DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act of 2025

This Act may be cited as the Dignity for Immigrants while Guarding our Nation to Ignite and Deliver the American Dream Act of 2025 or as the DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act of 2025.

The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Section 102 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (Division C of Public Law 104–208; 8 U.S.C. 1103 note) is amended—

(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall take such actions as may be necessary (including the removal of obstacles to detection of illegal entrants) to design, test, construct, install, deploy, integrate, and operate physical barriers, tactical infrastructure, and technology in the vicinity of the United States border to achieve situational awareness and operational advantage of the border and deter, impede, and detect illegal activity in high traffic areas.

(2) in subsection (b)—

(A) in the subsection heading, by striking fencing and road improvements and inserting physical barriers;

(B) in paragraph (1)—

(i) in subparagraph (A)—

(I) by striking subsection (a) and inserting this section;

(II) by striking roads, lighting, cameras, and sensors and inserting tactical infrastructure, and technology; and

(III) by striking gain and inserting achieve situational awareness and;

(ii) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:

The Secretary, in carrying out this section, shall deploy along the United States border the most practical and effective physical barriers and tactical infrastructure available for achieving situational awareness and operational advantage of the border.

(iii) in subparagraph (C)—

(I) by amending clause (i) to read as follows:

In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall consult with appropriate Federal agency partners, appropriate representatives of Federal, State, Tribal, and local governments, and appropriate private property owners in the United States to minimize the impact on the environment, culture, commerce, and quality of life for the communities and residents located near the sites at which such physical barriers are to be constructed.

(I) ; and

(II) in clause (ii)—

(aa) in subclause (I), by striking or after the semicolon at the end;

(bb) by amending subclause (II) to read as follows:

(II) delay the transfer to the United States of the possession of property or affect the validity of any property acquisition by the United States by purchase or eminent domain, or to otherwise affect the eminent domain laws of the United States or of any State; or

(bb) ; and

(cc) by adding at the end the following new subclause:

(III) create any right or liability for any party.

(cc) ; and

(iv) by striking subparagraph (D);

(C) in paragraph (2)—

(i) by striking Attorney General and inserting Secretary of Homeland Security;

(ii) by striking this subsection and inserting this section; and

(iii) by striking construction of fences and inserting the construction of physical barriers;

(D) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:

In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Homeland Security, when designing, constructing, and deploying physical barriers, tactical infrastructure, or technology, shall incorporate such safety features into such design, construction, or deployment of such physical barriers, tactical infrastructure, or technology, as the case may be, that the Secretary determines are necessary to maximize the safety and effectiveness of officers or agents of the Department of Homeland Security or of any other Federal agency deployed in the vicinity of such physical barriers, tactical infrastructure, or technology.

(D) ; and

(E) in paragraph (4), by striking this subsection and inserting this section;

(3) in subsection (c)—

(A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall have the authority to waive all legal requirements the Secretary determines necessary to ensure the expeditious design, testing, construction, installation, deployment, and integration of the physical barriers, tactical infrastructure, and technology under this section. Such waiver authority shall also apply with respect to any maintenance carried out on such physical barriers, tactical infrastructure, or technology. Any such decision by the Secretary shall be effective upon publication in the Federal Register.

(B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and

(C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph:

Not later than 7 days after the date on which the Secretary of Homeland Security exercises the waiver authority under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall notify the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate of such waiver.

(C) ; and

(4) by adding at the end the following new subsections:

The Secretary of Homeland Security, in carrying out this section, shall deploy along the United States border the most practical and effective technology available for achieving situational awareness and operational advantage of the border.

The Secretary of Homeland Security, in carrying out this section, should prioritize deploying technology along the United States border.

In this section:

The term advanced unattended surveillance sensors means sensors that utilize an onboard computer to analyze detections in an effort to discern between vehicles, humans, and animals, and ultimately filter false positives prior to transmission.

The term high traffic areas means areas in the vicinity of the United States border that—

(A) are within the responsibility of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and

(B) have significant unlawful cross-border activity, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

The term operational advantage has the meaning given such term in the 2022–2026 U.S. Border Patrol Strategy (CBP Publication No. 1678–0222).

The term physical barriers includes reinforced fencing, border barrier system, and levees.

The term situational awareness has the meaning given such term in section 1092(a)(7) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 6 U.S.C. 223(a)(7)).

The term tactical infrastructure includes boat ramps, access gates, checkpoints, lighting, and roads.

The term technology includes border surveillance and detection technology, including the following:

(A) Tower-based surveillance technology, including autonomous technologies.

(B) Deployable, lighter-than-air ground surveillance equipment.

(C) Vehicle and Dismount Exploitation Radars (VADER).

(D) 3-dimensional, seismic acoustic detection and ranging border tunneling detection technology.

(E) Advanced unattended surveillance sensors.

(F) Mobile vehicle-mounted and man-portable surveillance capabilities.

(G) Unmanned aircraft systems.

(H) Other border detection, communication, and surveillance technology.

The term unmanned aircraft system has the meaning given such term in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code.

The Secretary shall ensure that not fewer than 95,000 annual flight hours are carried out by Air and Marine Operations of CBP.

The Secretary, after coordination with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, shall ensure that Air and Marine Operations operate unmanned aircraft systems on the southern border of the United States for not less than 24 hours per day for 7 days per week.

The Commissioner shall ensure that—

(1) the primary missions for Air and Marine Operations are to directly support—

(A) U.S. Border Patrol activities along the borders of the United States; and

(B) Joint Interagency Task Force South operations in the transit zone; and

(2) the Executive Assistant Commissioner of Air and Marine Operations assigns the greatest priority to support missions outlined under paragraph (1).

The Commissioner shall ensure that U.S. Border Patrol Sector Chiefs—

(1) identify air support mission-critical hours; and

(2) direct Air and Marine Operations to support requests from Sector Chiefs as their primary mission.

The Commissioner shall contract for the unfulfilled air support mission-critical hours, as identified pursuant to subsection (d).

The Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol shall be the executive agent with respect to the use of small unmanned aircraft systems by CBP for the purpose of—

(A) meeting the unmet flight hour operational requirements of the U.S. Border Patrol; and

(B) achieving situational awareness and operational advantage.

In carrying out paragraph (1), the Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol shall coordinate—

(A) flight operations with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the National Airspace System; and

(B) with the Executive Assistant Commissioner for Air and Marine Operations of CBP to—

(i) ensure the safety of other CBP aircraft flying in the vicinity of small unmanned aircraft systems operated by the U.S. Border Patrol; and

(ii) establish a process to include data from flight hours in the calculation of got away statistics.

Paragraph (3) of section 411(e) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 211(e)) is amended—

(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking and after the semicolon at the end; and

(B) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D).

Nothing in this section shall confer, transfer, or delegate to the Secretary, the Commissioner, the Executive Assistant Commissioner for Air and Marine Operations of CBP, or the Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol any authority of the Secretary of Transportation or the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration relating to the use of airspace or aviation safety.

In this section:

The term got away has the meaning given such term in section 1092(a)(3) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 6 U.S.C. 223(a)(3)).

The term transit zone has the meaning given such term in section 1092(a)(8) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 6 U.S.C. 223(a)(8)).

The Secretary shall establish a National Border Security Advisory Committee, which—

(1) may advise, consult with, report to, and make recommendations to the Secretary on matters relating to border security matters, including—

(A) verifying security claims and the border security metrics established by the Department of Homeland Security under section 1092 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 6 U.S.C. 223); and

(B) discussing ways to improve the security of high traffic areas along the northern border and the southern border; and

(2) may provide, through the Secretary, recommendations to Congress.

The Secretary shall consider the information, advice, and recommendations of the National Border Security Advisory Committee in formulating policy regarding matters affecting border security.

The National Border Security Advisory Committee shall consist of at least one member from each State who—

(1) has at least five years practical experience in border security operations; or

(2) lives and works in the United States within 80 miles from the southern border or the northern border.

The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the National Border Security Advisory Committee.

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a Southern border threat analysis.

The analysis submitted under paragraph (1) shall include an assessment of—

(A) current and potential terrorism and criminal threats posed by individuals and organized groups seeking—

(i) to unlawfully enter the United States through the Southern border; or

(ii) to exploit security vulnerabilities along the Southern border;

(B) improvements needed at and between ports of entry along the Southern border to prevent terrorists and instruments of terror from entering the United States;

(C) gaps in law, policy, and coordination between State, local, or tribal law enforcement, international agreements, or tribal agreements that hinder effective and efficient border security, counterterrorism, and anti-human smuggling and trafficking efforts;

(D) the current percentage of situational awareness achieved by the Department along the Southern border;

(E) the current percentage of operational advantage achieved by the Department on the Southern border; and

(F) traveler crossing times and any potential security vulnerability associated with prolonged wait times.

In compiling the Southern border threat analysis required under this subsection, the Secretary shall consider and examine—

(A) the technology needs and challenges, including such needs and challenges identified as a result of previous investments that have not fully realized the security and operational benefits that were sought;

(B) the personnel needs and challenges, including such needs and challenges associated with recruitment and hiring;

(C) the infrastructure needs and challenges;

(D) the roles and authorities of State, local, and tribal law enforcement in general border security activities;

(E) the status of coordination among Federal, State, local, tribal, and Mexican law enforcement entities relating to border security;

(F) the terrain, population density, and climate along the Southern border; and

(G) the international agreements between the United States and Mexico related to border security.

To the extent possible, the Secretary shall submit the Southern border threat analysis required under this subsection in unclassified form, but may submit a portion of the threat analysis in classified form if the Secretary determines such action is appropriate.

Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this section and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, shall issue a Border Patrol Strategic Plan (referred to in this section as the plan) to enhance the security of the international borders of the United States.

The plan shall include the following:

(1) A consideration of Border Patrol Capability Gap Analysis reporting, Border Security Improvement Plans, and any other strategic document authored by the U.S. Border Patrol to address security gaps with respect to ports of entry, including efforts to mitigate threats identified in such analyses, plans, and documents.

(2) Information relating to the dissemination of information relating to border security or border threats with respect to the efforts of the Department and other appropriate Federal agencies.

(3) Information relating to efforts by U.S. Border Patrol to—

(A) increase situational awareness, including—

(i) surveillance capabilities, such as capabilities developed or utilized by the Department of Defense, and any appropriate technology determined to be excess by the Department of Defense; and

(ii) the use of manned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems;

(B) detect and prevent terrorists and instruments of terrorism from entering the United States;

(C) detect, interdict, and disrupt human smuggling, human trafficking, drug trafficking and other illicit cross-border activity;

(D) focus intelligence collection to disrupt transnational criminal organizations outside of the international and maritime borders of the United States; and

(E) ensure that any new border security technology can be operationally integrated with existing technologies in use by the Department.

(4) Information relating to initiatives of the Department with respect to operational coordination, including any relevant task forces of the Department.

(5) Information gathered from the lessons learned by the deployments of the National Guard to the southern border of the United States.

(6) A description of cooperative agreements relating to information sharing with State, local, Tribal, territorial, and other Federal law enforcement agencies that have jurisdiction on the border.

(7) Information relating to border security information received from—

(A) State, local, Tribal, territorial, and other Federal law enforcement agencies that have jurisdiction on the border or in the maritime environment; and

(B) border community stakeholders, including representatives from—

(i) border agricultural and ranching organizations; and

(ii) business and civic organizations.

(8) Information relating to the staffing requirements with respect to border security for the Department.

(9) A prioritized list of Department research and development objectives to enhance the security of the southern border.

(10) An assessment of training programs, including such programs relating to—

(A) identifying and detecting fraudulent documents;

(B) understanding the scope of CBP enforcement authorities and appropriate use of force policies; and

(C) screening, identifying, and addressing vulnerable populations, such as children and victims of human trafficking.

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate an update of the Northern Border Threat Analysis as required in the Northern Border Security Review Act (Public Law 114–267).

In carrying out section 102 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (as amended by section 1111 of this division), the Secretary shall ensure that technology deployed to gain situational awareness and operational advantage of the border be provided to frontline officers and agents of the Department of Homeland Security.

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce, shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report that contains an assessment of the standards and guidelines for managing ports of entry under the control of the Department of Homeland Security. Such assessment shall include information relating to the following:

(1) Staffing levels and need for additional staffing.

(2) Rules governing the actions of Office of Field Operations officers.

(3) Average delays for transit through air, land, and sea ports of entry.

(4) Assessment of existing efforts and technologies used for border security, and the effect of the use of such efforts and technologies on facilitating trade at ports of entry and their impact on civil rights, private property rights, privacy rights, and civil liberties.

(5) Economic impact of the policies and practices of CBP Agricultural Specialists and Office of Field Operations personnel.

(6) Physical infrastructure and technological needs at ports of entry.

(7) Data reflecting the specific needs of geographically separate ports of entry within the same U.S. Border Patrol sector.

(8) A plan for increasing the number of officers certified as emergency medical technicians and the number of medical professionals assigned to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations land ports of entry.

(9) A plan to increase access to land ports of entry that factors in asylum seekers, victims of trafficking, unaccompanied minors, and other vulnerable populations.

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit a report that contains an assessment of instances of Port Running, or departing the United States before officers can conclude traveler inspections, which shall include recommendations for new security enhancements, including traffic barricades, to slow and deter individuals from leaving the United States without authorization.

There is established an independent commission, which shall be known as the Department of Homeland Security Border Oversight Commission (referred to in this Act as the Commission).

The Commission shall be led by a Chair and a Vice Chair.

The Commission shall be composed of 30 members, who—

(I) shall be appointed by the Speaker and the minority leader of the House of Representatives and the majority and minority leaders of the Senate, in consultation with the President; and

(II) shall have expertise in migration, local crime indices, civil and human rights, community relations, cross-border trade and commerce, quality of life indicators, or other pertinent experience.

Of the 30 members appointed pursuant to clause (i)(I)—

(I) 13 members shall be from the northern border region and shall comprise the northern border subcommittee; and

(II) 17 members shall be from the southern border region and shall comprise the southern border subcommittee.

Of the 13 members from the northern border region—

(I) 2 shall be elected local government officials;

(II) 2 shall be local law enforcement officials;

(III) 2 shall be civil rights advocates;

(IV) 1 shall represent the business community;

(V) 1 shall represent institutions of higher education;

(VI) 1 shall represent a faith community;

(VII) 2 shall be U.S. Border Patrol officers or agents; and

(VIII) 2 shall be tribal officials.

Of the 17 members from the southern border region—

(I) 3 shall be elected local government officials;

(II) 3 shall be local law enforcement officials;

(III) 3 shall be civil rights advocates;

(IV) 2 shall represent the business community;

(V) 1 shall represent institutions of higher education;

(VI) 1 shall represent a faith community;

(VII) 2 shall be U.S. Border Patrol officers or agents; and

(VIII) 2 shall be tribal officials.

The members of the Commission shall elect a Chair and a Vice Chair from among its members by a majority vote of at least 16 members.

The Chair and the Vice Chair of the Commission shall serve 4-year terms in such positions. Members of the Commission shall also serve 4-year terms.

Congress shall make the initial appointments to the Commission not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

The Commission shall meet at least semiannually and may convene additional meetings as necessary.

The northern border and southern border subcommittees shall meet at least quarterly, and may convene additional meetings, as necessary.

The Commission, the northern border subcommittee, and the southern border subcommittee shall—

(A) develop recommendations for improvements regarding border enforcement policies, strategies, and programs that take into consideration their impact on border communities;

(B) evaluate policies, strategies, and programs of Federal agencies operating along the northern and southern United States borders—

(i) to protect—

(I) due process;

(II) the civil and human rights of border residents and visitors; and

(III) private property rights of land owners;

(ii) to reduce the number of migrant deaths; and

(iii) to improve the safety of agents and officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement;

(C) develop recommendations for improvements regarding the safety of agents and officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while such agents and officers are in the field; and

(D) evaluate training and establish training courses related to—

(i) management and leadership skills for supervisors in each U.S. Border Patrol sector, at each port of entry on the northern and southern United States borders, and at each U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office; and

(ii) the extent to which supervisory and management personnel practices at U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement—

(I) encourage and facilitate workforce development for agents and officers; and

(II) promote agent and officer field safety and post-Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (referred to in this Act as FLETC) training of border enforcement personnel.

In carrying out the duties set forth in paragraph (4), the Commission shall take into consideration any recommendations and evaluations agreed upon by the northern border subcommittee and the southern border subcommittee.

The northern border subcommittee and the southern border subcommittee shall each—

(i) submit an annual report to the Chair and Vice Chair of the Commission that contains the recommendations and evaluations of the subcommittees referred to in paragraph (4); and

(ii) make each such report available to the public.

Members of the Commission may not receive pay, allowances, or benefits from the Federal Government by reason of their service on the Commission or either of its subcommittees.

The Commission or, on the authority of the Commission, any subcommittee or member of the Commission, may, for the purpose of carrying out this Act, hold such hearings, and sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, receive such evidence, and administer such oaths as the Commission or such designated subcommittee or designated member determines necessary to carry out its duties under subsection (a)(4).

Nothing in this Act may be construed as affecting the investigative and disciplinary procedures of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or the Department of Homeland Security with respect to agents and officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Commission shall—

(A) submit an annual report to the Secretary of Homeland Security that contains information regarding the activities, findings, and recommendations of the Commission, including the northern border subcommittee and the southern border subcommittee, for the preceding year; and

(B) make each such report available to the public.

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall brief the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate, the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives regarding each report received under paragraph (1).

Subsection (l) of section 411 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 211) is amended to read as follows:

The Commissioner shall ensure that every agent and officer of U.S. Customs and Border Protection receives a minimum of 21 weeks of training that are directly related to the mission of the U.S. Border Patrol, Air and Marine, and the Office of Field Operations before the initial assignment of such agents and officers.

The Commissioner shall work in consultation with the Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers to establish guidelines and curriculum for the training of agents and officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection under subsection (a).

The Commissioner shall annually require all agents and officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection who are required to undergo training under subsection (a) to participate in not fewer than eight hours of continuing education annually to maintain and update understanding of Federal legal rulings, court decisions, and Department policies, procedures, and guidelines related to relevant subject matters.

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Commissioner shall develop and require training courses geared towards the development of leadership skills for mid- and senior-level career employees not later than one year after such employees assume duties in supervisory roles.

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commissioner shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a report identifying the guidelines and curriculum established to carry out subsection (l) of section 411 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended by subsection (a) of this section.

Not later than four years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a report that assesses the training and education, including continuing education, required under subsection (l) of section 411 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended by subsection (a) of this section.

The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection is authorized to hire and train U.S. Border Patrol Processing Coordinators to operate within the U.S. Border Patrol to—

(1) perform administrative tasks related to the intake and processing of individuals apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents, where necessary;

(2) transport individuals in U.S. Border Patrol custody, where necessary; and

(3) perform custodial watch duties of individuals in such custody, including individuals who have been admitted to a hospital.

A U.S. Border Patrol Processing Coordinator hired under subsection (a) may not arrest or otherwise detain any person as described in section 235, 236, or 287(a), of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1225, 1226, and 1357(a)), and such a Coordinator may not conduct any interview under section 235(b)(1)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1225(b)(1)(B)).

The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in coordination with the Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol and in consultation with the Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, shall develop tailored training for U.S. Border Patrol Processing Coordinators.

The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection is authorized to hire appropriate professional support staff to facilitate the hiring, training, and other support functions required by U.S. Border Patrol Processing Coordinators.

Not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management—

(1) shall, in accordance with section 5305 of title 5, United States Code—

(A) increase the minimum rate of pay for United States Border Patrol agents at the grade GS–12 of the General Schedule by not less than 14 percent; and

(B) increase other grades or levels, occupational groups, series, classes, or subdivisions thereof, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security;

(2) take such actions as may be necessary to harmonize—

(A) pay levels for U.S. Border Patrol agents and CBP officers at each pay scale in a manner so as to ensure greater or the same level of pay; and

(B) such other pay incentives and overtime scales; and

(3) may make increases in all rates in the pay range for each such grade or level, in accordance with such section 5305.

The discretion granted to agency heads under section 5305(a)(2) of title 5, United States Code, shall not apply to increase in rates of pay authorized under subsection (a).

The Body Worn Camera Pilot Program referred to in H. Rept. 116–458, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2021, shall be authorized for 5 fiscal years after the date of enactment of this Act.

Section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1357) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(1) Except as otherwise provided, an officer or an agent of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the U.S. Customs and Border Protection may not take an immigration enforcement action in or near a protected area.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply—

(A) whenever prior approval has been obtained; or

(B) under exigent circumstances (including, but not limited to, an immigration enforcement action that involves a national security threat, the hot pursuit of an individual who poses a public safety threat, or the hot pursuit of an individual who was observed crossing the border; that involves the imminent risk of death, violence, or physical harm to a person or the imminent risk that evidence material to a criminal case will be destroyed; or where a safe alternative location does not exist).

(3) When taking an immigration enforcement action in or near a protected area, an officer or an agent of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall, to the fullest extent possible—

(A) take the immigration enforcement action in a non-public area or in a manner that minimizes the effect on another person who is accessing the protected area;

(B) limit the time spent in or near the protected area; and

(C) limit the immigration enforcement action to the person who is the subject of such enforcement action.

(4) If an immigration enforcement action is taken due to exigent circumstances, the officer or agent shall inform the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (or the Director’s designee) or the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (or the Commissioner’s designee) as the case may be, as soon as practical thereafter.

(5) In this subsection:

(A) The term immigration enforcement action means an arrest, search, service of a subpoena or a notice to appear in immigration court, or other immigration enforcement action.

(B) The term prior approval means—

(i) in the case of an immigration enforcement action that an officer or an agent of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will take, prior written approval from the Director (or the Director’s designee); and

(ii) in the case of an immigration enforcement action that an officer or an agent of U.S. Customs and Border Protection will take, prior written approval from the Commissioner (or the Commissioner’s designee).

(C) The term protected area includes a structure or a place that provides essential services or at which a person would engage in an essential activity, including—

(i) any school;

(ii) any hospital, medical facility, mental health facility, or other health care facility;

(iii) any place of worship or religious study, whether in a structure dedicated to activities of faith or a temporary facility or location where such activities are taking place;

(iv) any structure or place, the purpose of which is for children to gather;

(v) any structure or place, the purpose of which is to provide social services;

(vi) any structure or place, the purpose of which is to provide disaster or emergency assistance or emergency relief;

(vii) a place where a funeral, graveside ceremony, rosary, wedding, or other religious or civil ceremonies or observances occur;

(viii) a place where there is an ongoing parade, demonstration, or rally; or

(ix) any courthouse.

(6) For the purposes of this subsection, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall promulgate guidance, in the exercise of their discretion, on the physical distance that constitutes in or near a protected area.

The Administrator of General Services may, subject to section 3307 of title 40, United States Code, construct new ports of entry along the northern border and southern border at locations determined by the Secretary.

The Secretary and the Administrator of General Services shall consult with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Transportation, and appropriate representatives of State and local governments, and Indian tribes, and property owners in the United States prior to determining a location for any new port of entry constructed pursuant to paragraph (1).

The purpose of the consultations required by subparagraph (A) shall be to minimize any negative impacts of constructing a new port of entry on the environment, culture, commerce, and quality of life of the communities and residents located near such new port.

The Administrator of General Services, subject to section 3307 of title 40, United States Code, and in coordination with the Secretary, shall expand or modernize high-priority ports of entry on the southern border, as determined by the Secretary, for the purposes of reducing wait times and enhancing security.

Prior to constructing any new ports of entry pursuant to subsection (a), the Administrator of General Services shall complete the expansion and modernization of ports of entry pursuant to subsection (b) to the extent practicable.

Nothing in this section may be construed to—

(1) create or negate any right of action for a State, local government, or other person or entity affected by this section;

(2) delay the transfer of the possession of property to the United States or affect the validity of any property acquisitions by purchase or eminent domain, or to otherwise affect the eminent domain laws of the United States or of any State; or

(3) create any right or liability for any party.

Nothing in this section may be construed as providing the Secretary new authority related to the construction, acquisition, or renovation of real property.

Congress finds that personnel constraints exist at land ports of entry with regard to sanitary and phytosanitary inspections for exported goods.

It is the sense of Congress that, in the best interest of cross-border trade and the agricultural community—

(1) any lack of certified personnel for inspection purposes at ports of entry should be addressed by seeking cooperation between agencies and departments of the United States, whether in the form of a memorandum of understanding or through a certification process, whereby additional existing agents are authorized for additional hours to facilitate and expedite the flow of legitimate trade and commerce of perishable goods in a manner consistent with rules of the Department of Agriculture; and

(2) cross-designation should be available for personnel who will assist more than one agency or department of the United States at land ports of entry to facilitate and expedite the flow of increased legitimate trade and commerce.

In addition to any amounts otherwise authorized to be appropriated for such purpose, there is appropriated $2,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out this subtitle.

Subchapter A of chapter 98 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

There is hereby established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Immigration Infrastructure and Debt Reduction Fund, consisting of such amounts as may be appropriated or credited to such Fund as provided in this section or section 9602(b).

There are hereby appropriated to the Immigration Infrastructure and Debt Reduction Fund amounts equivalent to the taxes received in the Treasury under section 2304 of division B of the Dignity for Immigrants while Guarding our Nation to Ignite and Deliver the American Dream Act paid or incurred by taxpayers who are aliens and participants in the Dignity Program under title III of division B of the Dignity for Immigrants while Guarding our Nation to Ignite and Deliver the American Dream Act.

Amounts in the Immigration Infrastructure and Debt Reduction Fund shall be available to carry out the Dignity for Immigrants while Guarding our Nation to Ignite and Deliver the American Dream Act and the amendments made by such Act.

After such expenditures in this Act are completed, the remaining amounts from the Immigration Infrastructure and Debt Reduction fund shall be returned to the Treasury to pay down the national debt.

Fifty percent of the Premium Processing fee collected under section 201(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(1)), as amended by section 3201 of the DIGNIDAD Act of 2025, shall be deposited into the Immigration Examinations Fee Account (IEFA) of the Treasury to fund the costs of processing immigration benefit requests.

An employer or private entity may contribute a partial or full amount of the Premium Processing fee collected under section 201(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(1)), as amended by section 3201 of the DIGNIDAD Act of 2025.

Section 1510 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

(f) Any person who knowingly transmits, by any means, to another person the location, movement, or activities of any officer or agent of a Federal, State, local, or tribal law enforcement agency with the intent to aid and abet a criminal offense under the immigration laws (as such term is defined in section 101 of the Immigration and Nationality Act), the Controlled Substances Act, or the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act, or that relates to agriculture or monetary instruments shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.

Section 274(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324(a)) is amended—

(1) in paragraph (2), by striking brings to or attempts to and inserting the following: brings to or knowingly attempts or conspires to; and

(2) by adding at the end the following:

(5) In the case of a person who has brought aliens into the United States in violation of this subsection, the sentence otherwise provided for may be increased by up to 10 years if that person, at the time of the offense, used or carried a firearm or who, in furtherance of any such crime, possessed a firearm.

Section 277 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1327) is amended—

(1) by inserting after knowingly aids or assists the following: or attempts to aid or assist; and

(2) by adding at the end the following: In the case of a person convicted of an offense under this section, the sentence otherwise provided for may be increased by up to 10 years if that person, at the time of the offense, used or carried a firearm or who, in furtherance of any such crime, possessed a firearm..

The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the heads of appropriate Federal agencies, shall develop a regularly updated intelligence driven analysis that includes—

(1) migrant perceptions of United States law and policy at the border, including human smuggling organization messaging and propaganda;

(2) tactics, techniques, and procedures used by human smuggling organizations to exploit border security vulnerabilities to facilitate such smuggling activities across the border;

(3) the methods and use of technology to organize and encourage irregular migration and undermine border security; and

(4) any other information the Secretary determines appropriate.

Section 276 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1326) is amended to read as follows:

Any alien who has been denied admission, excluded, deported, or removed, or who has departed the United States while an order of exclusion, deportation, or removal is outstanding, and subsequently enters, crosses the border to, or is at any time found in the United States, shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.

If an alien sought and received the express consent of the Secretary to reapply for admission into the United States, or, with respect to an alien previously denied admission and removed, the alien was not required to obtain such advance consent under the Immigration and Nationality Act or any prior Act, the alien shall not be subject to the fine and imprisonment provided for in paragraph (1).

Notwithstanding the penalty provided in subsection (a), if an alien described in that subsection was convicted before such removal or departure—

(1) for 3 or more misdemeanors or for a felony, the alien shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both;

(2) for a felony for which the alien was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than 30 months, the alien shall be fined under such title, imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both;

(3) for a felony for which the alien was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than 60 months, the alien shall be fined under such title, imprisoned not more than 25 years, or both; or

(4) for murder, rape, kidnapping, or a felony offense described in chapter 77 (relating to peonage and slavery) or 113B (relating to terrorism) of such title, or for 3 or more felonies of any kind, the alien shall be fined under such title, imprisoned not more than 30 years, or both.

Any alien who has been denied admission, excluded, deported, or removed 3 or more times and thereafter enters, attempts to enter, crosses the border to, attempts to cross the border to, or is at any time found in the United States, shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.

The prior convictions described in subsection (b) are elements of the crimes described, and the penalties in that subsection shall apply only in cases in which the conviction or convictions that form the basis for the additional penalty are—

(1) alleged in the indictment or information; and

(2) proven beyond a reasonable doubt at trial or admitted by the defendant.

Any alien removed pursuant to section 241(a)(4) who enters, attempts to enter, crosses the border to, attempts to cross the border to, or is at any time found in, the United States shall be incarcerated for the remainder of the sentence of imprisonment which was pending at the time of deportation without any reduction for parole or supervised release unless the alien affirmatively demonstrates that the Secretary of Homeland Security has expressly consented to the alien’s reentry. Such alien shall be subject to such other penalties relating to the reentry of removed aliens as may be available under this section or any other provision of law.

For purposes of this section and section 275, the following definitions shall apply:

The term crosses the border refers to the physical act of crossing the border free from official restraint.

The term official restraint means any restraint known to the alien that serves to deprive the alien of liberty and prevents the alien from going at large into the United States. Surveillance unbeknownst to the alien shall not constitute official restraint.

The term felony means any criminal offense punishable by a term of imprisonment of more than 1 year under the laws of the United States, any State, or a foreign government.

The term misdemeanor means any criminal offense punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than 1 year under the applicable laws of the United States, any State, or a foreign government.

The term removal includes any denial of admission, exclusion, deportation, or removal, or any agreement by which an alien stipulates or agrees to exclusion, deportation, or removal.

The term State means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, and any commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.

Section 1591(b) of title 18, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1), by striking 15 and inserting 25; and

(2) in paragraph (2), by striking 10 years and inserting 25 years.

Section 212(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(2)) is amended—

(1) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by striking is the spouse, son, or daughter and inserting is or has been the spouse, son, or daughter; and

(2) in subparagraph (H)(ii), by striking is the spouse, son, or daughter and inserting is or has been the spouse, son, or daughter.

Section 222(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1202(b)) is amended by inserting Where considered necessary, by the consular officer or immigration official, to establish family relationships, the immigrant shall provide DNA evidence of such a relationship in accordance with procedures established for submitting such evidence. The Secretary and the Secretary of State may, in consultation, issue regulations to require DNA evidence to establish family relationship, from applicants for certain visa classifications. after and a certified copy of all other records or documents concerning him or his case which may be required by the consular officer..

Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall ensure and certify to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate that CBP is fully compliant with the DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–162; 119 Stat. 3084) at all border facilities that process adults, including as part of a family unit, in the custody of CBP at the border.

Section 611(b) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking one year and inserting five years.

This title may be cited as the Legal Workforce Act.

Section 274A(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a(b)) is amended to read as follows:

The requirements referred to in paragraphs (1)(B) and (3) of subsection (a) are, in the case of a person or other entity hiring, recruiting, or referring an individual for employment in the United States, the following:

During the verification period (as defined in subparagraph (E)), the person or entity shall attest, under penalty of perjury and on a form, including electronic and telephonic formats, designated or established by the Secretary by regulation not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of the Legal Workforce Act, that it has verified that the individual is not an unauthorized alien by—

(I) obtaining from the individual the individual’s social security account number or United States passport number and recording the number on the form (if the individual claims to have been issued such a number), and, if the individual does not attest to United States nationality under subparagraph (B), obtaining such identification or authorization number established by the Department of Homeland Security for the alien as the Secretary of Homeland Security may specify, and recording such number on the form; and

(II) examining—

(aa) a document relating to the individual presenting it described in clause (ii); or

(bb) a document relating to the individual presenting it described in clause (iii) and a document relating to the individual presenting it described in clause (iv).

A document described in this subparagraph is an individual’s—

(I) unexpired United States passport or passport card;

(II) unexpired permanent resident card that contains a photograph;

(III) unexpired employment authorization card that contains a photograph;

(IV) in the case of a nonimmigrant alien authorized to work for a specific employer incident to status, a foreign passport with Form I–94 or Form I–94A, or other documentation as designated by the Secretary specifying the alien’s nonimmigrant status as long as the period of status has not yet expired and the proposed employment is not in conflict with any restrictions or limitations identified in the documentation;

(V) passport from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) or the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) with Form I–94 or Form I–94A, or other documentation as designated by the Secretary, indicating nonimmigrant admission under the Compact of Free Association Between the United States and the FSM or RMI; or

(VI) other document designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security, if the document—

(aa) contains a photograph of the individual and biometric identification data from the individual and such other personal identifying information relating to the individual as the Secretary of Homeland Security finds, by regulation, sufficient for purposes of this clause;

(bb) is evidence of authorization of employment in the United States; and

(cc) contains security features to make it resistant to tampering, counterfeiting, and fraudulent use.

A document described in this subparagraph is an individual's social security account number card (other than such a card which specifies on the face that the issuance of the card does not authorize employment in the United States).

A document described in this subparagraph is—

(I) an individual's unexpired State-issued driver’s license or identification card if it contains a photograph and information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and address;

(II) an individual's unexpired U.S. military identification card;

(III) an individual's unexpired Native American tribal identification document issued by a tribal entity recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs; or

(IV) in the case of an individual under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian’s attestation under penalty of law as to the identity and age of the individual.

If the Secretary of Homeland Security finds, by regulation, that any document described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) as establishing employment authorization or identity does not reliably establish such authorization or identity or is being used fraudulently to an unacceptable degree, the Secretary may prohibit or place conditions on its use for purposes of this paragraph.

Such attestation may be manifested by either a handwritten or electronic signature.

During the ver­i­fi­ca­tion period (as defined in subparagraph (E)), the individual shall attest, under penalty of perjury on the form designated or established for purposes of subparagraph (A), that the individual is a citizen or national of the United States, an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or an alien who is authorized under this Act or by the Secretary of Homeland Security to be hired, recruited, or referred for such employment. Such attestation may be manifested by either a handwritten or electronic signature. The individual shall also provide that individual’s social security account number or United States passport number (if the individual claims to have been issued such a number), and, if the individual does not attest to United States nationality under this subparagraph, such identification or authorization number established by the Department of Homeland Security for the alien as the Secretary may specify.

After completion of such form in accordance with subparagraphs (A) and (B), the person or entity shall—

(I) retain a paper, microfiche, microfilm, or electronic version of the form and make it available for inspection by officers of the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, or the Department of Labor during a period beginning on the date of the recruiting or referral of the individual, or, in the case of the hiring of an individual, the date on which the verification is completed, and ending—

(aa) in the case of the recruiting or referral of an individual, 3 years after the date of the recruiting or referral; and

(bb) in the case of the hiring of an individual, the later of 3 years after the date the ver­i­fi­ca­tion is completed or one year after the date the individual’s employment is terminated; and

(II) during the verification period (as defined in subparagraph (E)), make an inquiry, as provided in subsection (d), using the verification system to seek verification of the identity and employment eligibility of an individual.

If the person or other entity receives an appropriate confirmation of an individual’s identity and work eligibility under the verification system within the time period specified, the person or entity shall record on the form an appropriate code that is provided under the system and that indicates a final confirmation of such identity and work eligibility of the individual.

If the person or other entity receives a tentative nonconfirmation of an individual’s identity or work eligibility under the verification system within the time period specified, the person or entity shall so inform the individual for whom the verification is sought. If the individual does not contest the nonconfirmation within the time period specified, the nonconfirmation shall be considered final. The person or entity shall then record on the form an appropriate code which has been provided under the system to indicate a final nonconfirmation. If the individual does contest the nonconfirmation, the individual shall utilize the process for secondary verification provided under subsection (d). The nonconfirmation will remain tentative until a final confirmation or nonconfirmation is provided by the ver­i­fi­ca­tion system within the time period specified. In no case shall an employer terminate employment of an individual because of a failure of the individual to have identity and work eligibility confirmed under this section until a nonconfirmation becomes final. Nothing in this clause shall apply to a termination of employment for any reason other than because of such a failure. In no case shall an employer rescind the offer of employment to an individual because of a failure of the individual to have identity and work eligibility confirmed under this subsection until a nonconfirmation becomes final. Nothing in this subclause shall apply to a recission of the offer of employment for any reason other than because of such a failure.

If a final confirmation or nonconfirmation is provided by the verification system regarding an individual, the person or entity shall record on the form an appropriate code that is provided under the system and that indicates a confirmation or nonconfirmation of identity and work eligibility of the individual.

If the person or other entity in good faith attempts to make an inquiry during the time period specified and the verification system has registered that not all inquiries were received during such time, the person or entity may make an inquiry in the first subsequent working day in which the verification system registers that it has received all inquiries. If the verification system cannot receive inquiries at all times during a day, the person or entity merely has to assert that the entity attempted to make the inquiry on that day for the previous sentence to apply to such an inquiry, and does not have to provide any additional proof concerning such inquiry.

If the person or other entity has received a final nonconfirmation regarding an individual, the person or entity may terminate employment of the individual (or decline to recruit or refer the individual). If the person or entity does not terminate employment of the individual or proceeds to recruit or refer the individual, the person or entity shall notify the Secretary of Homeland Security of such fact through the verification system or in such other manner as the Secretary may specify.

If the person or entity fails to provide notice with respect to an individual as required under item (aa), the failure is deemed to constitute a violation of subsection (a)(1)(A) with respect to that individual.

If the person or other entity continues to employ (or to recruit or refer) an individual after receiving final nonconfirmation, a rebuttable presumption is created that the person or entity has violated subsection (a)(1)(A).

Except as provided in clause (iii), the provisions of this paragraph shall apply to a person or other entity hiring an individual for employment in the United States as follows:

(I) With respect to employers having 10,000 or more employees in the United States on the date of the enactment of the Legal Workforce Act, on the date that is 6 months after the date of the enactment of such Act.

(II) With respect to employers having 500 or more employees in the United States, but less than 10,000 employees in the United States, on the date of the enactment of the Legal Workforce Act, on the date that is 12 months after the date of the enactment of such Act.

(III) With respect to employers having 20 or more employees in the United States, but less than 500 employees in the United States, on the date of the enactment of the Legal Workforce Act, on the date that is 18 months after the date of the enactment of such Act.

(IV) With respect to employers having one or more employees in the United States, but less than 20 employees in the United States, on the date of the enactment of the Legal Workforce Act, on the date that is 24 months after the date of the enactment of such Act.

Except as provided in clause (iii), the provisions of this paragraph shall apply to a person or other entity recruiting or referring an individual for employment in the United States on the date that is 12 months after the date of the enactment of the Legal Workforce Act.

With respect to an employee performing agricultural labor or services, this paragraph shall not apply with respect to the verification of the employee until the date that is 30 months after the date of the enactment of the Legal Workforce Act. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term agricultural labor or services has the meaning given such term by the Secretary of Agriculture in regulations and includes agricultural labor as defined in section 3121(g) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, agriculture as defined in section 3(f) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203(f)), the handling, planting, drying, packing, packaging, processing, freezing, or grading prior to delivery for storage of any agricultural or horticultural commodity in its unmanufactured state, all activities required for the preparation, processing or manufacturing of a product of agriculture (as such term is defined in such section 3(f)) for further distribution, and activities similar to all the foregoing as they relate to fish or shellfish facilities. An employee described in this clause shall not be counted for purposes of clause (i).

Upon request by an employer having 50 or fewer employees, the Secretary shall allow a one-time 6-month extension of the effective date set out in this subparagraph applicable to such employer. Such request shall be made to the Secretary and shall be made prior to such effective date.

Subject to paragraph (4), the following shall apply to a person or other entity hiring, recruiting, or referring an individual for employment in the United States until the effective date or dates applicable under clauses (i) through (iii):

(I) This subsection, as in effect before the enactment of the Legal Workforce Act.

(II) Subtitle A of title IV of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1324a note), as in effect before the effective date in section 6107(c) of the Legal Workforce Act.

(III) Any other provision of Federal law requiring the person or entity to participate in the E-Verify Program described in section 403(a) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1324a note), as in effect before the effective date in section 6107(c) of the Legal Workforce Act, including Executive Order 13465 (8 U.S.C. 1324a note; relating to Government procurement).

For purposes of this paragraph:

(I) In the case of recruitment or referral, the term verification period means the period ending on the date recruiting or referring commences.

(II) In the case of hiring, the term verification period means the period beginning on the date on which an offer of employment is extended and ending on the date that is three business days after the date of hire, except as provided in clause (iii). The offer of employment may be conditioned in accordance with clause (ii).

A person or other entity may offer a prospective employee an employment position that is conditioned on final verification of the identity and employment eligibility of the employee using the procedures established under this paragraph.

Not­with­stand­ing clause (i)(II), in the case of an alien who is authorized for employment and who provides evidence from the Social Security Administration that the alien has applied for a social security account number, the verification period ends three business days after the alien receives the social security account number.

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a person or entity shall make an inquiry, as provided in subsection (d), using the verification system to seek re­ver­i­fi­ca­tion of the identity and employment eligibility of all individuals with a limited period of work authorization employed by the person or entity during the three business days after the date on which the employee's work authorization expires as follows:

(i) With respect to employers having 10,000 or more employees in the United States on the date of the enactment of the Legal Workforce Act, beginning on the date that is 6 months after the date of the enactment of such Act.

(ii) With respect to employers having 500 or more employees in the United States, but less than 10,000 employees in the United States, on the date of the enactment of the Legal Workforce Act, beginning on the date that is 12 months after the date of the enactment of such Act.

(iii) With respect to employers having 20 or more employees in the United States, but less than 500 employees in the United States, on the date of the enactment of the Legal Workforce Act, beginning on the date that is 18 months after the date of the enactment of such Act.

(iv) With respect to employers having one or more employees in the United States, but less than 20 employees in the United States, on the date of the enactment of the Legal Workforce Act, beginning on the date that is 24 months after the date of the enactment of such Act.

With respect to an employee performing agricultural labor or services, or an employee recruited or referred by a farm labor contractor (as defined in section 3 of the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (29 U.S.C. 1801)), subparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to the reverification of the employee until the date that is 30 months after the date of the enactment of the Legal Workforce Act. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term agricultural labor or services has the meaning given such term by the Secretary of Agriculture in regulations and includes agricultural labor as defined in section 3121(g) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, agriculture as defined in section 3(f) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203(f)), the handling, planting, drying, packing, packaging, processing, freezing, or grading prior to delivery for storage of any agricultural or horticultural commodity in its unmanufactured state, all activities required for the preparation, processing, or manufacturing of a product of agriculture (as such term is defined in such section 3(f)) for further distribution, and activities similar to all the foregoing as they relate to fish or shellfish facilities. An employee described in this subparagraph shall not be counted for purposes of subparagraph (A).

Paragraph (1)(C)(ii) shall apply to reverifications pursuant to this paragraph on the same basis as it applies to verifications pursuant to paragraph (1), except that employers shall—

(i) use a form designated or established by the Secretary by regulation for purposes of this paragraph; and

(ii) retain a paper, microfiche, microfilm, or electronic version of the form and make it available for inspection by officers of the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, or the Department of Labor during the period beginning on the date the reverification commences and ending on the date that is the later of 3 years after the date of such reverification or 1 year after the date the individual’s employment is terminated.

Not later than the date that is 6 months after the date of the enactment of the Legal Workforce Act, an employer shall make an inquiry, as provided in subsection (d), using the verification system to seek verification of the identity and employment eligibility of any individual described in clause (ii) employed by the employer whose employment eligibility has not been verified under the E-Verify Program described in section 403(a) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1324a note).

An individual described in this clause is any of the following:

(I) An employee of any unit of a Federal, State, or local government.

(II) An employee who requires a Federal security clearance working in a Federal, State, or local government building, a military base, a nuclear energy site, a weapons site, or an airport or other facility that requires workers to carry a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

(III) An employee assigned to perform work in the United States under a Federal contract, except that this subclause—

(aa) is not applicable to individuals who have a clearance under Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD 12 clearance), are administrative or overhead personnel, or are working solely on contracts that provide Commercial Off The Shelf goods or services as set forth by the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council, unless they are subject to verification under subclause (II); and

(bb) only applies to contracts over the simple acquisition threshold as defined in section 2.101 of title 48, Code of Federal Regulations.

In the case of an employer who is required by this subsection to use the verification system described in subsection (d), or has elected voluntarily to use such system, the employer shall make inquiries to the system in accordance with the following:

(i) The Commissioner of Social Security shall notify annually employees (at the employee address listed on the Wage and Tax Statement) who submit a social security account number to which more than one employer reports income and for which there is a pattern of unusual multiple use. The notification letter shall identify the number of employers to which income is being reported as well as sufficient information notifying the employee of the process to contact the Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline if the employee believes the employee’s identity may have been stolen. The notice shall not share information protected as private, in order to avoid any recipient of the notice from being in the position to further commit or begin committing identity theft.

(ii) If the person to whom the social security account number was issued by the Social Security Administration has been identified and confirmed by the Commissioner, and indicates that the social security account number was used without their knowledge, the Secretary and the Commissioner shall lock the social security account number for employment eligibility verification purposes and shall notify the employers of the individuals who wrongfully submitted the social security account number that the employee may not be work-eligible.

(iii) Each employer receiving such notification of an incorrect social security account number under clause (ii) shall use the verification system described in subsection (d) to check the work eligibility status of the applicable employee within 10 business days of receipt of the notification.

Subject to paragraph (2), and subparagraphs (A) through (C) of this paragraph, beginning on the date that is 30 days after the date of the enactment of the Legal Workforce Act, an employer may make an inquiry, as provided in subsection (d), using the verification system to seek verification of the identity and employment eligibility of any individual employed by the employer. If an employer chooses voluntarily to seek verification of any individual employed by the employer, the employer shall seek verification of all individuals employed at the same geographic location or, at the option of the employer, all individuals employed within the same job category, as the employee with respect to whom the employer seeks voluntarily to use the verification system. An employer’s decision about whether or not voluntarily to seek verification of its current workforce under this subparagraph may not be considered by any government agency in any proceeding, investigation, or review provided for in this Act.

Paragraph (1)(C)(ii) shall apply to verifications pursuant to this paragraph on the same basis as it applies to verifications pursuant to paragraph (1), except that employers shall—

(i) use a form designated or established by the Secretary by regulation for purposes of this paragraph; and

(ii) retain a paper, microfiche, microfilm, or electronic version of the form and make it available for inspection by officers of the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, or the Department of Labor during the period beginning on the date the verification commences and ending on the date that is the later of 3 years after the date of such verification or 1 year after the date the individual’s employment is terminated.

Notwithstanding the deadlines in paragraphs (1) and (2), beginning on the date of the enactment of the Legal Workforce Act, the Secretary is authorized to commence requiring employers required to participate in the E-Verify Program described in section 403(a) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1324a note), including employers required to participate in such program by reason of Federal acquisition laws (and regulations promulgated under those laws, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation), to commence compliance with the requirements of this subsection (and any additional requirements of such Federal acquisition laws and regulation) in lieu of any requirement to participate in the E-Verify Program.

Notwithstanding the deadlines in paragraphs (1) and (2), beginning on the date of the enactment of the Legal Workforce Act, the Secretary shall provide for the voluntary compliance with the requirements of this subsection by employers voluntarily electing to participate in the E-Verify Program described in section 403(a) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1324a note) before such date, as well as by other employers seeking voluntary early compliance.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the person or entity may copy a document presented by an individual pursuant to this subsection and may retain the copy, but only (except as otherwise permitted under law) for the purpose of complying with the requirements of this subsection.

A form designated or established by the Secretary of Homeland Security under this subsection and any information contained in or appended to such form, may not be used for purposes other than for enforcement of this Act and any other provision of Federal criminal law.

Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a person or entity is considered to have complied with a requirement of this subsection notwithstanding a technical or procedural failure to meet such requirement if there was a good faith attempt to comply with the requirement.

Subparagraph (A) shall not apply if—

(i) the failure is not de minimis;

(ii) the Secretary of Homeland Security has explained to the person or entity the basis for the failure and why it is not de minimis;

(iii) the person or entity has been provided a period of not less than 30 calendar days (beginning after the date of the explanation) within which to correct the failure; and

(iv) the person or entity has not corrected the failure voluntarily within such period.

Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to a person or entity that has or is engaging in a pattern or practice of violations of subsection (a)(1)(A) or (a)(2).

In a case in which the Secretary of Homeland Security has certified to the Congress that the employment eligibility verification system required under subsection (d) will not be fully operational by the date that is 6 months after the date of the enactment of the Legal Workforce Act, each deadline established under this section for an employer to make an inquiry using such system shall be extended by 6 months. No other extension of such a deadline shall be made except as authorized under paragraph (1)(D)(iv).

Section 274A(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a(h)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

As used in this section, the term date of hire means the date of actual commencement of employment for wages or other remuneration, unless otherwise specified.

Section 274A(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a(d)) is amended to read as follows:

Patterned on the employment eligibility confirmation system established under section 404 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1324a note), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish and administer a verification system through which the Secretary (or a designee of the Secretary, which may be a nongovernmental entity)—

(A) responds to inquiries made by persons at any time through a toll-free telephone line and other toll-free electronic media concerning an individual’s identity and whether the individual is authorized to be employed; and

(B) maintains records of the inquiries that were made, of verifications provided (or not provided), and of the codes provided to inquirers as evidence of their compliance with their obligations under this section.

The verification system shall provide confirmation or a tentative nonconfirmation of an individual’s identity and employment eligibility within 3 working days of the initial inquiry. If providing confirmation or tentative nonconfirmation, the verification system shall provide an appropriate code indicating such confirmation or such nonconfirmation.

In cases of tentative nonconfirmation, the Secretary shall specify, in consultation with the Commissioner of Social Security, an available secondary verification process to confirm the validity of information provided and to provide a final confirmation or nonconfirmation not later than 10 working days after the date on which the notice of the tentative nonconfirmation is received by the employee. The Secretary, in consultation with the Commissioner, may extend this deadline once on a case-by-case basis for a period of 10 working days, and if the time is extended, shall document such extension within the verification system. The Secretary, in consultation with the Commissioner, shall notify the employee and employer of such extension. The Secretary, in consultation with the Commissioner, shall create a standard process of such extension and notification and shall make a description of such process available to the public. When final confirmation or nonconfirmation is provided, the verification system shall provide an appropriate code indicating such confirmation or nonconfirmation.

The verification system shall be designed and operated—

(A) to maximize its reliability and ease of use by persons and other entities consistent with insulating and protecting the privacy and security of the underlying information;

(B) to respond to all inquiries made by such persons and entities on whether individuals are authorized to be employed and to register all times when such inquiries are not received;

(C) with appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to prevent unauthorized disclosure of personal information;

(D) to have reasonable safeguards against the system’s resulting in unlawful discriminatory practices based on national origin or citizenship status, including—

(i) the selective or unauthorized use of the system to verify eligibility; or

(ii) the exclusion of certain individuals from consideration for employment as a result of a perceived likelihood that additional verification will be required, beyond what is required for most job applicants;

(E) to maximize the prevention of identity theft use in the system; and

(F) to limit the subjects of verification to the following individuals:

(i) Individuals hired, referred, or recruited, in accordance with paragraph (1) or (4) of subsection (b).

(ii) Employees and prospective employees, in accordance with paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (4) of subsection (b).

(iii) Individuals seeking to confirm their own employment eligibility on a voluntary basis.

As part of the verification system, the Commissioner of Social Security, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security (and any designee of the Secretary selected to establish and administer the verification system), shall establish a reliable, secure method, which, within the time periods specified under paragraphs (2) and (3), compares the name and social security account number provided in an inquiry against such information maintained by the Commissioner in order to validate (or not validate) the information provided regarding an individual whose identity and employment eligibility must be confirmed, the correspondence of the name and number, and whether the individual has presented a social security account number that is not valid for employment. The Commissioner shall not disclose or release social security information (other than such confirmation or nonconfirmation) under the verification system except as provided for in this section or section 205(c)(2)(I) of the Social Security Act.

As part of the verification system, the Secretary of Homeland Security (in consultation with any designee of the Secretary selected to establish and administer the verification system), shall establish a reliable, secure method, which, within the time periods specified under paragraphs (2) and (3), compares the name and alien identification or authorization number (or any other information as determined relevant by the Secretary) which are provided in an inquiry against such information maintained or accessed by the Secretary in order to validate (or not validate) the information provided, the correspondence of the name and number, whether the alien is authorized to be employed in the United States, or to the extent that the Secretary determines to be feasible and appropriate, whether the records available to the Secretary verify the identity or status of a national of the United States.

The Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall update their information in a manner that promotes the maximum accuracy and shall provide a process for the prompt correction of erroneous information, including instances in which it is brought to their attention in the secondary verification process described in paragraph (3).

Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize, directly or indirectly, the issuance or use of national identification cards or the establishment of a national identification card.

The Secretary may authorize or direct any person or entity responsible for granting access to, protecting, securing, operating, administering, or regulating part of the critical infrastructure (as defined in section 1016(e) of the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act of 2001 (42 U.S.C. 5195c(e))) to use the verification system to the extent the Secretary determines that such use will assist in the protection of the critical infrastructure.

If an individual alleges that the individual would not have been dismissed from a job but for an error of the verification mechanism, the individual may seek compensation only through the mechanism of the Federal Tort Claims Act, and injunctive relief to correct such error. No class action may be brought under this paragraph.

Section 274A(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a(a)) is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking for a fee;

(2) in paragraph (1), by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:

(B) to hire, continue to employ, or to recruit or refer for employment in the United States an individual without complying with the requirements of subsection (b).

(2) ; and

(3) in paragraph (2), by striking after hiring an alien for employment in accordance with paragraph (1), and inserting after complying with paragraph (1),.

Section 274A(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a(h)), as amended by section 1402(b) of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

As used in this section, the term refer means the act of sending or directing a person who is in the United States or transmitting documentation or information to another, directly or indirectly, with the intent of obtaining employment in the United States for such person. Only persons or entities referring for remuneration (whether on a retainer or contingency basis) are included in the definition, except that union hiring halls that refer union members or nonunion individuals who pay union membership dues are included in the definition whether or not they receive remuneration, as are labor service entities or labor service agencies, whether public, private, for-profit, or nonprofit, that refer, dispatch, or otherwise facilitate the hiring of laborers for any period of time by a third party. As used in this section, the term recruit means the act of soliciting a person who is in the United States, directly or indirectly, and referring the person to another with the intent of obtaining employment for that person. Only persons or entities referring for remuneration (whether on a retainer or contingency basis) are included in the definition, except that union hiring halls that refer union members or nonunion individuals who pay union membership dues are included in this definition whether or not they receive remuneration, as are labor service entities or labor service agencies, whether public, private, for-profit, or nonprofit that recruit, dispatch, or otherwise facilitate the hiring of laborers for any period of time by a third party.

The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, except that the amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act insofar as such amendments relate to continuation of employment.

Section 274A(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a(a)(3)) is amended to read as follows:

An employer (or person or entity that hires, employs, recruits, or refers (as defined in subsection (h)(5)), or is otherwise obligated to comply with this section) who establishes that it has complied in good faith with the requirements of subsection (b)—

(i) shall not be liable to a job applicant, an employee, the Federal Government, or a State or local government, under Federal, State, or local criminal or civil law for any employment-related action taken with respect to a job applicant or employee in good-faith reliance on information provided through the system established under subsection (d); and

(ii) has established compliance with its obligations under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) and subsection (b) absent a showing by the Secretary of Homeland Security, by clear and convincing evidence, that the employer had knowledge that an employee is an unauthorized alien.

For purposes of subparagraph (A)(i), if an employer proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the employer uses a reasonable, secure, and established technology to authenticate the identity of the new employee, that fact shall be taken into account for purposes of determining good faith use of the system established under subsection (d).

Subject to the effective dates and other deadlines applicable under subsection (b), in the case of a person or entity in the United States that hires, or continues to employ, an individual, or recruits or refers an individual for employment, the following requirements apply:

If the person or entity has not made an inquiry, under the mechanism established under subsection (d) and in accordance with the timeframes established under subsection (b), seeking verification of the identity and work eligibility of the individual, the defense under subparagraph (A) shall not be considered to apply with respect to any employment, except as provided in subclause (II).

If such a person or entity in good faith attempts to make an inquiry in order to qualify for the defense under subparagraph (A) and the verification mechanism has registered that not all inquiries were responded to during the relevant time, the person or entity can make an inquiry until the end of the first subsequent working day in which the verification mechanism registers no nonresponses and qualify for such defense.

If the person or entity has made the inquiry described in clause (i)(I) but has not received an appropriate verification of such identity and work eligibility under such mechanism within the time period specified under subsection (d)(2) after the time the verification inquiry was received, the defense under subparagraph (A) shall not be considered to apply with respect to any employment after the end of such time period.

Section 274A(h)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a(h)(2)) is amended to read as follows:

The provisions of this section preempt any State or local law, ordinance, policy, or rule, including any criminal or civil fine or penalty structure, insofar as they may now or hereafter relate to the hiring, continued employment, or status verification for employment eligibility purposes, of unauthorized aliens.

A State, locality, municipality, or political subdivision may exercise its authority over business licensing and similar laws as a penalty for failure to use the verification system described in subsection (d) to verify employment eligibility when and as required under subsection (b).

A State, at its own cost, may enforce the provisions of this section, but only insofar as such State follows the Federal regulations implementing this section, applies the Federal penalty structure set out in this section, and complies with all Federal rules and guidance concerning implementation of this section. Such State may collect any fines assessed under this section. An employer may not be subject to enforcement, including audit and investigation, by both a Federal agency and a State for the same violation under this section. Whichever entity, the Federal agency or the State, is first to initiate the enforcement action, has the right of first refusal to proceed with the enforcement action. The Secretary must provide copies of all guidance, training, and field instructions provided to Federal officials implementing the provisions of this section to each State.

Subtitle A of title IV of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1324a note) is repealed.

Any reference in any Federal law, Executive order, rule, regulation, or delegation of authority, or any document of, or pertaining to, the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, or the Social Security Administration, to the employment eligibility confirmation system established under section 404 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1324a note) is deemed to refer to the employment eligibility confirmation system established under section 274A(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended by section 1403 of this Act.

This section shall take effect on the date that is 30 months after the date of the enactment of this Act.

The table of sections, in section 1(d) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, is amended by striking the items relating to subtitle A of title IV.

Section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a) is amended—

(1) in subsection (e)(1)—

(A) by striking Attorney General each place such term appears and inserting Secretary of Homeland Security; and

(B) in subparagraph (D), by striking Service and inserting Department of Homeland Security;

(2) in subsection (e)(4)—

(A) in subparagraph (A), in the matter before clause (i), by inserting, subject to paragraph (10), after in an amount;

(B) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking not less than $250 and not more than $2,000 and inserting not less than $2,500 and not more than $5,000;

(C) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking not less than $2,000 and not more than $5,000 and inserting not less than $5,000 and not more than $10,000;

(D) in subparagraph (A)(iii), by striking not less than $3,000 and not more than $10,000 and inserting not less than $10,000 and not more than $25,000; and

(E) by moving the margin of the continuation text following subparagraph (B) two ems to the left and by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:

(B) may require the person or entity to take such other remedial action as is appropriate.

(3) in subsection (e)(5)—

(A) in the paragraph heading, strike paperwork;

(B) by inserting, subject to paragraphs (10) through (12), after in an amount;

(C) by striking $100 and inserting $1,000;

(D) by striking $1,000 and inserting $25,000; and

(E) by adding at the end the following: Failure by a person or entity to utilize the employment eligibility verification system as required by law, or providing information to the system that the person or entity knows or reasonably believes to be false, shall be treated as a violation of subsection (a)(1)(A).;

(4) by adding at the end of subsection (e) the following:

In the case of imposition of a civil penalty under paragraph (4)(A) with respect to a violation of subsection (a)(1)(A) or (a)(2) for hiring or continuation of employment or recruitment or referral by person or entity and in the case of imposition of a civil penalty under paragraph (5) for a violation of subsection (a)(1)(B) for hiring or recruitment or referral by a person or entity, the penalty otherwise imposed may be waived or reduced if the violator establishes that the violator acted in good faith.

For purposes of paragraph (4), the size of the business shall be taken into account when assessing the level of civil money penalty.

If a person or entity is determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security to be a repeat violator of paragraph (1)(A) or (2) of subsection (a), or is convicted of a crime under this section, such person or entity may be considered for debarment from the receipt of Federal contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements in accordance with the debarment standards and pursuant to the debarment procedures set forth in the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

If the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General wishes to have a person or entity considered for debarment in accordance with this paragraph, and such a person or entity does not hold a Federal contract, grant, or cooperative agreement, the Secretary or Attorney General shall refer the matter to the Administrator of General Services to determine whether to list the person or entity on the List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement, and if so, for what duration and under what scope.

If the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General wishes to have a person or entity considered for debarment in accordance with this paragraph, and such person or entity holds a Federal contract, grant, or cooperative agreement, the Secretary or Attorney General shall advise all agencies or departments holding a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement with the person or entity of the Government’s interest in having the person or entity considered for debarment, and after soliciting and considering the views of all such agencies and departments, the Secretary or Attorney General may refer the matter to any appropriate lead agency to determine whether to list the person or entity on the List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement, and if so, for what duration and under what scope.

Any decision to debar a person or entity in accordance with this paragraph shall be reviewable pursuant to part 9.4 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish an office—

(A) to which State and local government agencies may submit information indicating potential violations of subsection (a), (b), or (g)(1) that were generated in the normal course of law enforcement or the normal course of other official activities in the State or locality;

(B) that is required to indicate to the complaining State or local agency within five business days of the filing of such a complaint by identifying whether the Secretary will further investigate the information provided;

(C) that is required to investigate those complaints filed by State or local government agencies that, on their face, have a substantial probability of validity;

(D) that is required to notify the complaining State or local agency of the results of any such investigation conducted; and

(E) that is required to report to the Congress annually the number of complaints received under this paragraph, the States and localities that filed such complaints, and the resolution of the complaints investigated by the Secretary.

(4) ; and

(5) by amending paragraph (1) of subsection (f) to read as follows:

Any person or entity which engages in a pattern or practice of violations of subsection (a) (1) or (2) shall be fined not more than $5,000 for each unauthorized alien with respect to which such a violation occurs, imprisoned for not more than 18 months, or both, notwithstanding the provisions of any other Federal law relating to fine levels.

Section 1546(b) of title 18, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1), by striking identification document, and inserting identification document or document meant to establish work authorization (including the documents described in section 274A(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act),; and

(2) in paragraph (2), by striking identification document and inserting identification document or document meant to establish work authorization (including the documents described in section 274A(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act),.

Effective for not later than two years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall enter into and maintain an agreement which shall—

(1) provide funds to the Commissioner for the full costs of the responsibilities of the Commissioner under section 274A(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a(d)), as amended by section 1403 of this Act, including (but not limited to)—

(A) acquiring, installing, and maintaining technological equipment and systems necessary for the fulfillment of the responsibilities of the Commissioner under such section 274A(d), but only that portion of such costs that are attributable exclusively to such responsibilities; and

(B) responding to individuals who contest a tentative nonconfirmation provided by the employment eligibility verification system established under such section;

(2) provide such funds annually in advance of the applicable quarter based on estimating methodology agreed to by the Commissioner and the Secretary (except in such instances where the delayed enactment of an annual appropriation may preclude such quarterly payments); and

(3) require an annual accounting and reconciliation of the actual costs incurred and the funds provided under the agreement, which shall be reviewed by the Inspectors General of the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.

In any case in which the agreement required under subsection (a) for any fiscal year beginning not later than two years after the date of enactment of this Act, has not been reached as of October 1 of such fiscal year, the latest agreement between the Commissioner and the Secretary of Homeland Security providing for funding to cover the costs of the responsibilities of the Commissioner under section 274A(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a(d)) shall be deemed in effect on an interim basis for such fiscal year until such time as an agreement required under subsection (a) is subsequently reached, except that the terms of such interim agreement shall be modified by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to adjust for inflation and any increase or decrease in the volume of requests under the employment eligibility verification system. In any case in which an interim agreement applies for any fiscal year under this subsection, the Commissioner and the Secretary shall, not later than October 1 of such fiscal year, notify the Committee on Ways and Means, the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance, the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate of the failure to reach the agreement required under subsection (a) for such fiscal year. Until such time as the agreement required under subsection (a) has been reached for such fiscal year, the Commissioner and the Secretary shall, not later than the end of each 90-day period after October 1 of such fiscal year, notify such Committees of the status of negotiations between the Commissioner and the Secretary in order to reach such an agreement.

The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Commissioner of Social Security, shall establish a program in which social security account numbers that have been identified to be subject to unusual multiple use in the employment eligibility verification system established under section 274A(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a(d)), as amended by section 1403 of this Act, or that are otherwise suspected or determined to have been compromised by identity fraud or other misuse, shall be blocked from use for such system purposes unless the individual using such number is able to establish, through secure and fair additional security procedures, that the individual is the legitimate holder of the number.

The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Commissioner of Social Security, shall establish a program which shall provide a reliable, secure method by which victims of identity fraud and other individuals may suspend or limit the use of their social security account number or other identifying information for purposes of the employment eligibility verification system established under section 274A(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a(d)), as amended by section 1403 of this Act. The Secretary may implement the program on a limited pilot program basis before making it fully available to all individuals.

The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Commissioner of Social Security, shall establish a program which shall provide a reliable, secure method by which parents or legal guardians may suspend or limit the use of the social security account number or other identifying information of a minor under their care for the purposes of the employment eligibility verification system established under 274A(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a(d)), as amended by section 1403 of this Act. The Secretary may implement the program on a limited pilot program basis before making it fully available to all individuals.

An employer who uses the photo matching tool used as part of the E-Verify System shall match the photo tool photograph to both the photograph on the identity or employment eligibility document provided by the employee and to the face of the employee submitting the document for employment verification purposes.

Not later than 24 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security, after consultation with the Commissioner of Social Security and the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, shall establish by regulation not less than 2 Identity Authentication Employment Eligibility Verification pilot programs, each using a separate and distinct technology (the Authentication Pilots). The purpose of the Authentication Pilots shall be to provide for identity authentication and employment eligibility ver­i­fi­ca­tion with respect to enrolled new employees which shall be available to any employer that elects to participate in either of the Authentication Pilots. Any participating employer may cancel the employer’s participation in the Authentication Pilot after one year after electing to participate without prejudice to future participation. The Secretary shall report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate the Secretary’s findings on the Authentication Pilots, including the authentication technologies chosen, not later than 12 months after commencement of the Authentication Pilots.

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Social Security Administration shall complete audits of the following categories in order to uncover evidence of individuals who are not authorized to work in the United States:

(1) Workers who dispute wages reported on their social security account number when they believe someone else has used such number and name to report wages.

(2) Children’s social security account numbers used for work purposes.

(3) Employers whose workers present significant numbers of mismatched social security account numbers or names for wage reporting.

The Inspector General of the Social Security Administration shall submit the audits completed under subsection (a) to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate for review of the evidence of individuals who are not authorized to work in the United States. The Chairmen of those Committees shall then determine information to be shared with the Secretary of Homeland Security so that such Secretary can investigate the unauthorized employment demonstrated by such evidence.

Subtitle C of title IV of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 231 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

Not later than 12 months after the effective date of this section, the Secretary shall establish not fewer than 3 humanitarian campuses located in high traffic sectors of U.S. Border Patrol, as determined by the Secretary, along the southern border land border of the United States (referred to in this section as a humanitarian campus).

The humanitarian campuses shall carry out processing and management activities for asylum seekers apprehended at the border, including—

(A) criminal history checks;

(B) identity verification;

(C) biometrics collection and analysis;

(D) medical screenings;

(E) asylum interviews and credible fear determinations under section 235 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1225) and reasonable fear determinations under section 241(b)(3)(B) of that Act (8 U.S.C. 1231(b)(3)(B));

(F) facilitating coordination and communication between Federal entities and nongovernmental organizations that are directly involved in providing assistance to aliens;

(G) legal orientation programming and communication between aliens and outside legal counsel;

(H) issuance of legal documents relating to immigration court proceedings of aliens; and

(I) any other activity the Secretary considers appropriate.

In conducting asylum interviews and credible fear determinations under section 235 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1225) and reasonable fear determinations under section 241(b)(3)(B) of that Act (8 U.S.C. 1231(b)(3)(B)), the officer shall consider, in addition to whether the alien has a credible fear of persecution, whether the alien may be prima facie eligible for any other form of relief from removal, including—

(A) withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) or any cause or claim under the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment;

(B) status under subparagraph (T) or (U) of section 101(a)(15);

(C) special immigrant juvenile status;

(D) family reunification pursuant to an approved I–130 petition; and

(E) any other basis for relief from removal under the immigration laws.

The humanitarian campuses shall include—

(1) personnel assigned from—

(A) U.S. Customs and Border Protection;

(B) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement;

(C) the Federal Emergency Management Agency;

(D) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; and

(E) the Office of Refugee Resettlement;

(2) upon agreement with an applicable Federal agency, personnel from such Federal agency who are assigned to the humanitarian campus;

(3) sufficient medical staff, including physicians specializing in pediatric or family medicine, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants;

(4) licensed social workers;

(5) mental health professionals;

(6) child advocates appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 235(c)(6)(B) of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (8 U.S.C. 1232(c)(6)(B));

(7) sufficient space to carry out the processing, management, and legal orientation activities described in subsection (b);

(8) sufficient consumables, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, other personal hygiene supplies, clothing, and baby products;

(9) sufficient recreational space for children and families;

(10) access to legal resources, including law books, that would permit an individual without legal counsel to prepare for an asylum hearing; and

(11) sufficient visitation space for non-legal visits, as well as access to secure and confidential telephone and video teleconferencing facilities, for which they may not be charged a price higher than cost to operate.

Each criminal history check carried out under subsection (b)(1) shall be conducted using a set of fingerprints or other biometric identifier obtained from—

(1) the Federal Bureau of Investigation;

(2) the criminal history repositories of all States that the individual listed as a current or former residence; and

(3) any other appropriate Federal or State database resource or repository, as determined by the Secretary.

Subject to operational and spatial availability, in the event of a major disaster or emergency declared under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) or any homeland security crisis requiring the establishment of a departmental Joint Task Force under section 708(b), the Secretary may temporarily utilize a humanitarian campus to carry out operations relating to such declaration or crisis.

The Department may accept donations from private entities, nongovernmental organizations, and other groups independent of the Federal Government for the care of children and family units at a humanitarian campus, including—

(1) medical goods and services;

(2) school supplies;

(3) toys;

(4) clothing; and

(5) any other item intended to promote the well-being of such children and family units.

Private entities and nongovernmental organizations that are directly involved in providing humanitarian or legal assistance to families and individuals encountered by the Department along the southwest border of the United States, or organizations that provide assistance to individuals, shall have access to humanitarian campuses for purposes of—

(A) legal orientation programming;

(B) providing case management services or establishing case management services;

(C) coordination with the Department with respect to the care of families and individuals held in humanitarian campuses, including the care of families and individuals who are released or scheduled to be released;

(D) communication between aliens and outside legal counsel;

(E) the provision of humanitarian assistance; and

(F) any other purpose the Secretary considers appropriate.

Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register procedures relating to access to humanitarian campuses under paragraph (1) that ensure—

(A) the safety of personnel of, and aliens in, humanitarian campuses; and

(B) the orderly management and operation of humanitarian campuses.

Aliens in a humanitarian campus shall have access to legal counsel in accordance with section 292 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1362), including the opportunity to consult with counsel before any legally determinative aspect of the asylum process occurs.

The Secretary shall develop written procedures to permit aliens in a humanitarian campus to visit with, and make free confidential telephone calls to, legal representatives and legal services providers and to receive incoming calls from legal representatives and legal services providers, in a private and confidential space while in custody, for the purposes of retaining or consulting with counsel or obtaining legal advice from legal services providers.

An alien in a humanitarian campus shall be provided the opportunity to receive a complete legal orientation presentation administered by a nongovernmental organization in cooperation with the Executive Office for Immigration Review.

The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in consultation with the interagency coordinating council established under paragraph (2), shall operate the humanitarian campuses.

There is established an interagency coordinating committee for the purpose of coordinating operations and management of the humanitarian campuses.

The interagency coordinating committee shall be chaired by the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or his or her designee, and shall include representatives designated by the heads of the following agencies:

(i) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

(ii) The Federal Emergency Management Agency.

(iii) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

(iv) The Office of Refugee Resettlement.

(v) Any other agency that supplies personnel to the humanitarian campuses, upon agreement between the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the head of such other agency.

The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General shall—

(i) conduct unannounced inspections of the humanitarian campuses at least twice per year; and

(ii) on an annual basis, prepare and submit a report detailing compliance with subsection (g) that shall be posted on a public website.

Absent exceptional circumstances, aliens shall undergo a complete full screening under this section not later than 15 days after being processed at the campus, including screening for gang, cartel, or criminal affiliation, legal orientation, and initial credible fear interview.

Title II of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 208 the following:

In the case of any alien who enters the United States without lawful status after the date of enactment of this Act, the procedures described in this section shall apply.

On arrival to a humanitarian campus an alien shall be provided a mandatory rest period for 72 hours after initial processing of the alien occurs.

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that an alien who is subject to this section shall undergo an initial screening within 15 days after arrival at a humanitarian campus, including ensuring that each asylum seeker is able to make contact with legal counsel within the first week of arrival, prior to sitting for a credible fear interview.

In the case of aliens who successfully pass a credible fear interview, an asylum officer may triage cases and make final decisions on asylum cases within 45 days after an initial screening is completed under subsection (c). A secondary screening shall consist of the following:

(A) A positive credible fear interview shall be treated as an application for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture.

(B) A positive reasonable fear interview shall be treated as an application for withholding of removal or protection under the Convention against Torture, whichever is relevant to the asylum officer’s basis for finding a reasonable fear.

A two-person asylum officer panel conducting a secondary screening shall—

(A) deny or approve the application for asylum; and

(B) refer complex or uncertain asylum, withholding of removal, Convention Against Torture, or other cases in which an alien has been determined to be prima facie eligible for other forms of relief pursuant to section 437(b)(2) of this Act, to an immigration judge for a hearing under section 1229a of title 8, United States Code.

A secondary screening shall be conducted by a panel of two asylum officers at a humanitarian campus.

After conducting a secondary screening, the asylum officers shall each independently vote to approve the application, refer the application to an immigration judge as complex or uncertain, or deny the application.

(i) If both asylum officers vote to approve the application, it shall be approved.

(ii) If both asylum officers vote to deny the application, it shall be denied.

(iii) If there is disagreement, or both asylum officers vote to refer the application to an immigration judge, the application shall be referred to an immigration judge for a hearing under section 1229a of title 8, United States Code.

The officers shall prepare a written record of a secondary screening under subparagraph (B). Such record shall include a summary of the material facts, as stated by the applicant, such additional facts (if any) relied upon by the officers, and each officer’s analysis of why the alien has or has not established eligibility for asylum. A copy of each officer’s screening notes shall be attached to the written summary.

In secondary screenings under this subsection, under regulations of the Secretary of Homeland Security—

(i) the alien shall have the privilege of being represented, at no expense to the Federal Government, by counsel of the alien’s choosing; and

(ii) the alien shall have a reasonable opportunity to examine the evidence against the alien and to present evidence on the alien’s own behalf.

Any application for asylum of an alien that is denied under paragraph (3) shall be subject to expedited review upon request of the alien, not later than 7 days after such denial, by a two-asylum officer panel consisting of asylum officers other than the asylum officers who denied such application.

After reviewing the record of the secondary screening and any additional submission by the alien or the alien’s representative, the asylum officers shall each independently vote whether to uphold the appeal or deny the appeal. If both asylum officers vote to uphold the appeal, the alien’s application shall be approved. If both asylum officers vote to deny the application, the appeal shall be denied. If there is disagreement, the application shall be referred to an immigration judge for a hearing under section 1229a of title 8, United States Code.

In any expedited appeal, the alien shall—

(i) have the privilege of being represented, at no expense to the Federal Government, by counsel of the alien’s choosing; and

(ii) have a reasonable opportunity to submit evidence and make arguments as to why the decision made under paragraph (3) was incorrect.

Any decision to deny or approve an application under this section may not be subject to judicial review, except as provided in paragraphs (4) and (5).

In any circumstance in which new evidence or law related to the applicant arises during consideration, or a fundamental change in country conditions arises during consideration, an additional review may be conducted by an asylum officer within 7 days after such new evidence or law arises, or country conditions change.

An alien that is a member of a vulnerable population may request additional review.

A member of a vulnerable population includes any individual who is—

(i) a pregnant woman or a nursing mother;

(ii) a woman at disproportionate risk of sexual or gender-based violence, exploitation, or abuse;

(iii) a person at risk of violence due to their sexual orientation;

(iv) a person with a disability;

(v) an elderly person;

(vi) a person with urgent medical needs;

(vii) a stateless person; and

(viii) a person holding a valid humanitarian visa.

An additional review conducted with respect to an alien meeting the requirements of paragraph (3) or (4) may uphold the previous determination or be referred to an immigration judge for a final decision.

Any alien who is denied asylum status under this subsection shall be subject to expedited removal under section 235.

If referred to an immigration judge, the following shall apply:

In the case that an asylum officer refers a case to an immigration judge after a secondary or additional review, each alien subject to such referral shall receive a Notice to Appear and be permitted to leave the humanitarian campus. Each such alien shall be placed in a case management program.

Each alien in case management shall check in regularly with case officers and be consistently monitored in a manner which ensures the Department of Homeland Security’s ability to electronically verify each person’s location.

Any alien placed in case management who is an adult, parent, or legal guardian shall check in on a weekly basis using automated telephone technology that confirms the caller’s identity and location.

Absent extraordinary circumstances, any alien who fails to comply with the case management requirements under this subsection shall be denied asylum and subject to expedited removal under section 235.

In this section, the term humanitarian campus means the campus described in section 472 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002.

The amendment made by this section shall take effect as soon as practicable, but not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.

There may be established up to 3 facilities in the Western hemisphere that shall offer asylum prescreening and family reunification services.

If facilities are established under subsection (a), they shall be in geographically diverse locations such as—

(1) in South America, south of the Darien Province in Panama;

(2) in Central America; or

(3) in a country that participates in the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.

The facilities established under this section shall offer the following:

Asylum officers shall offer asylum pre-screenings, which may be conducted virtually.

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall develop an external family reunification process for unmarried sons and daughters under the age of 21 seeking to be reunited with any parent with legal status in the United States.

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that consultations are provided to aliens seeking to apply for legal work visas and assess other legal pathways to citizenship.

The Secretary of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Secretary of State, shall ensure individuals are provided with regional economic opportunities in areas in close proximity to the facilities established under this section.

Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall—

(1) initiate a Dominican Republic Family Reunification Program to process applications for parole for certain vetted individuals with already approved form I–130 petition for alien relative to be considered upon invitation, for parole, on a case by case basis, while they wait for their immigration visa; and

(2) prioritize applications described in paragraph (1) in the order in which they were received by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services before the date of the enactment of this Act.

In applying the Cuban Adjustment Act (Public Law 89–732; 8 U.S.C. 1255 note), an alien who was released into the United States under an order of release on recognizance by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on or before January 31, 2023, shall be considered to have been paroled into the United States.

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish quality assurance procedures and take steps to effectively ensure that questions by employees of the Department of Homeland Security exercising expedited removal authority under section 235(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1225(b)) are asked in a uniform manner, to the extent possible, and that both these questions and the answers provided in response to them are recorded in a uniform fashion.

Where practicable, any sworn or signed written statement taken of an alien as part of the record of a proceeding under section 235(b)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1225(b)(1)(A)) shall be accompanied by a recording of the interview which served as the basis for that sworn statement.

The Secretary shall ensure that a fluent interpreter, not affiliated with the government of the country from which the alien may claim asylum, is used when the interviewing officer does not speak a language that the alien is fluent in speaking.

There shall be an audio or audio visual recording of interviews of aliens subject to expedited removal. The recording shall be included in the record of proceeding and shall be considered as evidence in any further proceedings involving the alien.

Section 208(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1158(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), any alien who is granted asylum status under this Act, who, within 5 years after being granted such status, absent changed country conditions, subsequently returns to the country of such alien’s nationality or, in the case of an alien having no nationality, returns to any country in which such alien last habitually resided, and who applied for such status because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution in that country on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, shall have his or her status terminated.

The Secretary has discretion to waive subparagraph (A) if it is established to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the alien had a compelling reason for the return. The waiver may be sought prior to departure from the United States or upon return.

Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to lawful permanent residents.

Section 208(c)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1158(c)(3)) is amended by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: or (4).

Section 208(d)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1158(d)(4)) is amended—

(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting the Secretary of Homeland Security or before the Attorney General;

(2) in subparagraph (A), by striking and of the consequences, under paragraph (6), of knowingly filing a frivolous application for asylum; and and inserting a semicolon;

(3) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and inserting; and; and

(4) by adding at the end the following:

(C) ensure that a written warning appears on the asylum application advising the alien of the consequences of filing a frivolous application and serving as notice to the alien of the consequence of filing a frivolous application.

Section 208(d)(6) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1158(d)(6)) is amended by striking If the and all that follows and inserting:

(A) If the Attorney General determines that an alien has knowingly made a frivolous application for asylum and the alien has received the notice under paragraph (4)(C), the alien shall be permanently ineligible for any benefits under this chapter, effective as the date of the final determination of such an application.

(B) An application is frivolous if the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General determines, consistent with subparagraph (C), that any of the material elements are knowingly fabricated.

(C) In determining that an application is frivolous, the Secretary or the Attorney General, must be satisfied that the applicant, during the course of the proceedings, has had sufficient opportunity to clarify any discrepancies or implausible aspects of the claim.

(D) For purposes of this section, a finding that an alien filed a frivolous asylum application shall not preclude the alien from seeking withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) or protection pursuant to the Convention Against Torture.

Section 208(b)(1)(B)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1158(b)(1)(B)(iii)) is amended by inserting after all relevant factors the following:, including statements made to, and investigative reports prepared by, immigration authorities and other government officials.

Section 240(c)(4)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1229a(c)(4)(C)) is amended by inserting after all relevant factors the following:, including statements made to, and investigative reports prepared by, immigration authorities and other government officials.

Section 1001 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting at the end of the paragraph—

(d) Whoever, in any matter before the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General pertaining to asylum under section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act or withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of such Act, knowingly and willfully—

(1) makes any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or

(2) makes or uses any false writings or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry,

(d) shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.

Section 3291 of title 18, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by striking 1544, and inserting 1544, and section 1546,; and

(2) by striking offense. and inserting offense or within 10 years after the fraud is discovered..

Section 411(k)(1) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 211(k)) is amended—

(1) in subparagraph (D), by striking and at the end;

(2) in subparagraph (E)(iv), by striking the period at the end and inserting; and; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

(F) standard operating procedures regarding the detection, interdiction, inspection, processing, or transferring of alien children that officers and agents of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall employ in the execution of their duties.

Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall review and update the regulations under part 115 of title 6, Code of Federal Regulations, that set standards to prevent, detect, and respond to sexual abuse and assault in immigration holding facilities and other facilities under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security.

The Secretary shall review and update the regulations referred to in paragraph (1) not less frequently than once every 4 years.

The Department of Homeland Security may not prevent any of the following persons from entering, for the purpose of conducting oversight, any migration holding facility operated by or for the Department of Homeland Security used to house aliens or asylum seekers, or to make any temporary modification at any such facility that in any way alters what is observed by a visiting Member of Congress or such designated employee, compared to what would be observed in the absence of such modification:

(1) A Member of Congress.

(2) An employee of the United States House of Representatives or the United States Senate designated by such a Member for the purposes of this section.

Nothing in this section may be construed to require a Member of Congress to provide prior notice of the intent to enter a facility described in subsection (m) for the purpose of conducting oversight.

With respect to individuals described in subsection (c)(2), the Department of Homeland Security may require that a request be made at least 24 hours in advance of an intent to enter a facility described in subsection (c).

U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement shall update the Online Detainee Locator System not later than every 24 hours.

(1) Upon taking an individual into custody, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shall notify an immediate family member, relative, or individual designated by the detainee and provide the location of the facility where the detainee is currently held, as well as provide notification if the individual will be transferred to a facility, whether in the same State or in a different State.

(2) An individual detained in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody shall be provided the opportunity to call an immediate family member, relative, or individual designated by the detainee prior to being transferred to a different facility, and upon arrival at a facility, whether in the same State or in a different State.

Section 235(c)(3) of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (8 U.S.C. 1232(c)(3)) is amended—

(1) in subparagraph (A), in the first sentence, by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting subparagraphs (B) and (C);

(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively;

(3) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:

Before placing an unaccompanied alien child with an individual, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall—

(I) conduct a criminal history background check on the individual and each adult member of the individual’s household; and

(II) collect biometric samples in connection with any such background check.

Each biometric criminal history background check required under clause (i) shall be conducted through—

(aa) the Federal Bureau of Investigation;

(bb) criminal history repositories of each State the individual lists as a current or former residence; and

(cc) any other Federal or State database or repository the Secretary of Health and Human Services considers appropriate.

DNA analysis of a DNA sample collected under subclause (I) may be carried out with Rapid DNA instruments (as defined in section 3(c) of the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 (34 U.S.C. 40702(c))).

The Secretary of Health and Human Services may not release a fingerprint or DNA sample collected, or disclose the results of a fingerprint or DNA analysis conducted under this subparagraph, or any other information obtained pursuant to this section, to the Department of Homeland Security for any immigration enforcement purpose.

Not later than 14 days after receiving a request from the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide information necessary to conduct suitability assessments from appropriate Federal, State, and local law enforcement and immigration databases.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services may not place an unaccompanied alien child in the custody or household of an individual who has been convicted of, or is currently being tried for—

(I) a sex offense (as defined in section 111 of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (34 U.S.C. 20911));

(II) a crime involving severe forms of trafficking in persons (as defined in section 103 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7102));

(III) a crime of domestic violence (as defined in section 40002(a) of the Violence Against Women Act (34 U.S.C. 12291(a)));

(IV) a crime of child abuse and neglect (as defined in section 3 of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (Public Law 93–247; 42 U.S.C. 5101 note));

(V) murder, manslaughter, or an attempt to commit murder or manslaughter (within the meanings of such terms in sections 1111, 1112, and 1113 of title 18, United States Code); or

(VI) a crime involving receipt, distribution, or possession of a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct (within the meanings of such terms in section 2252 of title 18, United States Code).

(3) ; and

(4) by adding at the end the following:

Not later than 30 days after the date on which an unaccompanied alien child is released from the custody of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and every 60 days thereafter until the date on which a final decision has been issued in the removal proceedings of the child or such proceedings are terminated, or the unaccompanied alien child turns 18 years of age, the Secretary shall conduct a follow-up telephone call with the unaccompanied alien child and the child’s custodian or the primary point of contact for any other entity with which the child was placed.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall—

(i) require each custodian with whom an unaccompanied alien child is placed under this subsection to notify the Secretary with respect to any change in the unaccompanied alien child’s physical or mailing address, including any situation in which the unaccompanied alien child permanently departs the custodian’s residence, not later than 7 days after the date on which such change or departure occurs; and

(ii) develop and implement a system that permits custodians to submit notifications electronically with respect to a change of address.

Section 462(b)(1)(K) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 279(b)(1)(K)) is amended by striking; and and inserting

, including—

(i) the average length of time from apprehension to the child’s master calendar hearing, organized by the fiscal year in which the children were apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection;

(ii) the number of children identified under clause (i) who did and did not appear at master calendar hearings, including the percentage of children in each category who were represented by counsel;

(iii) the average length of time from apprehension to the child’s merits hearing, organized by the fiscal year in which the children were apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection;

(iv) the number of children identified under clause (i) who did and did not appear at merits hearings, including the percentage of children in each category who are represented by counsel; and

(v) the total number of well-being follow-up calls conducted under section 235 of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (8 U.S.C. 1232(c)(3)(E)) at each time interval following placement with a custodian or other entity, and the number of children that the Secretary of Health and Human Services is unable to contact at each interval, organized by the fiscal year in which the children were apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and

Unaccompanied alien children shall be processed and reunited with their sponsors in the United States in accordance with guidance outlined in the stipulated settlement agreement filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California on January 17, 1997 (CV 85–4544–RJK) (commonly known as the Flores settlement agreement).

Chapter 47 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

It shall be unlawful for a person to obtain custody of an unaccompanied alien child (as defined in section 462(g) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 279(g)))—

(1) by making any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or

(2) by making or using any false writing or document with the knowledge that such writing or document contains any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry.

Any person who violates, or attempts or conspires to violate, subsection (a) shall be fined under this title and imprisoned for not less than 1 year.

If the primary purpose of a violation, attempted violation, or conspiracy to violate this section was to subject the child to sexually explicit activity or any other form of exploitation, the offender shall be fined under this title and imprisoned for not less than 15 years.

The chapter analysis for chapter 47 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

The Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services shall hire, train, and assign not fewer than 300 asylum officers to assist in expedited asylum determinations at humanitarian campuses established under section 1501.

Section 101(a)(15)(U) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(U)) is amended—

(1) in subparagraph (U)(iii), by striking or at the end;

(2) in subparagraph (V)(ii)(II), by striking the period and inserting; or; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

(W) an alien who is prima facie eligible for asylum based on overwhelming evidence during an asylum prescreening at a facility in the Western hemisphere, except that the number of aliens admitted under this status, or otherwise provided such status, may not exceed the number of refugees authorized to enter during a fiscal year.

Section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act is amended by adding at the end the following:

Any alien who fails to enter the United States at a designated port of entry shall be logged by an agent biometrically and informed by such agent that applications for asylum may only be made at a designated port of entry.

Any alien who fails to enter the United States at a designated port of entry after being logged under paragraph (1) shall be subject to the expedited removal process under section 235.

The amendments made by this section shall take effect 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

Subtitle C of title IV of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 231 et seq.), as amended by section 1501 of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following:

The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Education, shall forgive, in accordance with this section, the qualified loan amount described in subsection (b) of the eligible student loan obligation of a borrower who—

(A) has attended an accredited law school at an institution of higher education (as defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965) and obtained a Juris Doctor degree;

(B) has completed not less than four years of full-time employment as an attorney providing legal services at a humanitarian campus established under section 437(a); and

(C) is not in default on a loan for which the borrower seeks forgiveness.

To provide loan forgiveness under paragraph (1), the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Education, is authorized to carry out a program—

(A) through the holder of the loan, to assume the obligation to repay a qualified loan amount for a loan made, insured, or guaranteed under part B of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (other than an excepted PLUS loan or an excepted consolidation loan (as such terms are defined in section 493C(a) of such Act of 1965)); and

(B) to cancel a qualified loan amount for a loan made under part D or E of such Act of 1965 (other than an excepted PLUS loan or an excepted consolidation loan (as such terms are defined in section 493C(a) of such Act of 1965)).

The Secretary is authorized to issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this section.

The Secretary shall forgive 75 percent of the eligible student loan obligation of a borrower described in subsection (a)(1) that is outstanding after the completion of the fourth year of employment described in such paragraph.

The term eligible student loan obligation has the meaning given the term student loan in section 428L of the Higher Education Act of 1965, except that only the portion of such a student loan that is attributable to the borrower’s study of law and attainment of a Juris Doctor degree (and not to undergraduate study or other courses of study) shall be included when calculating the outstanding eligible student loan obligation of a borrower for purposes of paragraph (1).

Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any refunding of any repayment of a loan.

This title may be cited as the Dream Act.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and except as provided in section 2104(c)(2), an alien shall be considered, at the time of obtaining the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence under this section, to have obtained such status on a conditional basis subject to the provisions of this title.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary or the Attorney General shall adjust to the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence on a conditional basis, or without the conditional basis as provided in section 2104(c)(2), an alien who is inadmissible or deportable from the United States, is subject to a grant of Deferred Enforced Departure, has temporary protected status under section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1254a), or is the son or daughter of an alien admitted as a nonimmigrant under subparagraph (E)(i), (E)(ii), (H)(i)(b), or (L) of section 101(a)(15) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)) if—

(A) the alien has been continuously physically present in the United States since January 1, 2021;

(B) the alien was 18 years of age or younger on the date on which the alien entered the United States and has continuously resided in the United States since such entry;

(C) the alien—

(i) subject to paragraph (2), is not inadmissible under paragraph (1), (6)(E), (6)(G), (8), or (10) of section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a));

(ii) has not ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in the persecution of any person on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion; and

(iii) is not barred from adjustment of status under this title based on the criminal and national security grounds described under subsection (c), subject to the provisions of such subsection; and

(D) the alien—

(i) has been admitted to an institution of higher education;

(ii) has been admitted to an area career and technical education school at the postsecondary level;

(iii) in the United States, has obtained—

(I) a high school diploma or a commensurate alternative award from a public or private high school;

(II) a General Education Development credential, a high school equivalency diploma recognized under State law, or another similar State-authorized credential;

(III) a credential or certificate from an area career and technical education school at the secondary level; or

(IV) a recognized postsecondary credential; or

(iv) is enrolled in secondary school or in an education program assisting students in—

(I) obtaining a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent under State law;

(II) passing the General Education Development test, a high school equivalence diploma examination, or other similar State-authorized exam;

(III) obtaining a certificate or credential from an area career and technical education school providing education at the secondary level; or

(IV) obtaining a recognized postsecondary credential.

With respect to any benefit under this title, and in addition to the waivers under subsection (c)(2), the Secretary may waive the grounds of inadmissibility under paragraph (1), (6)(E), (6)(G), or (10)(D) of section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)) for humanitarian purposes, for family unity, or because the waiver is otherwise in the public interest.

The Secretary may require an alien applying under this section to pay a reasonable fee that is commensurate with the cost of processing the application but does not exceed $1,140.

The Secretary shall establish a streamlined procedure for aliens who have been granted DACA and who meet the requirements for renewal (under the terms of the program in effect on January 1, 2017) to apply for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence on a conditional basis under this section, or without the conditional basis as provided in section 2104(c)(2).

The Secretary may not grant an alien permanent resident status on a conditional basis under this section until the requirements of section 2202 are satisfied.

An alien applying for permanent resident status on a conditional basis under this section, or without the conditional basis as provided in section 2104(c)(2), shall establish that the alien has registered under the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. 3801 et seq.), if the alien is subject to registration under such Act.

Except as provided in paragraph (2), an alien is ineligible for adjustment of status under this title (whether on a conditional basis or without the conditional basis as provided in section 2104(c)(2)) if any of the following apply:

(A) The alien is inadmissible under paragraph (2) or (3) of section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)).

(B) Excluding any offense under State law for which an essential element is the alien’s immigration status, and any minor traffic offense, the alien has been convicted of—

(i) any felony offense;

(ii) two or more misdemeanor offenses (excluding simple possession of cannabis or cannabis-related paraphernalia, any offense involving cannabis or cannabis-related paraphernalia which is no longer prosecutable in the State in which the conviction was entered, and any offense involving civil disobedience without violence) not occurring on the same date, and not arising out of the same act, omission, or scheme of misconduct; or

(iii) a misdemeanor offense of domestic violence, unless the alien demonstrates that such crime is related to the alien having been—

(I) a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, child abuse or neglect, abuse or neglect in later life, or human trafficking;

(II) battered or subjected to extreme cruelty; or

(III) a victim of criminal activity described in section 101(a)(15)(U)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(U)(iii)).

For humanitarian purposes, family unity, or if otherwise in the public interest, the Secretary may—

(A) waive the grounds of inadmissibility under subparagraphs (A), (C), and (D) of section 212(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(2)), unless the conviction forming the basis for inadmissibility would otherwise render the alien ineligible under paragraph (1)(B) (subject to subparagraph (B)); and

(B) for purposes of clauses (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (1)(B), waive consideration of—

(i) one misdemeanor offense if the alien has not been convicted of any offense in the 5-year period preceding the date on which the alien applies for adjustment of status under this title; or

(ii) up to two misdemeanor offenses if the alien has not been convicted of any offense in the 10-year period preceding the date on which the alien applies for adjustment of status under this title.

Notwithstanding an alien’s eligibility for adjustment of status under this title, and subject to the procedures described in this paragraph, the Secretary may, as a matter of non-delegable discretion, provisionally deny an application for adjustment of status (whether on a conditional basis or without the conditional basis as provided in section 2104(c)(2)) if the Secretary, based on clear and convincing evidence, which shall include credible law enforcement information, determines that the alien is described in subparagraph (B) or (D).

An alien is described in this subparagraph if—

(i) excluding simple possession of cannabis or cannabis-related paraphernalia, any offense involving cannabis or cannabis-related paraphernalia which is no longer prosecutable in the State in which the conviction was entered, any offense under State law for which an essential element is the alien’s immigration status, any offense involving civil disobedience without violence, and any minor traffic offense, the alien—

(I) has been convicted of a misdemeanor offense punishable by a term of imprisonment of more than 30 days; or

(II) has been adjudicated delinquent in a State or local juvenile court proceeding that resulted in a disposition ordering placement in a secure facility; and

(ii) the alien poses a significant and continuing threat to public safety related to such conviction or adjudication.

For purposes of subparagraph (B)(ii), the Secretary shall consider the recency of the conviction or adjudication; the length of any imposed sentence or placement; the nature and seriousness of the conviction or adjudication, including whether the elements of the offense include the unlawful possession or use of a deadly weapon to commit an offense or other conduct intended to cause serious bodily injury; and any mitigating factors pertaining to the alien’s role in the commission of the offense.

An alien is described in this subparagraph if the alien has, within the 5 years immediately preceding the date of the application, knowingly, willfully, and voluntarily participated in offenses committed by a criminal street gang (as described in subsections (a) and (c) of section 521 of title 18, United States Code) with the intent to promote or further the commission of such offenses.

For purposes of subparagraph (D), allegations of gang membership obtained from a State or Federal in-house or local database, or a network of databases used for the purpose of recording and sharing activities of alleged gang members across law enforcement agencies, shall not establish the participation described in such paragraph.

Prior to rendering a discretionary decision under this paragraph, the Secretary shall provide written notice of the intent to provisionally deny the application to the alien (or the alien’s counsel of record, if any) by certified mail and, if an electronic mail address is provided, by electronic mail (or other form of electronic communication). Such notice shall—

(I) articulate with specificity all grounds for the preliminary determination, including the evidence relied upon to support the determination; and

(II) provide the alien with not less than 90 days to respond.

Not more than 30 days after the issuance of the notice under clause (i), the Secretary shall provide a second written notice that meets the requirements of such clause.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if an applicant provides good cause for not contesting a provisional denial under this paragraph, including a failure to receive notice as required under this subparagraph, the Secretary shall, upon a motion filed by the alien, reopen an application for adjustment of status under this title and allow the applicant an opportunity to respond, consistent with clause (i)(II).

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if, after notice and the opportunity to respond under subparagraph (F), the Secretary provisionally denies an application for adjustment of status under this Act, the alien shall have 60 days from the date of the Secretary’s determination to seek review of such determination in an appropriate United States district court.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, review under paragraph (1) shall be de novo and based solely on the administrative record, except that the applicant shall be given the opportunity to supplement the administrative record and the Secretary shall be given the opportunity to rebut the evidence and arguments raised in such submission. Upon issuing its decision, the court shall remand the matter, with appropriate instructions, to the Department of Homeland Security to render a final decision on the application.

For purposes of this Act—

(A) the term felony offense means an offense under Federal or State law that is punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of more than 1 year;

(B) the term misdemeanor offense means an offense under Federal or State law that is punishable by a term of imprisonment of more than 5 days but not more than 1 year; and

(C) the term crime of domestic violence means any offense that has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against a person committed by a current or former spouse of the person, by an individual with whom the person shares a child in common, by an individual who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the person as a spouse, by an individual similarly situated to a spouse of the person under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction where the offense occurs, or by any other individual against a person who is protected from that individual’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the United States or any State, Indian Tribal government, or unit of local government.

An alien who is 18 years of age or younger and meets the requirements under subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of subsection (b)(1) shall be provided a reasonable opportunity to meet the educational requirements under subparagraph (D) of such subsection. The Attorney General or the Secretary may not commence or continue with removal proceedings against such an alien.

The Secretary shall, upon receipt of a request to withdraw an application for adjustment of status under this section, cease processing of the application, and close the case. Withdrawal of the application under this subsection shall not prejudice any future application filed by the applicant for any immigration benefit under this title or under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.).

Permanent resident status on a conditional basis is—

(1) valid for a period of 10 years, unless such period is extended by the Secretary; and

(2) subject to revocation under subsection (c).

At the time an alien obtains permanent resident status on a conditional basis, the Secretary shall provide notice to the alien regarding the provisions of this title and the requirements to have the conditional basis of such status removed.

The Secretary may revoke the permanent resident status on a conditional basis of an alien only if the Secretary—

(1) determines that the alien ceases to meet the requirements under section 2102(b)(1)(C); and

(2) prior to the revocation, provides the alien—

(A) notice of the proposed revocation; and

(B) the opportunity for a hearing to provide evidence that the alien meets such requirements or otherwise to contest the proposed revocation.

An alien whose permanent resident status on a conditional basis expires under subsection (a)(1) or is revoked under subsection (c), shall return to the immigration status that the alien had immediately before receiving permanent resident status on a conditional basis.

Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall remove the conditional basis of an alien’s permanent resident status granted under this title and grant the alien status as an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence if the alien—

(A) is described in section 2102(b)(1)(C);

(B) has not abandoned the alien’s residence in the United States during the period in which the alien has permanent resident status on a conditional basis; and

(i) has obtained a degree from an institution of higher education or a recognized postsecondary credential from an area career and technical education school providing education at the postsecondary level;

(ii) has served in the Uniformed Services for at least 3 years and, if discharged, received an honorable discharge; or

(iii) demonstrates earned income for periods totaling at least 4 years and at least 75 percent of the time that the alien has had a valid employment authorization.

The Secretary shall remove the conditional basis of an alien’s permanent resident status and grant the alien status as an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence if the alien—

(A) satisfies the requirements under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1);

(B) demonstrates compelling circumstances for the inability to satisfy the requirements under subparagraph (C) of such paragraph; and

(C) demonstrates that—

(i) the alien has a disability;

(ii) the alien is a full-time caregiver; or

(iii) the removal of the alien from the United States would result in hardship to the alien or the alien’s spouse, parent, or child who is a national of the United States or is lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the conditional basis of an alien’s permanent resident status granted under this title may not be removed unless the alien demonstrates that the alien satisfies the requirements under section 312(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1423(a)).

Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to an alien who is unable to meet the requirements under such section 312(a) due to disability.

The Secretary may require aliens applying for removal of the conditional basis of an alien’s permanent resident status under this section to pay a reasonable fee that is commensurate with the cost of processing the application.

The Secretary may not remove the conditional basis of an alien’s permanent resident status until the requirements of section 2202 are satisfied.

For purposes of title III of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.), an alien granted permanent resident status on a conditional basis shall be considered to have been admitted to the United States, and be present in the United States, as an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

An alien may not apply for naturalization while the alien is in permanent resident status on a conditional basis.

An alien granted permanent resident status on a conditional basis under this title may apply to have such conditional basis removed at any time after such alien has met the eligibility requirements set forth in subsection (a).

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary or the Attorney General shall adjust to the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent resident status without conditional basis, any alien who—

(i) demonstrates eligibility for lawful permanent residence status on a conditional basis under section 2102(b); and

(ii) subject to the exceptions described in subsections (a)(2) and (a)(3)(B) of this section, already has fulfilled the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (3) of subsection (a) of this section at the time such alien first submits an application for benefits under this title.

Subsection (a)(5) shall apply to an alien seeking lawful permanent resident status without conditional basis in an initial application in the same manner as it applies to an alien seeking removal of the conditional basis of an alien’s permanent resident status. Section 2102(b)(4) shall not be construed to require the Secretary to conduct more than one identical security or law enforcement background check on such an alien.

In the case of an alien seeking lawful permanent resident status without conditional basis in an initial application, the alien shall pay the fee required under subsection (a)(4), but shall not be required to pay the application fee under section 2102(b)(3).

In this division:

Except as otherwise specifically provided, any term used in this division that is used in the immigration laws shall have the meaning given such term in the immigration laws.

The term appropriate United States district court means the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the United States district court with jurisdiction over the alien’s principal place of residence.

The term area career and technical education school has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).

The term DACA means deferred action granted to an alien pursuant to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy announced by the Secretary of Homeland Security on June 15, 2012.

The term disability has the meaning given such term in section 3(1) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102(1)).

The terms high school and secondary school have the meanings given such terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).

The term immigration laws has the meaning given such term in section 101(a)(17) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(17)).

The term institution of higher education —

(A) except as provided in subparagraph (B), has the meaning given such term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002); and

(B) does not include an institution of higher education outside of the United States.

The term recognized postsecondary credential has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).

Except as otherwise specifically provided, the term Secretary means the Secretary of Homeland Security.

The term Uniformed Services has the meaning given the term uniformed services in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code.

For purposes of adjustment of status under this division, the terms convicted and conviction, as used in this division and in sections 212 and 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182, 1254a), do not include a judgment that has been expunged or set aside, that resulted in a rehabilitative disposition, or the equivalent.

The Secretary may not grant an alien adjustment of status under this division, on either a conditional or permanent basis, unless the alien submits biometric and biographic data, in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary. The Secretary shall provide an alternative procedure for aliens who are unable to provide such biometric or biographic data because of a physical impairment.

The Secretary shall use biometric, biographic, and other data that the Secretary determines appropriate to conduct security and law enforcement background checks and to determine whether there is any criminal, national security, or other factor that would render the alien ineligible for adjustment of status under this division, on either a conditional or permanent basis. The status of an alien may not be adjusted, on either a conditional or permanent basis, unless security and law enforcement background checks are completed to the satisfaction of the Secretary.

An alien who appears to be prima facie eligible for relief under this division shall be given a reasonable opportunity to apply for such relief and may not be removed until, subject to section 2206(c)(2), a final decision establishing ineligibility for relief is rendered.

An alien present in the United States who has been ordered removed or has been permitted to depart voluntarily from the United States may, notwithstanding such order or permission to depart, apply for adjustment of status under this division. Such alien shall not be required to file a separate motion to reopen, reconsider, or vacate the order of removal. If the Secretary approves the application, the Secretary shall cancel the order of removal. If the Secretary renders a final administrative decision to deny the application, the order of removal or permission to depart shall be effective and enforceable to the same extent as if the application had not been made, only after all available administrative and judicial remedies have been exhausted.

During the period beginning on the date on which an alien applies for adjustment of status under this division and ending on the date on which the Secretary makes a final decision regarding such application, the alien shall be eligible to apply for advance parole. Section 101(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(g)) shall not apply to an alien granted advance parole under this Act.

An alien whose removal is stayed pursuant to this division, who may not be placed in removal proceedings pursuant to this division, or who has pending an application under this division, shall, upon application to the Secretary, be granted an employment authorization document.

Any period of continuous physical presence or continuous residence in the United States of an alien who applies for permanent resident status under this division (whether on a conditional basis or without the conditional basis as provided in section 2104(c)(2)) shall not terminate when the alien is served a notice to appear under section 239(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1229(a)).

Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), an alien shall be considered to have failed to maintain—

(A) continuous physical presence in the United States under this division if the alien has departed from the United States for any period exceeding 90 days or for any periods, in the aggregate, exceeding 180 days; and

(B) continuous residence in the United States under this division if the alien has departed from the United States for any period exceeding 180 days, unless the alien establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary of Homeland Security that the alien did not in fact abandon residence in the United States during such period.

The Secretary may extend the time periods described in paragraph (1) for an alien who demonstrates that the failure to timely return to the United States was due to extenuating circumstances beyond the alien’s control, including—

(A) the serious illness of the alien;

(B) death or serious illness of a parent, grandparent, sibling, or child of the alien;

(C) processing delays associated with the application process for a visa or other travel document; or

(D) restrictions on international travel due to the public health emergency declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 3119 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d) with respect to COVID–19.

Any period of travel outside of the United States by an alien that was authorized by the Secretary may not be counted toward any period of departure from the United States under paragraph (1).

With respect to aliens who were removed or departed the United States on or after January 20, 2017, and who were continuously physically present in the United States for at least 5 years prior to such removal or departure, the Secretary may, as a matter of discretion, waive the physical presence requirement under section 2102(b)(1)(A) or section 2302(1)(A) for humanitarian purposes, for family unity, or because a waiver is otherwise in the public interest. The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall establish a procedure for such aliens to apply for relief under section 2102 or 2302 from outside the United States if they would have been eligible for relief under such section, but for their removal or departure.

Nothing in this division or in any other law may be construed to apply a numerical limitation on the number of aliens who may be granted permanent resident status under this division (whether on a conditional basis, or without the conditional basis as provided in section 2104(c)(2)).

Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to aliens who have applied for adjustment of status under this division a process by which an applicant may seek administrative appellate review of a denial of an application for adjustment of status, or a revocation of such status.

Except as provided in subsection (c), and notwithstanding any other provision of law, an alien may seek judicial review of a denial of an application for adjustment of status, or a revocation of such status, under this division in an appropriate United States district court.

Except as provided in paragraph (2), an alien seeking administrative or judicial review under this division may not be removed from the United States until a final decision is rendered establishing that the alien is ineligible for adjustment of status under this Act.

The Secretary may remove an alien described in paragraph (1) pending judicial review if such removal is based on criminal or national security grounds described in this division. Such removal shall not affect the alien’s right to judicial review under this division. The Secretary shall promptly return a removed alien if a decision to deny an application for adjustment of status under this division, or to revoke such status, is reversed.

An alien’s application for permanent resident status under this division (whether on a conditional basis, or without the conditional basis as provided in section 2104(c)(2)) may include, as evidence of identity, the following:

(1) A passport or national identity document from the alien’s country of origin that includes the alien’s name and the alien’s photograph or fingerprint.

(2) The alien’s birth certificate and an identity card that includes the alien’s name and photograph.

(3) A school identification card that includes the alien’s name and photograph, and school records showing the alien’s name and that the alien is or was enrolled at the school.

(4) A Uniformed Services identification card issued by the Department of Defense.

(5) Any immigration or other document issued by the United States Government bearing the alien’s name and photograph.

(6) A State-issued identification card bearing the alien’s name and photograph.

(7) Any other evidence determined to be credible by the Secretary.

To establish that an alien was 18 years of age or younger on the date on which the alien entered the United States, and has continuously resided in the United States since such entry, as required under section 2102(b)(1)(B), that an alien has been continuously physically present in the United States, as required under section 2102(b)(1)(A), or that an alien has not abandoned residence in the United States, as required under section 2104(a)(1)(B), the alien may submit the following forms of evidence:

(1) Passport entries, including admission stamps on the alien’s passport.

(2) Any document from the Department of Justice or the Department of Homeland Security noting the alien’s date of entry into the United States.

(3) Records from any educational institution the alien has attended in the United States.

(4) Employment records of the alien that include the employer’s name and contact information, or other records demonstrating earned income.

(5) Records of service from the Uniformed Services.

(6) Official records from a religious entity confirming the alien’s participation in a religious ceremony.

(7) A birth certificate for a child who was born in the United States.

(8) Hospital or medical records showing medical treatment or hospitalization, the name of the medical facility or physician, and the date of the treatment or hospitalization.

(9) Automobile license receipts or registration.

(10) Deeds, mortgages, or rental agreement contracts.

(11) Rent receipts or utility bills bearing the alien’s name or the name of an immediate family member of the alien, and the alien’s address.

(12) Tax receipts.

(13) Insurance policies.

(14) Remittance records, including copies of money order receipts sent in or out of the country.

(15) Travel records.

(16) Dated bank transactions.

(17) Two or more sworn affidavits from individuals who are not related to the alien who have direct knowledge of the alien’s continuous physical presence in the United States, that contain—

(A) the name, address, and telephone number of the affiant; and

(B) the nature and duration of the relationship between the affiant and the alien.

(18) Any other evidence determined to be credible by the Secretary.

To establish that an alien has been admitted to an institution of higher education, the alien may submit to the Secretary a document from the institution of higher education certifying that the alien—

(1) has been admitted to the institution; or

(2) is currently enrolled in the institution as a student.

To establish that an alien has acquired a degree from an institution of higher education in the United States, the alien may submit to the Secretary a diploma or other document from the institution stating that the alien has received such a degree.

To establish that in the United States an alien has earned a high school diploma or a commensurate alternative award from a public or private high school, has obtained the General Education Development credential, or otherwise has satisfied section 2102(b)(1)(D)(iii), the alien may submit to the Secretary the following:

(1) A high school diploma, certificate of completion, or other alternate award.

(2) A high school equivalency diploma or certificate recognized under State law.

(3) Evidence that the alien passed a State-authorized exam, including the General Education Development test, in the United States.

(4) Evidence that the alien successfully completed an area career and technical education program, such as a certification, certificate, or similar alternate award.

(5) Evidence that the alien obtained a recognized postsecondary credential.

(6) Any other evidence determined to be credible by the Secretary.

To establish that an alien is enrolled in any school or education program described in section 2102(b)(1)(D)(iv) or 2104(a)(1)(C), the alien may submit school records from the United States school that the alien is currently attending that include—

(1) the name of the school; and

(2) the alien’s name, periods of attendance, and current grade or educational level.

To establish that an alien is exempt from an application fee under this division, the alien may submit to the Secretary the following relevant documents:

To establish that an alien meets an age requirement, the alien may provide proof of identity, as described in subsection (a), that establishes that the alien is 18 years of age or younger.

To establish the alien’s income, the alien may provide—

(A) employment records or other records of earned income, including records that have been maintained by the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, or any other Federal, State, or local government agency;

(B) bank records; or

(C) at least two sworn affidavits from individuals who are not related to the alien and who have direct knowledge of the alien’s work and income that contain—

(i) the name, address, and telephone number of the affiant; and

(ii) the nature and duration of the relationship between the affiant and the alien.

To establish that the alien is in foster care, lacks parental or familial support, or has a serious, chronic disability, the alien may provide at least two sworn affidavits from individuals who are not related to the alien and who have direct knowledge of the circumstances that contain—

(A) a statement that the alien is in foster care, otherwise lacks any parental or other familiar support, or has a serious, chronic disability, as appropriate;

(B) the name, address, and telephone number of the affiant; and

(C) the nature and duration of the relationship between the affiant and the alien.

To establish that an alien satisfies one of the criteria for the hardship exemption set forth in section 2104(a)(2)(C), the alien may submit to the Secretary at least two sworn affidavits from individuals who are not related to the alien and who have direct knowledge of the circumstances that warrant the exemption, that contain—

(1) the name, address, and telephone number of the affiant; and

(2) the nature and duration of the relationship between the affiant and the alien.

To establish that an alien has served in the Uniformed Services for at least 2 years and, if discharged, received an honorable discharge, the alien may submit to the Secretary—

(1) a Department of Defense form DD–214;

(2) a National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service form 22;

(3) personnel records for such service from the appropriate Uniformed Service; or

(4) health records from the appropriate Uniformed Service.

An alien may satisfy the earned income requirement under section 2104(a)(1)(C)(iii) by submitting records that—

(A) establish compliance with such requirement; and

(B) have been maintained by the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, or any other Federal, State, or local government agency.

An alien who is unable to submit the records described in paragraph (1) may satisfy the earned income requirement by submitting at least two types of reliable documents that provide evidence of employment or other forms of earned income, including—

(A) bank records;

(B) business records;

(C) employer or contractor records;

(D) records of a labor union, day labor center, or organization that assists workers in employment;

(E) sworn affidavits from individuals who are not related to the alien and who have direct knowledge of the alien’s work, that contain—

(i) the name, address, and telephone number of the affiant; and

(ii) the nature and duration of the relationship between the affiant and the alien;

(F) remittance records; or

(G) any other evidence determined to be credible by the Secretary.

If the Secretary determines, after publication in the Federal Register and an opportunity for public comment, that any document or class of documents does not reliably establish identity or that permanent resident status under this division (whether on a conditional basis, or without the conditional basis as provided in section 2104(c)(2)) is being obtained fraudulently to an unacceptable degree, the Secretary may prohibit or restrict the use of such document or class of documents.

The Secretary may not disclose or use information (including information provided during administrative or judicial review) provided in applications filed under this division or in requests for DACA for the purpose of immigration enforcement.

The Secretary, based solely on information provided in an application for adjustment of status under this division (including information provided during administrative or judicial review) or an application for DACA, may not refer an applicant to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or any designee of either such entity.

Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), information provided in an application for adjustment of status under this division may be shared with Federal security and law enforcement agencies—

(1) for assistance in the consideration of an application for adjustment of status under this division;

(2) to identify or prevent fraudulent claims;

(3) for national security purposes; or

(4) for the investigation or prosecution of any felony offense not related to immigration status.

Any person who knowingly uses, publishes, or permits information to be examined in violation of this section shall be fined not more than $10,000.

An alien’s eligibility to be lawfully admitted for permanent residence under this division (whether on a conditional basis, or without the conditional basis as provided in section 2104(c)(2)) shall not preclude the alien from seeking any status under any other provision of law for which the alien may otherwise be eligible.

There is established a program, to be known as the Dignity Program under this subtitle, which shall provide for deferred action on removal and the provision of employment and travel authorization in the case of eligible applicants, in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle.

For purposes of this subtitle, section 212(a)(9) of the Immigration and Nationality Act shall not apply for purposes of any person who applies and thereafter participates in the Dignity Program.

The Secretary shall provide proof of participation for individuals in the Dignity Program, in the form of an identification document, that will provide deferred action on removal and authorize employment and travel in accordance with provisions in this title.

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall approve an application to participate in the Dignity Program from an eligible alien subject to the following:

The applicant shall submit such information that the Secretary determines sufficient to prove the following:

(A) That the alien has been continually physically present in the United States since December 31, 2020.

(B) That the alien is not inadmissible under section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (except that paragraph (9) shall not apply for purposes of this section).

(C) That the alien has included a restitution payment of at least $1,000, to be deposited in the H–1B Nonimmigrant Petitioner Account, which shall be used to support American workers for purposes described in title V of division B of this Act.

The Secretary may not approve such an application, unless the alien submits biometric and biographic data, in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary. The Secretary shall provide an alternative procedure for aliens who are unable to provide such biometric or biographic data because of a physical impairment.

The Secretary shall use biometric, biographic, and other data that the Secretary determines appropriate to conduct security and law enforcement background checks and to determine whether there is any criminal, national security, or other factor that would render the alien ineligible for participation in the Dignity Program in accordance with paragraph (3). The application for participation in the Dignity Program may not be approved unless security and law enforcement background checks are completed to the satisfaction of the Secretary.

Except as provided in paragraph (2), an alien is ineligible for participation in the Dignity Program if, excluding any offense under State law for which an essential element is the alien’s immigration status, and any minor traffic offense, the alien has been convicted of—

(A) any felony offense;

(B) two or more misdemeanor offenses (excluding simple possession of cannabis or cannabis-related paraphernalia, any offense involving cannabis or cannabis-related paraphernalia which is no longer prosecutable in the State in which the conviction was entered, any offense involving disorderly conduct without violence, and any offense involving civil disobedience without violence) not occurring on the same date, and not arising out of the same act, omission, or scheme of misconduct; or

(C) a misdemeanor offense of domestic violence, unless the alien demonstrates that such crime is related to the alien having been—

(i) a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, child abuse or neglect, abuse or neglect in later life, or human trafficking;

(ii) battered or subjected to extreme cruelty; or

(iii) a victim of criminal activity described in section 101(a)(15)(U)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(U)(iii)).

For humanitarian purposes, family unity, or if otherwise in the public interest, the Secretary may waive—

(A) the grounds of inadmissibility under subparagraphs (A), (C), and (D) of section 212(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(2)); and

(B) consideration of—

(i) one misdemeanor offense if the alien has not been convicted of any offense in the 5-year period preceding the date on which the alien applies for the Dignity Program; or

(ii) up to two misdemeanor offenses if the alien has not been convicted of any offense in the 10-year period preceding the date on which the alien applies for the Dignity Program.

Any alien approved to participate in the Dignity Program shall—

(1) register with the Secretary of Homeland Security;

(2) submit biometric and biographic data to the Secretary; and

(3) submit a sworn declaration stipulating to presence in the United States without a lawful immigration status, and, as appropriate, unlawful presence, in the United States.

Not later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, any alien present in the United States without lawful status under the immigration laws, or not participating in the programs outlined in division B under this Act shall apply for the Dignity Program or depart the United States.

Any alien that voluntarily departs the United States not later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act shall not be subject to the provisions of section 212(a)(9) of the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to—

(1) any removal ordered under section 235(b)(1) of such Act or at the end of proceedings under section 240 of such Act initiated upon the alien’s arrival in the United States; or

(2) any removal ordered under section 240 of such Act,

prior to the date of the enactment of this Act.

An alien who appears to be prima facie eligible for status under this subtitle during the 24-month period following the date of enactment of this Act may not be removed or fined based on their immigration status—

(1) during such period; and

(2) in the case that the alien applies for status under this subtitle, until a final decision establishing ineligibility for such status is rendered.

This section does not apply in the case of any alien with a valid Notice to Appear in immigration court or with a pending determination on their immigration status that is not decided before this date.

Any applicant who is approved to participate in the Dignity Program shall make an appointment with USCIS who shall issue an order deferring further action for a period of 7 years.

Each participant in the Dignity Program shall conform to the following:

The participant shall once every two years report to the Secretary of Homeland Security and provide the following information:

(A) Place of residence.

(B) Testimony as to good standing within the community.

The participant shall pay an additional fee of at least $1,000 with each report under paragraph (1), until a total of $7,000 has been paid, to be deposited in the H–1B Nonimmigrant Petitioner Account, which shall be used to support American workers for purposes described in title IV of division B.

Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any individual who had temporary protected status under section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1254a) prior to the passage of this Act.

The participant shall comply with all Federal and State laws.

The participant shall remain, for a period of not less than 4 years during their participation in the Dignity Program, employed (including self-employment and serving as a caregiver) or enrolled in a course of study at an institute of higher education, as defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002), or an area career and technical education school, as defined in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302). The Secretary may waive the application of this paragraph in the case of any alien with dependents under the age of 12, any alien the Secretary determines would be unable to reasonably comply by reason of a disability or other impediment, or anyone above 65 years of age.

In the case of any Federal income tax liability of the participant which was assessed during the 10-year period ending on the date such participant was approved for participation in the Dignity Program, the participant shall pay such liability not later than the close of the 7-year period beginning on such date.

The participant shall support any dependents including by providing food, shelter, clothing, education, and covering basic medical needs.

The participant shall be enrolled under qualifying health coverage.

For purposes of this paragraph, the term qualifying health coverage means, with respect to the participant, the higher of the following levels of coverage applicable to such alien:

(i) At a minimum, catastrophic health insurance coverage that provides coverage of such individual with respect to at least the State of employment and State of residence of the alien.

(ii) In the case of an alien whose State of residence or State of employment requires such an alien to maintain coverage under health insurance, such health insurance.

Beginning on the date of participation in the Dignity Program, the participant shall not avail himself or herself of any Federal means-tested benefits or entitlement programs. For purposes of this paragraph, any benefits received by a child or dependent that is a United States citizen living in the same household shall not be taken into account.

In addition to other taxes, there is hereby imposed on the income of every Dignity Program participant a tax equal to 1 percent of the adjusted gross income (as defined in section 3121(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) received by the individual with respect to employment (as defined in section 3121(b) the Internal Revenue Code of 1986). The participant shall comply with the requirements of section 9512 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Any tax collected under this paragraph shall be deposited in the Immigration Infrastructure and Debt Reduction Fund established in section 1204.

A participant shall not be liable for any tax under section 3101 or 3102 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

With respect to any participant in the Dignity Program who is under 18 years of age at the time of application—

(A) subsection (b)(2) shall be waived; or

(B) for any participant that turns 18 years of age during participation in the Dignity Program, the 4-year requirement in subsection (b)(2) shall be adjusted to an amount which is equal to 4/7 of the time remaining in the 7 years required for completion of the Dignity Program at the time the participant turns 18.

Section 504(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

(D) An alien who is participating in the Dignity Program or holds the Dignity Status.

Under this provision, for any individual in the Dignity Program that enlists in the Armed Forces, the conditions outlined in subsection (b) shall be waived during their service.

Upon completion of a term of enlistment, the requirements of the Dignity Program shall be satisfied for that individual, and that individual shall be eligible to adjust to lawful permanent resident status through the Armed Forces.

If a participant violates a condition under subsection (b), the Secretary may at the Secretary’s discretion, waive enforcement of minor violations including late fees, take extenuating circumstances into effect, or consider factors of undue hardship, but in all other cases, the Secretary shall initiate removal proceedings pursuant to section 1229a of title 8, United States Code. In such proceedings, the immigration judge may make a determination as to whether to order removal or to issue an order modifying the conditions of that participant’s participation in the Dignity Program.

Upon satisfying the conditions set forth in subsection (b) and thereby successfully completing the Dignity Program, the participant shall be granted Dignity status under this program.

The conditions set forth in this subsection for successful completion of the Dignity Program are as follows:

(1) Compliance with all requirements of subsection (b)(1).

(2) Compliance with all requirements of subsection (b)(2).

(3) Compliance with the requirement of subsection (b)(3) for the entire period of the participation in the Dignity Program, excepting any violations waived or modified pursuant to section 2304(d) of this Act and any violations deemed de minimis by the Secretary.

The status under this section—

(1) shall be valid for a period of 7 years;

(2) may be renewed any number of times; and

(3) shall provide the alien with—

(A) lawful status as a nonimmigrant;

(B) authorization for employment; and

(C) the ability to reenter the United States any number of times.

The Secretary shall provide proof of Dignity Status, in the form of an identification document, that will allow individuals to work in the United States and travel abroad and be admitted to the United States upon return, if otherwise admissible.

For purposes of adjustment of status under section 1255 of title 8, United States Code, and change of status under section 1258 of title 8, United States Code, the alien shall be considered as having been inspected and admitted into the United States.

Beginning on the date of receiving the Dignity Status, the beneficiary shall not avail himself or herself of any Federal means-tested benefits or entitlement programs. For purposes of this subsection, any benefits received by a child or dependent that is a United States citizen living in the same household shall not be taken into account.

Dignity Status may only be terminated by the Secretary following the issuance of a final order of removal, except that such status shall be restored following the grant of a motion to reopen pursuant to section 1229a(c)(7) of title 8, United States Code, a successful appeal, or a grant of withholding of removal pursuant to section 1231(b)(3) of title 8, United States Code.

This title shall direct restitution payments from the Dignity program to be disbursed to American workers through promoting apprenticeships and other work-based learning programs for small- and medium-sized businesses within in-demand industry sectors, through the establishment and support of industry or sector partnerships.

From funds paid by restitution under title III of division B of the Dignity for Immigrants while Guarding our Nation to Ignite and Deliver the American Dream Act and available under section 286(s)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(s)(2)), the Secretary shall carry out this Act.

Section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2916a) is repealed.

Section 286(s)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(s)(2)) is amended to read as follows:

90 percent of amounts deposited into the H–1B Nonimmigrant Petitioner Account pursuant to the Dignity for Immigrants while Guarding our Nation to Ignite and Deliver the American Dream Act shall remain available to the Secretary of Labor until expended to carry out the Dignity for Immigrants while Guarding our Nation to Ignite and Deliver the American Dream Act.

In this Act:

The term eligible partnership means an industry or sector partnership as defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102) that submits and obtains approval of an application consistent with section 5(c).

The term in-demand industry sector means a sector described in subparagraphs (A)(i) and (B) of section 3(23) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(23)).

The term local or regional, used with respect to an entity, means that the entity provides services in, respectively, a local area or region.

The terms Governor, individual with a barrier to employment, industry or sector partnership, local area, local board, State board, outlying area, recognized postsecondary credential, region, State, and supportive services, used with respect to activities supported under this Act, have the meanings given the terms in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Labor.

Of the amounts available for this Act under section 4, the Secretary may reserve—

(1) not more than 5 percent of those amounts for the costs of technical assistance and Federal administration of this Act;

(2) not more than 2 percent of those amounts for the costs of evaluations conducted under section 8(b); and

(3) not more than 1⁄4 of 1 percent of such amounts to provide assistance to the outlying areas.

Of the amounts available for this Act under section 4 that remain after the Secretary makes the reservations under subsection (a), the Secretary shall, for the purpose of supporting (which may include assistance in establishing expanded) local or regional eligible partnerships to support work-based learning programs under this Act, make allotments to eligible States in accordance with clauses (ii) through (v) of section 132(b)(1)(B) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3162(b)(1)(C)), subject to paragraph (2).

For purposes of applying the clauses described in paragraph (1), under paragraph (1), the Secretary—

(A) shall not apply subclauses (I) and (III) of clause (iv) with respect to the first fiscal year after the date of enactment of this Act;

(B) shall apply clause (iv)(II) by substituting 0.5 percent of the remaining amounts described in paragraph (1) for the total described in that clause;

(C) shall not apply clause (iv)(IV);

(D) shall apply clause (v)(II) by substituting the term allotment percentage, used with respect to the second full fiscal year after the date of enactment of this Act, or a subsequent fiscal year, means a percentage of the remaining amounts described in paragraph (1) that is received through an allotment made under this subsection for the fiscal year for the two sentences in that clause; and

(E) shall apply clause (v)(III) by substituting a work-based learning program carried out under this Act for a program of workforce investment activities carried out under this subtitle.

If a State fails to meet the requirements for an allotment under this subsection, the Secretary may allot funds that are not allotted under paragraphs (1) and (2) to eligible States under a formula based on the formula specified in section 132(c) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3173(c)).

In this subsection, the term eligible State means a State that meets the requirements of section 102 or 103 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3112, 3113) and subsection (c).

To be eligible to receive an allotment under subsection (b), a State, in consultation with State boards and local boards, shall submit an application to the Secretary, at such time, in such manner, and containing a description of the activities to be carried out with the grant funds. At a minimum, the application shall include information on—

(1) the local or regional industry or sector partnerships that will be supported, including the lead partners for the partnerships, and how the partnerships will work to engage small- and medium-sized businesses, as applicable, in the activities of the partnerships;

(2) the in-demand industry sectors that will be served, including how such industry sectors were identified, and how the activities of the partnerships will align with State, regional, and local plans as required under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3111 et seq.);

(3) the apprenticeship programs or other work-based learning programs to be supported though the partnerships;

(4) the populations that will receive services, including individuals with barriers to employment and populations that were historically underrepresented in the industry sectors to be served through the partnerships;

(5) the services, including business engagement, classroom instruction, and support services (including at least 6 months of post-employment support services), that will be supported through the grant funds;

(6) the recognized postsecondary credentials that workers will obtain through participation in the program and the quality of the program that leads to the credentials;

(7) levels of performance to be achieved on the performance indicators described in section 8, to measure progress towards expanding work-based learning programs;

(8) how local or regional partnerships will leverage additional resources, including funding provided under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3111 et seq.) and non-Federal resources, to support the activities carried out under this Act; and

(9) such other subjects as the Secretary may require.

The Secretary shall review applications submitted under subsection (c) in consultation with the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

The Governor of a State that receives an allotment under section 5 shall use the funds made available through the allotment and not reserved under subsection (d) to award grants to eligible partnerships. The Governor shall award the grants for the purpose of assisting (which may include establishing or expanding) local or regional industry or sector partnerships that are identified in the application submitted under section 5(c), to carry out activities described in section 7.

A State may make a grant under this section for a period of 3 years.

The Governor of a State that receives an allotment under section 5 for a fiscal year may use the funds made available through the allotment during that year or the 2 subsequent fiscal years.

To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an industry or sector partnership described in subsection (a)(1) shall—

(1) submit an application to the State at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the State may require; and

(2) designate a partner in the industry or sector partnership, to serve as the fiscal agent for purposes of the grant.

Subject to paragraph (2), a State may award grants under this section in a way that results in an entity being represented in more than one partnership that receives such a grant.

In making the grants, a State shall ensure that there is geographic diversity in the areas in which activities will be carried out under the grants.

The State may reserve not more than 5 percent of the amount of an allotment under section 5 for the administration of the grants awarded under this section.

An eligible partnership that receives a grant under section 6 shall use the grant funds to support apprenticeships or other work-based learning programs. The eligible partnership shall use the grant funds to support the activities described in subsections (b) and (c) and such other strategies as may be necessary to support the development and implementation of work-based learning programs, and participant retention in and completion of those programs. The partnership may use the grant funds to establish or expand eligible partnerships.

The eligible partnership shall use grant funds to provide services to engage businesses in work-based learning programs, which may include assisting a small- or medium-sized business with—

(1) the navigation of the registration process for a sponsor of an apprenticeship program;

(2) the connection of the business with an education provider to develop classroom instruction to complement on-the-job learning;

(3) the development of a curriculum for a work-based learning program;

(4) the employment of workers in a work-based learning program for a transitional period before the business hires an individual for continuing employment;

(5) the provision of training to managers and frontline workers to serve as trainers or mentors to workers in the work-based learning program;

(6) the provision of career awareness activities; and

(7) the recruitment of individuals to participate in a work-based learning program from individuals receiving additional workforce and human services, including—

(A) workers in programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.);

(B) recipients of assistance through the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); and

(C) recipients of assistance through the program of block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families established under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).

The eligible partnership shall use grant funds to provide support services for workers to ensure their success in work-based learning programs, which may include—

(A) connection of individuals with adult basic education during pre-work-based learning or training, and during the period of employment;

(B) connection of individuals with pre-work-based learning or training, including through a pre-apprenticeship program;

(C) provision of additional mentorship and retention supports for individuals pre-work-based learning or training, and during the period of employment;

(D) provision of tools, work attire, and other required items necessary to start employment pre-work-based learning or training, and during the period of employment; and

(E) provision of transportation, childcare services, or other support services pre-work-based learning or training, and during the period of employment.

Each eligible partnership shall provide support services for workers for not less than 12 months after the date of placement of an individual in a work-based learning program. That 12-month period shall include a period of pre-work-based learning or training, a transitional period of employment as described in subsection (b)(4), and a period of continuing employment.

Not later than 1 year after receiving a grant under section 6, and annually thereafter, each eligible partnership in a State shall conduct an evaluation and submit to the State a local report containing information on—

(1) levels of performance achieved by the eligible partnership with respect to the performance indicators under section 116(b)(2)(A) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3141(b)(2)(A))—

(A) for all workers in the work-based learning program involved; and

(B) for all such workers, disaggregated by each population specified in section 3(24) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(24)) and by race, ethnicity, sex, and age; and

(2) levels of performance achieved by the eligible partnership with respect to the performance indicators under that section 116(b)(2)(A)—

(A) for individuals with barriers to employment in the work-based learning program involved; and

(B) for all such individuals, disaggregated by each population specified in section 3(24) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and by race, ethnicity, sex, and age.

Not later than 24 months after receiving initial local reports under subsection (a) (but in no case less than 18 months after the corresponding grants are awarded) and annually thereafter, the State shall conduct an evaluation and submit a report to the Secretary containing—

(1) the information provided by the eligible partnerships through the local reports; and

(2) the State level of performance, aggregated across all eligible partnerships, with respect to the performance indicators described in subsection (a).

The purpose of this section is to expand student access to, and participation in, new industry-led earn-and-learn programs leading to high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand careers.

From the amounts provided under this title, the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible partnerships for the purpose described in subsection (a).

The Secretary shall award grants under this section for a period of—

(A) not less than 1 year; and

(B) not more than 4 years.

An eligible partnership or member of such partnership may not be awarded more than one grant under this section.

An eligible partnership awarded a grant under this section may not use more than 5 percent of the grant funds to pay administrative costs associated with activities funded by the grant.

To receive a grant under this section, an eligible partnership shall, through cash or in-kind contributions, provide matching funds from non-Federal sources in an amount equal to or greater than 50 percent of the amount of such grant.

To receive a grant under this section, an eligible partnership shall submit to the Secretary at such a time as the Secretary may require, an application that—

(1) identifies and designates the business or institution of higher education responsible for the administration and supervision of the earn-and-learn program for which such grant funds would be used;

(2) identifies the businesses and institutions of higher education that comprise the eligible partnership;

(3) identifies the source and amount of the matching funds required under subsection (c);

(4) identifies the number of students who will participate and complete the relevant earn-and-learn program within 1 year of the expiration of the grant;

(5) identifies the amount of time, not to exceed 2 years, required for students to complete the program;

(6) identifies the relevant recognized postsecondary credential to be awarded to students who complete the program; and

(7) identifies the anticipated earnings of students—

(A) 1 year after program completion;

(B) 3 years after program completion;

(C) describes the specific project for which the application is submitted, including a summary of the relevant classroom and paid structured on-the-job training students will receive;

(D) describes how the eligible partnership will finance the program after the end of the grant period;

(E) describes how the eligible partnership will support the collection of information and data for purposes of the program evaluation required under subsection (e); and

(F) describes the alignment of the program with State-identified in-demand industry sectors.

From the amounts provided under this title, the Secretary shall provide for the independent evaluation of the grant program established under this section that includes the following:

(A) The number of eligible individuals who participated in programs assisted under this section.

(B) The percentage of program participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program.

(C) The percentage of program participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the fourth quarter after exit from the program.

(D) The median earnings of program participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program.

(E) The percentage of program participants who obtain a recognized postsecondary credential during participation in the program.

The evaluation required by this subsection shall be made publicly available on the website of the Department.

In this section:

The term earn-and-learn program means an education program, including an apprenticeship program, that provides students with structured, sustained, and paid on-the-job training and accompanying, for credit, classroom instruction that—

(A) is for a period of between 3 months and 2 years; and

(B) leads to, on completion of the program, a recognized postsecondary credential.

The term eligible partnership shall mean a consortium that includes—

(A) 1 or more businesses; and

(B) 1 or more institutions of higher education.

The term in-demand industry sector or occupation has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).

The term on-the-job training has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).

The term recognized postsecondary credential has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).

This division may be cited as the American Prosperity and Competitiveness Act.

Nothing in sections 3112 and 3113 of this title, the American Families United Act, shall be construed—

(1) to provide the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General with the ability to exercise the discretionary authority provided in this division, or by an amendment made by this division, except on a case-by-case basis; or

(2) to otherwise modify or limit the discretionary authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General under the immigration laws (as defined in section 101(a)(17) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(17))).

Section 240(c)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1229a(c)(4)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

In the case of an alien who is the spouse or child of a citizen of the United States, the Attorney General may subject to clause (ii)—

(I) terminate any removal proceedings against the alien;

(II) decline to order the alien removed from the United States;

(III) grant the alien permission to reapply for admission to the United States; or

(IV) subject to clause (iii), waive the application of one or more grounds of inadmissibility or deportability in connection with any request for relief from removal.

The Attorney General may exercise the discretion described in clause (i) if the Attorney General determines that removal of the alien or the denial of a request for relief from removal would result in hardship to the alien’s United States citizen spouse, parent, or child. There shall be a presumption that family separation constitutes hardship.

In the case of the death of a citizen of the United States, the Attorney General may exercise discretion described in clause (i) with respect to an alien who was a child of such citizen, or was the spouse of such citizen and was not legally separated from such citizen on the date of the citizen’s death, if—

(aa) the Attorney General determines that removal of the child or spouse or the denial of a requested benefit would result in hardship to the child or spouse; and

(bb) the child or spouse seeks relief requiring such discretion not later than two years after the date of the citizen’s death or demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Attorney General the existence of extraordinary circumstances that prevented the spouse or child from seeking relief within such period.

This subparagraph shall not apply to an alien whom the Attorney General determines—

(I) is inadmissible under—

(aa) paragraph (2) or (3) of section 212(a); or

(bb) subparagraph (A), (C), or (D) of section 212(a)(10); or

(II) is deportable under paragraph (2), (4), or (6) of section 237(a).

Section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182) is amended—

(1) by redesignating the second subsection (t) as subsection (u); and

(2) by adding at the end the following:

In the case of an alien who is the spouse or child of a citizen of the United States, the Secretary of Homeland Security may, subject to paragraph (2)—

(A) waive the application of one or more grounds of inadmissibility or deportability in connection with an application for an immigration benefit or request for relief from removal;

(B) decline to issue a notice to appear or other charging document requiring such an alien to appear for removal proceedings;

(C) decline to reinstate an order of removal under section 241(a)(5); or

(D) grant such alien permission to reapply for admission to the United States or any other application for an immigration benefit.

The Secretary of Homeland Security may exercise discretion described in paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that removal of the alien or the denial of a requested benefit would result in hardship to the alien’s United States citizen spouse, parent, or child. There shall be a presumption that family separation constitutes hardship.

In the case of the death of a citizen of the United States, the Secretary of Homeland Security may exercise discretion described in paragraph (1) with respect to an alien who was a child of such citizen, or was the spouse of such citizen and was not legally separated from such citizen on the date of the citizen’s death, if—

(i) the Secretary determines that the denial of a requested benefit would result in hardship to the child or spouse; and

(ii) the child or spouse seeks relief requiring such discretion not later than two years after the date of the citizen’s death or demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary the existence of extraordinary circumstances that prevented the spouse or child from seeking relief within such period.

This subsection shall not apply to an alien whom the Secretary determines—

(A) is inadmissible under—

(i) paragraph (2) or (3) of subsections (a); or

(ii) subparagraphs (A), (C), or (D) of subsection (a)(10); or

(B) is deportable under paragraphs (2), (4), or (6) of section 237(a).

Section 301(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1401(g)) is amended by striking for a period or periods totaling not less than five years, at least two of which were after attaining the age of fourteen years.

A motion to reopen or reconsider the denial of a petition or application or an order of removal for an alien may be granted if such petition, application, or order would have been adjudicated in favor of the alien had this division, or an amendment made by this division, been in effect at the time of such denial or order.

A motion under subsection (a) shall be filed no later than the date that is 2 years after the date of the enactment of this division, unless the alien demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary of Homeland Security or Attorney General, as appropriate, the existence of extraordinary circumstances that prevented the alien from filing within such period.

Section 101(a)(15)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(B)) is amended by striking and who is visiting the United States temporarily for business or temporarily for pleasure; and inserting

and who is visiting the United States temporarily for—

(i) business;

(ii) pleasure; or

(iii) family purposes;

Section 214 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184) is amended by adding at the end the following:

In this subsection and section 101(a)(15)(B)(iii):

The term family purposes means any visit by a relative for a social, occasional, or any other purpose.

The term relative means the spouse, child, son, daughter, grandchild, parent, grandparent, sibling, uncle, aunt, niece, and nephew of a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

A relative seeking admission pursuant to a visa issued under section 101(a)(15)(B)(iii) is inadmissible unless—

(A) the individual petitioning for such admission, or an additional sponsor, has submitted to the Secretary of Homeland Security an undertaking under section 213 in the form of a declaration of support (Form I–134); and

(B) such relative has obtained, for the duration of his or her stay in the United States, a health insurance policy (such as an additional travel health insurance policy or an existing health insurance policy that includes travel health care costs) with minimum policy requirements, as determined by the Secretary.

The period of authorized admission for a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(B)(iii) shall not exceed 90 days.

An individual may not petition for the admission of a relative as a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(B)(iii) if the individual previously petitioned for the admission of such a relative who—

(i) was admitted to the United States pursuant to a visa issued under that section as a result; and

(ii) overstayed his or her period of authorized admission.

An individual petitioning for the admission of a relative as a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(B)(iii) who has previously petitioned for such a relative shall submit to the Secretary of Homeland Security evidence demonstrating that the relative on behalf of whom the individual previously petitioned did not overstay his or her period of authorized admission.

Section 248(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1258(a)(1)) is amended to read as follows:

(1) an alien classified as a nonimmigrant under subparagraph (B)(iii), (C), (D), (K), or (S) of section 101(a)(15),

Notwithstanding section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(b)), a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(B)(iii) of that Act who has been classified as an immigrant under section 201 of that Act (8 U.S.C. 1151) and is awaiting the availability of an immigrant visa subject to the numerical limitations under section 203 of that Act (8 U.S.C. 1153) may be admitted pursuant to a family purpose visa, in accordance with section 214(s) of that Act, if the individual is otherwise eligible for admission.

Chapter 2 of title III of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1421 et seq.) is amended—

(1) by striking section 328 (8 U.S.C. 1439); and

(2) in section 329 (8 U.S.C. 1440)—

(A) by amending the section heading to read as follows: Naturalizing through service in the Selected Reserve or in active-duty status;

(B) in subsection (a)—

(i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking during either and all that follows through foreign force;

(ii) in paragraph (1)—

(I) by striking America Samoa, or Swains Island and inserting American Samoa, Swains Island, or any of the freely associated States (as defined in section 611(b)(1)(C) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1411(b)(1)(C))),; and

(II) by striking he and inserting such person; and

(iii) in paragraph (2), by striking in an active-duty status, and whether separation from such service was under honorable conditions and inserting in accordance with subsection (b)(3); and

(C) in subsection (b)—

(i) in paragraph (1), by striking he and inserting such person; and

(ii) in paragraph (3), by striking an active-duty status and all that follows through foreign force, and and inserting in an active status (as defined in section 101(d) of title 10, United States Code), in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve, or on active duty (as defined in such section) and, if separated.

The table of contents for the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) is amended by striking the items relating to sections 328 and 329 and inserting the following:

Section 201(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(F) Aliens—

(i) who are beneficiaries (including derivative beneficiaries) of an approved immigrant visa petition bearing a priority date that is more than 10 years before the alien submits an application for an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status; and

(ii) who deposit a premium processing fee of $20,000 into the Immigration Infrastructure and Debt Reduction Fund established in section 9512 of title 26, United States Code.

(G) Aliens who are beneficiaries (including derivative beneficiaries) of an approved immigrant visa petition bearing a priority date that is more than 10 years before the alien submits an application for an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status, subject to the following:

(i) In each of the fiscal years 2026 through and including 2035, the Secretary shall allocate to aliens described in subparagraph (G) a number of immigrant visas in an amount that is sufficient to ensure that by the end of fiscal year 2035 there are no aliens described in subparagraph (G).

Section 202(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1152(a)(2)) is amended by striking 7 percent and inserting 15 percent.

Section 201(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(1)), as amended by section 3201, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

(H) Any alien who—

(i) is not inadmissible under section 212(a) or deportable under section 237(a);

(ii) was lawfully present in the United States as a dependent child of a nonimmigrant admitted to engage in employment in the United States (other than a nonimmigrant described in subparagraph (A), (G), (N), or (S) of section 101(a)(15)) for an aggregate period of not less than 8 years;

(iii) on the date on which an application under section 204(a)(1)(M) is submitted, has been lawfully present in the United States for an aggregate period of not less than 10 years; and

(iv) has graduated from an institution of higher education (as defined in section 102(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002(a))) in the United States.

Section 204(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(M) Any alien entitled to classification under section 201(b)(1)(F) may file a petition with the Secretary of Homeland Security for such classification.

The Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) is amended—

(A) in section 101(b) (8 U.S.C. 1101(b)), by adding at the end the following:

A determination as to whether an alien is a child shall be made as follows:

For purposes of a petition under section 204 and any subsequent application for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status, such determination shall be made using the age of the alien on the earlier of—

(i) the date on which the petition is filed with the Secretary of Homeland Security; or

(ii) the date on which an application for a labor certification under section 212(a)(5)(A)(i) is filed with the Secretary of Labor.

With respect to an alien who, for an aggregate period of 8 years before attaining the age of 21, was in the status of a dependent child of a nonimmigrant pursuant to a lawful admission as an alien eligible to be employed in the United States (other than a nonimmigrant described in subparagraph (A), (G), (N), or (S) of section 101(a)(15)), notwithstanding clause (i), the determination of the alien’s age shall be based on the date on which such initial nonimmigrant employment-based petition or application was filed by the alien’s nonimmigrant parent.

With respect to an alien who has not sought to acquire status as an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence during the 2 years beginning on the date on which an immigrant visa becomes available to such alien, the alien’s age shall be determined based on the alien’s biological age, unless the failure to seek to acquire such status was due to extraordinary circumstances.

(A) ; and

(B) in section 201(f) (8 U.S.C. 1151)—

(i) by striking the subsection heading and all that follows until termination date in paragraph (3) and inserting Rule For Determining Whether Certain Aliens Are Immediate Relatives.—; and

(ii) by striking paragraph (4).

The amendments made by this subsection shall be effective as if included in the Child Status Protection Act (Public Law 107–208; 116 Stat. 927).

A motion to reopen or reconsider the denial of a petition or application described in the amendment made by paragraph (1)(A) may be granted if—

(I) such petition or application would have been approved if the amendment described in such paragraph had been in effect at the time of adjudication of the petition or application;

(II) the individual seeking relief pursuant to such motion was in the United States at the time the underlying petition or application was filed; and

(III) such motion is filed with the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General not later than the date that is 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an individual granted relief pursuant to a motion to reopen or reconsider under clause (i) shall be exempt from the numerical limitations in sections 201, 202, and 203 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151, 1152, and 1153).

Section 214 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184) is amended by adding at the end the following:

Except as described in paragraph (2), the determination as to whether an alien who is the derivative beneficiary of a properly filed pending or approved immigrant petition under section 204 is eligible to be a dependent child shall be based on whether the alien is determined to be a child under section 101(b)(6).

If otherwise eligible, an alien who is determined to be a child pursuant to section 101(b)(6)(B) may change status to, or extend status as, a dependent child of a nonimmigrant with an approved employment-based petition under this section or an approved application under section 101(a)(15)(E), notwithstanding such alien’s marital status.

An alien admitted to the United States as a dependent child of a nonimmigrant who is described in this section is authorized to engage in employment in the United States incident to status.

Section 203(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(h)) is amended—

(1) by striking the subsection heading and inserting Retention Of Priority Dates;

(2) by striking paragraphs (1) through (4);

(3) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (3); and

(4) by inserting before paragraph (3) the following:

The priority date for an individual shall be the date on which a petition under section 204 is filed with the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Secretary of State, as applicable, unless such petition was preceded by the filing of a labor certification with the Secretary of Labor, in which case the date on which the labor certification is filed shall be the priority date.

The principal beneficiary and all derivative beneficiaries shall retain the priority date associated with the earliest of any approved petition or labor certification, and such priority date shall be applicable to any subsequently approved petition.

Section 201(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(1)), as amended by this division, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

(I) Aliens described in section 203(d) if accompanying or following to join their spouse or parent who has been admitted for lawful permanent resident status under section 203(b).

Section 3121(b)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting (other than any period in which such individual performs service pursuant to optional practical training) after as amended.

The amendment made by this section shall apply to services performed in calendar quarters beginning after the date of the enactment of this division.

Section 101(a)(15)(O)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is amended by inserting after extensive documentation the following: or, with regard to a field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, has earned a doctoral degree in at least one of such fields, or in a health profession, from an institution of higher education in the United States (as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))).

Section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)(i)) is amended—

(1) by striking having a residence in a foreign country which he has no intention of abandoning,;

(2) by striking and solely; and

(3) by striking Attorney General each place it appears and inserting Secretary of Homeland Security.

Section 214(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(h)) is amended to read as follows:

The fact that an alien is, or intends to be, the beneficiary of an application for a preference status filed under section 204, seeks a change or adjustment of status after completing a legitimate period of nonimmigrant stay, or has otherwise sought permanent residence in the United States shall not constitute evidence of intent to abandon a foreign residence that would preclude the alien from obtaining or maintaining—

(1) a visa or admission as a nonimmigrant described in subparagraph (E), (F)(i), (F)(ii), (H)(i)(b), (H)(i)(c), (L), (O), (P), (R), or (V) of section 101(a)(15); or

(2) the status of a nonimmigrant described in any such subparagraph.

The Secretary of State, Secretary of Labor, and Secretary of Homeland Security shall jointly appoint an Immigration Agency Coordinator to oversee the immigration functions at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Department of Labor, and the Department of State.

It shall be the duty of the Immigration Agency Coordinator—

(1) to provide recommendations to harmonize agency efforts with respect to filing and processing of immigration petitions, visas, and labor certifications; and

(2) to work to ensure filing and processing information from each agency is available to the other agencies.

There is authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2026—

(1) $2,560,000,000 to the Operations and Support Account at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services;

(2) $825,000,000 to the Bureau of Consular Affairs and Visa Service at the Department of State; and

(3) $225,000,000 to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification at the U.S. Department of Labor.