Families First Act of 2018

To clarify standards of family detention and the treatment of unaccompanied alien children, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Families First Act of 2018 (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Title I—Unaccompanied Alien Children; Interior Immigration Enforcement Sec. 1101. Repatriation of unaccompanied alien children. Sec. 1102. Clarification of standards for family detention. Sec. 1103. Detention of dangerous aliens. Sec. 1104. Definition of aggravated felony. Sec. 1105. Crime of violence. Sec. 1106. Grounds of inadmissibility and deportability for alien gang members. Sec. 1107. Special immigrant juvenile status for immigrants unable to reunite with either parent. Sec. 1108. Clarification of authority regarding determinations of convictions. Sec. 1109. Adding attempt and conspiracy to commit terrorism-related inadmissibility grounds acts to the definition of engaging in terrorist activity. Sec. 1110. Clarifying the authority of ice detainers. Sec. 1111. Department of Homeland Security access to crime information databases. Sec. 1112. Clarification of congressional intent. Title II—Asylum Reform Sec. 2101. Credible fear interviews. Sec. 2102. Jurisdiction of asylum applications. Sec. 2103. Recording expedited removal and credible fear interviews. Sec. 2104. Safe third country. Sec. 2105. Renunciation of asylum status pursuant to return to home country. Sec. 2106. Notice concerning frivolous asylum applications. Sec. 2107. Anti-fraud investigative work product. Sec. 2108. Penalties for asylum fraud. Sec. 2109. Statute of limitations for asylum fraud. Sec. 2110. Technical amendments. Title III—Immigration Judges, Facilities, and Personnel Sec. 3101. Facilities for asylum applicants who retain custody of a child. Sec. 3102. Increasing the number of authorized immigration judges. Sec. 3103. Increasing the number of available Department of Homeland Security employees. I Unaccompanied Alien Children; Interior Immigration Enforcement 1101. Repatriation of unaccompanied alien children (a) In general Section 235 of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 ( 8 U.S.C. 1232 (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (2)— (i) by amending the heading to read as follows: Rules for unaccompanied alien children.— (ii) in subparagraph (A)— (I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking who is a national or habitual resident of a country that is contiguous with the United States (II) in clause (i), by inserting and (III) in clause (ii), by striking ; and (IV) by striking clause (iii); (iii) in subparagraph (B)— (I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ( 8 U.S.C. 1101 ( 8 U.S.C. 1101 (II) in clause (i), by inserting before permit such child to withdraw may (III) in clause (ii), by inserting before return such child shall (iv) in subparagraph (C)— (I) by amending the heading to read as follows: Agreements with foreign countries.— (II) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking The Secretary of State shall negotiate agreements between the United States and countries contiguous to the United States The Secretary of State may negotiate agreements between the United States and any foreign country that the Secretary determines appropriate (B) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (5) as paragraphs (4) through (6), respectively, and inserting after paragraph (2) the following: (3) Special rules for interviewing unaccompanied alien children An unaccompanied alien child shall be interviewed by a dedicated U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services immigration officer with specialized training in interviewing child trafficking victims. Such officer shall be in plain clothes and shall not carry a weapon. The interview shall occur in a private room. ; and (C) in paragraph (6)(D) (as so redesignated)— (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking , except for an unaccompanied alien child from a contiguous country subject to exceptions under subsection (a)(2), who does not meet the criteria listed in paragraph (2)(A) (ii) in clause (i), by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: , which shall include a hearing before an immigration judge not later than 14 days after being screened under paragraph (4) (2) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (2)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting before the semicolon the following: believed not to meet the criteria listed in subsection (a)(2)(A) (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting before the period the following: and does not meet the criteria listed in subsection (a)(2)(A) (B) in paragraph (3), by striking an unaccompanied alien child in custody shall an unaccompanied alien child in custody— (A) in the case of a child who does not meet the criteria listed in subsection (a)(2)(A), shall transfer the custody of such child to the Secretary of Health and Human Services not later than 30 days after determining that such child is an unaccompanied alien child who does not meet such criteria; or (B) in the case of child who meets the criteria listed in subsection (a)(2)(A), may transfer the custody of such child to the Secretary of Health and Human Services after determining that such child is an unaccompanied alien child who meets such criteria. ; and (3) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (3), by inserting at the end the following: (D) Information about individuals with whom children are placed (i) Information to be provided to Homeland Security Before placing a child with an individual, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall provide to the Secretary of Homeland Security, regarding the individual with whom the child will be placed, the following information: (I) The name of the individual. (II) The Social Security number of the individual, if available. (III) The date of birth of the individual. (IV) The location of the individual’s residence where the child will be placed. (V) The immigration status of the individual, if known. (VI) Contact information for the individual. (ii) Special rule In the case of a child who was apprehended on or after the effective date of this clause, and before the date of the enactment of this subparagraph, who the Secretary of Health and Human Services placed with an individual, the Secretary shall provide the information listed in clause (i) to the Secretary of Homeland Security not later than 90 days after such date of enactment. (iii) Activities of Secretary of Homeland Security Not later than 30 days after receiving the information listed in clause (i), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall— (I) in the case that the immigration status of an individual with whom a child is placed is unknown, investigate the immigration status of that individual; and (II) upon determining that an individual with whom a child is placed is unlawfully present in the United States, initiate removal proceedings pursuant to chapter 4 of title II of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1221 ; and (B) in paragraph (5)— (i) by inserting (at no expense to the Government) to the greatest extent practicable (ii) by striking have counsel to represent them have access to counsel to represent them (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to any unauthorized alien child apprehended on or after the date of enactment. 1102. Clarification of standards for family detention (a) In general Section 235 of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 ( 8 U.S.C. 1232 (j) Construction (1) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, judicial determination, consent decree, or settlement agreement, the detention of any alien child who is not an unaccompanied alien child shall be governed by sections 217, 235, 236, and 241 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1187 (2) Release of minors other than unaccompanied aliens In no circumstances shall an alien minor who is not an unaccompanied alien child be released by the Secretary of Homeland Security other than to a parent or legal guardian. (3) Family detention The Secretary of Homeland Security shall— (A) maintain the care and custody of an alien, during the period which the charges described in clause (i) are pending, who— (i) is charged only with a misdemeanor offense under section 275(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1325(a) (ii) entered the United States with the alien’s child who has not attained 18 years of age; and (iii) detain the alien with the alien’s child. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to all actions that occur before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Preemption of state licensing requirements Notwithstanding any other provision of law, judicial determination, consent decree, or settlement agreement, no State may require that an immigration detention facility used to detain children who have not attained 18 years of age, families consisting of one or more such children and the parents or legal guardians of such children, that is located in that State, be licensced by the State or any political subdivision thereof. 1103. Detention of dangerous aliens Section 241(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1231(a) (1) by striking Attorney General Secretary of Homeland Security (2) in paragraph (1), by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows: (B) Beginning of period The removal period begins on the latest of the following: (i) The date the order of removal becomes administratively final. (ii) If the alien is not in the custody of the Secretary on the date the order of removal becomes administratively final, the date the alien is taken into such custody. (iii) If the alien is detained or confined (except under an immigration process) on the date the order of removal becomes administratively final, the date the alien is taken into the custody of the Secretary, after the alien is released from such detention or confinement. ; (3) in paragraph (1), by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows: (C) Suspension of period (i) Extension The removal period shall be extended beyond a period of 90 days and the Secretary may, in the Secretary’s sole discretion, keep the alien in detention during such extended period if— (I) the alien fails or refuses to make all reasonable efforts to comply with the removal order, or to fully cooperate with the Secretary’s efforts to establish the alien’s identity and carry out the removal order, including making timely application in good faith for travel or other documents necessary to the alien's departure or conspires or acts to prevent the alien's removal that is subject to an order of removal; (II) a court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, or an immigration judge orders a stay of removal of an alien who is subject to an administratively final order of removal; (III) the Secretary transfers custody of the alien pursuant to law to another Federal agency or a State or local government agency in connection with the official duties of such agency; or (IV) a court or the Board of Immigration Appeals orders a remand to an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals, during the time period when the case is pending a decision on remand (with the removal period beginning anew on the date that the alien is ordered removed on remand). (ii) Renewal If the removal period has been extended under subparagraph (C)(i), a new removal period shall be deemed to have begun on the date— (I) the alien makes all reasonable efforts to comply with the removal order, or to fully cooperate with the Secretary’s efforts to establish the alien’s identity and carry out the removal order; (II) the stay of removal is no longer in effect; or (III) the alien is returned to the custody of the Secretary. (iii) Mandatory detention for certain aliens In the case of an alien described in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of section 236(c)(1), the Secretary shall keep that alien in detention during the extended period described in clause (i). (iv) Sole form of relief An alien may seek relief from detention under this subparagraph only by filing an application for a writ of habeas corpus in accordance with chapter 153 ; (4) in paragraph (3)— (A) by adding after If the alien does not leave or is not removed within the removal period or is not detained pursuant to paragraph (6) of this subsection (B) by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the following: (D) to obey reasonable restrictions on the alien’s conduct or activities that the Secretary prescribes for the alien, in order to prevent the alien from absconding, for the protection of the community, or for other purposes related to the enforcement of the immigration laws. ; (5) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking paragraph (2) subparagraph (B) (6) by striking paragraph (6) and inserting the following: (6) Additional rules for detention or release of certain aliens (A) Detention review process for cooperative aliens established For an alien who is not otherwise subject to mandatory detention, who has made all reasonable efforts to comply with a removal order and to cooperate fully with the Secretary of Homeland Security's efforts to establish the alien's identity and carry out the removal order, including making timely application in good faith for travel or other documents necessary to the alien's departure, and who has not conspired or acted to prevent removal, the Secretary shall establish an administrative review process to determine whether the alien should be detained or released on conditions. The Secretary shall make a determination whether to release an alien after the removal period in accordance with subparagraph (B). The determination shall include consideration of any evidence submitted by the alien, and may include consideration of any other evidence, including any information or assistance provided by the Secretary of State or other Federal official and any other information available to the Secretary of Homeland Security pertaining to the ability to remove the alien. (B) Authority to detain beyond removal period (i) In general The Secretary of Homeland Security, in the exercise of the Secretary’s sole discretion, may continue to detain an alien for 90 days beyond the removal period (including any extension of the removal period as provided in paragraph (1)(C)). An alien whose detention is extended under this subparagraph shall have no right to seek release on bond. (ii) specific circumstances The Secretary of Homeland Security, in the exercise of the Secretary’s sole discretion, may continue to detain an alien beyond the 90 days authorized in clause (i)— (I) until the alien is removed, if the Secretary, in the Secretary’s sole discretion, determines that there is a significant likelihood that the alien— (aa) will be removed in the reasonably foreseeable future; or (bb) would be removed in the reasonably foreseeable future, or would have been removed, but for the alien's failure or refusal to make all reasonable efforts to comply with the removal order, or to cooperate fully with the Secretary's efforts to establish the alien's identity and carry out the removal order, including making timely application in good faith for travel or other documents necessary to the alien's departure, or conspires or acts to prevent removal; (II) until the alien is removed, if the Secretary of Homeland Security certifies in writing— (aa) in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, that the alien has a highly contagious disease that poses a threat to public safety; (bb) after receipt of a written recommendation from the Secretary of State, that release of the alien is likely to have serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States; (cc) based on information available to the Secretary of Homeland Security (including classified, sensitive, or national security information, and without regard to the grounds upon which the alien was ordered removed), that there is reason to believe that the release of the alien would threaten the national security of the United States; or (dd) that the release of the alien will threaten the safety of the community or any person, conditions of release cannot reasonably be expected to ensure the safety of the community or any person, and either (AA)— (AA) the alien has been convicted of (aaa) one or more aggravated felonies (as defined in section 101(a)(43)(A)), (bbb) one or more crimes identified by the Secretary of Homeland Security by regulation, if the aggregate term of imprisonment for such crimes is at least 5 years, or (ccc) one or more attempts or conspiracies to commit any such aggravated felonies or such identified crimes, if the aggregate term of imprisonment for such attempts or conspiracies is at least 5 years; or (BB) the alien has committed one or more violent crimes (as referred to in section 101(a)(43)(F), but not including a purely political offense) and, because of a mental condition or personality disorder and behavior associated with that condition or disorder, the alien is likely to engage in acts of violence in the future; or (III) pending a certification under subclause (II), so long as the Secretary of Homeland Security has initiated the administrative review process not later than 30 days after the expiration of the removal period (including any extension of the removal period, as provided in paragraph (1)(C)). (iii) No right to bond hearing An alien whose detention is extended under this subparagraph shall have no right to seek release on bond, including by reason of a certification under clause (ii)(II). (C) Renewal and delegation of certification (i) Renewal The Secretary of Homeland Security may renew a certification under subparagraph (B)(ii)(II) every 6 months, after providing an opportunity for the alien to request reconsideration of the certification and to submit documents or other evidence in support of that request. If the Secretary does not renew a certification, the Secretary may not continue to detain the alien under subparagraph (B)(ii)(II). (ii) Delegation Notwithstanding section 103, the Secretary of Homeland Security may not delegate the authority to make or renew a certification described in item (bb), (cc), or (dd) of subparagraph (B)(ii)(II) below the level of the Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (iii) Hearing The Secretary of Homeland Security may request that the Attorney General or the Attorney General's designee provide for a hearing to make the determination described in item (dd)(BB) of subparagraph (B)(ii)(II). (D) Release on conditions If it is determined that an alien should be released from detention by a Federal court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, or if an immigration judge orders a stay of removal, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in the exercise of the Secretary's discretion, may impose conditions on release as provided in paragraph (3). (E) Redetention The Secretary of Homeland Security, in the exercise of the Secretary's discretion, without any limitations other than those specified in this section, may again detain any alien subject to a final removal order who is released from custody, if removal becomes likely in the reasonably foreseeable future, the alien fails to comply with the conditions of release, or to continue to satisfy the conditions described in subparagraph (A), or if, upon reconsideration, the Secretary, in the Secretary’s sole discretion, determines that the alien can be detained under subparagraph (B). This section shall apply to any alien returned to custody pursuant to this subparagraph, as if the removal period terminated on the day of the redetention. (F) Review of determinations by Secretary A determination by the Secretary under this paragraph shall not be subject to review by any other agency. . 1104. Definition of aggravated felony (a) In general Section 101(a)(43) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(43) (43) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the term aggravated felony (A) homicide (including murder in any degree, manslaughter, and vehicular manslaughter), rape (whether the victim was conscious or unconscious), statutory rape, sexual assault or battery, or any offense of a sexual nature involving an intended victim under the age of 18 years (including offenses in which the intended victim was a law enforcement officer); (B) (i) illicit trafficking in a controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act), including a drug trafficking crime (as defined in section 924(c) of title 18, United States Code); or (ii) any offense under State law relating to a controlled substance (as so classified under State law) which is classified as a felony in that State regardless of whether the substance is classified as a controlled substance under section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 802 (C) illicit trafficking in firearms or destructive devices (as defined in section 921 of title 18, United States Code) or in explosive materials (as defined in section 841(c) of that title); (D) an offense described in section 1956 of title 18, United States Code (relating to laundering of monetary instruments) or section 1957 of that title (relating to engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specific unlawful activity) if the amount of the funds exceeded $10,000; (E) an offense described in— (i) section 842 or 844 of title 18, United States Code (relating to explosive materials offenses); (ii) section 922 or 924 of title 18, United States Code (relating to firearms offenses); or (iii) section 5861 (F) a violent crime for which the term of imprisonment is at least 1 year, including— (i) any offense that has an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another; or (ii) any other offense in which the record of conviction establishes that the offender used physical force against the person or property of another in the course of committing the offense; (G) (i) theft (including theft by deceit, theft by fraud, embezzlement, motor vehicle theft, unauthorized use of a vehicle, or receipt of stolen property), regardless of whether the intended deprivation was temporary or permanent, for which the term of imprisonment is at least 1 year; or (ii) burglary for which the term of imprisonment is at least 1 year; (H) an offense described in section 875, 876, 877, or 1202 of title 18, United States Code (relating to the demand for or receipt of ransom); (I) an offense involving child pornography or sexual exploitation of a minor (including any offense described in section 2251, 2251A, or 2252 of title 18, United States Code); (J) an offense described in section 1962 of title 18, United States Code (relating to racketeer influenced corrupt organizations), or an offense described in section 1084 (if it is a second or subsequent offense) or 1955 of that title (relating to gambling offenses); (K) an offense that— (i) relates to the owning, controlling, managing, or supervising of a prostitution business; (ii) is described in section 2421, 2422, or 2423 of title 18, United States Code (relating to transportation for the purpose of prostitution) if committed for commercial advantage; or (iii) is described in any of sections 1581–1585 or 1588–1591 of title 18, United States Code (relating to peonage, slavery, involuntary servitude, and trafficking in persons); (L) an offense described in— (i) section 793 (relating to gathering or transmitting national defense information), 798 (relating to disclosure of classified information), 2153 (relating to sabotage) or 2381 or 2382 (relating to treason) of title 18, United States Code; (ii) section 601 of the National Security Act of 1947 ( 50 U.S.C. 421 (iii) section 601 of the National Security Act of 1947 (relating to protecting the identity of undercover agents); (iv) section 175 (relating to biological weapons) of title 18, United States Code; (v) sections 792 (harboring or concealing persons who violated sections 793 or 794 of title 18, United States Code), 794 (gathering or delivering defense information to aid foreign government), 795 (photographing and sketching defense installations), 796 (use of aircraft for photographing defense installations), 797 (publication and sale of photographs of defense installations), 799 (violation of NASA regulations for protection of facilities) of title 18, United States Code; (vi) sections 831 (prohibited transactions involving nuclear materials) and 832 (participation in nuclear and weapons of mass destruction threats to the United States) of title 18, United States Code; (vii) sections 2332a–d, f–h (relating to terrorist activities) of title 18, United States Code; (viii) sections 2339 (relating to harboring or concealing terrorists), 2339A (relating to material support to terrorists), 2339B (relating to material support or resources to designated foreign terrorist organizations), 2339C (relating to financing of terrorism), 2339D (relating to receiving military-type training from a terrorist organization) of title 18, United States Code; (ix) section 1705 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ( 50 U.S.C. 1705 (x) section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act ( 22 U.S.C. 2778 (M) an offense that— (i) involves fraud or deceit in which the loss to the victim or victims exceeds $10,000; or (ii) is described in section 7201 (N) an offense described in section 274(a) (relating to alien smuggling); (O) an offense described in section 275 or 276 for which the term of imprisonment is at least 1 year; (P) an offense which is described in chapter 75 (Q) an offense relating to a failure to appear by a defendant for service of sentence if the underlying offense is punishable by imprisonment for a term of 5 years or more; (R) an offense relating to commercial bribery, counterfeiting, forgery, or trafficking in vehicles the identification numbers of which have been altered for which the term of imprisonment is at least one year; (S) an offense relating to obstruction of justice, perjury or subornation of perjury, or bribery of a witness; (T) an offense relating to a failure to appear before a court pursuant to a court order to answer to or dispose of a charge of a felony for which a sentence of 2 years' imprisonment or more may be imposed; (U) any offense for which the term of imprisonment imposed was 2 years or more; (V) an offense relating to terrorism or national security (including a conviction for a violation of any provision of chapter 113B (W) (i) a single conviction for driving while intoxicated (including a conviction for driving while under the influence of or impairment by alcohol or drugs), when such impaired driving was a cause of the serious bodily injury or death of another person; or (ii) a second or subsequent conviction for driving while intoxicated (including a conviction for driving under the influence of or impaired by alcohol or drugs); or (X) an attempt or conspiracy to commit an offense described in this paragraph or aiding, abetting, counseling, procuring, com­mand­ing, inducing, facilitating, or soliciting the commission of such an offense. Any determinations under this paragraph shall be made on the basis of the record of conviction. For purposes of this paragraph, a person shall be considered to have committed an aggravated felony if that person has been convicted for 3 or more misdemeanors not arising out the traffic laws (except for any conviction for driving under the influence or an offense that results in the death or serious bodily injury of another person) or felonies for which the aggregate term of imprisonment imposed was 3 years or more, regardless of whether the convictions were all entered pursuant to a single trial or the offenses arose from a single pattern or scheme of conduct. . (b) Effective date; application of amendments (1) In general The amendments made by subsection (a)— (A) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act; and (B) shall apply to any act or conviction that occurred before, on, or after such date. (2) Application of IIRIRA amendments The amendments to section 101(a)(43) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(43) Public Law 104–208 1105. Crime of violence Section 16 of title 18, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 16. Crime of violence defined (a) The term crime of violence (1) (A) is murder, voluntary manslaughter, assault, sexual abuse or aggravated sexual abuse, abusive sexual contact, child abuse, kidnapping, robbery, carjacking, firearms use, burglary, arson, extortion, communication of threats, coercion, unauthorized use of a vehicle, fleeing, interference with flight crew members and attendants, domestic violence, hostage taking, stalking, human trafficking, or using weapons of mass destruction; or (B) involves use or unlawful possession of explosives or destructive devices described in 5845(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; (2) has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another; or (3) is an attempt to commit, conspiracy to commit, solicitation to commit, or aiding and abetting any of the offenses set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2). (b) In this section: (1) The term abusive sexual contact (2) The terms aggravated sexual abuse sexual abuse sexual act (3) The term assault (4) The term arson (5) The term burglary (A) forms the intent to commit a crime; or (B) commits or attempts to commit a crime. (6) The term carjacking (7) The term child abuse (8) The term communication of threats (A) demand or request for a ransom or reward for the release of any kidnapped person; or (B) threaten to kidnap or injure the person of another. (9) The term coercion (10) The term domestic violence (11) The term extortion (12) The term firearms use section 5845(a) (13) The term fleeing (A) failing or refusing to comply; or (B) fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer. (14) The term force (15) The term hostage taking (16) The term human trafficking (17) The term interference with flight crew members and attendants (18) The term kidnapping (19) The term murder (20) The term robbery (21) The term stalking (22) The term unauthorized use of a motor vehicle (23) The term using weapons of mass destruction (24) The term voluntary manslaughter (c) For purposes of this section, in the case of any reference in subsection (b) to an offense under this title, such reference shall include conduct that constitutes an offense under State or tribal law or under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, if such conduct would be an offense under this title if a circumstance giving rise to Federal jurisdiction had existed. . 1106. Grounds of inadmissibility and deportability for alien gang members (a) Definition of gang member Section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101(a) (53) (A) The term criminal gang (i) that has as one of its primary purposes the commission of 1 or more of the criminal offenses described in subparagraph (B) and the members of which engage, or have engaged within the past 5 years, in a continuing series of such offenses; or (ii) that has been designated as a criminal gang by the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, as meeting these criteria. (B) The offenses described, whether in violation of Federal or State law or foreign law and regardless of whether the offenses occurred before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, are the following: (i) A felony drug offense 21 U.S.C. 802 (ii) A felony offense involving firearms or explosives or in violation of section 931 of title 18, United States Code (relating to purchase, ownership, or possession of body armor by violent felons). (iii) An offense under section 274 (relating to bringing in and harboring certain aliens), section 277 (relating to aiding or assisting certain aliens to enter the United States), or section 278 (relating to importation of alien for immoral purpose), except that this clause does not apply in the case of an organization described in section 501(c)(3) 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) (iv) A violent crime described in section 101(a)(43)(F). (v) A crime involving obstruction of justice, tampering with or retaliating against a witness, victim, or informant, or perjury or subornation of perjury. (vi) Any conduct punishable under sections 1028A and 1029 of title 18, United States Code (relating to aggravated identity theft or fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents or access devices), sections 1581 through 1594 of such title (relating to peonage, slavery, and trafficking in persons), section 1951 of such title (relating to interference with commerce by threats or violence), section 1952 of such title (relating to interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises), section 1956 of such title (relating to the laundering of monetary instruments), section 1957 of such title (relating to engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity), or sections 2312 through 2315 of such title (relating to interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles or stolen property). (vii) An attempt or conspiracy to commit an offense described in this paragraph or aiding, abetting, counseling, procuring, commanding, inducing, facilitating, or soliciting the commission of an offense described in clauses (i) through (vi). . (b) Inadmissibility Section 212(a)(2) of such Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(2) (1) in subparagraph (A)(i)— (A) in subclause (I), by striking or (B) by inserting after subclause (II) the following: (III) a violation of (or a conspiracy or attempt to violate) any law or regulation of a State, the United States, or a foreign country relating to participation or membership in a criminal gang, or (IV) any felony or misdemeanor offense for which the alien received a sentencing enhancement predicated on gang membership or conduct that promoted, furthered, aided, or supported the illegal activity of the criminal gang, ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (N) Aliens associated with criminal gangs (i) Aliens not physically present in the United States In the case of an alien who is not physically present in the United States: (I) That alien is inadmissible if a consular officer, an immigration officer, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the Attorney General knows or has reason to believe— (aa) to be or to have been a member of a criminal gang (as defined in section 101(a)(53)); or (bb) to have participated in the activities of a criminal gang (as defined in section 101(a)(53)), knowing or having reason to know that such activities will promote, further, aid, or support the illegal activity of the criminal gang. (II) That alien is inadmissible if a consular officer, an immigration officer, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the Attorney General has reasonable grounds to believe the alien has participated in, been a member of, promoted, or conspired with a criminal gang, either inside or outside of the United States. (III) That alien is inadmissible if a consular officer, an immigration officer, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the Attorney General has reasonable grounds to believe seeks to enter the United States or has entered the United States in furtherance of the activities of a criminal gang, either inside or outside of the United States. (ii) Aliens physically present in the United States In the case of an alien who is physically present in the United States, that alien is inadmissible if the alien— (I) is a member of a criminal gang (as defined in section 101(a)(53)); or (II) has participated in the activities of a criminal gang (as defined in section 101(a)(53)), knowing or having reason to know that such activities will promote, further, aid, or support the illegal activity of the criminal gang. . (c) Deportability Section 237(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(2) (H) Aliens associated with criminal gangs Any alien is deportable who— (i) is or has been a member of a criminal gang (as defined in section 101(a)(53)); (ii) has participated in the activities of a criminal gang (as so defined), knowing or having reason to know that such activities will promote, further, aid, or support the illegal activity of the criminal gang; (iii) has been convicted of a violation of (or a conspiracy or attempt to violate) any law or regulation of a State, the United States, or a foreign country relating to participation or membership in a criminal gang; or (iv) any felony or misdemeanor offense for which the alien received a sentencing enhancement predicated on gang membership or conduct that promoted, furthered, aided, or supported the illegal activity of the criminal gang. . (d) Designation (1) In general Chapter 2 of title II of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1182 220. Designation of criminal gang (a) Designation (1) In general The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, may designate a group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons as a criminal gang if the Secretary finds that their conduct is described in section 101(a)(53). (2) Procedure (A) Notification Seven days before making a designation under this subsection, the Secretary shall, by classified communication, notify the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the President pro tempore, Majority Leader, and Minority Leader of the Senate, and the members of the relevant committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate, in writing, of the intent to designate a group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons under this subsection and the factual basis therefor. (B) Publication in the Federal Register The Secretary shall publish the designation in the Federal Register seven days after providing the notification under subparagraph (A). (3) Record (A) In general In making a designation under this subsection, the Secretary shall create an administrative record. (B) Classified information The Secretary may consider classified information in making a designation under this subsection. Classified information shall not be subject to disclosure for such time as it remains classified, except that such information may be disclosed to a court ex parte and in camera for purposes of judicial review under subsection (c). (4) Period of designation (A) In general A designation under this subsection shall be effective for all purposes until revoked under paragraph (5) or (6) or set aside pursuant to subsection (c). (B) Review of designation upon petition (i) In general The Secretary shall review the designation of a criminal gang under the procedures set forth in clauses (iii) and (iv) if the designated group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons files a petition for revocation within the petition period described in clause (ii). (ii) Petition period For purposes of clause (i)— (I) if the designated group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons has not previously filed a petition for revocation under this subparagraph, the petition period begins 2 years after the date on which the designation was made; or (II) if the designated group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons has previously filed a petition for revocation under this subparagraph, the petition period begins 2 years after the date of the determination made under clause (iv) on that petition. (iii) Procedures Any group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons that submits a petition for revocation under this subparagraph of its designation as a criminal gang must provide evidence in that petition that it is not described in section 101(a)(53). (iv) Determination (I) In general Not later than 180 days after receiving a petition for revocation submitted under this subparagraph, the Secretary shall make a determination as to such revocation. (II) Classified information The Secretary may consider classified information in making a determination in response to a petition for revocation. Classified information shall not be subject to disclosure for such time as it remains classified, except that such information may be disclosed to a court ex parte and in camera for purposes of judicial review under subsection (c). (III) Publication of determination A determination made by the Secretary under this clause shall be published in the Federal Register. (IV) Procedures Any revocation by the Secretary shall be made in accordance with paragraph (6). (C) Other review of designation (i) In general If in a 5-year period no review has taken place under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall review the designation of the criminal gang in order to determine whether such designation should be revoked pursuant to paragraph (6). (ii) Procedures If a review does not take place pursuant to subparagraph (B) in response to a petition for revocation that is filed in accordance with that subparagraph, then the review shall be conducted pursuant to procedures established by the Secretary. The results of such review and the applicable procedures shall not be reviewable in any court. (iii) Publication of results of review The Secretary shall publish any determination made pursuant to this subparagraph in the Federal Register. (5) Revocation by act of congress The Congress, by an Act of Congress, may block or revoke a designation made under paragraph (1). (6) Revocation based on change in circumstances (A) In general The Secretary may revoke a designation made under paragraph (1) at any time, and shall revoke a designation upon completion of a review conducted pursuant to subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (4) if the Secretary finds that— (i) the group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons that has been designated as a criminal gang is no longer described in section 101(a)(53); or (ii) the national security or the law enforcement interests of the United States warrants a revocation. (B) Procedure The procedural requirements of paragraphs (2) and (3) shall apply to a revocation under this paragraph. Any revocation shall take effect on the date specified in the revocation or upon publication in the Federal Register if no effective date is specified. (7) Effect of revocation The revocation of a designation under paragraph (5) or (6) shall not affect any action or proceeding based on conduct committed prior to the effective date of such revocation. (8) Use of designation in trial or hearing If a designation under this subsection has become effective under paragraph (2), an alien in a removal proceeding shall not be permitted to raise any question concerning the validity of the issuance of such designation as a defense or an objection. (b) Amendments to a designation (1) In general The Secretary may amend a designation under this subsection if the Secretary finds that the group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons has changed its name, adopted a new alias, dissolved and then reconstituted itself under a different name or names, or merged with another group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons. (2) Procedure Amendments made to a designation in accordance with paragraph (1) shall be effective upon publication in the Federal Register. Paragraphs (2), (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8) of subsection (a) shall also apply to an amended designation. (3) Administrative record The administrative record shall be corrected to include the amendments as well as any additional relevant information that supports those amendments. (4) Classified information The Secretary may consider classified information in amending a designation in accordance with this subsection. Classified information shall not be subject to disclosure for such time as it remains classified, except that such information may be disclosed to a court ex parte and in camera for purposes of judicial review under subsection (c) of this section. (c) Judicial review of designation (1) In general Not later than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register of a designation, an amended designation, or a determination in response to a petition for revocation, the designated group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons may seek judicial review in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. (2) Basis of review Review under this subsection shall be based solely upon the administrative record, except that the Government may submit, for ex parte and in camera review, classified information used in making the designation, amended designation, or determination in response to a petition for revocation. (3) Scope of review The Court shall hold unlawful and set aside a designation, amended designation, or determination in response to a petition for revocation the court finds to be— (A) arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law; (B) contrary to constitutional right, power, privilege, or immunity; (C) in excess of statutory jurisdiction, authority, or limitation, or short of statutory right; (D) lacking substantial support in the administrative record taken as a whole or in classified information submitted to the court under paragraph (2); or (E) not in accord with the procedures required by law. (4) Judicial review invoked The pendency of an action for judicial review of a designation, amended designation, or determination in response to a petition for revocation shall not affect the application of this section, unless the court issues a final order setting aside the designation, amended designation, or determination in response to a petition for revocation. (d) Definitions As used in this section— (1) the term classified information (2) the term national security (3) the term relevant committees (4) the term Secretary . (2) Clerical amendment The table of contents for such Act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 219 the following: Sec. 220. Designation. . (e) Mandatory detention of criminal gang members (1) In general Section 236(c)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1226(c)(1) (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking or (B) in subparagraph (D), by inserting or (C) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following: (E) is inadmissible under section 212(a)(2)(N) or deportable under section 237(a)(2)(H), . (2) Annual report Not later than March 1 of each year (beginning 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act), the Secretary of Homeland Security, after consultation with the appropriate Federal agencies, shall submit a report to the Committees on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and of the Senate on the number of aliens detained under the amendments made by paragraph (1). (f) Asylum claims based on gang affiliation (1) Inapplicability of restriction on removal to certain countries Section 241(b)(3)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1251(b)(3)(B) who is described in section 212(a)(2)(N)(i) or section 237(a)(2)(H)(i) or who is to an alien (2) Ineligibility for asylum Section 208(b)(2)(A) of such Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1158(b)(2)(A) (A) in clause (v), by striking or (B) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (vii); and (C) by inserting after clause (v) the following: (vi) the alien is described in section 212(a)(2)(N)(i) or section 237(a)(2)(H)(i); or . (g) Temporary protected status Section 244 of such Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1254a (1) by striking Attorney General Secretary of Homeland Security (2) in subparagraph (c)(2)(B)— (A) in clause (i), by striking or (B) in clause (ii), by striking the period and inserting ; or (C) by adding at the end the following: (iii) the alien is, or at any time has been, described in section 212(a)(2)(N) or section 237(a)(2)(H). ; and (3) in subsection (d)— (A) by striking paragraph (3); and (B) in paragraph (4), by adding at the end the following: The Secretary of Homeland Security may detain an alien provided temporary protected status under this section whenever appropriate under any other provision of law. (h) Special immigrant juvenile visas Section 101(a)(27)(J)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(J)(iii) (1) in subclause (I), by striking and (2) in subclause (II), by adding and (3) by adding at the end the following: (III) no alien who is, or at any time has been, described in section 212(a)(2)(N) or section 237(a)(2)(H) shall be eligible for any immigration benefit under this subparagraph; . (i) Parole An alien described in section 212(a)(2)(N) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as added by subsection (b), shall not be eligible for parole under section 212(d)(5)(A) of such Act unless— (1) the alien is assisting or has assisted the United States Government in a law enforcement matter, including a criminal investigation; and (2) the alien’s presence in the United States is required by the Government with respect to such assistance. (j) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to acts that occur before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act. 1107. Special immigrant juvenile status for immigrants unable to reunite with either parent Section 101(a)(27)(J)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(J)(i) 1 or both of the immigrant’s parents either of the immigrant’s parents 1108. Clarification of authority regarding determinations of convictions Section 101(a)(48) of the Immigration and National Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(48) (C) In making a determination as to whether a conviction is for— (i) a crime under section 212(a)(2); or (ii) a crime under 237(a)(2), such determination shall be determined on the basis of the record of conviction and any facts established within the record of conviction. (D) Any reversal, vacatur, expungement, or modification to a conviction, sentence, or conviction record that was granted to ameliorate the immigration consequences of the conviction, sentence, or conviction record, or was granted for rehabilitative purposes shall have no effect on the immigration consequences resulting from the original conviction. The alien shall have the burden of proving that the reversal, vacatur, expungement, or modification was not for such purposes. In no case in which a reversal, vacatur, expungement, or modification was granted for a procedural or substantive defect in the criminal proceedings. Whether an alien has been convicted of a crime for which a sentence of one year or longer may be imposed or whether the alien has been convicted for a crime where the maximum penalty possible did not exceed one year shall be determined based on the maximum penalty allowed by the statute of conviction as of the date the offense was committed. Subsequent changes in State or Federal law which increase or decrease the sentence that may be imposed for a given crime shall not be considered. . 1109. Adding attempt and conspiracy to commit terrorism-related inadmissibility grounds acts to the definition of engaging in terrorist activity Section 212(a)(3)(B)(iv) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3)(B)(iv) (1) in subclause (VI), by striking the period and inserting ; or (2) by adding at the end the following: (VII) an attempt or conspiracy to do any of the foregoing. . 1110. Clarifying the authority of ice detainers (a) In general Section 287(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1357(d) (d) Detainer of inadmissible or deportable aliens (1) In general In the case of an individual who is arrested by any Federal, State, or local law enforcement official or other personnel for the alleged violation of any criminal or motor vehicle law relating to driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence (including driving while under the influence of or impairment by alcohol or drugs), the Secretary may issue a detainer regarding the individual to any Federal, State, or local law enforcement entity, official, or other personnel if the Secretary has probable cause to believe that the individual is an inadmissible or deportable alien. (2) Probable cause Probable cause is deemed to be established if— (A) the individual who is the subject of the detainer matches, pursuant to biometric confirmation or other Federal database records, the identity of an alien who the Secretary has reasonable grounds to believe to be inadmissible or deportable; (B) the individual who is the subject of the detainer is the subject of ongoing removal proceedings, including matters where a charging document has already been served; (C) the individual who is the subject of the detainer has previously been ordered removed from the United States and such an order is administratively final; (D) the individual who is the subject of the detainer has made voluntary statements or provided reliable evidence that indicate that they are an inadmissible or deportable alien; or (E) the Secretary otherwise has reasonable grounds to believe that the individual who is the subject of the detainer is an inadmissible or deportable alien. (3) Transfer of custody If the Federal, State, or local law enforcement entity, official, or other personnel to whom a detainer is issued complies with the detainer and detains for purposes of transfer of custody to the Department of Homeland Security the individual who is the subject of the detainer, the Department may take custody of the individual within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays), but in no instance more than 96 hours, following the date that the individual is otherwise to be released from the custody of the relevant Federal, State, or local law enforcement entity. . (b) Immunity (1) In general A State or a political subdivision of a State (and the officials and personnel of the State or subdivision acting in their official capacities), and a nongovernmental entity (and its personnel) contracted by the State or political subdivision for the purpose of providing detention, acting in compliance with a Department of Homeland Security detainer issued pursuant to this section who temporarily holds an alien in its custody pursuant to the terms of a detainer so that the alien may be taken into the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, shall be considered to be acting under color of Federal authority for purposes of determining their liability and shall be held harmless for their compliance with the detainer in any suit seeking any punitive, compensatory, or other monetary damages. (2) Federal government as defendant In any civil action arising out of the compliance with a Department of Homeland Security detainer by a State or a political subdivision of a State (and the officials and personnel of the State or subdivision acting in their official capacities), or a nongovernmental entity (and its personnel) contracted by the State or political subdivision for the purpose of providing detention, the United States Government shall be the proper party named as the defendant in the suit in regard to the detention resulting from compliance with the detainer. (3) Bad faith exception Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not apply to any mistreatment of an individual by a State or a political subdivision of a State (and the officials and personnel of the State or subdivision acting in their official capacities), or a nongovernmental entity (and its personnel) contracted by the State or political subdivision for the purpose of providing detention. (c) Private right of action (1) Cause of action Any individual, or a spouse, parent, or child of that individual (if the individual is deceased), who is the victim of a murder, rape, or any felony, as defined by the State, for which an alien (as defined in section 101(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(3) (A) released the alien from custody prior to the commission of such crime as a consequence of the State or political subdivision’s declining to honor a detainer issued pursuant to section 287(d)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1357(d)(1) (B) has in effect a statute, policy, or practice not in compliance with section 642 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 ( 8 U.S.C. 1373 (C) has in effect a statute, policy, or practice requiring a subordinate political subdivision to decline to honor any or all detainers issued pursuant to section 287(d)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1357(d)(1) (2) Limitations on bringing action An action may not be brought under this subsection later than 10 years following the occurrence of the crime, or death of a person as a result of such crime, whichever occurs later. (3) Proper defendant If a political subdivision of a State declines to honor a detainer issued pursuant to section 287(d)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1357(d) (A) from honoring the detainer; or (B) fully complying with section 642 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 ( 8 U.S.C. 1373 and, as a consequence of the statute or other legal requirement of the State or other political subdivision, the subdivision released the alien referred to in paragraph (1) from custody prior to the commission of the crime referred to in that paragraph, the State or other political subdivision that enacted the statute or other legal requirement, shall be deemed to be the proper defendant in a cause of action under this subsection, and no such cause of action may be maintained against the political subdivision which declined to honor the detainer. (4) Attorney’s fee and other costs In any action or proceeding under this subsection the court shall allow a prevailing plaintiff a reasonable attorneys fee as part of the costs, and include expert fees as part of the attorneys fee. 1111. Department of Homeland Security access to crime information databases Section 105(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1105(b) (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) by striking the Service the Department of Homeland Security (B) by striking visa applicant or applicant for admission visa applicant, applicant for admission, applicant for adjustment of status, or applicant for any other benefit under the immigration laws (2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following: (5) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall receive, upon request, access to the information described in paragraph (1) by means of extracts of the records for placement in the appropriate database without any fee or charge. . 1112. Clarification of congressional intent Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1357(g) (1) in paragraph (1) by striking may enter shall enter into a written agreement with a State, or any political subdivision of a State, upon request of the State or political subdivision, pursuant to which officers or employees of the State or subdivision, who are determined by the Secretary to be qualified to perform a function of an immigration officer in relation to the investigation, apprehension, or detention of aliens in the United States (including the transportation of such aliens across State lines to detention centers), may carry out such function at the expense of the State or political subdivision and to the extent consistent with State and local law. No request from a bona fide State or political subdivision or bona fide law enforcement agency shall be denied absent a compelling reason. No limit on the number of agreements under this subsection may be imposed. The Secretary shall process requests for such agreements with all due haste, and in no case shall take not more than 90 days from the date the request is made until the agreement is consummated. (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (5) and paragraphs (3) through (10) as paragraphs (7) through (14), respectively; (3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: (2) An agreement under this subsection shall accommodate a requesting State or political subdivision with respect to the enforcement model or combination of models, and shall accommodate a patrol model, task force model, jail model, any combination thereof, or any other reasonable model the State or political subdivision believes is best suited to the immigration enforcement needs of its jurisdiction. (3) No Federal program or technology directed broadly at identifying inadmissible or deportable aliens shall substitute for such agreements, including those establishing a jail model, and shall operate in addition to any agreement under this subsection. (4) (A) No agreement under this subsection shall be terminated absent a compelling reason. (B) (i) The Secretary shall provide a State or political subdivision written notice of intent to terminate at least 180 days prior to date of intended termination, and the notice shall fully explain the grounds for termination, along with providing evidence substantiating the Secretary’s allegations. (ii) The State or political subdivision shall have the right to a hearing before an administrative law judge and, if the ruling is against the State or political subdivision, to appeal the ruling to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals and, if the ruling is against the State or political subdivision, to petition the Supreme Court for certeriori. (C) The agreement shall remain in full effect during the course of any and all legal proceedings. ; and (4) by inserting after paragraph (5) (as redesignated) the following: (6) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall make training of State and local law enforcement officers available through as many means as possible, including through residential training at the Center for Domestic Preparedness and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, onsite training held at State or local police agencies or facilities, online training courses by computer, teleconferencing, and videotape, or the digital video display (DVD) of a training course or courses. Distance learning through a secure, encrypted, distributed learning system that has all its servers based in the United States, is scalable, survivable, and can have a portal in place not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of the Securing America’s Future Act of 2018, shall be made available by the COPS Office of the Department of Justice and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Distributed Learning Program for State and local law enforcement personnel. Preference shall be given to private sector-based, web-based immigration enforcement training programs for which the Federal Government has already provided support to develop. . II Asylum Reform 2101. Credible fear interviews Section 235(b)(1)(B)(v) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1225(b)(1)(B)(v) claim claim, as determined pursuant to section 208(b)(1)(B)(iii), and such other facts as are known to the officer, that the alien could establish eligibility for asylum under section 208, and it is more probable than not that the statements made by, and on behalf of, the alien in support of the alien’s claim are true. 2102. Jurisdiction of asylum applications Section 208(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1158 2103. Recording expedited removal and credible fear interviews (a) In general The Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish quality assurance procedures and take steps to effectively ensure that questions by employees of the Department of Homeland Security exercising expedited removal authority under section 235(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1225(b) (b) Factors relating to sworn statements Where practicable, any sworn or signed written statement taken of an alien as part of the record of a proceeding under section 235(b)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1225(b)(1)(A) (c) Interpreters The Secretary shall ensure that a competent interpreter, not affiliated with the government of the country from which the alien may claim asylum, is used when the interviewing officer does not speak a language understood by the alien. (d) Recordings in immigration proceedings There shall be an audio or audio visual recording of interviews of aliens subject to expedited removal. The recording shall be included in the record of proceeding and shall be considered as evidence in any further proceedings involving the alien. (e) No private right of action Nothing in this section shall be construed to create any right, benefit, trust, or responsibility, whether substantive or procedural, enforceable in law or equity by a party against the United States, its departments, agencies, instrumentalities, entities, officers, employees, or agents, or any person, nor does this section create any right of review in any administrative, judicial, or other proceeding. 2104. Safe third country Section 208(a)(2)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1158(a)(2)(A) (1) by striking Attorney General Secretary of Homeland Security (2) by striking removed, pursuant to a bilateral or multilateral agreement, to removed to 2105. Renunciation of asylum status pursuant to return to home country (a) In general Section 208(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1158(c) (4) Renunciation of status pursuant to return to home country (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), any alien who is granted asylum status under this Act, who, absent changed country conditions, subsequently returns to the country of such alien’s nationality or, in the case of an alien having no nationality, returns to any country in which such alien last habitually resided, and who applied for such status because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution in that country on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, shall have his or her status terminated. (B) Waiver The Secretary has discretion to waive subparagraph (A) if it is established to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the alien had a compelling reason for the return. The waiver may be sought prior to departure from the United States or upon return. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 208(c)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1158(c)(3) paragraph (2) or (4) 2106. Notice concerning frivolous asylum applications (a) In general Section 208(d)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1158(d)(4) (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General (2) in subparagraph (A), by striking and of the consequences, under paragraph (6), of knowingly filing a frivolous application for asylum; and (3) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and inserting ; and (4) by adding at the end the following: (C) ensure that a written warning appears on the asylum application advising the alien of the consequences of filing a frivolous application and serving as notice to the alien of the consequence of filing a frivolous application. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 208(d)(6) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1158(d)(6) If the (A) If the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General determines that an alien has knowingly made a frivolous application for asylum and the alien has received the notice under paragraph (4)(C), the alien shall be permanently ineligible for any benefits under this chapter, effective as the date of the final determination of such an application. (B) An application is frivolous if the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General determines, consistent with subparagraph (C), that— (i) it is so insufficient in substance that it is clear that the applicant knowingly filed the application solely or in part to delay removal from the United States, to seek employment authorization as an applicant for asylum pursuant to regulations issued pursuant to paragraph (2), or to seek issuance of a Notice to Appeal in order to pursue Cancellation of Removal under section 240A(b); or (ii) any of the material elements are knowingly fabricated. (C) In determining that an application is frivolous, the Secretary or the Attorney General, must be satisfied that the applicant, during the course of the proceedings, has had sufficient opportunity to clarify any discrepancies or implausible aspects of the claim. (D) For purposes of this section, a finding that an alien filed a frivolous asylum application shall not preclude the alien from seeking withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) or protection pursuant to the Convention Against Torture. . 2107. Anti-fraud investigative work product (a) Asylum credibility determinations Section 208(b)(1)(B)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1158(b)(1)(B)(iii) all relevant factors , including statements made to, and investigative reports prepared by, immigration authorities and other government officials (b) Relief for removal credibility determinations Section 240(c)(4)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1229a(c)(4)(C) all relevant factors , including statements made to, and investigative reports prepared by, immigration authorities and other government officials 2108. Penalties for asylum fraud Section 1001 of title 18 is amended by inserting at the end of the paragraph— (d) Whoever, in any matter before the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General pertaining to asylum under section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act or withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of such Act, knowingly and willfully— (1) makes any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or (2) makes or uses any false writings or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both. . 2109. Statute of limitations for asylum fraud Section 3291 of title 18 is amended— (1) by striking 1544, 1544, and section 1546, (2) by striking offense. offense or within 10 years after the fraud is discovered. 2110. Technical amendments Section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1158 (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (2)(D), by inserting Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General (B) in paragraph (3), by inserting Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General (2) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General (3) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking Attorney General Secretary of Homeland Security (B) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by by inserting Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General (C) in paragraph (3), by inserting Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General (4) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General (B) in paragraph (2), by striking Attorney General Secretary of Homeland Security (C) in paragraph (5)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking Attorney General Secretary of Homeland Security (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General III Immigration Judges, Facilities, and Personnel 3101. Facilities for asylum applicants who retain custody of a child (a) The designated agencies shall maintain facilities for the joint detention of Asylum Applicants who retain custody of a child and the child. These facilities shall only contain individuals who are under the age of 18 or are the parents or legal guardians of individuals under the age of 18. (b) Funding There are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2019, 2020, and 2021 such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. 3102. Increasing the number of authorized immigration judges (a) Increase in immigration judges The Attorney General of the United States shall increase the total number of immigration judges to adjudicate pending cases and efficiently process future cases by 375 judges. (b) Necessary support staff for immigration judges To address the shortage of support staff for immigration judges, the Attorney General shall ensure that each immigration judge has sufficient support staff, adequate technological and security resources, and appropriate courtroom facilities. (c) Increase in board of immigration appeals attorneys The Attorney General shall increase the number of Board of Immigration Appeals staff attorneys by sixty attorneys. (d) Necessary support staff for Board of Immigration Appeals To address the shortage of support staff for the Board of Immigration appeals, the Attorney General shall ensure that the Board of Immigration Appeals and its staff attorneys has sufficient support staff and adequate technological and security resources. (e) Prioritization of asylum applicants Any immigration judges, Board of Immigration Appeals staff attorneys, and support staff hired under the authority of this section shall prioritize asylum applications that are filed by Asylum Applicants. (f) Funding There are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2019, 2020, and 2021 such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. 3103. Increasing the number of available Department of Homeland Security employees (a) Increase in Department of Homeland Security personnel The Secretary of Homeland Security shall increase the total number of Department personnel to that are responsible for processing asylum applications filed by Asylum Applicants by 200 individuals. Positions authorized before the date of the enactment of this Act and any existing officer vacancies within the Department of Homeland Security on such date of enactment shall not count towards the increase mandated by this paragraph. (b) Increase in Department of Homeland Security personnel The Secretary is authorized to procure space, temporary facilities, and to hire the required administrative and legal support staff, on an expedited basis, to accommodate the additional positions authorized under this section. (c) Funding There are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2019, 2020, and 2021 such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. 3104. Definitions In this title: (1) Asylum applicant The term Asylum Applicant (2) Asylum application The term asylum application (3) Child The term child (A) has not reached the age of 18; (B) has no permanent immigration status; and (C) was in the custody and presence of a parent or legal guardian when the parent or legal guardian was detained for illegally entering into the United States at or near a port of entry or within 100 miles of the border of the United States. (4) Designated agency The term designated agency (A) the Department of Homeland Security; (B) the Department of Justice; and (C) the Department of Health and Human Services. (5) Secretary Unless otherwise specified, the term Secretary

Summary: Families First Act of 2018 This bill amends rules for the treatment of unaccompanied alien children and asylum-seeking families, and for detaining and removal of various types of aliens.