxpayer dollars. Sponsors: Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ] and co-sponsored by 0 Republican Senators.

S.179 – Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act  expands the use of E-Verify to hold employers accountable for the verification of the citizenship status of its employees. Employers who do not adhere to the standards of this Act will be subject to penalties, and individuals who do not pass the verification process will be reported to United States Immigration and Customs Enfocement. Sponsors: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] and co-sponsored by Sen. Boozman, John [R-AZ] and 9 Republican Senators.

S.180 – The H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2017 seeks to protect American workers. It requires an employer to pay a H-1B nonimmigrant worker the same as United States workers. The wage for a nonimmigrant worker must not be lower than the highest of the local wage level for the job, the median wage of all workers in that job, and the median wage for skill level for the job in the most recent Occupational Employment Statistics survey. Employers are not allowed to replace American workers with nonimmigrant workers and cannot displace an American worker 180 days before or after a nonimmigrant worker begins work with the employer. The nonimmigrant’s working conditions cannot hurt the working conditions of U.S. workers employed by the same employer. Job advertisements and hiring procedures may not give priority given to H-1B nonimmigrant workers, and companies with 50+ employees cannot have more than 50% of their employees be H-1B nonimmigrants. Priority for H-1B visas is given to individuals who have obtained an advanced degree in the United States or will receive the median wage for skill levels 3 and 4. Employers using E-Verify, who are not under investigation by any federal agency for violating immigration and labor laws, and who have had at least 90% of visa petitions accepted will be given priority. H-1B workers must have at least a Bachelor’s degree and, if necessary, a valid state license to practice. Nonimmigrant workers may work up to 3 years in the United States, and petition for an additional 3 years. Employers who violate labor and immigration standards must pay fines to employees. For the term of their employment, nonimmigrant workers must receive the same benefits as American workers. Sponsors: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] and co-sponsored by Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL] and 2 Democrat Senators.

S.211 – The State Refugee Security Act of 2017 requires the Office of Refugee Resettlement to notify a state that a refugee will be resettled in that state at least 21 days prior to the refugee’s arrival. If the governor of that state decides he or she has not been given adequate assurance that the refugee is safe and poses no security risk to the state, the governor may refuse to resettle the refugee. Sponsors: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX] and co-sponsored by 1 Republican Representative.

S.232 – The bills terminates the EB-5 Visa Program, reallocates employment creation visas to other employment-based visa classifications, and repeals Section 610, a pilot immigration program, of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1993. Sponsors: Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] and co-sponsored by Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA].

S.354 – The Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment Act (RAISE Act) eliminates the diversity visa program and sets 50,000 as the maximum number of refugees allowed into the United States each year. All references to the Attorney General in section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act are replaced with the Secretary of Homeland Security. Parents are no longer considered immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, only spouses and children are immediate relatives. The number of family-sponsored immigrants allowed into the United States annually is 88,000 minus the number of immigrants paroled into to the United States in the second preceding fiscal year who did not leave the United States without advance parole for 365 days, and were undocumented immigrants during the two preceding fiscal years. Only the spouses and children of legal permanent residences qualify for family-sponsored immigration. 75% of family-sponsored immigrants are not subject to the numerical limitation on immigration. The remaining 25% of family-sponsored immigrants may be issued visas so long as the total number of visas issued to the country is less that the ceiling. The ceiling is 77% of the maximum number of visas available to the country. For family-sponsored immigration purposes, a child is anyone 21 years old or younger. The initial period of authorized admission for nonimmigrants is five years, but may be extended an additional five years if the U.S. citizen child of the nonimmigrant still lives in the United States. U.S. citizen children are responsible for their nonimmigrant parent’s support while their parent lives in the United States. Nonimmigrant parents may not live in the United States unless their U.S. citizen child can prove he or she has health insurance for the nonimmigrant parent, at no cost to the parent. This act will take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year after the bill is passed. Sponsors: Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR] and co-sponsored by Sen. Perdue, David [R-GA].

S.361 – The Expatriate Terrorist Act outlines actions that would revoke a person’s United States citizenship. A person must be 18 years old or older for any of the following actions to revoke his or her American citizenship, and all actions must be performed voluntarily. The following actions would revoke U.S. nationality under this bill: applying for naturalization in a foreign state; obtaining naturalization in a foreign state; making a formal declaration of allegiance to a foreign state or foreign terrorist organization; serving in the military of a foreign state or foreign terrorist organization if that military is engaged in hostilities against the United States; serving as a commissioned or noncommissioned officer in a foreign military; joining, training, or providing materials to any foreign terrorist organization; accepting or serving in any employment of a foreign state or foreign terrorist organization if the person is a national of that state, or if a declaration of allegiance to the foreign state or foreign terrorist organization is required for employment; formally renouncing U.S. nationality before an American diplomatic or consular officer in a foreign state; formally renouncing U.S. nationality in the United States whenever the United States is at war; committing treason against the United States; attempting to overthrow or attack the United States. Passports cannot be issued to a person who is or is becoming a member of a foreign terrorist organization. Passports must be revoked from a person who is or is becoming a member of a foreign terrorist organization. People whose passports have been revoked or denied under this clause have a right to review. Sponsors: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX] and co-sponsored by 2 Republican Senators.

S.595 – The Boots on the Border Act of 2017 amends the Anti-border Corruption Act of 2010 and waives the polygraph requirement for certain border patrol applicants. The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection would not need to conduct polygraph examinations on certain applicants who have served as a state or local law enforcement officer, a federal law enforcement officer, or are former members of the Armed Forces, a veteran, or a member of the National Guard. These applicants would be subject to a Tier 5 background investigation instead of a Tier 4 investigation. Sponsors: Sen. Flake, Jeff [R-AZ] and co-sponsored by 2 Republican Senators and 1 Democrat Senator.

S.725 – The Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act requires that anyone who knowingly gives another person the location, movement, or activities of any law enforcement agency with the intent to further a federal crime relating to U.S. immigration, customs, controlled substances, agriculture, money, or other border controls will be fined, imprisoned at most for 10 years, or both. Anyone who knowingly and without legal authorization destroys, alters, or damages any border fencing or border enforcement technology (like cameras and sensors), or makes any structure intended to evade or circumvent border enforcements will be fined, imprisoned no longer than 10 years, or both. If while damaging or evading border enforcement the offender uses or carries a firearm, he or she will be fined, imprisoned no longer than 20 years, or both. Anyone who attempts or conspires to carry out any of these offenses will be punished as if he or she had successfully completed the offense. This is the Senate version of H.R.1741. Sponsors: Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ] and co-sponsored by zero Senators.

S.942– Counterterrorism Screening and Assistance Act of 2017 requires a plan to combat international travel by terrorists and foreign fighters, accelerate the transfer of certain border security systems to foreign partner governments, establish minimum international border security standards, authorize the suspension of foreign assistance to countries not making significant efforts to comply with such minimum standards, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL] and co-sponsored by 1 Democratic Representative

S.1039 – The Bill to Indemnify Local Law Enforcement Entities for Complying with Valid Detainers Issued by Immigration Officers makes the Federal Government legally responsible for any injuries as a result of the issuance and execution of immigration detainers. The bill states that any state employee or elected official that receives a request from the U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement to temporarily detain an alien or transport an alien to a federal detention center cannot be penalized for obeying the request. Sponsors: Sen. Flake, Jeff [R-AZ] and co-sponsored by 1 Republican Senator.

S.1126– The Securing the Border and Protecting Our Communities Act would cut off Federal funds for sanctuary jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with the Federal Government on immigration matters or that retaliate against border security contractors. The funds would instead be allocated to the completion of the border wall project under the Secure Fence Act of 2006. Sponsors: Sen. Strange, Luther [R-AL] and co-sponsored by 2 Republican Senators.

S.1305 – The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Hiring and Retention Act would encourage the recruitment of Customs and Border Patrol agents from rural areas, and would additionally provide that the use of a polygraph test for agents being recruited need not be a requirement for hire. Sponsor: Sen. Flake, Jeff [R-AZ] and co-sponsored by 1 Democratic Senator

S.1615 – The Dream Act of 2017 makes DACA recipients eligible for lawful permanent status on a conditional basis subject to many of the same limitations as DACA; the bill then extends such status to lawful permanent status under certain conditions (including obtaining a degree from an institution of higher education, serving in the U.S. military for at least two years, 3 years of employment in the United States, etc.). Sponsor: Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC] and co-sponsored by 5 Democrat and 2 Republican Senators