8 U.S.C. § 1330 (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 12: IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY / Subchapter II: IMMIGRATION / Section 1330: Collection of penalties and expenses
Collection of penalties and expenses
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subchapter, the withholding or denial of clearance of or a lien upon any vessel or aircraft provided for in section 1221, 1224, 1253(c)(2), 1281, 1283, 1284, 1285, 1286, 1321, 1322, or 1323 of this title shall not be regarded as the sole and exclusive means or remedy for the enforcement of payments of any fine, penalty or expenses imposed or incurred under such sections, but, in the discretion of the Attorney General, the amount thereof may be recovered by civil suit, in the name of the United States, from any person made liable under any of such sections.

(b)(1) There is established in the general fund of the Treasury a separate account which shall be known as the "Immigration Enforcement Account". Notwithstanding any other section of this subchapter, there shall be deposited as offsetting receipts into the Immigration Enforcement Account amounts described in paragraph (2) to remain available until expended.

(2) The amounts described in this paragraph are the following:

(A) The increase in penalties collected resulting from the amendments made by sections 203(b) and 543(a) of the Immigration Act of 1990.

(B) Civil penalties collected under sections 1229c(d), 1324c, 1324d, and 1325(b) of this title.

(3)(A) The Secretary of the Treasury shall refund out of the Immigration Enforcement Account to any appropriation the amount paid out of such appropriation for expenses incurred by the Attorney General for activities that enhance enforcement of provisions of this subchapter. Such activities include—

(i) the identification, investigation, apprehension, detention, and removal of criminal aliens;

(ii) the maintenance and updating of a system to identify and track criminal aliens, deportable aliens, inadmissible aliens, and aliens illegally entering the United States; and

(iii) for the repair, maintenance, or construction on the United States border, in areas experiencing high levels of apprehensions of illegal aliens, of structures to deter illegal entry into the United States.

(B) The amounts which are required to be refunded under subparagraph (A) shall be refunded at least quarterly on the basis of estimates made by the Attorney General of the expenses referred to in subparagraph (A). Proper adjustments shall be made in the amounts subsequently refunded under subparagraph (A) to the extent prior estimates were in excess of, or less than, the amount required to be refunded under subparagraph (A).

(C) The amounts required to be refunded from the Immigration Enforcement Account for fiscal year 1996 and thereafter shall be refunded in accordance with estimates made in the budget request of the Attorney General for those fiscal years. Any proposed changes in the amounts designated in such budget requests shall only be made after notification to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate in accordance with section 605 of Public Law 104–134.

(D) The Attorney General shall prepare and submit annually to the Congress statements of financial condition of the Immigration Enforcement Account, including beginning account balance, revenues, withdrawals, and ending account balance and projection for the ensuing fiscal year.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title II, ch. 8, §280, 66 Stat. 230; Pub. L. 101–649, title V, §542(a), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5057; Pub. L. 103–416, title II, §219(s), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4317; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §§308(g)(4)(C), 382(a), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–623, 3009–651.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Sections 203(b) and 543(a) of the Immigration Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(A), are sections 203(b) and 543(a) of Pub. L. 101–649. Section 203(b) of the Act amended section 1281 of this title. Section 543(a) of the Act amended sections 1221, former 1227, 1229 (now 1224), 1284, 1285, 1286, 1287, 1321, 1322, and 1323 of this title.

Section 605 of Public Law 104–134, referred to in subsec. (b)(3)(C), is section 101[(a)] [title VI, §605] of Pub. L. 104–134, title I, Apr. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 1321, 1321–63, which is not classified to the Code.

Amendments

1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–208, §308(g)(4)(C), substituted "1224, 1253(c)(2)" for "1227, 1229, 1253".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–208, §382(a), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: "Notwithstanding section 3302 of title 31, the increase in penalties collected resulting from the amendments made by sections 203(b), 543(a), and 544 of the Immigration Act of 1990 shall be credited to the appropriation—

"(1) for the Immigration and Naturalization Service for activities that enhance enforcement of provisions of this subchapter, including—

"(A) the identification, investigation, and apprehension of criminal aliens,

"(B) the implementation of the system described in section 1252(a)(3)(A) of this title, and

"(C) for the repair, maintenance, or construction on the United States border, in areas experiencing high levels of apprehensions of illegal aliens, of structures to deter illegal entry into the United States; and

"(2) for the Executive Office for Immigration Review in the Department of Justice for the purpose of removing the backlogs in the preparation of transcripts of deportation proceedings conducted under section 1252 of this title."

1994—Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 103–416 substituted "maintenance" for "maintainance".

1990—Pub. L. 101–649 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by section 308(g)(4)(C) of Pub. L. 104–208 effective, with certain transitional provisions, on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after Sept. 30, 1996, see section 309 of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §382(c), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–651, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1356 of this title] shall apply to fines and penalties collected on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996]."

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–416 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 219(dd) of Pub. L. 103–416, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–649, title V, §542(b), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5057, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to fines and penalties collected on or after January 1, 1991."

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
8 U.S.C. § 1258 (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 12: IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY / Subchapter II: IMMIGRATION / Section 1258: Change of nonimmigrant classification
Change of nonimmigrant classification
Status: in_force

(a) The Secretary of Homeland Security may, under such conditions as he may prescribe, authorize a change from any nonimmigrant classification to any other nonimmigrant classification in the case of any alien lawfully admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant who is continuing to maintain that status and who is not inadmissible under section 1182(a)(9)(B)(i) of this title (or whose inadmissibility under such section is waived under section 1182(a)(9)(B)(v) of this title), except (subject to subsection (b)) in the case of—

(1) an alien classified as a nonimmigrant under subparagraph (C), (D), (K), or (S) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title,

(2) an alien classified as a nonimmigrant under subparagraph (J) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title who came to the United States or acquired such classification in order to receive graduate medical education or training,

(3) an alien (other than an alien described in paragraph (2)) classified as a nonimmigrant under subparagraph (J) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title who is subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement of section 1182(e) of this title and has not received a waiver thereof, unless such alien applies to have the alien's classification changed from classification under subparagraph (J) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title to a classification under subparagraph (A) or (G) of such section, and

(4) an alien admitted as a nonimmigrant visitor without a visa under section 1182(l) of this title or section 1187 of this title.

(b) The exceptions specified in paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (a) shall not apply to a change of nonimmigrant classification to that of a nonimmigrant under subparagraph (T) or (U) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title II, ch. 5, §248, 66 Stat. 218; Pub. L. 87–256, §109(d), Sept. 21, 1961, 75 Stat. 535; Pub. L. 97–116, §10, Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1617; Pub. L. 99–603, title III, §313(d), Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3439; Pub. L. 103–322, title XIII, §130003(b)(3), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2025; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §301(b)(2), title VI, §671(a)(2), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–578, 3009–721; Pub. L. 109–162, title VIII, §821(c)(1), Jan. 5, 2006, 119 Stat. 3062.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2006—Pub. L. 109–162 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), substituted "Secretary of Homeland Security" for "Attorney General", inserted "(subject to subsection (b))" after "except" in introductory provisions, and added subsec. (b).

1996—Pub. L. 104–208, §301(b)(2), in introductory provisions, inserted "and who is not inadmissible under section 1182(a)(9)(B)(i) of this title (or whose inadmissibility under such section is waived under section 1182(a)(9)(B)(v) of this title)" after "maintain that status".

Par. (1). Pub. L. 104–208, §671(a)(2), made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 103–322, §130003(b)(3). See 1994 Amendment note below.

1994—Par. (1). Pub. L. 103–322, §130003(b)(3), as amended by Pub. L. 104–208, §671(a)(2), substituted "(K), or (S)" for "or (K)".

1986—Par. (4). Pub. L. 99–603 added par. (4).

1981—Pub. L. 97–116 permitted certain exchange visitors who are not subject to a requirement of returning to their home countries for two years, or who have had such requirement waived, to adjust to a visitor or diplomat status, prohibited the adjustment of nonimmigrant status by fiancee or fiance nonimmigrants, and specifically precluded the change of status with respect to doctors who have entered the United States as exchange visitors for graduate medical training, even if they have received a waiver of the two-year foreign residence requirement.

1961—Pub. L. 87–256 inserted references to paragraph (15)(J) of section 1101(a) of this title in two places.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by section 301(b)(2) of Pub. L. 104–208 effective, with certain transitional provisions, on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after Sept. 30, 1996, see section 309 of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Amendment by section 671(a)(2) of Pub. L. 104–208 effective as if included in the enactment of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, Pub. L. 103–322, see section 671(a)(7) of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–116 effective Dec. 29, 1981, see section 21(a) of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
8 U.S.C. § 1441 (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 12: IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY / Subchapter III: NATIONALITY AND NATURALIZATION / Section 1441: Constructive residence through service on certain United States vessels
Constructive residence through service on certain United States vessels
Status: in_force

Any periods of time during all of which a person who was previously lawfully admitted for permanent residence has served honorably or with good conduct, in any capacity other than as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, (A) on board a vessel operated by the United States, or an agency thereof, the full legal and equitable title to which is in the United States; or (B) on board a vessel whose home port is in the United States, and (i) which is registered under the laws of the United States, or (ii) the full legal and equitable title to which is in a citizen of the United States, or a corporation organized under the laws of any of the several States of the United States, shall be deemed residence and physical presence within the United States within the meaning of section 1427(a) of this title, if such service occurred within five years immediately preceding the date such person shall file an application for naturalization. Service on vessels described in clause (A) of this section shall be proved by duly authenticated copies of the records of the executive departments or agency having custody of the records of such service. Service on vessels described in clause (B) of this section may be proved by certificates from the masters of such vessels.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §330, 66 Stat. 251; Pub. L. 100–525, §9(z), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2621; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(c)(12), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5041; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §305(m)(5), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1750.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1991—Pub. L. 102–232 substituted "of this section" for "of this subsection" in two places.

1990—Pub. L. 101–649 substituted "an application" for "a petition".

1988—Pub. L. 100–525 designated provisions of former par. (1) of subsec. (a) as entire section, and struck out former pars. (2) and (3) and subsec. (b) which read as follows:

"(2) For the purposes of this subsection, any periods of time prior to September 23, 1950, during all of which any person had served honorably or with good conduct for an aggregate period of five years on any vessel described in section 325(a) of the Nationality Act of 1940 prior to its amendment by the Act of September 23, 1950, shall be deemed residence and physical presence within the United States within the meaning of section 1427(a) of this title, if such petition is filed within one year from the effective date of this chapter. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1429 of this title, a person entitled to claim the exemptions contained in this paragraph shall not be required to establish a lawful admission for permanent residence.

"(3) For the purposes of this subsection, any periods of time prior to September 23, 1950, during all of which any person not within the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection had, prior to September 23, 1950, served honorably or with good conduct on any vessel described in section 325(a) of the Nationality Act of 1940 prior to its amendment by the Act of September 23, 1950, and was so serving on September 23, 1950, shall be deemed residence and physical presence within the United States within the meaning of section 1427(a) of this title, if such person at any time prior to filing his petition for naturalization shall have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence, and if such petition is filed on or before September 23, 1955.

"(b) Any person who was excepted from certain requirements of the naturalization laws under section 325 of the Nationality Act of 1940 prior to its amendment by the Act of September 23, 1950, and had filed a petition for naturalization under section 325 of the Nationality Act of 1940, may, if such petition was pending on September 23, 1950, and is still pending on the effective date of this chapter, be naturalized upon compliance with the applicable provisions of the naturalization laws in effect upon the date such petition was filed: Provided, That any such person shall be subject to the provisions of section 1424 of this title and to those provisions of section 1429 of this title which relate to the prohibition against the naturalization of a person against whom there is outstanding a final finding of deportability pursuant to a warrant of arrest issued under the provisions of this chapter or any other Act, or which relate to the prohibition against the final hearing on a petition for naturalization if there is pending against the petitioner a deportation proceeding pursuant to a warrant of arrest issued under the provisions of this chapter or any other Act."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §305(m), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1750, provided that the amendment made by section 305(m) is effective as if included in section 407(d) of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649.
8 U.S.C. § 1440a (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 12: IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY / Subchapter III: NATIONALITY AND NATURALIZATION / Section 1440a: Omitted
Omitted
Status: omitted

Editorial Notes

Codification

Sections, act June 30, 1953, ch. 162, §§1–4, 67 Stat. 108–110, which authorized naturalization of persons who served in the Armed Forces after June 29, 1950, and not later than July 1, 1955, were omitted as obsolete, since the provisions of section 1 of act June 30, 1953, required the petition for naturalization to be filed not later than December 31, 1955. See sections 1440 and 1440e of this title.
8 U.S.C. § 1372 (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 12: IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY / Subchapter II: IMMIGRATION / Section 1372: Program to collect information relating to nonimmigrant foreign students and other exchange program participants
Program to collect information relating to nonimmigrant foreign students and other exchange program participants
Status: in_force

(a) In general

(1) Program

The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Education, shall develop and conduct a program to collect from approved institutions of higher education, other approved educational institutions, and designated exchange visitor programs in the United States the information described in subsection (c) with respect to aliens who—

(A) have the status, or are applying for the status, of nonimmigrants under subparagraph (F), (J), or (M) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title; and

(B) are nationals of the countries designated under subsection (b).

(2) Deadline

The program shall commence not later than January 1, 1998.

(3) Aliens for whom a visa is required

The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall establish an electronic means to monitor and verify—

(A) the issuance of documentation of acceptance of a foreign student by an approved institution of higher education or other approved educational institution, or of an exchange visitor program participant by a designated exchange visitor program;

(B) the transmittal of the documentation referred to in subparagraph (A) to the Department of State for use by the Bureau of Consular Affairs;

(C) the issuance of a visa to a foreign student or an exchange visitor program participant;

(D) the admission into the United States of the foreign student or exchange visitor program participant;

(E) the notification to an approved institution of higher education, other approved educational institution, or exchange visitor program sponsor that the foreign student or exchange visitor participant has been admitted into the United States;

(F) the registration and enrollment of that foreign student in such approved institution of higher education or other approved educational institution, or the participation of that exchange visitor in such designated exchange visitor program, as the case may be; and

(G) any other relevant act by the foreign student or exchange visitor program participant, including a changing of school or designated exchange visitor program and any termination of studies or participation in a designated exchange visitor program.

(4) Reporting requirements

Not later than 30 days after the deadline for registering for classes for an academic term of an approved institution of higher education or other approved educational institution for which documentation is issued for an alien as described in paragraph (3)(A), or the scheduled commencement of participation by an alien in a designated exchange visitor program, as the case may be, the institution or program, respectively, shall report to the Immigration and Naturalization Service any failure of the alien to enroll or to commence participation.

(b) Covered countries

The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall designate countries for purposes of subsection (a)(1)(B). The Attorney General shall initially designate not less than 5 countries and may designate additional countries at any time while the program is being conducted.

(c) Information to be collected

(1) In general

The information for collection under subsection (a) with respect to an alien consists of—

(A) the identity and current address in the United States of the alien;

(B) the nonimmigrant classification of the alien and the date on which a visa under the classification was issued or extended or the date on which a change to such classification was approved by the Attorney General;

(C) in the case of a student at an approved institution of higher education, or other approved educational institution,,1 the current academic status of the alien, including whether the alien is maintaining status as a full-time student or, in the case of a participant in a designated exchange visitor program, whether the alien is satisfying the terms and conditions of such program;

(D) in the case of a student at an approved institution of higher education, or other approved educational institution,,1 any disciplinary action taken by the institution against the alien as a result of the alien's being convicted of a crime or, in the case of a participant in a designated exchange visitor program, any change in the alien's participation as a result of the alien's being convicted of a crime; and 2

(E) the date of entry and port of entry;

(F) the date of the alien's enrollment in an approved institution of higher education, other approved educational institution, or designated exchange visitor program in the United States;

(G) the degree program, if applicable, and field of study; and

(H) the date of the alien's termination of enrollment and the reason for such termination (including graduation, disciplinary action or other dismissal, and failure to re-enroll).

(2) FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 [20 U.S.C. 1232g] shall not apply to aliens described in subsection (a) to the extent that the Attorney General determines necessary to carry out the program under subsection (a).

(3) Electronic collection

The information described in paragraph (1) shall be collected electronically, where practicable.

(4) Computer software

(A) Collecting institutions

To the extent practicable, the Attorney General shall design the program in a manner that permits approved institutions of higher education, other approved educational institutions, and designated exchange visitor programs to use existing software for the collection, storage, and data processing of information described in paragraph (1).

(B) Attorney General

To the extent practicable, the Attorney General shall use or enhance existing software for the collection, storage, and data processing of information described in paragraph (1).

(5) Reporting requirements

The Attorney General shall prescribe by regulation reporting requirements by taking into account the curriculum calendar of the approved institution of higher education, other approved educational institution, or exchange visitor program.

(d) Participation by institutions of higher education and exchange visitor programs

(1) Condition

The information described in subsection (c) shall be provided by institutions of higher education, other approved educational institutions, or exchange visitor programs as a condition of—

(A) in the case of an approved institution of higher education, or other approved educational institution,,1 the continued approval of the institution under subparagraph (F) or (M) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title; and

(B) in the case of an approved institution of higher education or a designated exchange visitor program, the granting of authority to issue documents to an alien demonstrating the alien's eligibility for a visa under subparagraph (F), (J), or (M) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title.

(2) Effect of failure to provide information

If an approved institution of higher education, other approved educational institution, or a designated exchange visitor program fails to provide the specified information, such approvals and such issuance of visas shall be revoked or denied.

(e) Funding

(1) In general

Beginning on April 1, 1997, the Attorney General shall impose on, and collect from, each alien described in paragraph (3), with respect to whom the institution or program is required by subsection (a) to collect information, a fee established by the Attorney General under paragraph (4) at a time prior to the alien being classified under subparagraph (F), (J), or (M) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title.

(2) Remittance

The fees collected under paragraph (1) shall be remitted by the alien pursuant to a schedule established by the Attorney General for immediate deposit and availability as described under section 1356(m) of this title.

(3) Aliens described

An alien referred to in paragraph (1) is an alien who seeks nonimmigrant status under subparagraph (F), (J), or (M) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title (other than a nonimmigrant under section 1101(a)(15)(J) of this title who seeks to come to the United States as a participant in a program sponsored by the Federal Government).

(4) Amount and use of fees

(A) Establishment of amount

The Attorney General shall establish the amount of the fee to be imposed on, and collected from, an alien under paragraph (1). Except as provided in subsection (g)(2), the fee imposed on any individual may not exceed $100, except that, in the case of an alien admitted under section 1101(a)(15)(J) of this title as an au pair, camp counselor, or participant in a summer work travel program, the fee shall not exceed $40, except that, in the case of an alien admitted under section 1101(a)(15)(J) of this title as an au pair, camp counselor, or participant in a summer work travel program, the fee shall not exceed $35.3 The amount of the fee shall be based on the Attorney General's estimate of the cost per alien of conducting the information collection program described in this section.

(B) Use

Fees collected under paragraph (1) shall be deposited as offsetting receipts into the Immigration Examinations Fee Account (established under section 1356(m) of this title) and shall remain available until expended for the Attorney General to reimburse any appropriation the amount paid out of which is for expenses in carrying out this section. Such expenses include, but are not necessarily limited to, those incurred by the Secretary of State in connection with the program under subsection (a).

(5) Proof of payment

The alien shall present proof of payment of the fee before the granting of—

(A) a visa under section 1202 of this title or, in the case of an alien who is exempt from the visa requirement described in section 1182(d)(4) of this title, admission to the United States; or

(B) change of nonimmigrant classification under section 1258 of this title to a classification described in paragraph (3).

(6) Implementation

The provisions of section 553 of title 5 (relating to rule-making) shall not apply to the extent the Attorney General determines necessary to ensure the expeditious, initial implementation of this section.

(f) Joint report

Not later than 4 years after the commencement of the program established under subsection (a), the Attorney General, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Education shall jointly submit to the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the operations of the program and the feasibility of expanding the program to cover the nationals of all countries.

(g) Worldwide applicability of program

(1) Expansion of program

Not later than 12 months after the submission of the report required by subsection (f), the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Education, shall commence expansion of the program to cover the nationals of all countries.

(2) Revision of fee

After the program has been expanded, as provided in paragraph (1), the Attorney General may, on a periodic basis, revise the amount of the fee imposed and collected under subsection (e) in order to take into account changes in the cost of carrying out the program.

(h) Definitions

As used in this section:

(1) Approved institution of higher education

The term "approved institution of higher education" means a college or university approved by the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, under subparagraph (F), (J), or (M) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title.

(2) Designated exchange visitor program

The term "designated exchange visitor program" means a program that has been—

(A) designated by the Secretary of State for purposes of section 1101(a)(15)(J) of this title; and

(B) selected by the Attorney General for purposes of the program under this section.

(3) Other approved educational institution

The term "other approved educational institution" includes any air flight school, language training school, or vocational school, approved by the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of State, under subparagraph (F), (J), or (M) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title.

(Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title VI, §641, Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–704; Pub. L. 106–396, title IV, §§404–406, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1649, 1650; Pub. L. 106–553, §1(a)(2) [title I, §110], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2762, 2762A–68; Pub. L. 107–56, title IV, §416(c), Oct. 26, 2001, 115 Stat. 354; Pub. L. 107–173, title V, §501(a), May 14, 2002, 116 Stat. 560.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, referred to in subsec. (c)(2), is section 513 of Pub. L. 93–380, title V, Aug. 21, 1974, 88 Stat. 571, which enacted section 1232g of Title 20, Education, and provisions set out as notes under sections 1221 and 1232g of Title 20. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1974 Amendment note set out under section 1221 of Title 20 and Tables.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, and also as part of the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 1997, and not as part of the Immigration and Nationality Act which comprises this chapter.

Amendments

2002—Subsec. (a)(3), (4). Pub. L. 107–173, §501(a)(1), added pars. (3) and (4).

Subsec. (c)(1)(E) to (H). Pub. L. 107–173, §501(a)(2), added subpars. (E) to (H).

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 107–173, §501(a)(3), added par. (5).

2001—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–56, §416(c)(1), inserted ", other approved educational institutions," after "higher education" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(1)(C), (D). Pub. L. 107–56, §416(c)(2), inserted ", or other approved educational institution," after "higher education".

Subsec. (c)(4)(A). Pub. L. 107–56, §416(c)(1), inserted ", other approved educational institutions," after "higher education".

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 107–56, §416(c)(1), inserted ", other approved educational institutions," after "higher education" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(1)(A). Pub. L. 107–56, §416(c)(2), inserted ", or other approved educational institution," after "higher education".

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 107–56, §416(c)(3), inserted ", other approved educational institution," after "higher education".

Subsec. (e)(1), (2). Pub. L. 107–56, §416(c)(3), which directed insertion of ", other approved educational institution," after "higher education" in pars. (1) and (2), could not be executed because the words "higher education" did not appear. See 2000 Amendment notes below.

Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 107–56, §416(c)(4), added par. (3).

2000—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 106–396, §406(2), inserted "institutions of higher education or exchange visitor programs" after "by" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 106–396, §404(1), in introductory provisions, substituted "the Attorney General" for "an approved institution of higher education and a designated exchange visitor program" and "a time prior to the alien being classified under subparagraph (F), (J), or (M) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title." for "the time—

"(A) when the alien first registers with the institution or program after entering the United States; or

"(B) in a case where a registration under subparagraph (A) does not exist, when the alien first commences activities in the United States with the institution or program."

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 106–396, §404(2), amended heading and text of par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "An approved institution of higher education and a designated exchange visitor program shall remit the fees collected under paragraph (1) to the Attorney General pursuant to a schedule established by the Attorney General."

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 106–396, §404(3), substituted "alien who seeks" for "alien who has" and "who seeks to come" for "who has come".

Subsec. (e)(4)(A). Pub. L. 106–553 inserted before period at end of second sentence ", except that, in the case of an alien admitted under section 1101(a)(15)(J) of this title as an au pair, camp counselor, or participant in a summer work travel program, the fee shall not exceed $35" without reference to amendment made by Pub. L. 106–396, §404(4)(A). See below.

Pub. L. 106–396, §404(4)(A), inserted before period at end of second sentence ", except that, in the case of an alien admitted under section 1101(a)(15)(J) of this title as an au pair, camp counselor, or participant in a summer work travel program, the fee shall not exceed $40". See amendment note above.

Subsec. (e)(4)(B). Pub. L. 106–396, §404(4)(B), inserted at end "Such expenses include, but are not necessarily limited to, those incurred by the Secretary of State in connection with the program under subsection (a)."

Subsec. (e)(5), (6). Pub. L. 106–396, §404(5), added pars. (5) and (6).

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 106–396, §405, amended heading and text of par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

"(A) In general.—Not later than 6 months after the submission of the report required by subsection (f) of this section, the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Education, shall commence expansion of the program to cover the nationals of all countries.

"(B) Deadline.—Such expansion shall be completed not later than 1 year after the date of the submission of the report referred to in subsection (f) of this section."

Subsec. (h)(2)(A). Pub. L. 106–396, §406(1), substituted "Secretary of State" for "Director of the United States Information Agency".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.

Foreign Student Monitoring Program

Pub. L. 107–56, title IV, §416(a), (b), Oct. 26, 2001, 115 Stat. 354, provided that:

"(a) Full Implementation and Expansion of Foreign Student Visa Monitoring Program Required.—The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall fully implement and expand the program established by section 641(a) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1372(a)).

"(b) Integration With Port of Entry Information.—For each alien with respect to whom information is collected under section 641 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1372), the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall include information on the date of entry and port of entry."

1 So in original.

2 So in original. The word "and" probably should not appear.

3 So in original. See 2000 amendment notes below.
8 U.S.C. § 1439 (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 12: IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY / Subchapter III: NATIONALITY AND NATURALIZATION / Section 1439: Naturalization through service in the armed forces
Naturalization through service in the armed forces
Status: in_force

(a) Requirements

A person who has served honorably at any time in the armed forces of the United States for a period or periods aggregating one year, and, who, if separated from such service, was never separated except under honorable conditions, may be naturalized without having resided, continuously immediately preceding the date of filing such person's application, in the United States for at least five years, and in the State or district of the Service in the United States in which the application for naturalization is filed for at least three months, and without having been physically present in the United States for any specified period, if such application is filed while the applicant is still in the service or within six months after the termination of such service.

(b) Exceptions

A person filing an application under subsection (a) of this section shall comply in all other respects with the requirements of this subchapter, except that—

(1) no residence within a State or district of the Service in the United States shall be required;

(2) notwithstanding section 1429 of this title insofar as it relates to deportability, such applicant may be naturalized immediately if the applicant be then actually in the Armed Forces of the United States, and if prior to the filing of the application, the applicant shall have appeared before and been examined by a representative of the Service;

(3) the applicant shall furnish to the Secretary of Homeland Security, prior to any hearing upon his application, a certified statement from the proper executive department for each period of his service upon which he relies for the benefits of this section, clearly showing that such service was honorable and that no discharges from service, including periods of service not relied upon by him for the benefits of this section, were other than honorable (the certificate or certificates herein provided for shall be conclusive evidence of such service and discharge); and

(4) notwithstanding any other provision of law, no fee shall be charged or collected from the applicant for filing the application, or for the issuance of a certificate of naturalization upon being granted citizenship, and no clerk of any State court shall charge or collect any fee for such services unless the laws of the State require such charge to be made, in which case nothing more than the portion of the fee required to be paid to the State shall be charged or collected.

(c) Periods when not in service

In the case such applicant's service was not continuous, the applicant's residence in the United States and State or district of the Service in the United States, good moral character, attachment to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and favorable disposition toward the good order and happiness of the United States, during any period within five years immediately preceding the date of filing such application between the periods of applicant's service in the Armed Forces, shall be alleged in the application filed under the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, and proved at any hearing thereon. Such allegation and proof shall also be made as to any period between the termination of applicant's service and the filing of the application for naturalization.

(d) Residence requirements

The applicant shall comply with the requirements of section 1427(a) of this title, if the termination of such service has been more than six months preceding the date of filing the application for naturalization, except that such service within five years immediately preceding the date of filing such application shall be considered as residence and physical presence within the United States.

(e) Moral character

Any such period or periods of service under honorable conditions, and good moral character, attachment to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and favorable disposition toward the good order and happiness of the United States, during such service, shall be proved by duly authenticated copies of the records of the executive departments having custody of the records of such service, and such authenticated copies of records shall be accepted in lieu of compliance with the provisions of section 1427(a) of this title.

(f) Revocation

Citizenship granted pursuant to this section may be revoked in accordance with section 1451 of this title if the person is separated from the Armed Forces under other than honorable conditions before the person has served honorably for a period or periods aggregating five years. Such ground for revocation shall be in addition to any other provided by law, including the grounds described in section 1451 of this title. The fact that the naturalized person was separated from the service under other than honorable conditions shall be proved by a duly authenticated certification from the executive department under which the person was serving at the time of separation. Any period or periods of service shall be proved by duly authenticated copies of the records of the executive departments having custody of the records of such service.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §328, 66 Stat. 249; Pub. L. 90–633, §5, Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1344; Pub. L. 97–116, §15(e), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1619; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(b)(4), (c)(10), (d)(8), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5040–5042; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §305(c), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1750; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title XVII, §1701(a), (b)(1), (c)(1)(A), (f), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1691, 1692; Pub. L. 110–382, §3(a), Oct. 9, 2008, 122 Stat. 4088.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2008—Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 110–382, §§3(a), 4, temporarily added subsecs. (g) and (h) which related to processing and adjudication of applications for naturalization and required annual reports to Congress on failures to process and adjudicate certain applications within 1 year of filing due to delays in conducting required background checks. See Termination Date of 2008 Amendment note below.

2003—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–136, §1701(a), substituted "one year," for "three years,".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 108–136, §1701(f), substituted "Secretary of Homeland Security" for "Attorney General".

Pub. L. 108–136, §1701(b)(1)(A), substituted "honorable (the" for "honorable. The" and "discharge); and" for "discharge."

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 108–136, §1701(b)(1)(B), added par. (4).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 108–136, §1701(c)(1)(A), added subsec. (f).

1991—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 102–232 amended directory language of Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(8). See 1990 Amendment notes below.

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(b)(4)(A), (c)(10), substituted "State or district of the Service in the United States" for "State", "for at least three months" for "for at least six months", and references to applicant and application for references to petitioner and petition wherever appearing.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(b)(4)(B), (c)(10), (d)(8), as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, substituted "within a State or district of the Service in the United States" for "within the jurisdiction of the court" in par. (1), "any hearing" for "the final hearing" in par. (3), and references to applicant and application for references to petitioner and petition wherever appearing.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(b)(4)(C), (c)(10), (d)(8), as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, substituted "State or district of the Service in the United States" for "State", "any hearing" for "the final hearing", and references to applicant's and application for references to petitioner's and petition wherever appearing.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(10), substituted references to applicant and application for references to petitioner and petition wherever appearing.

1981—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 97–116 struck out "and section 1447(c) of this title" after "relates to deportability" and "and the witnesses" after "petition, the petitioner".

1968—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 90–633 inserted reference to section 1429 of this title as it relates to deportability.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Termination Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–382 repealed 5 years after Oct. 9, 2008, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–382, set out as a note under section 271 of Title 6, Domestic Security.

Effective Date of 2003 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title XVII, §1701(c)(2), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1692, provided that: "The amendments made by paragraph (1) [amending this section and section 1440 of this title] shall apply to citizenship granted on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 24, 2003]."

Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title XVII, §1705, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1696, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Except as provided in subsection (b), this title [enacting section 1443a of this title, amending this section and sections 1430, 1440 and 1440–1 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1151, 1430, and 1443a of this title] and the amendments made by this title shall take effect as if enacted on September 11, 2001.

"(b) Exception.—The amendments made by sections 1701(b) (relating to naturalization fees) [amending this section and section 1440 of this title] and 1701(d) (relating to naturalization proceedings overseas) [enacting section 1443a of this title] shall take effect on October 1, 2004."

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–232 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 310(1) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–116 effective Dec. 29, 1981, see section 21(a) of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
8 U.S.C. § 1001 (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 11: NATIONALITY / Subchapter VI: NATURALIZATION OF PERSONS SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES DURING WORLD WAR II / Section 1001: Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(42), 66 Stat. 280, eff. Dec. 24, 1952
Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(42), 66 Stat. 280, eff. Dec. 24, 1952
Status: repealed

Section 1001, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title III, §701, as added Mar. 27, 1942, ch. 199, title X, §1001, 56 Stat. 182; amended Dec. 22, 1944, ch. 662, §1, 58 Stat. 886; Dec. 28, 1945, ch. 590, §1(c)(1), 59 Stat. 658, related to exceptions from certain requirements of naturalization of persons serving in the armed forces during World War II. See section 1440 of this title.

Section 1002, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title III, §702, as added Mar. 27, 1942, ch. 199, title X, §1001, 56 Stat. 182; amended Dec. 22, 1944, ch. 662, §2, 58 Stat. 887, related to alien serving outside of jurisdiction of naturalization court. See section 1440 of this title.

Section 1003, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title III, §703, as added Mar. 27, 1942, ch. 199, title X, §1001, 56 Stat. 183, related to waiver of notice to commissioner in case of alien enemy. See section 1440 of this title.

Section 1004, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title III, §704, as added Mar. 27, 1942, ch. 199, title X, §1001, 56 Stat. 183, related to persons excepted from former subchapter. See section 1440 of this title.

Section 1005, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title III, §705, as added Mar. 27, 1942, ch. 199, title X, §1001, 56 Stat. 183, related to forms, rules and regulations. See section 1440 of this title.

Section 1006, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title III, §706, as added Dec. 28, 1945, ch. 590, §1(c)(2), 59 Stat. 658, related to time of service limitation. See section 1440 of this title.
8 U.S.C. § 1223 (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 12: IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY / Subchapter II: IMMIGRATION / Section 1223: Entry through or from foreign territory and adjacent islands
Entry through or from foreign territory and adjacent islands
Status: in_force

(a) Necessity of transportation contract

The Attorney General shall have power to enter into contracts with transportation lines for the inspection and admission of aliens coming to the United States from foreign territory or from adjacent islands. No such transportation line shall be allowed to land any such alien in the United States until and unless it has entered into any such contracts which may be required by the Attorney General.

(b) Landing stations

Every transportation line engaged in carrying alien passengers for hire to the United States from foreign territory or from adjacent islands shall provide and maintain at its expense suitable landing stations, approved by the Attorney General, conveniently located at the point or points of entry. No such transportation line shall be allowed to land any alien passengers in the United States until such landing stations are provided, and unless such stations are thereafter maintained to the satisfaction of the Attorney General.

(c) Landing agreements

The Attorney General shall have power to enter into contracts including bonding agreements with transportation lines to guarantee the passage through the United States in immediate and continuous transit of aliens destined to foreign countries. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, such aliens may not have their classification changed under section 1258 of this title.

(d) Definitions

As used in this section the terms "transportation line" and "transportation company" include, but are not limited to, the owner, charterer, consignee, or authorized agent operating any vessel or aircraft or railroad train bringing aliens to the United States, to foreign territory, or to adjacent islands.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title II, ch. 4, §233, formerly §238, 66 Stat. 202; Pub. L. 99–653, §7(b), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3657; renumbered §233 and amended Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §§308(b)(4), (f)(4), 362, Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–615, 3009–622, 3009–645.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (c), was in the original, "this Act", meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 1228 of this title prior to renumbering by Pub. L. 104–208.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1223, act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title II, ch. 4, §233, 66 Stat. 197, related to examinations of aliens upon arrival in the United States, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 99–500, §101(b) [title II, §206(a), formerly §206], Oct. 18, 1986, 100 Stat. 1783–39, 1783–56; renumbered §206(a) and amended Pub. L. 100–525, §4(b)(1), (3), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2615.

Amendments

1996—Pub. L. 104–208, §362(a)(1), amended section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–208, §362(a)(2), struck out "contiguous" after "foreign".

Pub. L. 104–208, §308(f)(4), substituted "inspection and admission" for "entry and inspection".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–208, §362(a)(2), struck out "contiguous" after "foreign".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–208, §362(b), inserted "or railroad train" after "aircraft".

Pub. L. 104–208, §362(a)(2), struck out "contiguous" after "foreign".

1986—Pub. L. 99–653 struck out subsec. (a) which authorized the Attorney General to enter into contracts with transportation lines for the entry and inspection of aliens and to prescribe regulations, and redesignated subsecs. (b) to (e) as (a) to (d), respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by section 308(b)(4), (f)(4) of Pub. L. 104–208 effective, with certain transitional provisions, on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after Sept. 30, 1996, see section 309 of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–653 applicable to visas issued, and admissions occurring, on or after Nov. 14, 1986, see section 23(a) of Pub. L. 99–653, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
8 U.S.C. § 1611 (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 14: RESTRICTING WELFARE AND PUBLIC BENEFITS FOR ALIENS / Subchapter I: ELIGIBILITY FOR FEDERAL BENEFITS / Section 1611: Aliens who are not qualified aliens ineligible for Federal public benefits
Aliens who are not qualified aliens ineligible for Federal public benefits
Status: in_force

(a) In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as provided in subsection (b), an alien who is not a qualified alien (as defined in section 1641 of this title) is not eligible for any Federal public benefit (as defined in subsection (c)).

(b) Exceptions

(1) Subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to the following Federal public benefits:

(A) Medical assistance under title XIX of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.] (or any successor program to such title) for care and services that are necessary for the treatment of an emergency medical condition (as defined in section 1903(v)(3) of such Act [42 U.S.C. 1396b(v)(3)]) of the alien involved and are not related to an organ transplant procedure, if the alien involved otherwise meets the eligibility requirements for medical assistance under the State plan approved under such title (other than the requirement of the receipt of aid or assistance under title IV of such Act [42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.], supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of such Act [42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.], or a State supplementary payment).

(B) Short-term, non-cash, in-kind emergency disaster relief.

(C) Public health assistance (not including any assistance under title XIX of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.]) for immunizations with respect to immunizable diseases and for testing and treatment of symptoms of communicable diseases whether or not such symptoms are caused by a communicable disease.

(D) Programs, services, or assistance (such as soup kitchens, crisis counseling and intervention, and short-term shelter) specified by the Attorney General, in the Attorney General's sole and unreviewable discretion after consultation with appropriate Federal agencies and departments, which (i) deliver in-kind services at the community level, including through public or private nonprofit agencies; (ii) do not condition the provision of assistance, the amount of assistance provided, or the cost of assistance provided on the individual recipient's income or resources; and (iii) are necessary for the protection of life or safety.

(E) Programs for housing or community development assistance or financial assistance administered by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, any program under title V of the Housing Act of 1949 [42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.], or any assistance under section 1926c of title 7, to the extent that the alien is receiving such a benefit on August 22, 1996.

(2) Subsection (a) shall not apply to any benefit payable under title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.] to an alien who is lawfully present in the United States as determined by the Attorney General, to any benefit if nonpayment of such benefit would contravene an international agreement described in section 233 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 433], to any benefit if nonpayment would be contrary to section 202(t) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 402(t)], or to any benefit payable under title II of the Social Security Act to which entitlement is based on an application filed in or before August 1996.

(3) Subsection (a) shall not apply to any benefit payable under title XVIII of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.] (relating to the medicare program) to an alien who is lawfully present in the United States as determined by the Attorney General and, with respect to benefits payable under part A of such title [42 U.S.C. 1395c et seq.], who was authorized to be employed with respect to any wages attributable to employment which are counted for purposes of eligibility for such benefits.

(4) Subsection (a) shall not apply to any benefit payable under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [45 U.S.C. 231 et seq.] or the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act [45 U.S.C. 351 et seq.] to an alien who is lawfully present in the United States as determined by the Attorney General or to an alien residing outside the United States.

(5) Subsection (a) shall not apply to eligibility for benefits for the program defined in section 1612(a)(3)(A) of this title (relating to the supplemental security income program), or to eligibility for benefits under any other program that is based on eligibility for benefits under the program so defined, for an alien who was receiving such benefits on August 22, 1996.

(c) "Federal public benefit" defined

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), for purposes of this chapter the term "Federal public benefit" means—

(A) any grant, contract, loan, professional license, or commercial license provided by an agency of the United States or by appropriated funds of the United States; and

(B) any retirement, welfare, health, disability, public or assisted housing, postsecondary education, food assistance, unemployment benefit, or any other similar benefit for which payments or assistance are provided to an individual, household, or family eligibility unit by an agency of the United States or by appropriated funds of the United States.

(2) Such term shall not apply—

(A) to any contract, professional license, or commercial license for a nonimmigrant whose visa for entry is related to such employment in the United States, or to a citizen of a freely associated state, if section 141 of the applicable compact of free association approved in Public Law 99–239 or 99–658 (or a successor provision) is in effect;

(B) with respect to benefits for an alien who as a work authorized nonimmigrant or as an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.] qualified for such benefits and for whom the United States under reciprocal treaty agreements is required to pay benefits, as determined by the Attorney General, after consultation with the Secretary of State; or

(C) to the issuance of a professional license to, or the renewal of a professional license by, a foreign national not physically present in the United States.

(Pub. L. 104–193, title IV, §401, Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2261; Pub. L. 105–33, title V, §§5561, 5565, Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 638, 639; Pub. L. 105–306, §§2, 5(a), Oct. 28, 1998, 112 Stat. 2926, 2927.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Titles II, IV, XVI, XVIII, and XIX of the Act are classified generally to subchapters II (§401 et seq.), IV (§601 et seq.), XVI (§1381 et seq.), XVIII (§1395 et seq.), and XIX (§1396 et seq.), respectively, of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Part A of title XVIII of the Act is classified generally to part A (§1395c et seq.) of subchapter XVIII of chapter 7 of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Housing Act of 1949, referred to in subsec. (b)(1)(E), is act July 15, 1949, ch. 338, 63 Stat. 413. Title V of the Act is classified generally to subchapter III (§1471 et seq.) of chapter 8A of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1441 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Railroad Retirement Act of 1974, referred to in subsec. (b)(4), is act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, as amended generally by Pub. L. 93–445, title I, §101, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1305, which is classified generally to subchapter IV (§231 et seq.) of chapter 9 of Title 45, Railroads. For further details and complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Codification note set out preceding section 231 of Title 45, section 231t of Title 45, and Tables.

The Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(4), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 680, 52 Stat. 1094, which is classified principally to chapter 11 (§351 et seq.) of Title 45, Railroads. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 367 of Title 45 and Tables.

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), was in the original "this title" meaning title IV of Pub. L. 104–193, Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2260, which enacted this chapter, section 1183a of this title, and sections 611a and 1437y of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, amended section 1383 of this title, sections 32 and 6213 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, and sections 1436a and 1471 of Title 42, and enacted provisions set out as notes under section 1183a of this title and section 32 of Title 26. For complete classification of title IV to the Code, see Tables.

Section 141 of the applicable compact of free association approved in Public Law 99–239 or 99–658, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(A), means section 141 of the Compact of Free Association between the Government of the United States and the Governments of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia, which is contained in section 201 of Pub. L. 99–239, set out as a note under section 1901 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions, and section 141 of the Compact of Free Association between the United States and the Government of Palau, which is contained in section 201 of Pub. L. 99–658, set out as a note under section 1931 of Title 48.

The Immigration and Nationality Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(B), is act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, which is classified principally to chapter 12 (§1101 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1998—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 105–306, §2, added par. (5).

Subsec. (c)(2)(C). Pub. L. 105–306, §5(a), added subpar. (C).

1997—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 105–33, §5561(a), added par. (3).

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 105–33, §5561(b), added par. (4).

Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 105–33, §5565, inserted before semicolon ", or to a citizen of a freely associated state, if section 141 of the applicable compact of free association approved in Public Law 99–239 or 99–658 (or a successor provision) is in effect".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–33 effective as if included in the enactment of title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104–193, see section 5582 of Pub. L. 105–33, set out as a note under section 1367 of this title.

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.

Additional Funding for State Emergency Health Services Furnished to Undocumented Aliens

Pub. L. 105–33, title IV, §4723, Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 515, provided that:

"(a) Total Amount Available for Allotment.—There are available for allotments under this section for each of the 4 consecutive fiscal years (beginning with fiscal year 1998) $25,000,000 for payments to certain States under this section.

"(b) State Allotment Amount.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall compute an allotment for each fiscal year beginning with fiscal year 1998 and ending with fiscal year 2001 for each of the 12 States with the highest number of undocumented aliens. The amount of such allotment for each such State for a fiscal year shall bear the same ratio to the total amount available for allotments under subsection (a) for the fiscal year as the ratio of the number of undocumented aliens in the State in the fiscal year bears to the total of such numbers for all such States for such fiscal year. The amount of allotment to a State provided under this paragraph for a fiscal year that is not paid out under subsection (c) shall be available for payment during the subsequent fiscal year.

"(2) Determination.—For purposes of paragraph (1), the number of undocumented aliens in a State under this section shall be determined based on estimates of the resident illegal alien population residing in each State prepared by the Statistics Division of the Immigration and Naturalization Service as of October 1992 (or as of such later date if such date is at least 1 year before the beginning of the fiscal year involved).

"(c) Use of Funds.—From the allotments made under subsection (b), the Secretary shall pay to each State amounts the State demonstrates were paid by the State (or by a political subdivision of the State) for emergency health services furnished to undocumented aliens.

"(d) State Defined.—For purposes of this section, the term 'State' includes the District of Columbia.

"(e) State Entitlement.—This section constitutes budget authority in advance of appropriations Acts and represents the obligation of the Federal Government to provide for the payment to States of amounts provided under this section."

Study and Report on Alien Student Eligibility for Postsecondary Federal Student Financial Assistance

Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title V, §506, Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–672, provided that not later than one year after Sept. 30, 1996, the Comptroller General was to submit to Congress a report on the extent to which aliens who were not lawfully admitted for permanent residence were receiving postsecondary Federal student financial assistance, and the Secretary of Education and the Commissioner of Social Security were jointly to submit to Congress a report on the computer matching program of the Department of Education under section 1091(p) of title 20.
8 U.S.C. § 1643 (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 14: RESTRICTING WELFARE AND PUBLIC BENEFITS FOR ALIENS / Subchapter IV: GENERAL PROVISIONS / Section 1643: Statutory construction
Statutory construction
Status: in_force

(a) Limitation

(1) Nothing in this chapter may be construed as an entitlement or a determination of an individual's eligibility or fulfillment of the requisite requirements for any Federal, State, or local governmental program, assistance, or benefits. For purposes of this chapter, eligibility relates only to the general issue of eligibility or ineligibility on the basis of alienage.

(2) Nothing in this chapter may be construed as addressing alien eligibility for a basic public education as determined by the Supreme Court of the United States under Plyler v. Doe (457 U.S. 202)(1982).

(b) Benefit eligibility limitations applicable only with respect to aliens present in United States

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the limitations on eligibility for benefits under this chapter shall not apply to eligibility for benefits of aliens who are not residing, or present, in the United States with respect to—

(1) wages, pensions, annuities, and other earned payments to which an alien is entitled resulting from employment by, or on behalf of, a Federal, State, or local government agency which was not prohibited during the period of such employment or service under section 274A [8 U.S.C. 1324a] or other applicable provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.]; or

(2) benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

(c) Not applicable to foreign assistance

This chapter does not apply to any Federal, State, or local governmental program, assistance, or benefits provided to an alien under any program of foreign assistance as determined by the Secretary of State in consultation with the Attorney General.

(d) Severability

If any provision of this chapter or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of this chapter and the application of the provisions of such to any person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby.

(Pub. L. 104–193, title IV, §433, Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2275; Pub. L. 105–33, title V, §5574, Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 642.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this title" meaning title IV of Pub. L. 104–193, Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2260, which enacted this chapter, section 1183a of this title, and sections 611a and 1437y of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, amended section 1383 of this title, sections 32 and 6213 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, and sections 1436a and 1471 of Title 42, and enacted provisions set out as notes under section 1183a of this title and section 32 of Title 26. For complete classification of title IV to the Code, see Tables.

The Immigration and Nationality Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), is act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, which is classified principally to chapter 12 (§1101 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1997—Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 105–33 added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsecs. (b) and (c) as (c) and (d), respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–33 effective as if included in the enactment of title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104–193, see section 5582 of Pub. L. 105–33, set out as a note under section 1367 of this title.
8 U.S.C. § 104 (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 6: IMMIGRATION / Subchapter I: IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION AGENCIES, OFFICERS, AND STATIONS / Section 104: Repealed. Dec. 17, 1943, ch. 344, §1, 57 Stat. 600
Repealed. Dec. 17, 1943, ch. 344, §1, 57 Stat. 600
Status: repealed

Section, acts June 6, 1900, ch. 791, §1, 31 Stat. 611; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737; Ex. Ord. No. 6166, §14, June 10, 1933; 1940 Reorg. Plan No. V, eff. June 14, 1940, 5 F.R. 2423, 54 Stat. 1238, provided that Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization should have charge, under supervision of Attorney General, of administration of Chinese exclusion laws.
8 U.S.C. § 1613 (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 14: RESTRICTING WELFARE AND PUBLIC BENEFITS FOR ALIENS / Subchapter I: ELIGIBILITY FOR FEDERAL BENEFITS / Section 1613: Five-year limited eligibility of qualified aliens for Federal means-tested public benefit
Five-year limited eligibility of qualified aliens for Federal means-tested public benefit
Status: in_force

(a) In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as provided in subsections (b), (c), and (d), an alien who is a qualified alien (as defined in section 1641 of this title) and who enters the United States on or after August 22, 1996, is not eligible for any Federal means-tested public benefit for a period of 5 years beginning on the date of the alien's entry into the United States with a status within the meaning of the term "qualified alien".

(b) Exceptions

The limitation under subsection (a) shall not apply to the following aliens:

(1) Exception for refugees and asylees

(A) An alien who is admitted to the United States as a refugee under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1157].

(B) An alien who is granted asylum under section 208 of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1158].

(C) An alien whose deportation is being withheld under section 243(h) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1253] (as in effect immediately before the effective date of section 307 of division C of Public Law 104–208) or section 241(b)(3) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1231(b)(3)] (as amended by section 305(a) of division C of Public Law 104–208).

(D) An alien who is a Cuban and Haitian entrant as defined in section 501(e) of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980.

(E) An alien admitted to the United States as an Amerasian immigrant as described in section 1612(a)(2)(A)(i)(V) 1 of this title.

(2) Veteran and active duty exception

An alien who is lawfully residing in any State and is—

(A) a veteran (as defined in section 101, 1101, or 1301, or as described in section 107 of title 38) with a discharge characterized as an honorable discharge and not on account of alienage and who fulfills the minimum active-duty service requirements of section 5303A(d) of title 38,

(B) on active duty (other than active duty for training) in the Armed Forces of the United States, or

(C) the spouse or unmarried dependent child of an individual described in subparagraph (A) or (B) or the unremarried surviving spouse of an individual described in clause (i) or (ii) 2 who is deceased if the marriage fulfills the requirements of section 1304 of title 38.

(3) Exception for citizens of Freely Associated States

An individual described in section 1612(b)(2)(G) of this title.

(c) Application of term Federal means-tested public benefit

(1) The limitation under subsection (a) shall not apply to assistance or benefits under paragraph (2).

(2) Assistance and benefits under this paragraph are as follows:

(A) Medical assistance described in section 1611(b)(1)(A) of this title.

(B) Short-term, non-cash, in-kind emergency disaster relief.

(C) Assistance or benefits under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act [42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.].

(D) Assistance or benefits under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 [42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.].

(E) Public health assistance (not including any assistance under title XIX of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.]) for immunizations with respect to immunizable diseases and for testing and treatment of symptoms of communicable diseases whether or not such symptoms are caused by a communicable disease.

(F) Payments for foster care and adoption assistance under parts B and E of title IV of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 620 et seq., 670 et seq.] for a parent or a child who would, in the absence of subsection (a), be eligible to have such payments made on the child's behalf under such part, but only if the foster or adoptive parent (or parents) of such child is a qualified alien (as defined in section 1641 of this title).

(G) Programs, services, or assistance (such as soup kitchens, crisis counseling and intervention, and short-term shelter) specified by the Attorney General, in the Attorney General's sole and unreviewable discretion after consultation with appropriate Federal agencies and departments, which (i) deliver in-kind services at the community level, including through public or private nonprofit agencies; (ii) do not condition the provision of assistance, the amount of assistance provided, or the cost of assistance provided on the individual recipient's income or resources; and (iii) are necessary for the protection of life or safety.

(H) Programs of student assistance under titles IV, V, IX, and X of the Higher Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq., 1101 et seq., 1134 et seq., 1135 et seq.], and titles III, VII, and VIII of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 241 et seq., 292 et seq., 296 et seq.].

(I) Means-tested programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.].

(J) Benefits under the Head Start Act [42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.].

(K) Benefits under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3111 et seq.].

(L) Assistance or benefits provided to individuals under the age of 18 under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 1 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.).

(d) Benefits for certain groups

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the limitations under section 1611(a) of this title and subsection (a) shall not apply to—

(1) an individual described in section 1612(a)(2)(G) of this title, but only with respect to the programs specified in subsections (a)(3) and (b)(3)(C) of section 1612 of this title; or

(2) an individual, spouse, or dependent described in section 1612(a)(2)(K) of this title, but only with respect to the specified Federal program described in section 1612(a)(3)(B) of this title.

(Pub. L. 104–193, title IV, §403, Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2265; Pub. L. 105–33, title V, §§5302(c)(1), 5303(c), 5306(c), 5562, 5563, Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 599, 600, 602, 638; Pub. L. 105–185, title V, §509, June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 580; Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §405(d)(3)(A), (f)(3)(A)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681–419, 2681–429; Pub. L. 106–78, title VII, §752(b)(6), Oct. 22, 1999, 113 Stat. 1169; Pub. L. 107–171, title IV, §4401(b)(2)(A), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 333; Pub. L. 113–128, title V, §512(x), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1716; Pub. L. 116–260, div. CC, title II, §208(b), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2985; Pub. L. 118–42, div. G, title II, §209(f)(2), Mar. 9, 2024, 138 Stat. 445.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 243 of such Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(1)(C), is section 243 of act June 27, 1952, which is classified to section 1253 of this title. Section 1253 of this title was amended generally by Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §307(a), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–612, and, as so amended, no longer contains a subsec. (h). For effective date of section 307 of Pub. L. 104–208, see section 309 of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as an Effective Date of 1996 Amendments note under section 1101 of this title.

Section 501(e) of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980, referred to in subsec. (b)(1)(D), is section 501(e) of Pub. L. 96–422, which is set out in a note under section 1522 of this title.

Section 1612(a)(2)(A)(i)(V) of this title, referred to in subsec. (b)(1)(E), was redesignated section 1612(a)(2)(A)(v) of this title by Pub. L. 105–185, title V, §503(2), (3), June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 578.

The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(C), is act June 4, 1946, ch. 281, 60 Stat. 230, which is classified generally to chapter 13 (§1751 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1751 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Child Nutrition Act of 1966, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(D), is Pub. L. 89–642, Oct. 11, 1966, 80 Stat. 885, which is classified generally to chapter 13A (§1771 et seq.) of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1771 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(E), (F), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Parts B and E of title IV and title XIX of the Act are classified generally to parts B (§620 et seq.) and E (§670 et seq.) of subchapter IV and subchapter XIX (§1396 et seq.), respectively, of chapter 7 of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Higher Education Act of 1965, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(H), is Pub. L. 89–329, Nov. 8, 1965, 79 Stat. 1219. Titles IV, V, IX, and X of the Act are classified generally to subchapters IV (§1070 et seq.), V (§1101 et seq.), IX (§1134 et seq.), and X (§1135 et seq.), respectively, of chapter 28 of Title 20, Education. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of Title 20 and Tables.

The Public Health Service Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(H), is act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, 58 Stat. 682. Titles III, VII, and VIII of the Act are classified generally to subchapters II (§241 et seq.), V (§292 et seq.), and VI (§296 et seq.), respectively, of chapter 6A of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 201 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(I), is Pub. L. 89–10, Apr. 11, 1965, 79 Stat. 27, which is classified generally to chapter 70 (§6301 et seq.) of Title 20, Education. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 6301 of Title 20 and Tables.

The Head Start Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(J), is subchapter B (§§635–657) of chapter 8 of subtitle A of title VI of Pub. L. 97–35, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 499, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§9831 et seq.) of chapter 105 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 9801 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(K), is Pub. L. 113–128, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1425. Title I of the Act is classified generally to subchapter I (§3111 et seq.) of chapter 32 of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of Title 29 and Tables.

The Food Stamp Act of 1977, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(L), subsequently renamed the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, is Pub. L. 88–525, Aug. 31, 1964, 78 Stat. 703, which is classified generally to chapter 51 (§2011 et seq.) of Title 7, Agriculture. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2011 of Title 7 and Tables.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 118–42 struck out ", but only with respect to the designated Federal program defined in section 1612(b)(3)(C) of this title" before period at end.

2020—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 116–260 added par. (3).

2014—Subsec. (c)(2)(K). Pub. L. 113–128 substituted "Benefits under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act" for "Benefits under the title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998".

2002—Subsec. (c)(2)(L). Pub. L. 107–171 added subpar. (L).

1999—Subsec. (c)(2)(C). Pub. L. 106–78 substituted "Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act" for "National School Lunch Act".

1998—Subsec. (c)(2)(K). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §405(f)(3)(A)], struck out "Job Training Partnership Act or" before "title I of".

Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §405(d)(3)(A)], substituted "Job Training Partnership Act or title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998" for "Job Training Partnership Act".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–185 substituted "Benefits for certain groups" for "SSI and medicaid benefits for certain Indians" in heading, designated provisions beginning "an individual" as par. (1), substituted "to—" for "to", "(a)(3)" for "(a)(3)(A)", and "; or" for period at end, and added par. (2).

1997—Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 105–33, §5562, substituted "section 243(h) of such Act (as in effect immediately before the effective date of section 307 of division C of Public Law 104–208) or section 241(b)(3) of such Act (as amended by section 305(a) of division C of Public Law 104–208)" for "section 243(h) of such Act".

Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 105–33, §5302(c)(1)(A), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (b)(1)(E). Pub. L. 105–33, §5306(c), added subpar. (E).

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 105–33, §5563(c), inserted ", 1101, or 1301, or as described in section 107" after "section 101".

Pub. L. 105–33, §5563(a), inserted "and who fulfills the minimum active-duty service requirements of section 5303A(d) of title 38" after "alienage".

Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 105–33, §5563(b), inserted before period at end "or the unremarried surviving spouse of an individual described in clause (i) or (ii) who is deceased if the marriage fulfills the requirements of section 1304 of title 38".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–33, §5303(c), added subsec. (d).

Pub. L. 105–33, §5302(c)(1)(B), struck out heading and text of subsec. (d). Text read as follows: "The limitation under subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to refugee and entrant assistance activities, authorized by title IV of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1521 et seq.] and section 501 of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980, for Cuban and Haitian entrants as defined in section 501(e)(2) of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2020 Amendment

Amendment by section 208(b) of Pub. L. 116–260 applicable to benefits for items and services furnished on or after Dec. 27, 2020, see section 208(e) of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 1612 of this title.

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–128 effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of Pub. L. 113–128, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3101 of Title 29, Labor.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by section 4401(b)(2)(A) of Pub. L. 107–171 effective Oct. 1, 2003, see section 4401(b)(3) of Pub. L. 107–171, set out as a note under section 2014 of Title 7, Agriculture.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendments

Amendment by section 101(f) [title VIII, §405(d)(3)(A)] of Pub. L. 105–277 effective Oct. 21, 1998, and amendment by section 101(f) [title VIII, §405(f)(3)(A)] of Pub. L. 105–277 effective July 1, 2000, see section 101(f) [title VIII, §405(g)(1), (2)(B)] of Pub. L. 105–277, set out as a note under section 3502 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–185 effective Nov. 1, 1998, see section 510(b) of Pub. L. 105–185, set out as a note under section 1612 of this title.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by sections 5302(c)(1), 5303(c), and 5306(c) of Pub. L. 105–33 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the enactment of title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104–193, see section 5308 of Pub. L. 105–33, set out as a note under section 1612 of this title.

Amendment by sections 5562 and 5563 of Pub. L. 105–33 effective as if included in the enactment of title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104–193, see section 5582 of Pub. L. 105–33, set out as a note under section 1367 of this title.

1 See References in Text note below.

2 So in original. Probably should be "subparagraph (A) or (B)".
8 U.S.C. § 1535 (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 12: IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY / Subchapter V: ALIEN TERRORIST REMOVAL PROCEDURES / Section 1535: Appeals
Appeals
Status: in_force

(a) Appeal of denial of application for removal proceedings

(1) In general

The Attorney General may seek a review of the denial of an order sought in an application filed pursuant to section 1533 of this title. The appeal shall be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit by notice of appeal filed not later than 20 days after the date of such denial.

(2) Record on appeal

The entire record of the proceeding shall be transmitted to the Court of Appeals under seal, and the Court of Appeals shall hear the matter ex parte.

(3) Standard of review

The Court of Appeals shall—

(A) review questions of law de novo; and

(B) set aside a finding of fact only if such finding was clearly erroneous.

(b) Appeal of determination regarding summary of classified information

(1) In general

The United States may take an interlocutory appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit of—

(A) any determination by the judge pursuant to section 1534(e)(3) of this title; or

(B) the refusal of the court to make the findings permitted by section 1534(e)(3) of this title.

(2) Record

In any interlocutory appeal taken pursuant to this subsection, the entire record, including any proposed order of the judge, any classified information and the summary of evidence, shall be transmitted to the Court of Appeals. The classified information shall be transmitted under seal. A verbatim record of such appeal shall be kept under seal in the event of any other judicial review.

(c) Appeal of decision in hearing

(1) In general

Subject to paragraph (2), the decision of the judge after a removal hearing may be appealed by either the alien or the Attorney General to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit by notice of appeal filed not later than 20 days after the date on which the order is issued. The order shall not be enforced during the pendency of an appeal under this subsection.

(2) Automatic appeals in cases of permanent resident aliens in which no summary provided

(A) In general

Unless the alien waives the right to a review under this paragraph, in any case involving an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence who is denied a written summary of classified information under section 1534(e)(3) of this title and with respect to which the procedures described in section 1534(e)(3)(F) of this title apply, any order issued by the judge shall be reviewed by the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

(B) Use of special attorney

With respect to any issue relating to classified information that arises in such review, the alien shall be represented only by the special attorney designated under section 1534(e)(3)(F)(i) of this title on behalf of the alien.

(3) Transmittal of record

In an appeal or review to the Court of Appeals pursuant to this subsection—

(A) the entire record shall be transmitted to the Court of Appeals; and

(B) information received in camera and ex parte, and any portion of the order that would reveal the substance or source of such information, shall be transmitted under seal.

(4) Expedited appellate proceeding

In an appeal or review to the Court of Appeals under this subsection—

(A) the appeal or review shall be heard as expeditiously as practicable and the court may dispense with full briefing and hear the matter solely on the record of the judge of the removal court and on such briefs or motions as the court may require to be filed by the parties;

(B) the Court of Appeals shall issue an opinion not later than 60 days after the date of the issuance of the final order of the district court;

(C) the court shall review all questions of law de novo; and

(D) a finding of fact shall be accorded deference by the reviewing court and shall not be set aside unless such finding was clearly erroneous, except that in the case of a review under paragraph (2) in which an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence was denied a written summary of classified information under section 1534(c)(3) 1 of this title, the Court of Appeals shall review questions of fact de novo.

(d) Certiorari

Following a decision by the Court of Appeals pursuant to subsection (c), the alien or the Attorney General may petition the Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari. In any such case, any information transmitted to the Court of Appeals under seal shall, if such information is also submitted to the Supreme Court, be transmitted under seal. Any order of removal shall not be stayed pending disposition of a writ of certiorari, except as provided by the Court of Appeals or a Justice of the Supreme Court.

(e) Appeal of detention order

(1) In general

Sections 3145 through 3148 of title 18 pertaining to review and appeal of a release or detention order, penalties for failure to appear, penalties for an offense committed while on release, and sanctions for violation of a release condition shall apply to an alien to whom section 1537(b)(1) of this title applies. In applying the previous sentence—

(A) for purposes of section 3145 of such title an appeal shall be taken to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit; and

(B) for purposes of section 3146 of such title the alien shall be considered released in connection with a charge of an offense punishable by life imprisonment.

(2) No review of continued detention

The determinations and actions of the Attorney General pursuant to section 1537(b)(2)(C) of this title shall not be subject to judicial review, including application for a writ of habeas corpus, except for a claim by the alien that continued detention violates the alien's rights under the Constitution. Jurisdiction over any such challenge shall lie exclusively in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title V, §505, as added Pub. L. 104–132, title IV, §401(a), Apr. 24, 1996, 110 Stat. 1263; amended Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §354(a)(3), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–642.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 104–208, §354(a)(3)(A), substituted "Subject to paragraph (2), the decision" for "The decision".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 104–208, §354(a)(3)(D), added par. (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (3).

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 104–208, §354(a)(3)(C), redesignated par. (2) as (3). Former par. (3) redesignated (4).

Subsec. (c)(3)(D). Pub. L. 104–208, §354(a)(3)(B), inserted before period at end ", except that in the case of a review under paragraph (2) in which an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence was denied a written summary of classified information under section 1534(c)(3) of this title, the Court of Appeals shall review questions of fact de novo".

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 104–208, §354(a)(3)(C), redesignated par. (3) as (4).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–208 effective as if included in the enactment of subtitle A of title IV of the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104–132, see section 358 of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1182 of this title.

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.

References to Order of Removal Deemed To Include Order of Exclusion and Deportation

For purposes of carrying out this chapter, any reference in law to an order of removal is deemed to include a reference to an order of exclusion and deportation or an order of deportation, see section 309(d)(2) of Pub. L. 104–208, set out in an Effective Date of 1996 Amendments note under section 1101 of this title.

1 So in original. Probably should be section "1534(e)(3)".
8 U.S.C. § 1622 (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 14: RESTRICTING WELFARE AND PUBLIC BENEFITS FOR ALIENS / Subchapter II: ELIGIBILITY FOR STATE AND LOCAL PUBLIC BENEFITS PROGRAMS / Section 1622: State authority to limit eligibility of qualified aliens for State public benefits
State authority to limit eligibility of qualified aliens for State public benefits
Status: in_force

(a) In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as provided in subsection (b), a State is authorized to determine the eligibility for any State public benefits of an alien who is a qualified alien (as defined in section 1641 of this title), a nonimmigrant under the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.], or an alien who is paroled into the United States under section 212(d)(5) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1182(d)(5)] for less than one year.

(b) Exceptions

Qualified aliens under this subsection shall be eligible for any State public benefits.

(1) Time-limited exception for refugees and asylees

(A) An alien who is admitted to the United States as a refugee under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1157] until 5 years after the date of an alien's entry into the United States.

(B) An alien who is granted asylum under section 208 of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1158] until 5 years after the date of such grant of asylum.

(C) An alien whose deportation is being withheld under section 243(h) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1253] (as in effect immediately before the effective date of section 307 of division C of Public Law 104–208) or section 241(b)(3) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1231(b)(3)] (as amended by section 305(a) of division C of Public Law 104–208) until 5 years after such withholding.

(D) An alien who is a Cuban and Haitian entrant as defined in section 501(e) of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980 until 5 years after the alien is granted such status.

(E) An alien admitted to the United States as an Amerasian immigrant as described in section 1612(a)(2)(A)(i)(V) 1 of this title.

(2) Certain permanent resident aliens

An alien who—

(A) is lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.]; and

(B)(i) has worked 40 qualifying quarters of coverage as defined under title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.] or can be credited with such qualifying quarters as provided under section 1645 of this title, and (ii) in the case of any such qualifying quarter creditable for any period beginning after December 31, 1996, did not receive any Federal means-tested public benefit (as provided under section 1613 of this title) during any such period.

(3) Veteran and active duty exception

An alien who is lawfully residing in any State and is—

(A) a veteran (as defined in section 101, 1101, or 1301, or as described in section 107 of title 38) with a discharge characterized as an honorable discharge and not on account of alienage and who fulfills the minimum active-duty service requirements of section 5303A(d) of title 38,

(B) on active duty (other than active duty for training) in the Armed Forces of the United States, or

(C) the spouse or unmarried dependent child of an individual described in subparagraph (A) or (B) or the unremarried surviving spouse of an individual described in clause (i) or (ii) 2 who is deceased if the marriage fulfills the requirements of section 1304 of title 38.

(4) Transition for those currently receiving benefits

An alien who on August 22, 1996, is lawfully residing in any State and is receiving benefits on August 22, 1996, shall continue to be eligible to receive such benefits until January 1, 1997.

(Pub. L. 104–193, title IV, §412, Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2269; Pub. L. 105–33, title V, §§5302(c)(2), 5306(d), 5562, 5563, 5581(b)(3), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 599, 602, 638, 643.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Immigration and Nationality Act, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b)(2)(A), is act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, which is classified principally to chapter 12 (§1101 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.

Section 243 of such Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(1)(C), is section 243 of act June 27, 1952, which is classified to section 1253 of this title. Section 1253 of this title was amended generally by Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §307(a), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–612, and, as so amended, no longer contains a subsec. (h). For effective date of section 307 of Pub. L. 104–208, see section 309 of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as an Effective Date of 1996 Amendments note under section 1101 of this title.

Section 501(e) of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980, referred to in subsec. (b)(1)(D), is section 501(e) of Pub. L. 96–422, which is set out in a note under section 1522 of this title.

Section 1612(a)(2)(A)(i)(V) of this title, referred to in subsec. (b)(1)(E), was redesignated section 1612(a)(2)(A)(v) of this title by Pub. L. 105–185, title V, §503(2), (3), June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 578.

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(B)(i), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Title II of the Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§401 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

Amendments

1997—Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 105–33, §5581(b)(3), substituted "withholding" for "with-holding".

Pub. L. 105–33, §5562, substituted "section 243(h) of such Act (as in effect immediately before the effective date of section 307 of division C of Public Law 104–208) or section 241(b)(3) of such Act (as amended by section 305(a) of division C of Public Law 104–208)" for "section 243(h) of such Act".

Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 105–33, §5302(c)(2), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (b)(1)(E). Pub. L. 105–33, §5306(d), added subpar. (E).

Subsec. (b)(3)(A). Pub. L. 105–33, §5563(c), inserted ", 1101, or 1301, or as described in section 107" after "section 101".

Pub. L. 105–33, §5563(a), inserted "and who fulfills the minimum active-duty service requirements of section 5303A(d) of title 38" after "alienage".

Subsec. (b)(3)(C). Pub. L. 105–33, §5563(b), inserted before period at end "or the unremarried surviving spouse of an individual described in clause (i) or (ii) who is deceased if the marriage fulfills the requirements of section 1304 of title 38".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by sections 5302(c)(2) and 5306(d) of Pub. L. 105–33 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the enactment of title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104–193, see section 5308 of Pub. L. 105–33, set out as a note under section 1612 of this title.

Amendment by sections 5562, 5563, and 5581(b)(3) of Pub. L. 105–33 effective as if included in the enactment of title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104–193, see section 5582 of Pub. L. 105–33, set out as a note under section 1367 of this title.

1 See References in Text note below.

2 So in original. Probably should be "subparagraph (A) or (B)".
8 U.S.C. § 351 (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 9: MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS / Section 351: Repealed or transferred
Repealed or transferred
Status: repealed

These sections, relating to naturalization, were in large degree affected by the Nationality Act of 1940, former section 501 et seq. of this title. That act was passed on Oct. 14, 1940, to consolidate and restate the laws of the United States regarding citizenship, naturalization, and expatriation, and, in addition to certain specific repeals thereby, all acts or parts of acts in conflict with its provisions were repealed by former section 904 of this title. See notes below for history of individual sections.

Sections 351 to 354, relating to Bureau of Naturalization, were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, 54 Stat. 1172. Sections 351 to 353 were from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §1, 34 Stat. 596, and section 354 was from act May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 544. See section 1443 of this title. See also section 1551 et seq. of this title for general provisions relating to Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Section 355, relating to reports of expenditures of Bureau of Naturalization, was repealed by act May 29, 1928, ch. 901, §1, 45 Stat. 994. It was from act Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 299, §1, 35 Stat. 982.

Sections 356 to 358a were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Section 356, relating to regulations for execution of naturalization laws and use of copies of papers in evidence, was from acts June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §28, 34 Stat. 606, and Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §8, 45 Stat. 1515; see section 1443 of this title. Section 356a, relating to quarters for photographic studio in New York City, was from act May 25, 1932, ch. 203, §9, 47 Stat. 166; see section 1443(g) of this title. Sections 357 (from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §3, 34 Stat. 596, as amended Mar. 3, 1911, ch. 231, §289, 36 Stat. 1167; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737; June 25, 1936, ch. 804, 49 Stat. 1921), 358 (from act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, §41, 39 Stat. 965), and 358a (from act Feb. 25, 1927, ch. 192, §4, 44 Stat. 1235), related to jurisdiction of naturalization courts; see section 1421 of this title.

Section 359, relating to racial limitation of naturalization, was from R.S. §2169 (revised from act July 14, 1870, ch. 254, §7, 16 Stat. 256), and acts Feb. 18, 1875, ch. 80, §1, 18 Stat. 318; May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §2, 40 Stat. 547. According to a communication of Jan. 8, 1943, the Immigration and Naturalization Service stated that it was the opinion of that office that said section 359 was superseded by former section 703 of this title. See section 1422 of this title.

Section 360, relating to admission of persons not citizens owing permanent allegiance to the United States, was repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, 54 Stat. 1172. It was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §30, 34 Stat. 606. See section 1436 of this title.

Section 361, relating to period of residence required for citizenship, was repealed by act Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, 45 Stat. 1514. It was from R.S. §2170, which was revised from act Mar. 3, 1813, ch. 42, §12, 2 Stat. 811. See section 1427 of this title.

Section 362, forbidding naturalization of citizens within thirty days preceding a general election, was repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. It was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §6, 34 Stat. 598. See section 1447(c) of this title.

Section 363, making Chinese inadmissible to citizenship, was repealed by act Dec. 17, 1943, ch. 344, §1, 57 Stat. 600. It was from act May 6, 1882, ch. 126, §14, 22 Stat. 61.

Sections 364 to 366a, relating to persons inadmissible to citizenship, were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876. title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Sections 364 and 365 were from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §§7, 8, respectively, 34 Stat. 598, 599; see sections 1424 and 1423, respectively, of this title. Section 366 was from acts May 18, 1917, ch. 15, §2, 40 Stat. 77; July 9, 1918, ch. 143, §4, 40 Stat. 885. Section 366a was from act Feb. 11, 1931, ch. 118, 46 Stat. 1087.

Sections 367 to 368a, relating to naturalization of women, were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876. title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. They were from act Sept. 22, 1922, ch. 411, §§1, 2, 3(c), respectively, 42 Stat. 1021, 1022, as amended Mar. 3, 1931, ch. 442, §4(a), 46 Stat 1511; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158; May 24, 1934, ch. 344, §4, 48 Stat. 797. On the subject of section 367 see section 1422 of this title, and on the subject of 368, see section 1430 of this title.

Section 368b, relating to citizenship of women born in Hawaii prior to June 14, 1900, was repealed by act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(34), 66 Stat. 280. It was from acts July 2, 1932, ch. 395, 47 Stat. 571; July 1, 1940, ch. 495, 54 Stat. 707.

Sections 369 and 369a, relating to naturalization of women, were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. They were from act Sept. 22, 1922, ch. 411, §§4, 3(b), respectively, 42 Stat. 1022, as amended July 3, 1930, ch. 835, §2(a), 46 Stat. 854; Mar. 3, 1931, ch. 442, §4(a), 46 Stat. 1511. See section 1435(a) of this title.

Section 370, relating to naturalization of women married to aliens ineligible to citizenship, was repealed by act Mar. 3, 1931, ch. 442, §4(b), 46 Stat. 1512. It was from act Sept. 22, 1922, ch. 411, §5, 42 Stat. 1022.

Section 371, relating to naturalization of wives and children of aliens becoming insane after declaration of intention to become citizens, was repealed by act May 24, 1934, ch. 344, §5, 48 Stat. 798, which provided that such repeal should "not affect any right or privilege or terminate any citizenship acquired under" the section before its repeal. Section was from act Feb. 24, 1911, ch. 151, 36 Stat. 929.

Sections 372 to 373 were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Section 372, relating to procedure for naturalization, was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4, 34 Stat. 596; see section 1421(d) of this title. Section 372a, relating to naturalization of former citizens, was from act Mar. 3, 1931, ch. 442, §3, 46 Stat. 1511. Section 373, relating to declaration of intention to become citizen, was from acts June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4, 34 Stat. 596; Mar. 4, 1929, ch. 683, §1, 45 Stat. 1545; June 20, 1939, ch. 224, §1, 53 Stat. 843; see section 1445(f) of this title.

Section 374, making it unlawful to make a declaration of intention on election day, was repealed by act May 25, 1926, ch. 388, §1, 44 Stat. 652. It was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4(7), as added May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 544.

Section 375, providing that declarations of intention should not be required of widow or minor children of aliens dying after having filed a declaration of intention, was repealed by act May 24, 1934, ch. 344, §5, 48 Stat. 798, which provided that such repeal should "not affect any right or privilege or terminate any citizenship acquired under" the section before its repeal. Section was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4, 34 Stat. 597.

Section 375a, act July 2, 1940, ch. 512, §§1, 2, 54 Stat. 715, relating to exemption from declaration of intention and filing of petition by children spending childhood in United States, was repealed by act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(40), 66 Stat. 280.

Section 376, providing that alien seamen declarants should be deemed citizens for purposes of protection, was repealed by act June 15, 1935, ch. 255, §1, 49 Stat. 376. It was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4(8), as added May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 544.

Section 377, authorizing naturalization of certain aliens erroneously exercising rights and duties of citizenship prior to July 1, 1920, was repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. It was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4(10), as added May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 545, and amended May 25, 1932, ch. 203, §10, 47 Stat. 166.

Section 377a, related to naturalization of inhabitants of Virgin Islands. It was from acts Feb. 25, 1927, ch. 192, §2, 44 Stat. 1234; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158.

Sections 377b to 382c were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Section 377b, requiring lawful entry and certificate of arrival as prerequisite to declaration of intention, was from acts Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §4, 45 Stat. 1513; May 25, 1932, ch. 203, §6, 47 Stat. 166; similar provisions were contained in former section 729(b) of this title. Section 377c, relating to photographs of aliens seeking to become citizens, was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §36, as added Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §9, 45 Stat. 1516; see section 1444 of this title. Section 378, enumerating conditions under which alien enemies could be naturalized, was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4(11), as added May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 545; see section 1442 of this title. Section 379, relating to petitions for naturalization, was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4, 34 Stat. 596, as amended Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §6(a), 45 Stat. 1513; June 20, 1939, ch. 224, §2, 53 Stat. 843; see sections 1445 and 1446(f) of this title. Section 380, providing that certificate of arrival and declaration of intention should be made a part of petition for naturalization was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4, 34 Stat. 596; see section 1445(a), (b) of this title. Section 380a, relating to fees for issuance of certificates of arrival, was from acts Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §5, 45 Stat. 1513; Apr. 19, 1934, ch. 154, §3, 48 Stat. 597; see section 1455(a)(2) of this title. Section 380b, defining county as used in former sections 379, 382, and 388 of this title, was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §35, as added Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §9, 45 Stat. 1516, and amended May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158. Sections 381 and 382(c), relating to oaths of aliens admitted to citizenship and certain prerequisites to admission, respectively, were from acts June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4, 34 Stat. 596; Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §6b, 45 Stat. 1513; June 25, 1936, ch. 811, §1, 49 Stat. 1925; June 29, 1938, ch. 819, 52 Stat. 1247; June 20, 1939, ch. 224, §3, 53 Stat. 844; on the subject of section 381 see section 1448 of this title; and on the subject of section 382 see sections 1427, 1430(b) and 1446(g) of this title. Sections 382a, relating to absence from country as affecting continuity of residence for purpose of naturalization, was from act June 25, 1936, ch. 811, §2, 49 Stat. 1925; see section 1427(c) of this title. Sections 382b and 382c, relating to temporary absences of clergymen as affecting continuity of residence, were from act Aug. 9, 1939, ch. 610, §§1, 2, respectively, 53 Stat. 1273; see sections 1428 and 1443(a), respectively, of this title.

Section 383, relating to proof of residence by deposition, was repealed by act Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §6(e), 45 Stat. 1514. It was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §10, 34 Stat. 599.

Section 384, relating to residence of aliens serving on vessels of foreign registry, was repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. It was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4(7), as added May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 544; amended May 25, 1932, ch. 203, §3, 47 Stat. 165. See section 1441(a)(2) of this title.

Section 385, related to validation of Hawaiian jurisdiction exercised prior to Sept. 27, 1906. It was from acts Apr. 30, 1900, ch. 339, §100, 31 Stat. 161; May 27, 1910, ch. 258, §9, 36 Stat. 448; Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172.

Sections 386 to 389 were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Section 386, providing for the renunciation of titles of nobility by aliens seeking citizenship, was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4, 34 Stat. 596; see section 1448(b) of this title. Section 387, relating to reimbursement for publication of citizenship textbooks, was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4(9), as added May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 544; see sections 1443 (b) and 1457 of this title. Section 388, relating to residence requirements for certain Filipinos and Puerto Ricans serving in military service, was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4(7), as added May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 542; June 4, 1920, ch. 227, §30, 41 Stat. 776; Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §6(c), (d), 45 Stat. 1514; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158; May 25, 1932, ch. 203, §2(a), 47 Stat. 165; July 30, 1937, ch. 545, §3, 50 Stat. 548; see sections 1427, 1439, and 1441(a)(1) of this title. Section 389, relating to residence of aliens conditionally serving in military services after honorable discharge, was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4(7), as added May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 542.

Section 389a, relating to naturalization of alien veterans of World War I, was repealed by act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(37), 66 Stat. 280. It was from act Aug. 19, 1937, ch. 698, §2, as added Aug. 16, 1940, ch. 684, 54 Stat. 789.

Sections 390 to 392, relating to naturalization of alien veterans of World War I, were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. They were from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §§4(7), 4(13), and 4(7), respectively, as added May 19, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 542 to 544. See section 1439 of this title.

Sections 392a to 392d related to naturalization of alien veterans of World War I. Sections 392b to 392d were repealed by act Oct. 11, 1940, ch. 876 title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Section 392a was from acts May 26, 1926, ch. 398, §7, 44 Stat. 655; Mar. 4, 1929, ch. 683, §3, 45 Stat. 1546. Sections 392b to 392d were from acts May 25, 1932, ch. 203, §1, 47 Stat. 165; Ex. Ord. No. 6166, §14, June 10, 1933; June 24, 1935, ch. 288, §§1 to 3, 49 Stat. 395; Aug. 23, 1937, ch. 735, §§1 to 3, 50 Stat. 743, 744; June 21, 1939, ch, 234, §§1 to 3, 53 Stat. 851.

Sections 392e to 398 were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Sections 392e to 392g, relating to naturalization of alien veterans of World War I formerly ineligible because of race, were from act June 24, 1935, ch. 290, §§1–3, respectively, 49 Stat. 397, 398. Sections 393 to 395, relating to naturalization of alien veterans, were from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4(7), as added May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §§1, 2, 40 Stat. 543; see sections 1439 and 1441(a)(1) of this title. Sections 396 to 398, relating to time of filing petition, subpoena of witnesses, and final hearings on petitions, respectively, were from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §§6, 5, 9, respectively, 34 Stat. 598, 599, as amended Mar. 3, 1931, ch. 442, §§1, 2, 46 Stat. 1511; see sections 1445(c) and 1447(a), (e) of this title.

Section 398a, act May 3, 1940, ch. 183, §2, 54 Stat. 178, related to patriotic address to new citizens. See section 1448a of this title.

Sections 399 to 402 were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Section 399, authorizing the United States to appear and oppose the right of aliens to naturalization, was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §11, 34 Stat. 599; see section 1447 of this title. Section 399a, relating to preliminary examination of petitioners for naturalization, was from act June 8, 1926, ch. 502, 44 Stat. 709; see sections 1446 and 1447 of this title. Sections 399b to 399d, relating to certificates of citizenship, were from acts June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §§32 to 34, respectively, as added Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §9, 45 Stat. 1515; amended May 25, 1932, ch. 203, §§4, 5, 47 Stat. 165; Apr. 19, 1934, ch. 154, §§2, 4, 48 Stat. 597; see sections 1452, 1454 and 1455(g) of this title. Section 399e, relating to annual reports of Commissioner of Immigration, was from act Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §10, 45 Stat. 1516; see section 1458 of this title. Section 399f, relating to counsel fees in naturalization proceedings, was from act Apr. 19, 1934, ch. 154, §5, 48 Stat. 598; see section 1455 of this title. Sections 400 to 402, relating to clerks of naturalization courts and their fees and clerical assistants, were from acts June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §§12, 13, 34 Stat. 599, as amended June 25, 1910, ch. 401, §1, 36 Stat. 829; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737; June 12, 1917, ch. 27, §1, 40 Stat. 171; Feb. 26, 1919, ch. 49, §§1, 2, 40 Stat. 1182; Feb. 11, 1921, ch. 46, 41 Stat. 1099; Mar. 4, 1921, ch. 161, §1, 41 Stat. 1412; June 10, 1921, ch. 18, §304, 42 Stat. 24; Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §7(a), 45 Stat. 1514; and Apr. 19, 1934, ch. 154, §1, 48 Stat. 597; see sections 1450(a)–(d), 1455, and 1459(b), (c) of this title.

Section 402a, related to disposition of fees received by clerks of courts. It was from act Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §7(b), 45 Stat. 1515; Ex. Ord. No. 6166, §14, June 10, 1933. See section 1455(e) of this title.

Sections 403 to 405 were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Sections 403 and 404, relating to fees collectible from alien soldiers, and to recording declarations and petitions, respectively, were from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §§4(7), 14, respectively, 34 Stat. 601, as amended May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1 40 Stat. 544; see sections 1450(e) and 1455(h) of this title. Section 405, relating to cancellation of certificates of citizenship, was from acts June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §15, 34 Stat. 601; May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 544; see section 1451 of this title.

Sections 406 and 407 validated certain certificates of naturalization. They were from acts May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §3, 40 Stat. 548, and June 29, 1906, ch. 3624, §1, 34 Stat. 630, respectively.

Sections 408 to 415 were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Sections 408 and 409, relating to naturalization forms, were from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §§3, 27, respectively, 34 Stat. 596, 603; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737; May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §3, 40 Stat. 548; on the subject of section 408 see sections 1421(c) and 1443(c) of this title, and on the subject of section 409 see sections 1445(a)–(d), (f), and 1449 of this title. Sections 410 to 415, relating to the punishment of crimes in connection with the naturalization of aliens, were from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §§18, 20–24, respectively, 34 Stat. 602, 603; present provisions are contained in sections 1451(a), (b), (d), (e), (g)–(i) and 1459 of this title and sections 911, 1015, 1421–1429, 1719 and 3282 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.

Section 416, authorizing punishment of offenses against naturalization laws committed prior to May 9, 1918, under laws then in effect but since repealed, was repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. It was from act May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §2, 40 Stat. 547. See note set out under section 1101 of this title.
8 U.S.C. § 1324b (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 12: IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY / Subchapter II: IMMIGRATION / Section 1324b: Unfair immigration-related employment practices
Unfair immigration-related employment practices
Status: in_force

(a) Prohibition of discrimination based on national origin or citizenship status

(1) General rule

It is an unfair immigration-related employment practice for a person or other entity to discriminate against any individual (other than an unauthorized alien, as defined in section 1324a(h)(3) of this title) with respect to the hiring, or recruitment or referral for a fee, of the individual for employment or the discharging of the individual from employment—

(A) because of such individual's national origin, or

(B) in the case of a protected individual (as defined in paragraph (3)), because of such individual's citizenship status.

(2) Exceptions

Paragraph (1) shall not apply to—

(A) a person or other entity that employs three or fewer employees,

(B) a person's or entity's discrimination because of an individual's national origin if the discrimination with respect to that person or entity and that individual is covered under section 703 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 [42 U.S.C. 2000e–2], or

(C) discrimination because of citizenship status which is otherwise required in order to comply with law, regulation, or executive order, or required by Federal, State, or local government contract, or which the Attorney General determines to be essential for an employer to do business with an agency or department of the Federal, State, or local government.

(3) "Protected individual" defined

As used in paragraph (1), the term "protected individual" means an individual who—

(A) is a citizen or national of the United States, or

(B) is an alien who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence, is granted the status of an alien lawfully admitted for temporary residence under section 1160(a) or 1255a(a)(1) of this title, is admitted as a refugee under section 1157 of this title, or is granted asylum under section 1158 of this title; but does not include (i) an alien who fails to apply for naturalization within six months of the date the alien first becomes eligible (by virtue of period of lawful permanent residence) to apply for naturalization or, if later, within six months after November 6, 1986, and (ii) an alien who has applied on a timely basis, but has not been naturalized as a citizen within 2 years after the date of the application, unless the alien can establish that the alien is actively pursuing naturalization, except that time consumed in the Service's processing the application shall not be counted toward the 2-year period.

(4) Additional exception providing right to prefer equally qualified citizens

Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, it is not an unfair immigration-related employment practice for a person or other entity to prefer to hire, recruit, or refer an individual who is a citizen or national of the United States over another individual who is an alien if the two individuals are equally qualified.

(5) Prohibition of intimidation or retaliation

It is also an unfair immigration-related employment practice for a person or other entity to intimidate, threaten, coerce, or retaliate against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured under this section or because the individual intends to file or has filed a charge or a complaint, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this section. An individual so intimidated, threatened, coerced, or retaliated against shall be considered, for purposes of subsections (d) and (g), to have been discriminated against.

(6) Treatment of certain documentary practices as employment practices

A person's or other entity's request, for purposes of satisfying the requirements of section 1324a(b) of this title, for more or different documents than are required under such section or refusing to honor documents tendered that on their face reasonably appear to be genuine shall be treated as an unfair immigration-related employment practice if made for the purpose or with the intent of discriminating against an individual in violation of paragraph (1).

(b) Charges of violations

(1) In general

Except as provided in paragraph (2), any person alleging that the person is adversely affected directly by an unfair immigration-related employment practice (or a person on that person's behalf) or an officer of the Service alleging that an unfair immigration-related employment practice has occurred or is occurring may file a charge respecting such practice or violation with the Special Counsel (appointed under subsection (c)). Charges shall be in writing under oath or affirmation and shall contain such information as the Attorney General requires. The Special Counsel by certified mail shall serve a notice of the charge (including the date, place, and circumstances of the alleged unfair immigration-related employment practice) on the person or entity involved within 10 days.

(2) No overlap with EEOC complaints

No charge may be filed respecting an unfair immigration-related employment practice described in subsection (a)(1)(A) if a charge with respect to that practice based on the same set of facts has been filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 [42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.], unless the charge is dismissed as being outside the scope of such title. No charge respecting an employment practice may be filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under such title if a charge with respect to such practice based on the same set of facts has been filed under this subsection, unless the charge is dismissed under this section as being outside the scope of this section.

(c) Special Counsel

(1) Appointment

The President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, a Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices (hereinafter in this section referred to as the "Special Counsel") within the Department of Justice to serve for a term of four years. In the case of a vacancy in the office of the Special Counsel the President may designate the officer or employee who shall act as Special Counsel during such vacancy.

(2) Duties

The Special Counsel shall be responsible for investigation of charges and issuance of complaints under this section and in respect of the prosecution of all such complaints before administrative law judges and the exercise of certain functions under subsection (j)(1).

(3) Compensation

The Special Counsel is entitled to receive compensation at a rate not to exceed the rate now or hereafter provided for grade GS–17 of the General Schedule, under section 5332 of title 5.

(4) Regional offices

The Special Counsel, in accordance with regulations of the Attorney General, shall establish such regional offices as may be necessary to carry out his duties.

(d) Investigation of charges

(1) By Special Counsel

The Special Counsel shall investigate each charge received and, within 120 days of the date of the receipt of the charge, determine whether or not there is reasonable cause to believe that the charge is true and whether or not to bring a complaint with respect to the charge before an administrative law judge. The Special Counsel may, on his own initiative, conduct investigations respecting unfair immigration-related employment practices and, based on such an investigation and subject to paragraph (3), file a complaint before such a judge.

(2) Private actions

If the Special Counsel, after receiving such a charge respecting an unfair immigration-related employment practice which alleges knowing and intentional discriminatory activity or a pattern or practice of discriminatory activity, has not filed a complaint before an administrative law judge with respect to such charge within such 120-day period, the Special Counsel shall notify the person making the charge of the determination not to file such a complaint during such period and the person making the charge may (subject to paragraph (3)) file a complaint directly before such a judge within 90 days after the date of receipt of the notice. The Special Counsel's failure to file such a complaint within such 120-day period shall not affect the right of the Special Counsel to investigate the charge or to bring a complaint before an administrative law judge during such 90-day period.

(3) Time limitations on complaints

No complaint may be filed respecting any unfair immigration-related employment practice occurring more than 180 days prior to the date of the filing of the charge with the Special Counsel. This subparagraph shall not prevent the subsequent amending of a charge or complaint under subsection (e)(1).

(e) Hearings

(1) Notice

Whenever a complaint is made that a person or entity has engaged in or is engaging in any such unfair immigration-related employment practice, an administrative law judge shall have power to issue and cause to be served upon such person or entity a copy of the complaint and a notice of hearing before the judge at a place therein fixed, not less than five days after the serving of the complaint. Any such complaint may be amended by the judge conducting the hearing, upon the motion of the party filing the complaint, in the judge's discretion at any time prior to the issuance of an order based thereon. The person or entity so complained of shall have the right to file an answer to the original or amended complaint and to appear in person or otherwise and give testimony at the place and time fixed in the complaint.

(2) Judges hearing cases

Hearings on complaints under this subsection shall be considered before administrative law judges who are specially designated by the Attorney General as having special training respecting employment discrimination and, to the extent practicable, before such judges who only consider cases under this section.

(3) Complainant as party

Any person filing a charge with the Special Counsel respecting an unfair immigration-related employment practice shall be considered a party to any complaint before an administrative law judge respecting such practice and any subsequent appeal respecting that complaint. In the discretion of the judge conducting the hearing, any other person may be allowed to intervene in the proceeding and to present testimony.

(f) Testimony and authority of hearing officers

(1) Testimony

The testimony taken by the administrative law judge shall be reduced to writing. Thereafter, the judge, in his discretion, upon notice may provide for the taking of further testimony or hear argument.

(2) Authority of administrative law judges

In conducting investigations and hearings under this subsection 1 and in accordance with regulations of the Attorney General, the Special Counsel and administrative law judges shall have reasonable access to examine evidence of any person or entity being investigated. The administrative law judges by subpoena may compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence at any designated place or hearing. In case of contumacy or refusal to obey a subpoena lawfully issued under this paragraph and upon application of the administrative law judge, an appropriate district court of the United States may issue an order requiring compliance with such subpoena and any failure to obey such order may be punished by such court as a contempt thereof.

(g) Determinations

(1) Order

The administrative law judge shall issue and cause to be served on the parties to the proceeding an order, which shall be final unless appealed as provided under subsection (i).

(2) Orders finding violations

(A) In general

If, upon the preponderance of the evidence, an administrative law judge determines that any person or entity named in the complaint has engaged in or is engaging in any such unfair immigration-related employment practice, then the judge shall state his findings of fact and shall issue and cause to be served on such person or entity an order which requires such person or entity to cease and desist from such unfair immigration-related employment practice.

(B) Contents of order

Such an order also may require the person or entity—

(i) to comply with the requirements of section 1324a(b) of this title with respect to individuals hired (or recruited or referred for employment for a fee) during a period of up to three years;

(ii) to retain for the period referred to in clause (i) and only for purposes consistent with section 1324a(b)(5) of this title, the name and address of each individual who applies, in person or in writing, for hiring for an existing position, or for recruiting or referring for a fee, for employment in the United States;

(iii) to hire individuals directly and adversely affected, with or without back pay;

(iv)(I) except as provided in subclauses (II) through (IV), to pay a civil penalty of not less than $250 and not more than $2,000 for each individual discriminated against,

(II) except as provided in subclauses (III) and (IV), in the case of a person or entity previously subject to a single order under this paragraph, to pay a civil penalty of not less than $2,000 and not more than $5,000 for each individual discriminated against,

(III) except as provided in subclause (IV), in the case of a person or entity previously subject to more than one order under this paragraph, to pay a civil penalty of not less than $3,000 and not more than $10,000 for each individual discriminated against, and

(IV) in the case of an unfair immigration-related employment practice described in subsection (a)(6), to pay a civil penalty of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000 for each individual discriminated against;

(v) to post notices to employees about their rights under this section and employers' obligations under section 1324a of this title;

(vi) to educate all personnel involved in hiring and complying with this section or section 1324a of this title about the requirements of this section or such section;

(vii) to remove (in an appropriate case) a false performance review or false warning from an employee's personnel file; and

(viii) to lift (in an appropriate case) any restrictions on an employee's assignments, work shifts, or movements.

(C) Limitation on back pay remedy

In providing a remedy under subparagraph (B)(iii), back pay liability shall not accrue from a date more than two years prior to the date of the filing of a charge with the Special Counsel. Interim earnings or amounts earnable with reasonable diligence by the individual or individuals discriminated against shall operate to reduce the back pay otherwise allowable under such paragraph. No order shall require the hiring of an individual as an employee or the payment to an individual of any back pay, if the individual was refused employment for any reason other than discrimination on account of national origin or citizenship status.

(D) Treatment of distinct entities

In applying this subsection in the case of a person or entity composed of distinct, physically separate subdivisions each of which provides separately for the hiring, recruiting, or referring for employment, without reference to the practices of, and not under the control of or common control with, another subdivision, each such subdivision shall be considered a separate person or entity.

(3) Orders not finding violations

If upon the preponderance of the evidence an administrative law judge determines that the person or entity named in the complaint has not engaged and is not engaging in any such unfair immigration-related employment practice, then the judge shall state his findings of fact and shall issue an order dismissing the complaint.

(h) Awarding of attorney's fees

In any complaint respecting an unfair immigration-related employment practice, an administrative law judge, in the judge's discretion, may allow a prevailing party, other than the United States, a reasonable attorney's fee, if the losing party's argument is without reasonable foundation in law and fact.

(i) Review of final orders

(1) In general

Not later than 60 days after the entry of such final order, any person aggrieved by such final order may seek a review of such order in the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which the violation is alleged to have occurred or in which the employer resides or transacts business.

(2) Further review

Upon the filing of the record with the court, the jurisdiction of the court shall be exclusive and its judgment shall be final, except that the same shall be subject to review by the Supreme Court of the United States upon writ of certiorari or certification as provided in section 1254 of title 28.

(j) Court enforcement of administrative orders

(1) In general

If an order of the agency is not appealed under subsection (i)(1), the Special Counsel (or, if the Special Counsel fails to act, the person filing the charge) may petition the United States district court for the district in which a violation of the order is alleged to have occurred, or in which the respondent resides or transacts business, for the enforcement of the order of the administrative law judge, by filing in such court a written petition praying that such order be enforced.

(2) Court enforcement order

Upon the filing of such petition, the court shall have jurisdiction to make and enter a decree enforcing the order of the administrative law judge. In such a proceeding, the order of the administrative law judge shall not be subject to review.

(3) Enforcement decree in original review

If, upon appeal of an order under subsection (i)(1), the United States court of appeals does not reverse such order, such court shall have the jurisdiction to make and enter a decree enforcing the order of the administrative law judge.

(4) Awarding of attorney's fees

In any judicial proceeding under subsection (i) or this subsection, the court, in its discretion, may allow a prevailing party, other than the United States, a reasonable attorney's fee as part of costs but only if the losing party's argument is without reasonable foundation in law and fact.

(k) Termination dates

(1) This section shall not apply to discrimination in hiring, recruiting, or referring, or discharging of individuals occurring after the date of any termination of the provisions of section 1324a of this title, under subsection (l) 2 of that section.

(2) The provisions of this section shall terminate 30 calendar days after receipt of the last report required to be transmitted under section 1324a(j) 2 of this title if—

(A) the Comptroller General determines, and so reports in such report that—

(i) no significant discrimination has resulted, against citizens or nationals of the United States or against any eligible workers seeking employment, from the implementation of section 1324a of this title, or

(ii) such section has created an unreasonable burden on employers hiring such workers; and

(B) there has been enacted, within such period of 30 calendar days, a joint resolution stating in substance that the Congress approves the findings of the Comptroller General contained in such report.

The provisions of subsections (m) and (n) 2 of section 1324a of this title shall apply to any joint resolution under subparagraph (B) in the same manner as they apply to a joint resolution under subsection (l) 2 of such section.

(l) Dissemination of information concerning anti-discrimination provisions

(1) Not later than 3 months after November 29, 1990, the Special Counsel, in cooperation with the chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Secretary of Labor, and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, shall conduct a campaign to disseminate information respecting the rights and remedies prescribed under this section and under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 [42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.] in connection with unfair immigration-related employment practices. Such campaign shall be aimed at increasing the knowledge of employers, employees, and the general public concerning employer and employee rights, responsibilities, and remedies under this section and such title.

(2) In order to carry out the campaign under this subsection, the Special Counsel—

(A) may, to the extent deemed appropriate and subject to the availability of appropriations, contract with public and private organizations for outreach activities under the campaign, and

(B) shall consult with the Secretary of Labor, the chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the heads of such other agencies as may be appropriate.

(3) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $10,000,000 for each fiscal year (beginning with fiscal year 1991).

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title II, ch. 8, §274B, as added Pub. L. 99–603, title I, §102(a), Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3374; amended Pub. L. 100–525, §2(b), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2610; Pub. L. 101–649, title V, §§531, 532(a), 533(a), 534(a), 535(a), 536(a), 537(a), 539(a), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5054–5056; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §306(b)(1), (3), (c)(1), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1752; Pub. L. 103–416, title II, §219(q), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4317; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title IV, §421(a), title VI, §671(d)(1)(B), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–670, 3009–723.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, referred to in subsecs. (b)(2) and (l)(1), is Pub. L. 88–352, July 2, 1964, 78 Stat. 241. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is classified generally to subchapter VI (§2000e et seq.) of chapter 21 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2000a of Title 42 and Tables.

Subsections (j), (l), (m), and (n) of section 1324a of this title, referred to in subsec. (k), were repealed by Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title IV, §412(c), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–668.

Amendments

1996—Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 104–208, §671(d)(1)(B), struck out ", 1161(a)," after "section 1160(a)".

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 104–208, §421(a), substituted "A person's" for "For purposes of paragraph (1), a person's" and "if made for the purpose or with the intent of discriminating against an individual in violation of paragraph (1)" for "relating to the hiring of individuals".

1994—Subsec. (g)(2)(C). Pub. L. 103–416 substituted "the Special Counsel" for "an administrative law judge" in first sentence.

1991—Subsec. (g)(2)(B)(iv)(II). Pub. L. 102–232, §306(b)(1), substituted "subclauses (III) and (IV)" for "subclause (IV)".

Subsec. (g)(2)(B)(iv)(IV). Pub. L. 102–232, §306(b)(3)(A), substituted a semicolon for period at end.

Subsec. (g)(2)(B)(v), (vi). Pub. L. 102–232, §306(b)(3)(B), substituted semicolons for commas at end.

Subsec. (g)(2)(B)(vii). Pub. L. 102–232, §306(b)(3)(C), (D), substituted a semicolon for comma at end and "to remove (in an appropriate case)" for "to order (in an appropriate case) the removal of".

Subsec. (g)(2)(B)(viii). Pub. L. 102–232, §306(b)(3)(E), substituted "to lift (in an appropriate case)" for "to order (in an appropriate case) the lifting of".

Subsec. (g)(2)(D). Pub. L. 102–232, §306(c)(1), substituted "physically" for "physicially".

1990—Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 101–649, §533(a)(1), substituted "protected individual" for "citizen or intending citizen".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 101–649, §533(a)(2), (3), in heading and text substituted "protected individual" for "citizen or intending citizen".

Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 101–649, §533(a)(4), substituted "is an alien who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence, is granted the status of an alien lawfully admitted for temporary residence under section 1160(a), 1161(a), or 1255a(a)(1) of this title, is admitted as a refugee under section 1157 of this title, or is granted asylum under section 1158 of this title; but does not" for "is an alien who—

"(i) is lawfully admitted for permanent residence, is granted the status of an alien lawfully admitted for temporary residence under section 1160(a), 1161(a), or 1255a(a)(1) of this title, is admitted as a refugee under section 1157 of this title, or is granted asylum under section 1158 of this title, and

"(ii) evidences an intention to become a citizen of the United States through completing a declaration of intention to become a citizen;

but does not", and in closing provisions substituted "(i)" and "(ii)" for "(I)" and "(II)", respectively.

Pub. L. 101–649, §532(a), inserted reference to sections 1160(a) and 1161(a) of this title in cl. (i).

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 101–649, §534(a), added par. (5).

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 101–649, §535(a), added par. (6).

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 101–649, §537(a), inserted "the Special Counsel shall notify the person making the charge of the determination not to file such a complaint during such period and" after "120-day period,", inserted "within 90 days after the date of receipt of the notice" before period at end, and inserted at end "The Special Counsel's failure to file such a complaint within such 120-day period shall not affect the right of the Special Counsel to investigate the charge or to bring a complaint before an administrative law judge during such 90-day period."

Subsec. (g)(2)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 101–649, §539(a)(1), struck out "and" at end.

Subsec. (g)(2)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 101–649, §539(a)(2), which directed the substitution of a comma for the period at end of cl. (iv)(II), could not be executed because of the general amendment of cl. (iv) by Pub. L. 101–649, §536(a), see below.

Pub. L. 101–649, §536(a), amended cl. (iv) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (iv) read as follows:

"(I) except as provided in subclause (II), to pay a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each individual discriminated against, and

"(II) in the case of a person or entity previously subject to such an order, to pay a civil penalty of not more than $2,000 for each individual discriminated against."

Subsec. (g)(2)(B)(v) to (viii). Pub. L. 101–649, §539(a)(3), added cls. (v) to (viii).

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 101–649, §531, added subsec. (l).

1988—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 100–525, §2(b)(1), inserted reference to section 1324a(h)(3) of this title.

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 100–525, §2(b)(2), struck out "said" before "proceeding".

Subsec. (g)(2)(A). Pub. L. 100–525, §2(b)(3), substituted "that" for "that that".

Subsec. (g)(2)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 100–525, §2(b)(4), substituted "1324a" for "1324".

Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 100–525, §2(b)(5), substituted "engaged and" for "engaged or".

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 100–525, §2(b)(6), substituted "attorney's" for "attorneys' " in heading.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title IV, §421(b), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–670, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to requests made on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996]."

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–416 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 219(dd) of Pub. L. 103–416, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–232 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 310(1) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–649, title V, §532(b), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5054, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to actions occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990]."

Pub. L. 101–649, title V, §533(b), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5055, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to unfair immigration-related employment practices occurring before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990]."

Pub. L. 101–649, title V, §534(b), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5055, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to actions occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990]."

Pub. L. 101–649, title V, §535(b), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5055, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990], but shall apply to actions occurring on or after such date."

Pub. L. 101–649, title V, §536(b), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5056, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to unfair immigration-related employment practices occurring after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990]."

Pub. L. 101–649, title V, §537(b), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5056, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to charges received on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990]."

Pub. L. 101–649, title V, §539(b), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5057, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to orders with respect to unfair immigration-related employment practices occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990]."

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–525 effective as if included in enactment of Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–603, see section 2(s) of Pub. L. 100–525, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.

References in Other Laws to GS–16, 17, or 18 Pay Rates

References in laws to the rates of pay for GS–16, 17, or 18, or to maximum rates of pay under the General Schedule, to be considered references to rates payable under specified sections of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, see section 529 [title I, §101(c)(1)] of Pub. L. 101–509, set out in a note under section 5376 of Title 5.

No Effect on EEOC Authority

Pub. L. 99–603, title I, §102(b), Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3379, provided that: "Except as may be specifically provided in this section, nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict the authority of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to investigate allegations, in writing and under oath or affirmation, of unlawful employment practices, as provided in section 706 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–5), or any other authority provided therein."

1 So in original. Probably should be "section".

2 See References in Text note below.
8 U.S.C. § 1458 (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 12: IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY / Subchapter III: NATIONALITY AND NATURALIZATION / Section 1458: Compilation of naturalization statistics and payment for equipment
Compilation of naturalization statistics and payment for equipment
Status: in_force

The Attorney General is authorized and directed to prepare from the records in the custody of the Service a report upon those heretofore seeking citizenship to show by nationalities their relation to the numbers of aliens annually arriving and to the prevailing census populations of the foreign-born, their economic, vocational, and other classification, in statistical form, with analytical comment thereon, and to prepare such report annually hereafter. Payment for the equipment used in preparing such compilation shall be made from the appropriation for the enforcement of this chapter by the Service.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §347, 66 Stat. 266.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original, "this Act", meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective 180 days after June 27, 1952, see section 407 of act June 27, 1952, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
8 U.S.C. § 204c (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 6: IMMIGRATION / Subchapter III: QUOTA AND NONQUOTA IMMIGRANTS / Section 204c: Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(23), (36), (44), (45), 66 Stat. 279, 280, eff. Dec. 24, 1952
Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(23), (36), (44), (45), 66 Stat. 279, 280, eff. Dec. 24, 1952
Status: repealed

Section 204c, act June 28, 1932, ch. 283, §3, 47 Stat. 336, related to deportation as public charge.

Section 204d, act June 28, 1932, ch. 283, §4, 47 Stat. 336, related to definitions.

Section 205, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §5, 43 Stat. 155, defined quota immigrant.

Section 206, acts May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §6, 43 Stat. 155; May 29, 1928, ch. 914, §3, 45 Stat. 1009; July 11, 1932, ch. 471, §2, 47 Stat. 656; May 19, 1948, ch. 311, §2, 62 Stat. 241, related to enumeration of preferences within quotas.

Section 207, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §7, 43 Stat. 156, related to application for visas.

Section 208, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §8, 43 Stat. 156, related to nonquota immigration visas.

Section 209, acts May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §9, 43 Stat. 157; May 14, 1937, ch. 182, §1, 50 Stat. 164, related to visas of nonquota and preferred immigrants.

Section 210, acts May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §10, 43 Stat. 158; June 3, 1948, ch. 403, 62 Stat. 335, related to reentry permits.

Section 211, acts May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §11, 43 Stat. 159; Mar. 4, 1927, ch. 514, 44 Stat. 1455; Mar. 31, 1928, ch. 306, 45 Stat. 400, related to immigration quotas as determined by national origin.

Section 212, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §12, 43 Stat. 160, related to determination of nationality. See section 1152 of this title.

Section 212a, acts Dec. 17, 1943, ch. 344, §2, 57 Stat. 601; Aug. 9, 1946, ch. 945, §2, 60 Stat. 975, related to reentry permits for Chinese persons.

Section 212b, act July 2, 1946, ch. 534, §4, 60 Stat. 417, related to reentry permits for Indians and races indigenous to India.

Section 212c, act July 2, 1946, ch. 534, §5, 60 Stat. 417, related to definitions and allocations of quota.

Section 213, acts May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §13, 43 Stat. 161; June 13, 1930, ch. 476, 46 Stat. 581; May 14, 1937, ch. 182, §2, 50 Stat. 165; Aug. 9, 1946, ch. 945, §1, 60 Stat. 975, related to compliance with immigration requirements.

Section 213a, act May 14, 1937, ch. 182, §3, 50 Stat. 165, related to deportation of alien securing visa through fraudulent marriage.

Section 214, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §14, 43 Stat. 162, related to deportation and procedure thereunder.

Section 215, acts May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §15, 43 Stat. 162; July 1, 1932, ch. 363, 47 Stat. 524; July 1, 1940, ch. 502, §2, 54 Stat. 711; Dec. 29, 1945, ch. 652, title I, §7(d), 59 Stat. 672, related to admission of persons excepted from definition of immigrant and nonquota immigrants.

Section 216, acts May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §16, 43 Stat. 163; Dec. 19, 1944, ch. 608, §3, 58 Stat. 817, related to unlawful bringing of aliens into United States by water.

Section 217, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §17, 43 Stat. 163, related to contracts with transportation lines.

Section 218, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §18, 43 Stat. 164, related to unused immigration visas.

Section 219, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §21(a), 43 Stat. 165, related to reentry permits.
8 U.S.C. § 1159 (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 12: IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY / Subchapter II: IMMIGRATION / Section 1159: Adjustment of status of refugees
Adjustment of status of refugees
Status: in_force

(a) Inspection and examination by Department of Homeland Security

(1) Any alien who has been admitted to the United States under section 1157 of this title—

(A) whose admission has not been terminated by the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General pursuant to such regulations as the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General may prescribe,

(B) who has been physically present in the United States for at least one year, and

(C) who has not acquired permanent resident status,

shall, at the end of such year period, return or be returned to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security for inspection and examination for admission to the United States as an immigrant in accordance with the provisions of sections 1225, 1229a, and 1231 of this title.

(2) Any alien who is found upon inspection and examination by an immigration officer pursuant to paragraph (1) or after a hearing before an immigration judge to be admissible (except as otherwise provided under subsection (c)) as an immigrant under this chapter at the time of the alien's inspection and examination shall, notwithstanding any numerical limitation specified in this chapter, be regarded as lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence as of the date of such alien's arrival into the United States.

(b) Requirements for adjustment

The Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General, in the Secretary's or the Attorney General's discretion and under such regulations as the Secretary or the Attorney General may prescribe, may adjust to the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence the status of any alien granted asylum who—

(1) applies for such adjustment,

(2) has been physically present in the United States for at least one year after being granted asylum,

(3) continues to be a refugee within the meaning of section 1101(a)(42)(A) of this title or a spouse or child of such a refugee,

(4) is not firmly resettled in any foreign country, and

(5) is admissible (except as otherwise provided under subsection (c)) as an immigrant under this chapter at the time of examination for adjustment of such alien.

Upon approval of an application under this subsection, the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General shall establish a record of the alien's admission for lawful permanent residence as of the date one year before the date of the approval of the application.

(c) Coordination with section 1182

The provisions of paragraphs (4), (5), and (7)(A) of section 1182(a) of this title shall not be applicable to any alien seeking adjustment of status under this section, and the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General may waive any other provision of such section (other than paragraph (2)(C) or subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (E) of paragraph (3)) with respect to such an alien for humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or when it is otherwise in the public interest.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title II, ch. 1, §209, as added Pub. L. 96–212, title II, §201(b), Mar. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 105; amended Pub. L. 101–649, title I, §104(a)(1), title VI, §603(a)(4), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4985, 5082; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §307(l)(1), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1756; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §§308(g)(3)(A), (4)(A), 371(b)(2), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–622, 3009–645; Pub. L. 109–13, div. B, title I, §101(g)(1), May 11, 2005, 119 Stat. 305.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a)(2) and (b)(5), was in the original, "this Act", meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2005—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 109–13, §101(g)(1)(A)(i), substituted "Department of Homeland Security" for "Service" in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 109–13, §101(g)(1)(A)(ii), substituted "Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General" for "Attorney General" in two places.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–13, §101(g)(1)(B)(ii), substituted "Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General" for "Attorney General" in concluding provisions.

Pub. L. 109–13, §101(g)(1)(B)(i), added introductory provisions and struck out former introductory provisions which read as follows: "Not more than 10,000 of the refugee admissions authorized under section 1157(a) of this title in any fiscal year may be made available by the Attorney General, in the Attorney General's discretion and under such regulations as the Attorney General may prescribe, to adjust to the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence the status of any alien granted asylum who—".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–13, §101(g)(1)(C), substituted "Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General" for "Attorney General".

1996—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 104–208, §308(g)(3)(A), (4)(A), substituted "1229a" for "1226" and "1231" for "1227" in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 104–208, §371(b)(2), substituted "an immigration judge" for "a special inquiry officer".

1991—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–232 substituted "subparagraph (A)" for "subparagraphs (A)".

1990—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–649, §104(a)(1), substituted "10,000" for "five thousand".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–649, §603(a)(4), substituted "(4), (5), and (7)(A)" for "(14), (15), (20), (21), (25), and (32)" and "(other than paragraph (2)(C) or subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), or (E) of paragraph (3))" for "(other than paragraph (27), (29), or (33) and other than so much of paragraph (23) as relates to trafficking in narcotics)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by section 308(g)(3)(A), (4)(A) of Pub. L. 104–208 effective, with certain transitional provisions, on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after Sept. 30, 1996, see section 309 of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Amendment by section 371(b)(2) of Pub. L. 104–208 effective Sept. 30, 1996, see section 371(d)(1) of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §307(l), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1756, provided that the amendment made by section 307(l) is effective as if included in section 603(a) of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–649, title I, §104(a)(2), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4985, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall apply to fiscal years beginning with fiscal year 1991 and the President is authorized, without the need for appropriate consultation, to increase the refugee determination previously made under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1157] for fiscal year 1991 in order to make such amendment effective for such fiscal year."

Amendment by section 603(a)(4) of Pub. L. 101–649 applicable to individuals entering United States on or after June 1, 1991, see section 601(e)(1) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective, except as otherwise provided, Mar. 17, 1980, and applicable to fiscal years beginning with the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 1979, see section 204 of Pub. L. 96–212, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 1101 of this title.

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.

Waiver of Numerical Limitation for Certain Current Asylees; Adjustment of Certain Former Asylees

Pub. L. 101–649, title I, §104(c), (d), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4985, as amended by Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title VI, §604(b)(2), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–694, provided that:

"(c) Waiver of Numerical Limitation for Certain Current Asylees.—The numerical limitation on the number of aliens whose status may be adjusted under section 209(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1159(b)] shall not apply to an alien described in subsection (d) or to an alien who has applied for adjustment of status under such section on or before June 1, 1990.

"(d) Adjustment of Certain Former Asylees.—

"(1) In general.—Subject to paragraph (2), the provisions of section 209(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1159(b)] shall also apply to an alien—

"(A) who was granted asylum before the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990] (regardless of whether or not such asylum has been terminated under section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1158]),

"(B) who is no longer a refugee because of a change in circumstances in a foreign state, and

"(C) who was (or would be) qualified for adjustment of status under section 209(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act as of the date of the enactment of this Act but for paragraphs (2) and (3) thereof and but for any numerical limitation under such section.

"(2) Application of per country limitations.—The number of aliens who are natives of any foreign state who may adjust status pursuant to paragraph (1) in any fiscal year shall not exceed the difference between the per country limitation established under section 202(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1152(a)] and the number of aliens who are chargeable to that foreign state in the fiscal year under section 202 of such Act."

[Section 104(c), (d) of Pub. L. 101–649 effective Nov. 29, 1990, and (unless otherwise provided) applicable to fiscal year 1991, see section 161(b) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as an Effective Date of 1990 Amendment note under section 1101 of this title.]
8 U.S.C. § 1714 (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 15: ENHANCED BORDER SECURITY AND VISA ENTRY REFORM / Subchapter I: FUNDING / Section 1714: Surcharges related to consular services
Surcharges related to consular services
Status: in_force

Beginning in fiscal year 2005 and thereafter, the Secretary of State is authorized to charge surcharges related to consular services in support of enhanced border security that are in addition to the passport and immigrant visa fees in effect on January 1, 2004: Provided, That funds collected pursuant to this authority shall be deposited in the Consular and Border Security Programs account, and shall be available until expended for the purposes of such account: Provided further, That such surcharges shall be $12 on passport fees, and $45 on immigrant visa fees.

(Pub. L. 108–447, div. B, title IV, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2896; Pub. L. 115–31, div. J, title VII, §7081(c), May 5, 2017, 131 Stat. 716.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section appears under the headings "Administration of Foreign Affairs" and "Diplomatic and Consular Programs" in title IV of div. B of Pub. L. 108–447. It was enacted as part of the Department of State and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2005, and also as part of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005, and as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005, and not as part of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002 which comprises this chapter.

Amendments

2017—Pub. L. 115–31 substituted "deposited in the Consular and Border Security Programs account" for "credited to this account".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Authority to Administratively Amend Surcharges

Pub. L. 109–472, §6, Jan. 11, 2007, 120 Stat. 3555, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Beginning in fiscal year 2007 and thereafter, the Secretary of State is authorized to amend administratively the amounts of the surcharges related to consular services in support of enhanced border security (provided for in the last paragraph under the heading 'diplomatic and consular programs' under title IV of division B of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 (Public Law 108–447) [this section]) that are in addition to the passport and immigrant visa fees in effect on January 1, 2004.

"(b) Requirements.—In carrying out subsection (a) and the provision of law described in such subsection, the Secretary shall meet the following requirements:

"(1) The amounts of the surcharges shall be reasonably related to the costs of providing services in connection with the activity or item for which the surcharges are charged.

"(2) The aggregate amount of surcharges collected may not exceed the aggregate amount obligated and expended for the costs related to consular services in support of enhanced border security incurred in connection with the activity or item for which the surcharges are charged.

"(3) A surcharge may not be collected except to the extent the surcharge will be obligated and expended to pay the costs related to consular services in support of enhanced border security incurred in connection with the activity or item for which the surcharge is charged.

"(4) A surcharge shall be available for obligation and expenditure only to pay the costs related to consular services in support of enhanced border security incurred in providing services in connection with the activity or item for which the surcharge is charged."
8 U.S.C. § 1713 (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 15: ENHANCED BORDER SECURITY AND VISA ENTRY REFORM / Subchapter I: FUNDING / Section 1713: Machine-readable visa fees
Machine-readable visa fees
Status: in_force

(a) Omitted

(b) Fee amount

The machine-readable visa fee charged by the Department of State shall be the higher of $65 or the cost of the machine-readable visa service, as determined by the Secretary of State after conducting a study of the cost of such service.

(c) Surcharge

The Department of State is authorized to charge a surcharge of $10, in addition to the machine-readable visa fee, for issuing a machine-readable visa in a nonmachine-readable passport.

(d) Availability of collected fees

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, amounts collected as fees described in this section shall be deposited in the Consular and Border Security Programs account to recover costs of providing consular services. Amounts so credited shall be available, until expended, for the same purposes as the appropriation to which credited.

(Pub. L. 107–173, title I, §103, May 14, 2002, 116 Stat. 547; Pub. L. 115–31, div. J, title VII, §7081(b), May 5, 2017, 131 Stat. 716.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section is comprised of section 103 of Pub. L. 107–173. Subsec. (a) of section 103 of Pub. L. 107–173 amended provisions set out as a note under section 1351 of this title.

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–31 substituted "deposited in the Consular and Border Security Programs account" for "credited as an offsetting collection to any appropriation for the Department of State".
8 U.S.C. § 1601 (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 14: RESTRICTING WELFARE AND PUBLIC BENEFITS FOR ALIENS / Section 1601: Statements of national policy concerning welfare and immigration
Statements of national policy concerning welfare and immigration
Status: in_force

The Congress makes the following statements concerning national policy with respect to welfare and immigration:

(1) Self-sufficiency has been a basic principle of United States immigration law since this country's earliest immigration statutes.

(2) It continues to be the immigration policy of the United States that—

(A) aliens within the Nation's borders not depend on public resources to meet their needs, but rather rely on their own capabilities and the resources of their families, their sponsors, and private organizations, and

(B) the availability of public benefits not constitute an incentive for immigration to the United States.

(3) Despite the principle of self-sufficiency, aliens have been applying for and receiving public benefits from Federal, State, and local governments at increasing rates.

(4) Current eligibility rules for public assistance and unenforceable financial support agreements have proved wholly incapable of assuring that individual aliens not burden the public benefits system.

(5) It is a compelling government interest to enact new rules for eligibility and sponsorship agreements in order to assure that aliens be self-reliant in accordance with national immigration policy.

(6) It is a compelling government interest to remove the incentive for illegal immigration provided by the availability of public benefits.

(7) With respect to the State authority to make determinations concerning the eligibility of qualified aliens for public benefits in this chapter, a State that chooses to follow the Federal classification in determining the eligibility of such aliens for public assistance shall be considered to have chosen the least restrictive means available for achieving the compelling governmental interest of assuring that aliens be self-reliant in accordance with national immigration policy.

(Pub. L. 104–193, title IV, §400, Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2260.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in par. (7), was in the original "this title" meaning title IV of Pub. L. 104–193, Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2260, which enacted this chapter, section 1183a of this title, and sections 611a and 1437y of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, amended section 1383 of this title, sections 32 and 6213 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, and sections 1436a and 1471 of Title 42, and enacted provisions set out as notes under section 1183a of this title and section 32 of Title 26. For complete classification of title IV to the Code, see Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–328, §1, Sept. 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 3567, provided that: "This Act [amending section 1612 of this title and sections 3304, 6103, and 6402 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 3304 of Title 26] may be cited as the 'SSI Extension for Elderly and Disabled Refugees Act'."
8 U.S.C. § 1433 (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 12: IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY / Subchapter III: NATIONALITY AND NATURALIZATION / Section 1433: Children born and residing outside the United States; conditions for acquiring certificate of citizenship
Children born and residing outside the United States; conditions for acquiring certificate of citizenship
Status: in_force

(a) Application by citizen parents; requirements

A parent who is a citizen of the United States (or, if the citizen parent has died during the preceding 5 years, a citizen grandparent or citizen legal guardian) may apply for naturalization on behalf of a child born outside of the United States who has not acquired citizenship automatically under section 1431 of this title. The Attorney General shall issue a certificate of citizenship to such applicant upon proof, to the satisfaction of the Attorney General, that the following conditions have been fulfilled:

(1) At least one parent (or, at the time of his or her death, was) is 1 a citizen of the United States, whether by birth or naturalization.

(2) The United States citizen parent—

(A) has (or, at the time of his or her death, had) been physically present in the United States or its outlying possessions for a period or periods totaling not less than five years, at least two of which were after attaining the age of fourteen years; or

(B) has (or, at the time of his or her death, had) a citizen parent who has been physically present in the United States or its outlying possessions for a period or periods totaling not less than five years, at least two of which were after attaining the age of fourteen years.

(3) The child is under the age of eighteen years.

(4) The child is residing outside of the United States in the legal and physical custody of the applicant (or, if the citizen parent is deceased, an individual who does not object to the application).

(5) The child is temporarily present in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission, and is maintaining such lawful status.

(b) Attainment of citizenship status; receipt of certificate

Upon approval of the application (which may be filed from abroad) and, except as provided in the last sentence of section 1448(a) of this title, upon taking and subscribing before an officer of the Service within the United States to the oath of allegiance required by this chapter of an applicant for naturalization, the child shall become a citizen of the United States and shall be furnished by the Attorney General with a certificate of citizenship.

(c) Adopted children

Subsections (a) and (b) shall apply to a child adopted by a United States citizen parent if the child satisfies the requirements applicable to adopted children under section 1101(b)(1) of this title.

(d) Children of Armed Forces members

In the case of a child of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is authorized to accompany such member and reside abroad with the member pursuant to the member's official orders, and is so accompanying and residing with the member—

(1) any period of time during which the member of the Armed Forces is residing abroad pursuant to official orders shall be treated, for purposes of subsection (a)(2)(A), as physical presence in the United States;

(2) subsection (a)(5) shall not apply; and

(3) the oath of allegiance described in subsection (b) may be subscribed to abroad pursuant to section 1443a of this title.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §322, 66 Stat. 246; Pub. L. 95–417, §6, Oct. 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 918; Pub. L. 97–116, §18(m), (n), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1620, 1621; Pub. L. 99–653, §16, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3658; Pub. L. 100–525, §8(l), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2618; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(b)(2), (c)(6), (d)(5), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5040–5042; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §305(m)(3), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1750; Pub. L. 103–416, title I, §102(a), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4306; Pub. L. 106–139, §1(b)(2), Dec. 7, 1999, 113 Stat. 1697; Pub. L. 106–395, title I, §102(a), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1632; Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title I, §11030B, Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1837; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VI, §674(b), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 186.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original, "this Act", meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2008—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110–181 added subsec. (d).

2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–273, §11030B(1), in introductory provisions, inserted "(or, if the citizen parent has died during the preceding 5 years, a citizen grandparent or citizen legal guardian)" after "citizen of the United States" and substituted "such applicant" for "such parent".

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–273, §11030B(2), inserted "(or, at the time of his or her death, was)" after "parent".

Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 107–273, §11030B(3)(A), inserted "(or, at the time of his or her death, had)" after "(A) has".

Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 107–273, §11030B(3)(B), inserted "(or, at the time of his or her death, had)" after "(B) has".

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 107–273, §11030B(4), amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows: "The child is residing outside of the United States in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent, is temporarily present in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission, and is maintaining such lawful status."

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 107–273, §11030B(5), added par. (5).

2000—Pub. L. 106–395 amended section catchline and text generally, revising and restating provisions relating to acquisition of certificate of citizenship for certain children born outside the United States.

1999—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 106–139 substituted "16 years (except to the extent that the child is described in clause (ii) of subparagraph (E) or (F) of section 1101(b)(1) of this title)" for "16 years" and "either of such subparagraphs" for "subparagraph (E) or (F) of section 1101(b)(1) of this title".

1994—Pub. L. 103–416 amended section generally, substituting present provisions for former provisions which related to: in subsec. (a) naturalization on application of citizen parents; in subsec. (b) adopted children; and subsec. (c) specified period of residence for adopted children.

1991—Pub. L. 102–232 amended section catchline.

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(6), substituted "applying" for "petitioning" and "application" for "petition".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(5), substituted "Attorney General" for first reference to "naturalization court" in cl. (2)(C).

Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(6), substituted "applies" for "petitions".

Pub. L. 101–649, §407(b)(2), substituted "within a State or a district of the Service in the United States" for "within the jurisdiction of the naturalization court".

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–525 repealed Pub. L. 99–653, §16. See 1986 Amendment note below.

1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–653, §16, which inserted "unmarried and" after "be naturalized if", was repealed by Pub. L. 100–525.

1981—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–116, §18(m), substituted "an adopted child only if the child" for "a child adopted while under the age of sixteen years who".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–116, §18(n), added subsec. (c).

1978—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–417 substituted provisions making subsec. (a) of this section applicable to adopted children for provisions making subsec. (a) of this section inapplicable to adopted children.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–181 effective Jan. 28, 2008, and applicable to any application for naturalization or issuance of a certificate of citizenship pending on or after such date, see section 674(d) of Pub. L. 110–181, set out as a note under section 1430 of this title.

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–395 effective 120 days after Oct. 30, 2000, and applicable to individuals who satisfy the requirements of this section or section 1431 of this title as in effect on such effective date, see section 104 of Pub. L. 106–395, set out as a note under section 1431 of this title.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–416, title I, §102(d), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4307, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1452 of this title] shall take effect on the first day of the first month beginning more than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 25, 1994]."

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §305(m), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1750, provided that the amendment made by section 305(m) is effective as if included in section 407(d) of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–525 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1986, Pub. L. 99–653, see section 309(b)(15) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1988 Amendments note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–116 effective Dec. 29, 1981, see section 21(a) of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.

Application of 1994 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–416, title I, §102(e), as added by Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title VI, §671(b)(2), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–721, which provided that in applying amendment made by subsection (a), amending this section, to children born before Nov. 14, 1986, any reference in matter inserted by such amendment to "five years, at least two of which" was deemed a reference to "10 years, at least 5 of which", was repealed by Pub. L. 105–38, §1, Aug. 8, 1997, 111 Stat. 1115, effective as if included in the enactment of Pub. L. 103–416.

1 So in original. The word "is" probably should appear after "parent".
8 U.S.C. § 1251a (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 12: IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY / Subchapter II: IMMIGRATION / Section 1251a: Repealed. Pub. L. 87-301, §24(a)(3), Sept. 26, 1961, 75 Stat. 657
Repealed. Pub. L. 87-301, §24(a)(3), Sept. 26, 1961, 75 Stat. 657
Status: repealed

Section, Pub. L. 85–316, §7, Sept. 11, 1957, 71 Stat. 640, excepted spouse, child or parent of a United States citizen, and aliens admitted between Dec. 22, 1945, and Nov. 1, 1954, inclusive, who misrepresented their nationality, place of birth, identity or residence, provided this latter group did so misrepresent because of fear of persecution because of race, religion or politics if repatriated and not to evade quota restrictions, or an investigation of themselves, from the deportation provisions of section 1251 of this title which declared excludable, those aliens who sought to procure or procured entry into the United States by fraud and misrepresentation, or who were not of the nationality specified in their visas, and authorized the admission, after Sept. 11, 1957, of any alien spouse, parent or child of a United States citizen or of an alien admitted for permanent residence who sought, or had procured fraudulent entry into the United States or admitted committing perjury in connection therewith, if otherwise admissible and the Attorney General consented. See section 1182(h) of this title.
8 U.S.C. § 1104 (2024) — Title 8: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY / Chapter 12: IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY / Subchapter I: GENERAL PROVISIONS / Section 1104: Powers and duties of Secretary of State
Powers and duties of Secretary of State
Status: in_force

(a) Powers and duties

The Secretary of State shall be charged with the administration and the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter and all other immigration and nationality laws relating to (1) the powers, duties, and functions of diplomatic and consular officers of the United States, except those powers, duties, and functions conferred upon the consular officers relating to the granting or refusal of visas; (2) the powers, duties, and functions of the Administrator; and (3) the determination of nationality of a person not in the United States. He shall establish such regulations; prescribe such forms of reports, entries and other papers; issue such instructions; and perform such other acts as he deems necessary for carrying out such provisions. He is authorized to confer or impose upon any employee of the United States, with the consent of the head of the department or independent establishment under whose jurisdiction the employee is serving, any of the powers, functions, or duties conferred or imposed by this chapter or regulations issued thereunder upon officers or employees of the Department of State or of the American Foreign Service.

(b) Designation and duties of Administrator

The Secretary of State shall designate an Administrator who shall be a citizen of the United States, qualified by experience. The Administrator shall maintain close liaison with the appropriate committees of Congress in order that they may be advised regarding the administration of this chapter by consular officers. The Administrator shall be charged with any and all responsibility and authority in the administration of this chapter which are conferred on the Secretary of State as may be delegated to the Administrator by the Secretary of State or which may be prescribed by the Secretary of State, and shall perform such other duties as the Secretary of State may prescribe.

(c) Passport Office, Visa Office, and other offices; directors

Within the Department of State there shall be a Passport Office, a Visa Office, and such other offices as the Secretary of State may deem to be appropriate, each office to be headed by a director. The Directors of the Passport Office and the Visa Office shall be experienced in the administration of the nationality and immigration laws.

(d) Transfer of duties

The functions heretofore performed by the Passport Division and the Visa Division of the Department of State shall hereafter be performed by the Passport Office and the Visa Office, respectively.

(e) General Counsel of Visa Office; appointment and duties

There shall be a General Counsel of the Visa Office, who shall be appointed by the Secretary of State and who shall serve under the general direction of the Legal Adviser of the Department of State. The General Counsel shall have authority to maintain liaison with the appropriate officers of the Service with a view to securing uniform interpretations of the provisions of this chapter.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title I, §104, 66 Stat. 174; Pub. L. 87-510, §4(a)(2), June 28, 1962, 76 Stat. 123; Pub. L. 88–426, title III, §305(43), Aug. 14, 1964, 78 Stat. 428; Pub. L. 95–105, title I, §109(b)(1), Aug. 17, 1977, 91 Stat. 847; Pub. L. 100–525, §9(d), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2620; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §162(h)(2), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 407.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a), (b), and (e), was in the original, "this Act", meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–236, §162(h)(2)(A), struck out "; Bureau of Consular Affairs" after "Secretary of State" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 103–236, §162(h)(2)(B), substituted "the Administrator" for "the Bureau of Consular Affairs".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–236, §162(h)(2)(C), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: "There is established in the Department of State a Bureau of Consular Affairs, to be headed by an Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs. The Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs shall be a citizen of the United States, qualified by experience, and shall maintain close liaison with the appropriate committees of Congress in order that they may be advised regarding the administration of this chapter by consular officers. He shall be charged with any and all responsibility and authority in the administration of the Bureau and of this chapter which are conferred on the Secretary of State as may be delegated to him by the Secretary of State or which may be prescribed by the Secretary of State. He shall also perform such other duties as the Secretary of State may prescribe."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–236, §162(h)(2)(D), substituted "Department of State" for "Bureau".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–236, §162(h)(2)(E), struck out before period at end ", of the Bureau of Consular Affairs".

1988—Pub. L. 100–525 substituted "Bureau of Consular Affairs" for "Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs" in section catchline.

1977—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 95–105, §109(b)(1)(A), struck out "Security and" after "Bureau of".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–105, §109(b)(1)(B), substituted "Consular Affairs, to be headed by an Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs" for "Security and Consular Affairs, to be headed by an administrator (with an appropriate title to be designated by the Secretary of State), with rank equal to that of an Assistant Secretary of State" and "Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs" for "administrator" and struck out provision that the administrator shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 95–105, §109(b)(1)(C), struck out "Security and" after "Bureau of".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 95–105, §109(b)(1)(D), struck out subsec. (f) which placed Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs under immediate jurisdiction of Deputy Under Secretary of State for Administration.

1964—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 88–426 repealed provisions which related to compensation of Administrator. See section 5311 et seq. of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

1962—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 87–510 provided for appointment of Administrator of Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs by President by and with advice and consent of Senate.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–236 applicable with respect to officials, offices, and bureaus of Department of State when executive orders, regulations, or departmental directives implementing the amendments by sections 161 and 162 of Pub. L. 103–236 become effective, or 90 days after Apr. 30, 1994, whichever comes earlier, see section 161(b) of Pub. L. 103–236, as amended, set out as a note under section 2651a of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.

Effective Date of 1964 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 88–426 effective on first day of first pay period which begins on or after July 1, 1964, except to extent provided in section 501(c) of Pub. L. 88–426, see section 501 of Pub. L. 88–426.

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.

Authority of Secretary of State

Except as otherwise provided, Secretary of State to have and exercise any authority vested by law in any official or office of Department of State and references to such officials or offices deemed to refer to Secretary of State or Department of State, as appropriate, see section 2651a of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, and section 161(d) of Pub. L. 103–236, set out as a note under section 2651a of Title 22.

Assumption of Duties by Administrator of Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs

Pub. L. 95–105, title I, §109(b)(4), Aug. 17, 1977, 91 Stat. 847, provided that: "The individual holding the position of administrator of the Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs on the date of enactment of this section [Aug. 17, 1977] shall assume the duties of the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs and shall not be required to be reappointed by reason of the enactment of this section."

References to Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs or Administrator

Pub. L. 95–105, title I, §109(b)(5), Aug. 17, 1977, 91 Stat. 847, provided that: "Any reference in any law to the Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs or to the administrator of such Bureau shall be deemed to be a reference to the Bureau of Consular Affairs or to the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, respectively."