Refugee Protection Act of 2016

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to reaffirm the United States historic commitment to protecting refugees who are fleeing persecution or torture. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Refugee Protection Act of 2016 (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. Sec. 3. Elimination of time limits on asylum applications. Sec. 4. Protecting certain vulnerable groups of asylum seekers. Sec. 5. Scope and standard for review. Sec. 6. Efficient asylum and refugee determination process. Sec. 7. Secure alternatives. Sec. 8. Conditions of detention. Sec. 9. Timely notice of immigration charges. Sec. 10. Procedures for ensuring accuracy and verifiability of sworn statements taken pursuant to expedited removal authority. Sec. 11. Child welfare professionals. Sec. 12. Study on the effect of expedited removal provisions, practices, and procedures on asylum claims. Sec. 13. Training for border security and immigration enforcement officers. Sec. 14. Refugee opportunity promotion. Sec. 15. Protections for minors seeking asylum. Sec. 16. Fair day in court for kids. Sec. 17. Protection of stateless persons in the United States. Sec. 18. Authority to designate certain groups of refugees for consideration. Sec. 19. Multiple forms of relief. Sec. 20. Protection of refugee families. Sec. 21. Reform of refugee consultation process. Sec. 22. Admission of refugees in the absence of the annual Presidential determination. Sec. 23. Update of reception and placement grants. Sec. 24. Protection for aliens interdicted at sea. Sec. 25. Modification of physical presence requirements for aliens serving as translators. Sec. 26. Protecting victims of terrorism from being defined as terrorists. Sec. 27. Assessment of the Refugee Domestic Resettlement Program. Sec. 28. Refugee assistance. Sec. 29. Resettlement data. Sec. 30. Extension of eligibility period for Social Security benefits for certain refugees. Sec. 31. Prohibition on operation streamline for asylum seekers. Sec. 32. T and U visa reforms. Sec. 33. Transparency in refugee determinations. Sec. 34. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 35. Determination of budgetary effects. 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Asylum seeker The term asylum seeker (A) means— (i) any applicant for asylum under section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1158 (ii) any alien who indicates— (I) an intention to apply for asylum under that section; or (II) a fear of persecution; and (iii) any alien who indicates— (I) an intention to apply for withholding of removal pursuant to— (aa) section 241 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1231 (bb) the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, done at New York December 10, 1984; or (II) a fear that the alien’s life or freedom would be threatened; (B) includes any individual described in subparagraph (A) whose application for asylum or withholding of removal is pending judicial review; and (C) does not include an individual with respect to whom a final order denying asylum and withholding of removal has been entered if such order is not pending judicial review. (2) Department The term Department (3) Secretary The term Secretary 3. Elimination of time limits on asylum applications Section 208(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1158(a)(2) (1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting or the Secretary of Homeland Security Attorney General (2) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (D); (3) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (B); (4) in subparagraph (B), as redesignated, by striking subparagraph (D) subparagraphs (C) and (D) (5) by inserting after subparagraph (B), as redesignated, the following: (C) Changed circumstances Notwithstanding subparagraph (B), an application for asylum of an alien may be considered if the alien demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security, the existence of changed circumstances that materially affect the applicant’s eligibility for asylum. (D) Motion to reopen certain meritorious claims Notwithstanding subparagraph (B) or section 240(c)(7), an alien may file a motion to reopen an asylum claim during the 2-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the Refugee Protection Act of 2016 (i) was denied asylum based solely upon a failure to meet the 1-year application filing deadline in effect on the date on which the application was filed; (ii) was granted withholding of removal to the alien’s country of nationality (or, if stateless, to the country of last habitual residence) under section 241(b)(3); (iii) has not obtained lawful permanent residence in the United States pursuant to any other provision of law; (iv) is not subject to the safe third country exception in section 208(a)(2)(A) or a bar to asylum under section 208(b)(2) and was not denied asylum as a matter of discretion; and (v) is physically present in the United States when the motion is filed. . 4. Protecting certain vulnerable groups of asylum seekers (a) Defined term Section 101(a)(42) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(42) (42) (A) The term refugee (i) (I) is outside any country of such person’s nationality or, in the case of a person having no nationality, is outside any country in which such person last habitually resided; and (II) is unable or unwilling to return to, and is unable or unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of, that country because of persecution, or a well-founded fear of persecution, on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion; or (ii) in such circumstances as the President may specify, after appropriate consultation (as defined in section 207(e))— (I) is within the country of such person’s nationality or, in the case of a person having no nationality, within the country in which such person is habitually residing; and (II) is persecuted, or who has a well-founded fear of persecution, on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. (B) The term refugee (C) For purposes of determinations under this Act— (i) a person who has been forced to abort a pregnancy or to undergo involuntary sterilization, or who has been persecuted for failure or refusal to undergo such a procedure or for other resistance to a coercive population control program, shall be deemed to have been persecuted on account of political opinion; and (ii) a person who has a well-founded fear that he or she will be forced to undergo such a procedure or subject to persecution for such failure, refusal, or resistance shall be deemed to have a well-founded fear of persecution on account of political opinion. (D) For purposes of determinations under this Act, any group whose members share a characteristic that is either immutable or fundamental to identity, conscience, or the exercise of the person’s human rights such that the person should not be required to change it, shall be deemed a particular social group, without any additional requirement. . (b) Conditions for granting asylum Section 208(b)(1)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1158(b)(1)(B) (1) in clause (i), by striking at least one central reason for persecuting the applicant a factor in the applicant’s persecution or fear of persecution (2) in clause (ii), by striking the last sentence and inserting the following: If the trier of fact determines that the applicant should provide evidence that corroborates otherwise credible testimony, the trier of fact shall provide notice and allow the applicant a reasonable opportunity to file such evidence. The trier of fact may not require such evidence if the applicant does not have the evidence and demonstrates that he or she cannot reasonably obtain the evidence. Evidence shall not be considered reasonably obtainable if procurement of such evidence would reasonably endanger the life or safety of any person. (3) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (iv); (4) by inserting after clause (ii) the following: (iii) Supporting evidence accepted Direct or circumstantial evidence, including evidence that the State is unable or unwilling to protect individuals of the applicant’s race, religion, nationality, particular social group, or political opinion, or that the State’s legal or social norms tolerate persecution against individuals of the applicant’s race, religion, nationality, particular social group, or political opinion, may establish that persecution is on account of one of the grounds enumerated in subsection (a)(42)(A)(i)(II). ; and (5) in clause (iv), as redesignated, by striking , without regard to whether an inconsistency, inaccuracy, or falsehood goes to the heart of the applicant’s claim, or any other relevant factor. . If the trier of fact determines that there are inconsistencies or omissions, the alien shall be given an opportunity to explain and to provide support or evidence to clarify such inconsistencies or omissions. (c) Removal proceedings Section 240(c)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1229a(c)(4) (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking the last sentence and inserting the following: If the trier of fact determines that the applicant should provide evidence that corroborates otherwise credible testimony, the trier of fact shall provide notice and allow the applicant a reasonable opportunity to file such evidence. The trier of fact may not require such evidence if the applicant does not have the evidence and demonstrates that he or she cannot reasonably obtain the evidence. Evidence shall not be considered reasonably obtainable under this subparagraph if procurement of such evidence would reasonably endanger the life or safety of any person in the applicant’s home country. (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking , without regard to whether an inconsistency, inaccuracy, or falsehood goes to the heart of the applicant’s claim, or any other relevant factor. . If the trier of fact determines that there are inconsistencies or omissions, the alien shall be given an opportunity to explain and to provide support or evidence to clarify such inconsistencies or omissions. 5. Scope and standard for review Section 242(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1252(b) (1) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following: The alien shall not be removed during such 30-day period, unless the alien indicates in writing that he or she wishes to be removed before the expiration of such period. (2) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: (4) Scope and standard for review Except as provided in paragraph (5)(B), the court of appeals shall sustain a final decision ordering removal unless it is contrary to law, an abuse of discretion, or not supported by substantial evidence. The court of appeals shall decide the petition only on the administrative record on which the order of removal is based. . 6. Efficient asylum and refugee determination process (a) Asylum determination process Section 235(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1225(b)(1) (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking clauses (i) through (iii) and inserting the following: (i) Conduct by asylum officers Asylum claims by aliens referred under subparagraph (A)(ii) shall be adjudicated in the first instance by asylum officers, under the jurisdiction of the Refugee, Asylum, and International Operations Directorate of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, pursuant to and in accordance with section 208 and its implementing regulations. Asylum officers shall conduct full asylum interviews, scheduled with sufficient time to seek counsel and prepare supporting documents, and may grant asylum or refer the application, together with the appropriate charging document, for adjudication in removal proceedings. (ii) Detention While such case is pending before the Asylum Office, the Secretary of Homeland Security may detain the alien pursuant to and in accordance with section 236(a) and its implementing regulations. ; and (2) by striking— (A) clause (v) of subparagraph (B); (B) subparagraph (C); and (C) subparagraph (D). (b) Refugee determination process If an application for admission to the United States under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1157 (c) Clarification on asylum eligibility Section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1158 (1) in subsection (b)(2)— (A) by striking subparagraph (C); and (B) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C); and (2) by adding at the end the following: (f) Clarification on asylum eligibility Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, an alien’s eligibility for asylum shall be governed solely by this section. . 7. Secure alternatives (a) Establishment The Secretary, in consultation with nongovernmental organizations, shall establish a continuum of alternatives to detention and case management services (referred to in this section as secure alternatives (b) Contract authority The Secretary may contract with nongovernmental community-based organizations to meet the requirements under subsection (a). (c) Use of bond or recognizance The Secretary may not use secure alternatives when release on reasonable bond or recognizance is determined to be a sufficient measure to ensure an alien’s appearance at immigration proceedings and protect public safety. (d) Program requirements (1) Individualized determinations and review In determining whether to use secure alternatives, the Secretary— (A) shall make an individualized determination about the level of monitoring necessary to ensure an alien’s appearance at immigration proceedings and protect public safety; (B) shall review the level of supervision on a frequent basis and adjust as appropriate; and (C) shall limit the use of restrictive electronic monitoring devices, such as ankle bracelets to cases in which there is a demonstrated need for such enhanced monitoring. (2) Program elements Secure alternatives under this section shall include— (A) individualized case management by an assigned case supervisor; and (B) referral to community-based providers of legal and social services. (3) Custody The Secretary may use secure alternatives to maintain custody over any alien detained under the Immigration and Nationality Act, except for aliens detained under section 236A of such Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1226a (e) Parole of certain aliens Section 235(b)(1)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1225(b)(1)(B) (1) by redesignating clause (v) as clause (vi); and (2) by inserting after clause (iv) the following: (v) Release (I) In general Any alien subject to detention under this subsection who has been determined to have a credible or reasonable fear of persecution shall be released from the custody of the Department of Homeland Security not later than 7 days after such determination unless the Secretary of Homeland Security makes an individualized determination supported by substantial evidence that the alien— (aa) poses a risk to public safety, which may include a risk to national security; or (bb) is a flight risk, which cannot be mitigated through other conditions of release, such as bond or secure alternatives, that would reasonably ensure that the alien would appear for immigration proceedings. (II) Notice The Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide every alien and the alien's legal representative with written notification of the parole decision, including a brief explanation of the reasons for any decision to deny parole. The notification should be communicated to the alien orally and in writing, in a language the alien claims to understand. . 8. Conditions of detention (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Applicable standards The term applicable standards (2) Detention facility The term detention facility (b) Detention requirements The Secretary shall ensure that all persons detained pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq. (c) Oversight requirements (1) Annual inspection All detention facilities shall be inspected by the Secretary on a regular basis, but not less than annually, for compliance with applicable detention standards issued by the Secretary and other applicable regulations. (2) Routine oversight In addition to annual inspections, the Secretary shall conduct routine oversight of detention facilities, including unannounced inspections. (3) Availability of records All detention facility contracts, memoranda of agreement, and evaluations and reviews shall be considered records for purposes of section 552(f)(2) of title 5, United States Code. (4) Consultation The Secretary shall seek input from nongovernmental organizations regarding their independent opinion of specific facilities. (d) Compliance mechanisms (1) Agreements (A) New agreements Compliance with applicable standards established by the Secretary and all applicable regulations, and meaningful financial penalties for failure to comply, shall be a material term in any new contract, memorandum of agreement, or any renegotiation, modification, or renewal of an existing contract or agreement, including fee negotiations, executed with detention facilities. (B) Existing agreements Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall secure a modification incorporating these terms for any existing contracts or agreements that will not be renegotiated, renewed, or otherwise modified. (C) Cancellation of agreements Unless the Secretary provides a reasonable extension to a specific detention facility that is negotiating in good faith, contracts or agreements with detention facilities that are not modified within 1 year of the date of the enactment of this Act shall be canceled. (D) Provision of information In making modifications under this paragraph, the Secretary shall require that detention facilities regularly provide the Secretary with all contracts, memoranda of agreement, evaluations, and reviews regarding the facility. The Secretary shall make such materials available to the public. (2) Financial penalties (A) Requirement to impose Subject to subparagraph (C), the Secretary shall impose meaningful financial penalties upon facilities that fail to comply with applicable detention standards established by the Secretary and other applicable regulations. (B) Timing of imposition Financial penalties shall be imposed under subparagraph (A) immediately after a facility fails to achieve an adequate or the equivalent median score in any performance evaluation. (C) Waiver The requirements under subparagraph (A) may be waived if the facility corrects the noted deficiencies and receives an adequate score during the 90-day period beginning on the date on which the facility failed to achieve an adequate score in a performance evaluation. (D) Multiple offenders If a facility persistently and substantially fails to comply with applicable detention standards, including scoring less than adequate or the equivalent median score in 2 consecutive inspections— (i) the Secretary shall terminate all contracts or agreements with such facility not later than 60 days after such failure; or (ii) if the facility is operated by the Secretary, the Secretary shall close such facility not later than 90 days after such failure. (e) Reporting requirements (1) Objectives Not later than June 30 of each year, the Secretary shall prepare and submit a report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives (2) Contents Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) a description of each detention facility found to be in noncompliance with applicable detention standards issued by the Department or other applicable regulations; (B) a description of the actions taken by the Department to remedy any findings of noncompliance or other identified problems, including financial penalties, contract or agreement termination, or facility closure; and (C) information regarding whether the actions described in subparagraph (B) resulted in compliance with applicable detention standards and regulations. (f) Limitations on solitary confinement, shackling, and strip searches (1) Extraordinary circumstances Solitary confinement, shackling, and strip searches of detainees— (A) may not be used unless such techniques are necessitated by extraordinary circumstances in which the safety of other persons is at imminent risk; and (B) may not be used for the purpose of humiliating detainees within or outside the detention facility. (2) Protected classes Solitary confinement, shackling, and strip searches may not be used on pregnant women, nursing mothers, women in labor or delivery, or children who are younger than 18 years of age. Strip searches may not be conducted in the presence of children who are younger than 21 years of age. (3) Written policies Detention facilities shall— (A) adopt written policies pertaining to the use of force and restraints; and (B) train all staff on the proper use of such techniques and devices. 9. Timely notice of immigration charges Section 236 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1226 (f) Notice and charges Not later than 48 hours after the commencement of a detention of an individual under this section, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall— (1) file a Notice to Appear or other relevant charging document with the immigration court closest to the location at which the individual was apprehended; and (2) serve such notice or charging document on the individual. . 10. Procedures for ensuring accuracy and verifiability of sworn statements taken pursuant to expedited removal authority (a) In general The Secretary shall establish quality assurance procedures to ensure the accuracy and verifiability of signed or sworn statements taken by employees of the Department exercising expedited removal authority under section 235(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1225(b) (b) Recording of interviews (1) In general Any sworn or signed written statement taken from an alien as part of the record of a proceeding under section 235(b)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act shall be accompanied by a recording of the interview which served as the basis for such sworn statement. (2) Content The recording shall include— (A) a reading of the entire written statement to the alien in a language that the alien claims to understand; and (B) the verbal affirmation by the alien of the accuracy of— (i) the written statement; or (ii) a corrected version of the written statement. (3) Format The recording shall be made in video, audio, or other equally reliable format. (4) Evidence Recordings of interviews under this subsection may be considered as evidence in any further proceedings involving the alien. (c) Exemption authority (1) Exempted facilities Subsection (b) shall not apply to interviews that occur at detention facilities exempted by the Secretary under this subsection. (2) Criteria The Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee, may exempt any detention facility if compliance with subsection (b) at that facility would impair operations or impose undue burdens or costs. (3) Report The Secretary shall annually submit a report to Congress that identifies the facilities that have been exempted under this subsection. (4) No private cause of action Nothing in this subsection may be construed to create a private cause of action for damages or injunctive relief. (d) Interpreters The Secretary shall ensure that a professional fluent interpreter is used if— (1) the interviewing officer is not certified by the Department to speak a language understood by the alien; and (2) there is no other Federal Government employee available who is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially. 11. Child welfare professionals (a) Defined term The term qualified child welfare professional (b) Guidelines The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall develop guidelines and train all relevant staff in accordance with such guidelines, to ensure that all children in the custody of the Department are properly screened for protection needs. (c) Memorandum of understanding The Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish a memorandum of understanding for the placement of qualified child welfare professionals, on a full- or part-time basis, to assist with screening for protection needs in not fewer than 7 U.S. Customs and Border Protection offices or stations, with presumptive priority given to those offices or stations with the largest number of child apprehensions during the previous fiscal year. 12. Study on the effect of expedited removal provisions, practices, and procedures on asylum claims (a) Study (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Commission The term Commission (B) Immigration officer The term immigration officer 8 U.S.C. 1225(b) (i) are apprehended after entering the United States; and (ii) may be eligible to apply for asylum under section 208 or 235 of such Act. (2) Authorization The Commission is authorized to conduct a study to determine whether immigration officers are engaging in conduct described in paragraph (3). (3) Conduct described An immigration officer engages in conduct described in this paragraph if the immigration officer— (A) improperly encourages an alien referred to in paragraph (1)(C) to withdraw or retract claims for asylum; (B) incorrectly fails to refer such an alien for an interview by an asylum officer, including failing to record an alien’s expression of fear of persecution or torture; (C) incorrectly removes such an alien to a country in which the alien may be persecuted; (D) detains such an alien improperly or under inappropriate conditions; (E) improperly separates a family unit after a family member has expressed a credible fear of persecution; or (F) improperly refers an alien for processing under an enforcement or deterrence program, such as the Consequence Delivery System. (b) Report Not later than 2 years after the date on which the Commission initiates the study under subsection (a)(2), the Commission shall submit a report containing the results of the study to— (1) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate (2) the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate (3) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate (4) the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives (5) the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives (6) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives (c) Staff (1) From other agencies (A) Identification The Commission may identify employees of the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the Government Accountability Office that have significant expertise and knowledge of refugee and asylum issues. (B) Designation At the request of the Commission, the Secretary, the Attorney General, and the Comptroller General of the United States shall authorize staff identified under subparagraph (A) to assist the Commission in conducting the study under subsection (a). (2) Additional staff The Commission may hire additional staff and consultants to conduct the study under subsection (a). (3) Access to proceedings (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary and the Attorney General shall provide staff designated under paragraph (1) or hired under paragraph (2) with unrestricted access to all stages of all proceedings conducted under section 235(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1225(b) (B) Exceptions The Secretary and the Attorney General may not permit unrestricted access under subparagraph (A) if— (i) the alien subject to a proceeding under such section 235(b) objects to such access; or (ii) the Secretary or Attorney General determines that the security of a particular proceeding would be threatened by such access. 13. Training for border security and immigration enforcement officers The Secretary shall ensure that U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, U.S. Border Patrol agents, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and agents, United States Air and Marine Division agents, and agriculture specialists stationed within 100 miles of any land or marine border of the United States or at any United States port of entry receive appropriate training, which shall be prepared in collaboration with the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, in— (1) identifying and detecting fraudulent travel documents; (2) civil, constitutional, human, and privacy rights of individuals; (3) the scope of enforcement authorities, including interrogations, stops, searches, seizures, arrests, and detentions; (4) use of force policies issued by the Secretary; (5) immigration laws, including screening, identifying, and addressing vulnerable populations, such as children, victims of crime and human trafficking, and individuals fleeing persecution or torture; (6) social and cultural sensitivity toward border communities; (7) the impact of border operations on communities; and (8) any particular environmental concerns in a particular area. 14. Refugee opportunity promotion Section 209 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1159 (1) in subsection (a)(1)(B), by striking one year, 1 year (except as provided under subsection (d)); (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking asylum, asylum (except as provided under subsection (d)); (3) by adding at the end the following: (d) Exception to physical presence requirement An alien who does not meet the 1-year physical presence requirement under subsection (a)(1)(B) or (b)(2), but who otherwise meets the requirements under subsection (a) or (b) for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, may be eligible for such adjustment of status if the alien— (1) is or was employed by— (A) the United States Government or a contractor of the United States Government overseas and performing work on behalf of the United States Government for the entire period of absence, which may not exceed 1 year; or (B) the United States Government or a contractor of the United States Government in the alien’s country of nationality or last habitual residence for the entire period of absence, which may not exceed 1 year, and the alien was under the protection of the United States Government or a contractor while performing work on behalf of the United States Government during the entire period of employment; and (2) returned immediately to the United States upon the conclusion of the employment. . 15. Protections for minors seeking asylum (a) In general Section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1158 (1) in subsection (a)(2), as amended by section 3, by amending subparagraph (E) to read as follows: (E) Applicability to minors Subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) shall not apply to an applicant who is younger than 18 years of age on the earlier of— (i) the date on which the asylum application is filed; or (ii) the date on which any Notice to Appear is issued. ; and (2) in subsection (b)(3), by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows: (C) Initial jurisdiction An asylum officer (as defined in section 235(b)(1)(E)) shall have initial jurisdiction over any asylum application filed by an applicant who is younger than 18 years of age on the earlier of— (i) the date on which the asylum application is filed; or (ii) the date on which any Notice to Appear is issued. . (b) Derivative refugees and asylees (1) Admission of spouse, child, mother, or father Section 207(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1157(c) (A) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: (2) (A) (i) A spouse or child (as defined in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D), or (E) of section 101(b)(1)) of any refugee, or the mother or father of an alien who is such a child and who qualifies for admission under paragraph (1), if not otherwise entitled to admission under such paragraph and not described in section 101(a)(42)(B), shall be entitled to the same admission status as such refugee if— (I) accompanying, or following to join, such refugee; and (II) the spouse, child, mother, or father is admissible (except as otherwise provided under paragraph (3)) as an immigrant under this chapter. (ii) The admission to the United States of a spouse, child, mother, or father described in subparagraph (A) shall be charged against the numerical limitation established in accordance with the appropriate subsection under which the refugee’s admission is charged. (B) (i) An unmarried alien who seeks to accompany, or follow to join, his or her mother or father who was granted admission as a refugee under this subsection, and who was younger than 21 years of age on the date on which such mother or father applied for refugee status under this section, shall continue to be classified as a child for purposes of this paragraph if the alien attained 21 years of age while such application was pending. (ii) A mother or father who seeks to accompany, or follow to join, an alien granted admission as a refugee under this subsection shall continue to be classified as a mother or father for purposes of this paragraph, if the alien attained 21 years of age while such application was pending. ; and (B) in paragraph (4), by striking (and of the spouse or child of the alien) (and of the spouse, child, mother, or father of the alien) (2) Treatment of spouse, children, mother, and father seeking asylum Section 208(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1158 (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking and children , children, mothers, and fathers (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking (as defined in section 101(b)(1)(A), (B), (C), (D), or (E)) of an alien (as defined in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D), or (E) of section 101(b)(1)) of an alien, or the mother or father of an alien who is such a child, (C) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows: (B) Continued classification of certain aliens as children (i) An unmarried alien who seeks to accompany, or follow to join, a mother or father granted asylum under this subsection, and who was younger than 21 years of age on the date on which such mother or father applied for asylum under this section, shall continue to be classified as a child for purposes of this paragraph and section 209(b)(3) if the alien attained 21 years of age while such application was pending. (ii) A mother or father who seeks to accompany, or follow to join, an alien granted asylum under this subsection shall continue to be classified as a mother or father for purposes of this paragraph and section 209(b)(3) if the alien attained 21 years of age while such application was pending. . (c) Reinstatement of removal Section 241(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1231(a) (1) in paragraph (5), by striking If the Attorney General Except as provided in paragraph (8), if the Secretary of Homeland Security (2) by adding at the end of the following: (8) Applicability of reinstatement of removal Paragraph (5) shall not apply to an alien who— (A) reentered the United States illegally after having been removed or after having departed voluntarily under an order of removal; and (B) was younger than 18 years of age on the date on which the alien was removed or departed voluntarily under an order of removal. . 16. Fair day in court for kids (a) Improving immigration court efficiency and reducing costs by increasing access to legal information (1) Appointment of counsel in certain cases; right To review certain documents in removal proceedings Section 240(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1229a(b) (A) in paragraph (4)— (i) in subparagraph (A)— (I) by striking , at no expense to the Government, (II) by striking the comma at the end and inserting a semicolon; (ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively; (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: (B) the Attorney General may appoint or provide counsel, at Government expense, to aliens in immigration proceedings; (C) the alien shall, at the beginning of the proceedings or as expeditiously as possible, automatically receive a complete copy of all relevant documents in the possession of the Department of Homeland Security, including all documents (other than documents protected from disclosure by privilege, including national security information referred to in subparagraph (D), law enforcement sensitive information, and information prohibited from disclosure pursuant to any other provision of law) contained in the file maintained by the Government that includes information with respect to all transactions involving the alien during the immigration process (commonly referred to as an A-file ; and (iv) in subparagraph (D), as redesignated, by striking , and ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (8) Failure to provide alien required documents In the absence of a waiver under paragraph (4)(C), a removal proceeding may not proceed until the alien— (A) has received the documents as required under such paragraph; and (B) has been provided meaningful time to review and assess such documents. . (2) Clarification regarding the authority of the Attorney General To appoint counsel to aliens in immigration proceedings Section 292 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1362 (A) by striking In any (a) In general In any proceeding conducted under section 235, 236, 238, 240, 241, or any other section of this Act, ; (B) in subsection (a), as redesignated— (i) by striking (at no expense to the Government) (ii) by striking he shall the person shall (C) by adding at the end the following: (b) Access to counsel The Attorney General may appoint or provide counsel to aliens in any proceeding conducted under section 235, 236, 238, 240, or 241 or any other section of this Act. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that aliens have access to counsel inside all immigration detention and border facilities. . (3) Appointment of counsel for children and vulnerable aliens (A) In general Section 292 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1362 (c) Children and vulnerable aliens Notwithstanding subsection (b), the Attorney General shall appoint counsel, at the expense of the Government if necessary, at the beginning of the proceedings or as expeditiously as possible, to represent in such proceedings any alien who has been determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General to be— (1) a child (as defined in section 101(b)(1) of this Act); (2) a particularly vulnerable individual, such as— (A) a person with a disability; or (B) a victim of abuse, torture, or violence; or (3) an individual whose circumstances are such that the appointment of counsel is necessary to help ensure fair resolution and efficient adjudication of the proceedings. (d) Extension to consolidated cases If the Attorney General has consolidated the case of any alien for whom counsel was appointed under subsection (c) with that of any other alien, and that other alien does not have counsel, then the counsel appointed under subsection (c) shall be appointed to represent such other alien. (e) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Executive Office of Immigration Review of the Department of Justice such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. . (B) Rulemaking The Attorney General shall promulgate regulations to implement section 292(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as added by subparagraph (A), in accordance with the requirements set forth in section 3006A of title 18, United States Code. (b) Access by counsel and legal orientation at detention facilities (1) Access to counsel The Secretary of Homeland Security shall facilitate access to counsel for all aliens detained in facilities under the supervision of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, including providing information to aliens in detention about legal services programs at detention facilities. (2) Access to legal orientation programs The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall establish procedures to ensure that legal orientation programs are available for all detained aliens, including aliens held in U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities, to inform such aliens of the basic procedures of immigration hearings, their rights relating to those hearings under Federal immigration laws, information that may deter such aliens from filing frivolous legal claims, and any other information that the Attorney General considers appropriate, such as a contact list of potential legal resources and providers. Access to legal orientation programs shall not be limited by the alien’s current immigration status, prior immigration history, or potential for immigration relief. (3) Pilot project for nondetained aliens in removal proceedings The Attorney General shall develop and administer a 2-year pilot program at not fewer than 2 immigration courts to provide nondetained aliens with pending asylum claims access to legal information. At the conclusion of the pilot program, the Attorney General shall submit a report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives (4) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Executive Office of Immigration Review of the Department of Justice such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. (c) Case management pilot program To increase court appearance rates (1) Contract authority The Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish a pilot program to increase the court appearance rates of aliens described in section 292(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as added by subsection (a)(3)(A), by contracting with nongovernmental, community-based organizations to provide appropriate case management services to such aliens. This pilot program shall not be used to monitor individuals designated as unaccompanied alien children under section 462 of the Homeland Security Act. (2) Scope of services Case management services provided under paragraph (1) shall include assisting aliens with— (A) accessing legal counsel; (B) complying with court-imposed deadlines and other legal obligations; (C) procuring appropriate housing; (D) enrolling their minor children in school; and (E) acquiring health services, including, if needed, mental health services. (3) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Homeland Security such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. (d) Report on access to counsel (1) Report Not later than December 31 of each year, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall prepare and submit a report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives (2) Contents Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include, for the immediately preceding 1-year period— (A) the number and percentage of aliens described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), respectively, of section 292(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as added by subsection (a)(3)(A), who were represented by counsel, including information specifying— (i) the stage of the legal process at which the alien was represented; and (ii) whether the alien was in government custody; and (B) the number and percentage of aliens who received legal orientation presentations. (e) Motions To reopen Section 240(c)(7)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1229a(c)(7)(C) (v) Special rule for children and other vulnerable aliens If the Attorney General fails to appoint counsel for an alien in violation of section 292(c)— (I) no limitation under this paragraph pertaining to the filing of any motion under this paragraph by such alien shall apply; and (II) the filing of such a motion shall stay the removal of the alien. . 17. Protection of stateless persons in the United States (a) In general Chapter 1 of title II of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1151 et seq. 210A. Protection of stateless persons in the United States (a) Defined term (1) In general In this section, the term stateless person (2) Designation of specific stateless groups The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, may, in the discretion of the Secretary of Homeland Security, designate specific groups of individuals who are considered stateless persons, for purposes of this section. (b) Mechanisms for regularizing the status of stateless persons (1) Relief for certain individuals determined to be stateless persons The Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General shall provide lawful conditional resident status to an alien who— (A) is a stateless person who is present in the United States; (B) applies for such relief; (C) has not lost his or her nationality as a result of voluntary action after arrival in the United States, unless the loss was the result of duress, coercion, or a reasonable expectation that he or she had acquired or would acquire another nationality or citizenship; and (D) is not inadmissible under paragraph (2) or (3) of section 212(a) based on criminal or national security grounds and is not described in section 241(b)(3)(B)(i). (2) Waivers The Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General may waive any provisions under paragraph (2) or (3) of section 212(a) (other than subparagraph (B), (D)(ii), (E), (G), (H), or (I) of paragraph (2) or subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (E), or (F) of paragraph (3)) with respect to such an alien for humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or if it is otherwise in the public interest. (3) Submission of passport or travel document Any alien who seeks relief under this section shall submit to the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General— (A) any available passport or travel document issued at any time to the alien (whether or not the passport or document has expired or been canceled, rescinded, or revoked); or (B) an affidavit, sworn under penalty of perjury— (i) stating that the alien has never been issued a passport or travel document; or (ii) identifying with particularity any such passport or travel document and explaining why the alien cannot submit it. (4) Work authorization The Secretary of Homeland Security may authorize an alien who has applied for and is found prima facie eligible for or been granted relief under paragraph (1) to engage in employment in the United States. (5) Travel documents Upon request, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide the conditional resident recognized under subsection (b) with a document that facilitates the alien’s ability to travel abroad and be admitted to the United States upon return, if otherwise admissible. (6) Treatment of spouse and children The spouse or child of an alien who has been granted lawful conditional resident status under paragraph (1) shall, if not otherwise eligible for admission under paragraph (1), be granted lawful conditional resident status under this subsection if accompanying, or following to join, such alien if— (A) the spouse or child is admissible (except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2)) and is not described in section 241(b)(3)(B)(i); and (B) the qualifying relationship to the principal beneficiary existed on the date on which such alien was granted conditional lawful status. (c) Adjustment of status (1) Inspection and examination At the end of the 1-year period beginning on the date on which an alien has been granted conditional lawful status under subsection (b), the alien may apply for lawful permanent residence in the United States if— (A) the alien has been physically present in the United States for at least 1 year; (B) the alien's conditional lawful status has not been terminated by the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General, pursuant to such regulations as the Secretary or the Attorney General may prescribe; and (C) the alien has not otherwise acquired permanent resident status. (2) Requirements for adjustment of status The Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General, under such regulations as the Secretary or the Attorney General may prescribe, shall adjust the status of an alien granted conditional lawful status under subsection (b) to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence if such alien— (A) is a stateless person; (B) properly applies for such adjustment of status; (C) has been physically present in the United States for at least 5 years after being granted conditional lawful status under subsection (b); (D) has not acquired permanent foreign residence that is substantially likely to result in the acquisition of citizenship; and (E) is admissible (except as otherwise provided under subsection (b)(2)) as an immigrant under this chapter at the time of examination of such alien for adjustment of status. (3) Record 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 that is 1 year before the date of such approval. (d) Travel documents Upon request, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence under subsection (c) with a document that facilitates the alien’s ability to travel abroad and be admitted to the United States upon return, if otherwise admissible. (e) Proving the claim (1) In general In determining an alien's eligibility for lawful conditional resident status or lawful permanent resident status under this section, the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General shall consider any credible evidence relevant to the application, including information from the Secretary of State, especially the Bureaus of Population Refugees and Migration and the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor. (2) Burden of proof In determining an alien’s eligibility for lawful conditional resident status or lawful permanent resident status under this section— (A) the applicant shall provide a full and truthful account of his or her legal status in any nation in which the applicant was born or resided before entering the United States and submit all evidence reasonably available; and (B) the Secretary of Homeland Security shall obtain and submit to the immigration officer or immigration judge all available evidence regarding the applicant’s legal status in the nation of birth or prior residence. (f) Review (1) Administrative review No appeal shall lie from the denial of an application by the Secretary, but such denial will be without prejudice to the alien’s right to renew the application in proceedings under section 240. (2) Motions to reopen (A) In general Notwithstanding any limitation imposed by law on motions to reopen removal, deportation, or exclusion proceedings, any individual who is eligible for relief under this section may file a motion to reopen proceedings in order to apply for relief under this section. (B) Deadlines Any motion under subparagraph (A) shall be filed not later than the later of— (i) 2 years after the date of the enactment of the Refugee Protection Act of 2016 (ii) 90 days after the date of entry of a final administrative order of removal, deportation, or exclusion. (C) Effect of other limitations No time or numerical limitation may be construed to restrict the filing of a motion to reopen under this section if such limitation is based on previously unavailable or changed facts or circumstances that would undermine an applicant’s access to nationality that was previously alleged by the Secretary of Homeland Security or the applicant. (g) Limitations (1) Applicability The provisions of this section shall only apply to aliens present in the United States. (2) Savings provision Nothing in this section may be construed to authorize or require— (A) the admission of any alien to the United States; or (B) the parole of any alien into the United States. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 203(b)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(4) to aliens granted adjustment of status under section 210A(c) or level, (c) Clerical amendment The table of contents for the Immigration and Nationality Act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 210 the following: Sec. 210A. Protection of stateless persons in the United States. . 18. Authority to designate certain groups of refugees for consideration (a) In general Section 207(c)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1157(c)(1) (1) by inserting (A) Subject to the numerical limitations (2) by adding at the end the following: (B) (i) The President, upon a recommendation of the Secretary of State made in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, and after appropriate consultation, may designate specifically defined groups of aliens— (I) whose resettlement in the United States is justified by humanitarian concerns or is otherwise in the national interest; and (II) who— (aa) share common characteristics that identify them as targets of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion or of other serious harm; or (bb) having been identified as targets as described in item (aa), share a common need for resettlement due to a specific vulnerability. (ii) An alien who establishes membership in a group designated under clause (i) to the satisfaction of the Secretary of Homeland Security shall be considered a refugee for purposes of admission as a refugee under this section unless the Secretary determines that such alien ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in the persecution of any person on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. (iii) A designation under clause (i) is for purposes of adjudicatory efficiency and may be revoked by the President at any time after notification to Congress. (iv) Categories of aliens established under section 599D of Public Law 101–167 8 U.S.C. 1157 (I) shall be designated under clause (i) until the end of the first fiscal year commencing after the date of the enactment of the Refugee Protection Act of 2016 (II) shall be eligible for designation thereafter at the discretion of the President. (v) An alien’s admission under this subparagraph shall count against the refugee admissions goal under subsection (a). (vi) A designation under clause (i) shall not influence decisions to grant, to any alien, asylum under section 208, protection under section 241(b)(3), or protection under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, done at New York December 10, 1984. (vii) A decision to deny admission under this section to an alien who establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the alien is a member of a group designated under clause (i)— (I) shall be in writing; and (II) shall cite the specific applicable provisions of this Act upon which such denial was based, including— (aa) the facts underlying the determination; and (bb) whether there is a waiver of inadmissibility available to the applicant. . (b) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act. 19. Multiple forms of relief (a) In general Applicants for admission as refugees may simultaneously pursue admission under any visa category for which such applicants may be eligible. (b) Asylum applicants who become eligible for diversity visas Section 204(a)(1)(I) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(I) (iv) (I) An asylum seeker in the United States who is notified that he or she is eligible for an immigrant visa pursuant to section 203(c) may file a petition with the district director that has jurisdiction over the district in which the asylum seeker resides (or, in the case of an asylum seeker who is or was in removal proceedings, the immigration court in which the removal proceeding is pending or was adjudicated) to adjust status to that of a permanent resident. (II) A petition under subclause (I) shall be filed not later than 30 days before the end of the fiscal year for which the petitioner received notice of eligibility for the visa and shall contain such information and be supported by such documentary evidence as the Secretary of State may require. (III) The district director or immigration court shall attempt to adjudicate each petition under this clause before the last day of the fiscal year for which the petitioner was selected. Notwithstanding clause (ii)(II), if the district director or immigration court is unable to complete such adjudication during such fiscal year, the adjudication and adjustment of the petitioner’s status may take place after the end of such fiscal year. . 20. Protection of refugee families (a) Children of refugee or asylee spouses and children A child of an alien who qualifies for admission as a spouse or child under section 207(c)(2)(A) or 208(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1157(c)(2)(A) (1) is accompanying or following to join such alien; and (2) is otherwise admissible under such section 207(c)(2)(A) or 208(b)(3). (b) Separated children A child younger than 18 years of age who has been separated from the birth or adoptive parents of such child and is living under the care of an alien who has been approved for admission to the United States as a refugee shall be admitted as a refugee if— (1) it is in the best interest of such child to be placed with such alien in the United States; and (2) such child is otherwise admissible under section 207(c)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1157(c)(3) (c) Elimination of time limits on reunification of refugee and asylee families (1) Emergency situation refugees Section 207(c)(2)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1157(c)(2)(A) A spouse or child (as defined in section 101(b)(1) (A), (B), (C), (D), or (E)) Regardless of when such refugee was admitted to the United States, a spouse, child (other than a child described in section 101(b)(1)(F)), mother, or father of an alien who is a child (other than a child described in section 101(b)(1)(F)) (2) Asylum Section 208(b)(3)(A) of such Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1158(b)(3)(A) (A) In general A spouse, child (other than a child described in section 101(b)(1)(F)), mother, or father of an alien who is a child (other than a child described in section 101(b)(1)(F)) of an alien who was granted asylum under this subsection at any time may, if not otherwise eligible for asylum under this section, be granted the same status as the alien if accompanying or following to join such alien. . (d) Timely adjudication of refugee and asylee family reunification petitions Title II of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1151 et seq. (1) in section 207(c)(2), as amended by subsection (c)(1), by adding at the end the following: (C) (i) A person who is lawfully present in the United States may file an affidavit of relationship for such person’s spouse or child (other than a child described in section 101(b)(1)(F)) to enter the United States as a refugee if such spouse or child qualifies for admission under paragraph (1) and is not described in section 101(a)(42)(B). (ii) A spouse or child described in clause (i) may enter the United States as a refugee through the family reunification procedures described in subparagraph (A), regardless of the how the lawfully present person entered the United States. (iii) The admission of a spouse or child described in clause (i) shall be subject to the numerical limitations established pursuant to subsections (a) and (b). (D) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that the application of an alien who is following to join a refugee who qualifies for admission under paragraph (1) is adjudicated not later than 90 days after the submission of such application. ; and (2) in section 208(b)(3), as amended by section 15 and subsection (c)(2), by adding at the end the following: (D) Timely adjudication The Secretary shall ensure that the application of each alien described in subparagraph (A) who applies to follow an alien granted asylum under this subsection is adjudicated not later than 90 days after the submission of such application. . 21. Reform of refugee consultation process Section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1157 (1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following: (5) All officers of the Federal Government responsible for refugee admissions or refugee resettlement shall treat the determinations made under this subsection and subsection (b) as the refugee admissions goal for the fiscal year. ; (2) in subsection (d), by adding at the end the following: (4) Not later than 15 days after the last day of each calendar quarter, the President shall submit a report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives (A) the number of refugees who were admitted during the previous quarter; (B) the percentage of those arrivals against the refugee admissions goal for such quarter; (C) the cumulative number of refugees who were admitted during the fiscal year as of the end of such quarter; (D) the number of refugees to be admitted during the remainder of the fiscal year in order to meet the refugee admissions goal for the fiscal year; and (E) a plan that describes the procedural or personnel changes necessary to achieve the refugee admissions goal for the fiscal year. ; and (3) in subsection (e)— (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (7) as subparagraphs (A) through (G), respectively; (B) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), as redesignated— (i) by inserting (1) (e) (ii) by inserting , which shall be commenced not later than May 1 of each year and continue periodically throughout the remainder of the year, if necessary, discussions in person (C) by striking To the extent possible, (2) To the extent possible ; and (D) by adding at the end the following: (3) (A) The plans referred to in paragraph (1)(C) shall include estimates of— (i) the number of refugees the President expects to have ready to travel to the United States at the beginning of the fiscal year; (ii) the number of refugees and the stipulated populations the President expects to admit to the United States in each quarter of the fiscal year; and (iii) the number of refugees the President expects to have ready to travel to the United States at the end of the fiscal year. (B) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that an adequate number of refugees are processed during the fiscal year to fulfill the refugee admissions goals under subsections (a) and (b). (C) In fulfilling the requirements under this subsection, the President shall— (i) establish specific objectives or measurements for the integration of refugees admitted to the United States; and (ii) submit an annual report to Congress on the integration of resettled refugees on the basis of such objectives or measurements. . 22. Admission of refugees in the absence of the annual Presidential determination Section 207(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1157(a) (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5) as paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4), respectively; (3) in paragraph (1), as redesignated— (A) by striking after fiscal year 1982 (B) by adding at the end the following: If the President does not issue a determination under this paragraph before the beginning of a fiscal year, the number of refugees that may be admitted under this section in each quarter before the issuance of such determination shall be 25 percent of the number of refugees admissible under this section during the previous fiscal year. (4) in paragraph (3), as redesignated, by striking (beginning with fiscal year 1992) 23. Update of reception and placement grants Beginning with fiscal year 2014, not later than 30 days before the beginning of each fiscal year, the Secretary of State shall notify Congress of the amount of funds that the Secretary will provide in its Reception and Placement Grants in the coming fiscal year. In setting the amount of such grants each year, the Secretary shall ensure that— (1) the grant amount is adjusted so that it is adequate to provide for the anticipated initial resettlement needs of refugees, including adjusting the amount for inflation and the cost of living; (2) an amount is provided at the beginning of the fiscal year to each national resettlement agency that is sufficient to ensure adequate local and national capacity to serve the initial resettlement needs of refugees the Secretary anticipates the agency will resettle throughout the fiscal year; and (3) additional amounts are provided to each national resettlement agency promptly upon the arrival of refugees that, exclusive of the amounts provided pursuant to paragraph (2), are sufficient to meet the anticipated initial resettlement needs of such refugees and support local and national operational costs in excess of the estimates described in paragraph (1). 24. Protection for aliens interdicted at sea Section 241(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1231(b)(3) (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking to a country where alien’s life or freedom would be threatened or return if refugee’s life or freedom would be threatened or alien would be subjected to torture (2) in subparagraph (A)— (A) by striking Notwithstanding (i) Life or freedom threatened Notwithstanding ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (ii) Asylum interview Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), a United States officer may not return any alien interdicted or otherwise encountered in international waters or United States waters who has expressed a fear of return to his or her country of departure, origin, or last habitual residence— (I) until such alien has had the opportunity to be interviewed by an asylum officer in a confidential setting to determine whether that alien has a well-founded fear of persecution because of the alien’s race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, or because the alien would be subject to torture in that country; or (II) if an asylum officer has determined that the alien has such a well-founded fear of persecution or would be subject to torture in his or her country of departure, origin, or last habitual residence. ; (3) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and (4) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: (B) Protections for aliens interdicted in international or United States waters The Secretary of Homeland Security shall issue regulations establishing a uniform procedure applicable to all aliens interdicted in international or United States waters that— (i) provides each alien— (I) a meaningful opportunity to express, through a translator who is fluent in a language the alien claims to understand, a fear of return to his or her country of departure, origin, or last habitual residence; and (II) in a confidential setting and in a language the alien claims to understand, information concerning the alien’s interdiction, including the ability to inform United States officers about any fears relating to the alien’s return or repatriation; (ii) provides each alien expressing such a fear of return or repatriation a confidential interview conducted by an asylum officer, in a language the alien claims to understand, to determine whether the alien’s return to his or her country of origin or country of last habitual residence is prohibited because the alien has a well-founded fear of persecution— (I) because of the alien’s race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion; or (II) because the alien would be subject to torture in that country; (iii) ensures that each alien can effectively communicate with United States officers through the use of a translator fluent in a language the alien claims to understand; and (iv) provides each alien who, according to the determination of an asylum officer, has a well-founded fear of persecution for the reasons specified in clause (ii) or would be subject to torture, an opportunity to seek protection in— (I) a country other than the alien’s country of origin or country of last habitual residence in which the alien has family or other ties that will facilitate resettlement; or (II) if the alien has no such ties, a country that will best facilitate the alien’s resettlement, which may include the United States. . 25. Modification of physical presence requirements for aliens serving as translators (a) In general Section 1059(e)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 ( Public Law 109–163 8 U.S.C. 1101 (1) In general (A) Continuous residence An absence from the United States described in paragraph (2) shall not be considered to break any period for which continuous residence in the United States is required for naturalization under title III of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1401 et seq. (B) Physical presence In the case of a lawful permanent resident, for an absence from the United States described in paragraph (2), the time spent outside of the United States in the capacity described in paragraph (2) shall be counted towards the accumulation of the required physical presence in the United States. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect as if included in the amendment made by section 1(c)(2) of the Act entitled An Act to increase the number of Iraqi and Afghani translators and interpreters who may be admitted to the United States as special immigrants, and for other purposes Public Law 110–36 26. Protecting victims of terrorism from being defined as terrorists (a) Terrorist activities Section 212(a)(3)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3)(B) (B) Terrorist activities (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii) and subsection (d)(3)(B)(i), an alien is inadmissible if— (I) the alien has engaged in a terrorist activity; (II) a consular officer, the Attorney General, or the Secretary of Homeland Security knows, or has reasonable ground to believe, that the alien is engaged, or is likely to engage after entry, in any terrorist activity; (III) the alien has, under circumstances indicating an intention to cause death or serious bodily harm, incited terrorist activity; (IV) the alien is a representative of— (aa) a terrorist organization; or (bb) a political, social, or other group that endorses or espouses terrorist activity; (V) the alien is a member of a terrorist organization; (VI) the alien endorses or espouses terrorist activity or persuades others to endorse or espouse terrorist activity or support a terrorist organization; (VII) the alien has received military-type training (as defined in section 2339D(c)(1) of title 18, United States Code) from, or on behalf of, any organization that, at the time the training was received, was a terrorist organization; or (VIII) the alien is an officer, official, representative, or spokesman of the Palestine Liberation Organization. (ii) Exceptions (I) Lack of knowledge Clause (i)(V) shall not apply to an alien who is a member of a terrorist organization described in clause (iii)(V)(cc) if the alien demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that the alien did not know, and should not reasonably have known, that the organization was a terrorist organization. (II) Duress Clause (i)(VII) and items (dd) through (ff) of clause (iii)(I) shall not apply to an alien who establishes that his or her actions giving rise to inadmissibility under such clause were committed under duress and the alien does not pose a threat to the security of the United States. In determining whether the alien was subject to duress, a consular officer, the Attorney General, or the Secretary of Homeland Security may consider, among relevant factors, the age of the alien at the time such actions were committed. (iii) Definitions In this section: (I) Engage in terrorist activity The term engage in terrorist activity (aa) to commit or to incite to commit, under circumstances indicating an intention to cause death or serious bodily injury, a terrorist activity; (bb) to prepare or plan a terrorist activity; (cc) to gather information on potential targets for terrorist activity; (dd) to solicit funds or other things of value for— (AA) a terrorist activity; (BB) a terrorist organization described in item (aa) or (bb) of clause (iii)(V); or (CC) a terrorist organization described in clause (iii)(V)(cc), unless the solicitor can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he or she did not know, and should not reasonably have known, that the organization was a terrorist organization; (ee) to solicit any individual— (AA) to engage in conduct otherwise described in this subsection; (BB) for membership in a terrorist organization described in item (aa) or (bb) of clause (iii)(V); or (CC) for membership in a terrorist organization described in clause (iii)(V)(cc) unless the solicitor can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he or she did not know, and should not reasonably have known, that the organization was a terrorist organization; or (ff) to commit an act that the actor knows, or reasonably should know, affords material support, including a safe house, transportation, communications, funds, transfer of funds or other material financial benefit, false documentation or identification, weapons (including chemical, biological, or radiological weapons), explosives, or training— (AA) for the commission of a terrorist activity; (BB) to any individual who the actor knows, or reasonably should know, has committed or plans to commit a terrorist activity; (CC) to a terrorist organization described in item (aa) or (bb) of clause (iii)(V) or to any member of such an organization; or (DD) to a terrorist organization described in clause (iii)(V)(cc), or to any member of such an organization, unless the actor can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he or she did not know, and should not reasonably have known, that the organization was a terrorist organization. (II) Material support The term material support (III) Representative The term representative (aa) an officer, official, or spokesman of an organization; and (bb) any person who directs, counsels, commands, or induces an organization or its members to engage in terrorist activity. (IV) Terrorist activity The term terrorist activity (aa) the highjacking or sabotage of any conveyance (including an aircraft, vessel, or vehicle); (bb) the seizing or detaining, and threatening to kill, injure, or continue to detain, another individual in order to compel a third person (including a governmental organization) to do or abstain from doing any act as an explicit or implicit condition for the release of the individual seized or detained; (cc) a violent attack upon an internationally protected person (as defined in section 1116(b)(4) of title 18, United States Code) or upon the liberty of such a person; (dd) an assassination; (ee) the use, with the intent to endanger the safety of one or more individuals or to cause substantial damage to property, of any— (AA) biological agent, chemical agent, or nuclear weapon or device; or (BB) explosive, firearm, or other weapon or dangerous device (other than for mere personal monetary gain); or (ff) a threat, attempt, or conspiracy to carry out any of the activities described in items (aa) through (ee). (V) Terrorist organization The term terrorist organization (aa) designated under section 219; (bb) otherwise designated, upon publication in the Federal Register, by the Secretary of State in consultation with or upon the request of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security, as a terrorist organization, after finding that the organization engages in the activities described in items (aa) through (ff) of subclause (I); or (cc) that is a group of two or more individuals, whether organized or not, which engages in, or has a subgroup which engages in, the activities described in items (aa) through (ff) of subclause (I). . (b) Child soldiers (1) Inadmissibility Section 212(a)(3)(G) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3)(G) This subparagraph shall not apply to an alien who establishes that the actions giving rise to inadmissibility under this subparagraph were committed under duress or carried out while the alien was younger than 18 years of age. (2) Deportability Section 237(a)(4)(F) of such Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(4)(F) (A) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (G); (B) by redesignating subparagraph (E) (as added by section 5502(b)), as subparagraph (F); and (C) in subparagraph (G), as redesignated, by adding at the end the following This subparagraph shall not apply to an alien who establishes that the actions giving rise to deportability under this subparagraph were committed under duress or carried out while the alien was younger than 18 years of age. (c) Temporary admission of nonimmigrants Section 212(d)(3)(B)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1182(d)(3)(B)(i) (B) (i) The Secretary of State, after consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the Secretary of Homeland Security, after consultation with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General, may conclude, in such Secretary's sole, unreviewable discretion, that subsection (a)(3)(B) shall not apply to an alien or that subsection (a)(3)(B)(iii)(V)(cc) shall not apply to a group. The Secretary of State may not exercise discretion under this clause with respect to an alien after removal proceedings against the alien have commenced under section 240. . 27. Assessment of the Refugee Domestic Resettlement Program (a) In general As soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study regarding the effectiveness of the domestic refugee resettlement programs operated by the Office of Refugee Resettlement. (b) Matters To be studied In the study required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall determine and analyze— (1) how the Office of Refugee Resettlement defines self-sufficiency; (2) if this definition is adequate in addressing refugee needs in the United States; (3) the effectiveness of the Office of Refugee Resettlement programs in helping refugees to meet self-sufficiency; (4) an analysis of the unmet needs of the programs; (5) an evaluation of the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s budgetary resources and projection of the amount of additional resources needed to fully address the unmet needs of refugees with regard to self-sufficiency; (6) the role of community-based organizations in serving refugees in areas experiencing a high number of new refugee arrivals; (7) an analysis of how community-based organizations can be better utilized and supported in the Federal domestic resettlement process; and (8) recommendations on statutory changes to improve the Office of Refugee Resettlement and the domestic refugee program in relation to the matters analyzed under paragraphs (1) through (7). (c) Report Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit a report to Congress that contains the results of the study required under subsection (a). 28. Refugee assistance (a) Amendments to social services funding Section 412(c)(1)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1522(c)(1)(B) (B) The funds available for a fiscal year for grants and contracts under subparagraph (A) shall be allocated among the States based on a combination of— (i) the total number or refugees (including children and adults) who arrived in the United States not more than 36 months before the beginning of such fiscal year and are actually residing in each State (taking into account secondary migration) as of the beginning of the fiscal year; (ii) the total number of all other eligible populations served by the Office during the period described who are residing in the State as of the beginning of the fiscal year; and (iii) projections on the number and nature of incoming refugees and other populations served by the Office during the subsequent fiscal year. . (b) Report on secondary migration Section 412(a)(3) of such Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1522(a)(3) (1) by striking a periodic an annual (2) by adding at the end the following: At the end of each fiscal year, the Director shall submit a report to Congress that describes the findings of the assessment, including States experiencing departures and arrivals due to secondary migration, likely reasons for migration, the impact of secondary migration on States hosting secondary migrants, availability of social services for secondary migrants in those States, and unmet needs of those secondary migrants. (c) Assistance made available to secondary migrants Section 412(a)(1) of such Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1522(a)(1) (C) When providing assistance under this section, the Director shall ensure that such assistance is also provided to refugees who are secondary migrants and meet all other eligibility requirements for such services. . (d) Refugees needing specialized medical care or preparation Section 412(b)(4)(B) of such Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1522(b)(4)(B) requiring specialized care or preparation before the refugee’s arrival in the United States, or medical conditions (e) Legal assistance for refugees and asylees Section 412(c)(1)(A) of such Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1522(c)(1)(A) (1) in clause (ii), by striking and (2) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (iv); and (3) by inserting after clause (ii) the following: (iii) to provide legal services for refugees to assist them in obtaining immigration benefits for which they are eligible; and . (f) Notice and rulemaking Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, but in no event later than 30 days before the effective date of the amendments made by this section, the Assistant Secretary shall— (1) issue a proposed rule of the new formula by which grants and contracts are to be allocated pursuant to the amendments made by subsection (c); and (2) solicit public comment. (g) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act. 29. Resettlement data Section 412(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1522(a) (1) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting , and shall consider data collected under paragraph (11) (2) by adding at the end the following: (11) (A) The Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Refugee and Asylee Resettlement (referred to in this section as the Assistant Secretary (B) The Assistant Secretary shall coordinate with the Centers for Disease Control, national resettlement agencies, community-based organizations, and State refugee health programs to track national and State trends on refugees arriving with Class A medical conditions and other urgent medical needs. In collecting information under this paragraph, the Assistant Secretary shall utilize initial refugee health screening data, including history of severe trauma, torture, mental health symptoms, depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder, recorded during domestic and international health screenings, and Refugee Medical Assistance utilization rate data. (C) The Assistant Secretary shall partner with State refugee programs, community-based organizations, and national resettlement agencies to collect data relating to the housing needs of refugees, including— (i) the number of refugees who have become homeless; and (ii) the number of refugees at severe risk of becoming homeless. (D) The Assistant Secretary shall gather longitudinal information relating to refugee self-sufficiency and employment status for a 2-year period beginning 1 year after the refugee’s arrival. (E) The Assistant Secretary shall annually— (i) update the data collected under this paragraph; and (ii) submit a report to Congress that contains the updated data. . 30. Extension of eligibility period for Social Security benefits for certain refugees (a) Extension of eligibility period (1) In general Section 402(a)(2)(M)(i) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 ( 8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2)(M)(i) (A) in subclause (I), by striking 9-year 10-year (B) in subclause (II), by striking 2-year 3-year (2) Conforming amendment The heading for section 402(a)(2)(M)(i) of such Act is amended by striking Two-year extension Extension (3) Effective date The amendments made by this subsection shall take effect as of October 1, 2016. (b) Extension of period for collection of unemployment compensation debts resulting from fraud Paragraph (8) of section 6402(f) 10 years 10 years and 2 months 31. Prohibition on operation streamline for asylum seekers The Secretary shall refrain from referring any asylum seeker for prosecution under section 275 or 276 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1325 or 1326) absent a negative determination pursuant to section 235(b)(1)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1225(b)(1)(B) 32. T and U visa reforms (a) T visas Section 214(o) ( 8 U.S.C. 1184(o) (8) Notwithstanding any provision of this Act granting eligibility for employment in the United States, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall grant employment authorization to an alien who has filed an application for nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(T) on the date that is the earlier of— (A) the date on which the alien’s application for such status is approved; and (B) a date determined by the Secretary that is not later than 180 days after the date on which such alien filed such application. . (b) U visas (1) Increased accessibility Section 214(p)(2)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1184(p)(2)(A) 10,000 20,000 (2) Work authorization while U visa applications are pending Section 214(p) of such Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1184(p) (A) in paragraph (6), by striking the last sentence; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (8) Work authorization Notwithstanding any provision of this Act granting eligibility for employment in the United States, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall grant employment authorization to an alien who has filed an application for nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(U) on the date that is the earlier of— (A) the date on which the alien’s application for such status is approved; and (B) a date determined by the Secretary that is not later than 180 days after the date on which such alien filed such application. . 33. Transparency in refugee determinations Section 207(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1157(c) (5) The adjudicator of an application for refugee status under this section shall consider all relevant evidence and maintain a record of the evidence considered. (6) An applicant for refugee status may be represented, including at a refugee interview, at no expense to the Government, by an attorney or accredited representative who— (A) was chosen by the applicant; and (B) is authorized by the Secretary of Homeland Security to be recognized as the representative of such applicant in an adjudication under this section. (7) (A) A decision to deny an application for refugee status under this section— (i) shall be in writing; and (ii) shall cite the specific applicable provisions of this Act upon which such denial was based, including— (I) the facts underlying the determination; and (II) whether there is a waiver of inadmissibility available to the applicant. (B) The basis of any negative credibility finding shall be part of the written decision. (8) (A) An applicant who is denied refugee status under this section may file a request with the Secretary for a review of his or her application not later than 120 days after such denial. (B) A request filed under subparagraph (A) shall be adjudicated by refugee officers who have received training on considering requests for review of refugee applications that have been denied. (C) The Secretary shall publish the standard applied to a request for review under this paragraph. (D) A request for review under this paragraph may result in the decision being granted, denied, or reopened for a further interview. (E) A decision on a request for review under this paragraph— (i) shall be in writing; and (ii) shall provide, to the maximum extent feasible, information on the reason for the denial. . 34. Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act, and the amendments made by this Act. 35. Determination of budgetary effects The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 ( Public Law 111–139 Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation

Summary: Refugee Protection Act of 2016 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the one-year time limit for filing an asylum claim. The bill revises the definition of "refugee" and the criteria for granting asylum. The bill makes certain currently required detention provisions regarding arriving aliens who request asylum discretionary. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall: (1) establish a secure alternatives to detention program, and (2) establish specified conditions of detention. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom may conduct a study to determine whether certain immigration officers are properly handling asylum and removal/detention authority. The bill: (1) authorizes waiver of the continuous one-year presence requirement for permanent resident status adjustment for a qualifying refugee/asylee who worked for the U.S. government overseas; (2) exempts aliens under the age of 18 from certain restrictions on applying for asylum; and (3) sets forth protections for minors, refugees, aliens interdicted at sea, and stateless persons. The President is authorized to designate refugee groups. The bill authorizes refugee applicants to simultaneously pursue other forms of admission. The spouse or child of a refugee or asylee may bring his or her accompanying or following child into the United States as a refugee or asylee. If the President does not issue a refugee allocation determination before the beginning of a fiscal year, the number of refugees that may be admitted in each quarter shall be 25% of the number of refugees admissible during the previous fiscal year. The bill amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006, with respect to naturalization of an Afghan or Iraqi translator who is a lawful permanent resident, to count a period of absence from the United States working as a translator for the United States or a U.S. contractor in Afghanistan or Iraq towards the accumulation of the required physical presence in the United States. The bill revises: (1) the definition of "terrorist activity" for purposes of alien inadmissibility, including for aliens who were under 18 years of age when they committed certain actions under duress; and (2) the refugee grant and contract assistance allocation formula. The Government Accountability Office shall conduct a study of the Office of Refugee Resettlement's domestic refugee resettlement programs. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 is amended to extend the eligibility for supplemental security income assistance to certain aliens (including asylees and refugees) and trafficking victims. DHS shall grant employment authorization to qualifying T visa aliens (victims of trafficking in persons) and U visa aliens (children who have been granted special immigrant status as victims of criminal activity). The number of U visas is increased.