I 
118TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. R. 16 
To authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain 
aliens, and for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
JUNE 15, 2023 
Ms. GARCIA of Texas (for herself, Ms. CLARKE of New York, Ms. VELA´ZQUEZ, 
Mr. CORREA, Ms. CHU, Ms. JAYAPAL, Mrs. RAMIREZ, Ms. LOFGREN, 
Mrs. CHAVEZ-DEREMER, Ms. SALAZAR, Mr. DUARTE, and Mrs. 
GONZA´LEZ-COLO´N) introduced the following bill; which was referred to 
the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on 
Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined 
by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall 
within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned 
A BILL 
To authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment 
of status of certain aliens, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the 
‘‘American Dream and Promise Act of 2023’’. 
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for 
this Act is as follows: 
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Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. 
TITLE I—DREAM ACT OF 2023 
Sec. 101. Short title. 
Sec. 102. Permanent resident status on a conditional basis for certain long- 
term residents who entered the United States as children. 
Sec. 103. Terms of permanent resident status on a conditional basis. 
Sec. 104. Removal of conditional basis of permanent resident status. 
Sec. 105. Restoration of State option to determine residency for purposes of 
higher education benefits. 
TITLE II—AMERICAN PROMISE ACT OF 2023 
Sec. 201. Short title. 
Sec. 202. Adjustment of status for certain nationals of certain countries des-
ignated for temporary protected status or deferred enforced de-
parture. 
Sec. 203. Clarification. 
TITLE III—GENERAL PROVISIONS 
Sec. 301. Definitions. 
Sec. 302. Submission of biometric and biographic data; background checks. 
Sec. 303. Limitation on removal; application and fee exemption; and other con-
ditions on eligible individuals. 
Sec. 304. Determination of continuous presence and residence. 
Sec. 305. Exemption from numerical limitations. 
Sec. 306. Availability of administrative and judicial review. 
Sec. 307. Documentation requirements. 
Sec. 308. Rulemaking. 
Sec. 309. Confidentiality of information. 
Sec. 310. Grant program to assist eligible applicants. 
Sec. 311. Provisions affecting eligibility for adjustment of status. 
Sec. 312. Supplementary surcharge for appointed counsel. 
Sec. 313. Annual report on provisional denial authority. 
TITLE I—DREAM ACT OF 2023 
SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE. 
This title may be cited as the ‘‘Dream Act of 2023’’. 
SEC. 102. PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS ON A CONDI-
TIONAL BASIS FOR CERTAIN LONG-TERM 
RESIDENTS 
WHO 
ENTERED 
THE 
UNITED 
STATES AS CHILDREN. 
(a) CONDITIONAL BASIS
FOR STATUS.—Notwith-
standing any other provision of law, and except as pro-
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vided in section 104(c)(2), an alien shall be considered, 
at the time of obtaining the status of an alien lawfully 
admitted for permanent residence under this section, to 
have obtained such status on a conditional basis subject 
to the provisions of this title. 
(b) REQUIREMENTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, the Secretary or the Attorney Gen-
eral shall adjust to the status of an alien lawfully 
admitted for permanent residence on a conditional 
basis, or without the conditional basis as provided in 
section 104(c)(2), an alien who is inadmissible or de-
portable from the United States, is subject to a 
grant of Deferred Enforced Departure, has tem-
porary protected status under section 244 of the Im-
migration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1254a), or 
is the son or daughter of an alien admitted as a non-
immigrant under subparagraph (E)(i), (E)(ii), 
(H)(i)(b), or (L) of section 101(a)(15) of such Act 
(8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)) if— 
(A) the alien has been continuously phys-
ically present in the United States since Janu-
ary 1, 2021; 
(B) the alien was 18 years of age or 
younger on the date on which the alien entered 
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the United States and has continuously resided 
in the United States since such entry; 
(C) the alien— 
(i) subject to paragraph (2), is not in-
admissible under paragraph (1), (6)(E), 
(6)(G), (8), or (10) of section 212(a) of 
the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 
U.S.C. 1182(a)); 
(ii) has not ordered, incited, assisted, 
or otherwise participated in the persecution 
of any person on account of race, religion, 
nationality, membership in a particular so-
cial group, or political opinion; and 
(iii) is not barred from adjustment of 
status under this title based on the crimi-
nal and national security grounds de-
scribed under subsection (c), subject to the 
provisions of such subsection; and 
(D) the alien— 
(i) has been admitted to an institution 
of higher education; 
(ii) has been admitted to an area ca-
reer and technical education school at the 
postsecondary level; 
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(iii) in the United States, has ob-
tained— 
(I) a high school diploma or a 
commensurate alternative award from 
a public or private high school; 
(II) a General Education Devel-
opment credential, a high school 
equivalency diploma recognized under 
State law, or another similar State- 
authorized credential; 
(III) a credential or certificate 
from an area career and technical 
education school at the secondary 
level; or 
(IV) a recognized postsecondary 
credential; or 
(iv) is enrolled in secondary school or 
in an education program assisting students 
in— 
(I) obtaining a high school di-
ploma or its recognized equivalent 
under State law; 
(II) passing the General Edu-
cation Development test, a high school 
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equivalence diploma examination, or 
other similar State-authorized exam; 
(III) obtaining a certificate or 
credential from an area career and 
technical education school providing 
education at the secondary level; or 
(IV) obtaining a recognized post-
secondary credential. 
(2) 
WAIVER
OF
GROUNDS
OF
INADMIS-
SIBILITY.—With respect to any benefit under this 
title, and in addition to the waivers under subsection 
(c)(2), the Secretary may waive the grounds of inad-
missibility under paragraph (1), (6)(E), (6)(G), or 
(10)(D) of section 212(a) of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)) for humanitarian 
purposes, for family unity, or because the waiver is 
otherwise in the public interest. 
(3) APPLICATION FEE.— 
(A) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary may, 
subject to an exemption under section 303(c), 
require an alien applying under this section to 
pay a reasonable fee that is commensurate with 
the cost of processing the application but does 
not exceed $495.00. 
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(B) SPECIAL
PROCEDURES
FOR
APPLI-
CANTS WITH DACA.—The Secretary shall estab-
lish a streamlined procedure for aliens who have 
been granted DACA and who meet the require-
ments for renewal (under the terms of the pro-
gram in effect on January 1, 2017) to apply for 
adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully 
admitted for permanent residence on a condi-
tional basis under this section, or without the 
conditional 
basis 
as 
provided 
in 
section 
104(c)(2). Such procedure shall not include a 
requirement that the applicant pay a fee, except 
that the Secretary may require an applicant 
who meets the requirements for lawful perma-
nent residence without the conditional basis 
under section 104(c)(2) to pay a fee that is 
commensurate with the cost of processing the 
application, subject to the exemption under sec-
tion 303(c). 
(4) BACKGROUND
CHECKS.—The Secretary 
may not grant an alien permanent resident status on 
a conditional basis under this section until the re-
quirements of section 302 are satisfied. 
(5) MILITARY SELECTIVE SERVICE.—An alien 
applying for permanent resident status on a condi-
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tional basis under this section, or without the condi-
tional basis as provided in section 104(c)(2), shall 
establish that the alien has registered under the 
Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. 3801 et 
seq.), if the alien is subject to registration under 
such Act. 
(c) CRIMINAL AND NATIONAL SECURITY BARS.— 
(1) GROUNDS
OF
INELIGIBILITY.—Except as 
provided in paragraph (2), an alien is ineligible for 
adjustment of status under this title (whether on a 
conditional basis or without the conditional basis as 
provided in section 104(c)(2)) if any of the following 
apply: 
(A) The alien is inadmissible under para-
graph (2) or (3) of section 212(a) of the Immi-
gration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)). 
(B) Excluding any offense under State law 
for which an essential element is the alien’s im-
migration status, and any minor traffic offense, 
the alien has been convicted of— 
(i) any felony offense; 
(ii) three or more misdemeanor of-
fenses (excluding simple possession of can-
nabis or cannabis-related paraphernalia, 
any offense involving cannabis or cannabis- 
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related paraphernalia which is no longer 
prosecutable in the State in which the con-
viction was entered, and any offense involv-
ing civil disobedience without violence) not 
occurring on the same date, and not aris-
ing out of the same act, omission, or 
scheme of misconduct; or 
(iii) a misdemeanor offense of domes-
tic violence, unless the alien demonstrates 
that such crime is related to the alien hav-
ing been— 
(I) a victim of domestic violence, 
sexual assault, stalking, child abuse or 
neglect, abuse or neglect in later life, 
or human trafficking; 
(II) battered or subjected to ex-
treme cruelty; or 
(III) a victim of criminal activity 
described in section 101(a)(15)(U)(iii) 
of the Immigration and Nationality 
Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(U)(iii)). 
(2) WAIVERS FOR CERTAIN MISDEMEANORS.— 
For humanitarian purposes, family unity, or if oth-
erwise in the public interest, the Secretary may— 
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(A) waive the grounds of inadmissibility 
under subparagraphs (A), (C), and (D) of sec-
tion 212(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nation-
ality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(2)), unless the con-
viction forming the basis for inadmissibility 
would otherwise render the alien ineligible 
under paragraph (1)(B) (subject to subpara-
graph (B)); and 
(B) for purposes of clauses (ii) and (iii) of 
paragraph (1)(B), waive consideration of— 
(i) one misdemeanor offense if the 
alien has not been convicted of any offense 
in the 5-year period preceding the date on 
which the alien applies for adjustment of 
status under this title; or 
(ii) up to two misdemeanor offenses if 
the alien has not been convicted of any of-
fense in the 10-year period preceding the 
date on which the alien applies for adjust-
ment of status under this title. 
(3) AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT SECONDARY RE-
VIEW.— 
(A) IN
GENERAL.—Notwithstanding an 
alien’s eligibility for adjustment of status under 
this title, and subject to the procedures de-
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scribed in this paragraph, the Secretary may, 
as a matter of non-delegable discretion, provi-
sionally deny an application for adjustment of 
status (whether on a conditional basis or with-
out the conditional basis as provided in section 
104(c)(2)) if the Secretary, based on clear and 
convincing evidence, which shall include credible 
law enforcement information, determines that 
the alien is described in subparagraph (B) or 
(D). 
(B) PUBLIC
SAFETY.—An alien is de-
scribed in this subparagraph if— 
(i) excluding simple possession of can-
nabis or cannabis-related paraphernalia, 
any offense involving cannabis or cannabis- 
related paraphernalia which is no longer 
prosecutable in the State in which the con-
viction was entered, any offense under 
State law for which an essential element is 
the alien’s immigration status, any offense 
involving civil disobedience without vio-
lence, and any minor traffic offense, the 
alien— 
(I) has been convicted of a mis-
demeanor offense punishable by a 
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term of imprisonment of more than 
30 days; or 
(II) has been adjudicated delin-
quent in a State or local juvenile court 
proceeding that resulted in a disposi-
tion ordering placement in a secure 
facility; and 
(ii) the alien poses a significant and 
continuing threat to public safety related 
to such conviction or adjudication. 
(C) PUBLIC
SAFETY
DETERMINATION.— 
For purposes of subparagraph (B)(ii), the Sec-
retary shall consider the recency of the convic-
tion or adjudication; the length of any imposed 
sentence or placement; the nature and serious-
ness of the conviction or adjudication, including 
whether the elements of the offense include the 
unlawful possession or use of a deadly weapon 
to commit an offense or other conduct intended 
to cause serious bodily injury; and any miti-
gating factors pertaining to the alien’s role in 
the commission of the offense. 
(D) GANG
PARTICIPATION.—An alien is 
described in this subparagraph if the alien has, 
within the 5 years immediately preceding the 
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date of the application, knowingly, willfully, and 
voluntarily participated in offenses committed 
by a criminal street gang (as described in sub-
sections (a) and (c) of section 521 of title 18, 
United States Code) with the intent to promote 
or further the commission of such offenses. 
(E) EVIDENTIARY LIMITATION.—For pur-
poses of subparagraph (D), allegations of gang 
membership obtained from a State or Federal 
in-house or local database, or a network of 
databases used for the purpose of recording and 
sharing activities of alleged gang members 
across law enforcement agencies, shall not es-
tablish the participation described in such para-
graph. 
(F) NOTICE.— 
(i) IN GENERAL.—Prior to rendering 
a discretionary decision under this para-
graph, the Secretary shall provide written 
notice of the intent to provisionally deny 
the application to the alien (or the alien’s 
counsel of record, if any) by certified mail 
and, if an electronic mail address is pro-
vided, by electronic mail (or other form of 
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electronic communication). Such notice 
shall— 
(I) articulate with specificity all 
grounds for the preliminary deter-
mination, including the evidence relied 
upon to support the determination; 
and 
(II) provide the alien with not 
less than 90 days to respond. 
(ii) SECOND NOTICE.—Not more than 
30 days after the issuance of the notice 
under clause (i), the Secretary shall pro-
vide a second written notice that meets the 
requirements of such clause. 
(iii) NOTICE
NOT
RECEIVED.—Not-
withstanding any other provision of law, if 
an applicant provides good cause for not 
contesting a provisional denial under this 
paragraph, including a failure to receive 
notice as required under this subpara-
graph, the Secretary shall, upon a motion 
filed by the alien, reopen an application for 
adjustment of status under this title and 
allow the applicant an opportunity to re-
spond, consistent with clause (i)(II). 
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(G) JUDICIAL REVIEW OF A PROVISIONAL 
DENIAL.— 
(i) IN
GENERAL.—Notwithstanding 
any other provision of law, if, after notice 
and the opportunity to respond under sub-
paragraph (F), the Secretary provisionally 
denies an application for adjustment of 
status under this Act, the alien shall have 
60 days from the date of the Secretary’s 
determination to seek review of such deter-
mination in an appropriate United States 
district court. 
(ii) SCOPE
OF
REVIEW
AND
DECI-
SION.—Notwithstanding any other provi-
sion of law, review under paragraph (1) 
shall be de novo and based solely on the 
administrative record, except that the ap-
plicant shall be given the opportunity to 
supplement the administrative record and 
the Secretary shall be given the oppor-
tunity to rebut the evidence and arguments 
raised in such submission. Upon issuing its 
decision, the court shall remand the mat-
ter, with appropriate instructions, to the 
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Department of Homeland Security to 
render a final decision on the application. 
(iii) APPOINTED COUNSEL.—Notwith-
standing any other provision of law, an ap-
plicant seeking judicial review under clause 
(i) shall be represented by counsel. Upon 
the request of the applicant, counsel shall 
be appointed for the applicant, in accord-
ance with procedures to be established by 
the Attorney General within 90 days of the 
date of the enactment of this Act, and 
shall be funded in accordance with fees col-
lected and deposited in the Immigration 
Counsel Account under section 312. 
(4) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this sub-
section— 
(A) the term ‘‘felony offense’’ means an of-
fense under Federal or State law that is pun-
ishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of 
more than 1 year; 
(B) the term ‘‘misdemeanor offense’’ 
means an offense under Federal or State law 
that is punishable by a term of imprisonment of 
more than 5 days but not more than 1 year; 
and 
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(C) the term ‘‘crime of domestic violence’’ 
means any offense that has as an element the 
use, attempted use, or threatened use of phys-
ical force against a person committed by a cur-
rent or former spouse of the person, by an indi-
vidual with whom the person shares a child in 
common, by an individual who is cohabiting 
with or has cohabited with the person as a 
spouse, by an individual similarly situated to a 
spouse of the person under the domestic or 
family violence laws of the jurisdiction where 
the offense occurs, or by any other individual 
against a person who is protected from that in-
dividual’s acts under the domestic or family vio-
lence laws of the United States or any State, 
Indian Tribal government, or unit of local gov-
ernment. 
(d) LIMITATION ON REMOVAL OF CERTAIN ALIEN 
MINORS.—An alien who is 18 years of age or younger and 
meets the requirements under subparagraphs (A), (B), 
and (C) of subsection (b)(1) shall be provided a reasonable 
opportunity to meet the educational requirements under 
subparagraph (D) of such subsection. The Attorney Gen-
eral or the Secretary may not commence or continue with 
removal proceedings against such an alien. 
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(e) WITHDRAWAL OF APPLICATION.—The Secretary 
shall, upon receipt of a request to withdraw an application 
for adjustment of status under this section, cease proc-
essing of the application, and close the case. Withdrawal 
of the application under this subsection shall not prejudice 
any future application filed by the applicant for any immi-
gration benefit under this title or under the Immigration 
and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.). 
SEC. 103. TERMS OF PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS ON A 
CONDITIONAL BASIS. 
(a) PERIOD OF STATUS.—Permanent resident status 
on a conditional basis is— 
(1) valid for a period of 10 years, unless such 
period is extended by the Secretary; and 
(2) subject to revocation under subsection (c). 
(b) NOTICE OF REQUIREMENTS.—At the time an 
alien obtains permanent resident status on a conditional 
basis, the Secretary shall provide notice to the alien re-
garding the provisions of this title and the requirements 
to have the conditional basis of such status removed. 
(c) REVOCATION OF STATUS.—The Secretary may 
revoke the permanent resident status on a conditional 
basis of an alien only if the Secretary— 
(1) determines that the alien ceases to meet the 
requirements under section 102(b)(1)(C); and 
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(2) prior to the revocation, provides the alien— 
(A) notice of the proposed revocation; and 
(B) the opportunity for a hearing to pro-
vide evidence that the alien meets such require-
ments or otherwise to contest the proposed rev-
ocation. 
(d) RETURN TO PREVIOUS IMMIGRATION STATUS.— 
An alien whose permanent resident status on a conditional 
basis expires under subsection (a)(1) or is revoked under 
subsection (c), shall return to the immigration status that 
the alien had immediately before receiving permanent resi-
dent status on a conditional basis. 
SEC. 104. REMOVAL OF CONDITIONAL BASIS OF PERMA-
NENT RESIDENT STATUS. 
(a) ELIGIBILITY
FOR REMOVAL
OF CONDITIONAL 
BASIS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), 
the Secretary shall remove the conditional basis of 
an alien’s permanent resident status granted under 
this title and grant the alien status as an alien law-
fully admitted for permanent residence if the alien— 
(A) is described in section 102(b)(1)(C); 
(B) has not abandoned the alien’s resi-
dence in the United States during the period in 
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which the alien has permanent resident status 
on a conditional basis; and 
(C)(i) has obtained a degree from an insti-
tution of higher education, or has completed at 
least 2 years, in good standing, of a program in 
the United States leading to a bachelor’s degree 
or higher degree or a recognized postsecondary 
credential from an area career and technical 
education school providing education at the 
postsecondary level; 
(ii) has served in the Uniformed Services 
for at least 2 years and, if discharged, received 
an honorable discharge; or 
(iii) demonstrates earned income for peri-
ods totaling at least 3 years and at least 75 
percent of the time that the alien has had a 
valid employment authorization, except that, in 
the case of an alien who was enrolled in an in-
stitution of higher education, an area career 
and technical education school to obtain a rec-
ognized postsecondary credential, or an edu-
cation 
program 
described 
in 
section 
102(b)(1)(D)(iii), the Secretary shall reduce 
such total 3-year requirement by the total of 
such periods of enrollment. 
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(2) HARDSHIP
EXCEPTION.—The Secretary 
shall remove the conditional basis of an alien’s per-
manent resident status and grant the alien status as 
an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence 
if the alien— 
(A) satisfies the requirements under sub-
paragraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1); 
(B) demonstrates compelling circumstances 
for the inability to satisfy the requirements 
under subparagraph (C) of such paragraph; and 
(C) demonstrates that— 
(i) the alien has a disability; 
(ii) the alien is a full-time caregiver; 
or 
(iii) the removal of the alien from the 
United States would result in hardship to 
the alien or the alien’s spouse, parent, or 
child who is a national of the United 
States or is lawfully admitted for perma-
nent residence. 
(3) CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENT.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in 
subparagraph (B), the conditional basis of an 
alien’s permanent resident status granted under 
this title may not be removed unless the alien 
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demonstrates that the alien satisfies the re-
quirements under section 312(a) of the Immi-
gration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1423(a)). 
(B) EXCEPTION.—Subparagraph (A) shall 
not apply to an alien who is unable to meet the 
requirements under such section 312(a) due to 
disability. 
(4) APPLICATION
FEE.—The Secretary may, 
subject to an exemption under section 303(c), re-
quire aliens applying for removal of the conditional 
basis of an alien’s permanent resident status under 
this section to pay a reasonable fee that is commen-
surate with the cost of processing the application. 
(5) BACKGROUND
CHECKS.—The Secretary 
may not remove the conditional basis of an alien’s 
permanent resident status until the requirements of 
section 302 are satisfied. 
(b) TREATMENT FOR PURPOSES OF NATURALIZA-
TION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of title III of 
the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1401 
et seq.), an alien granted permanent resident status 
on a conditional basis shall be considered to have 
been admitted to the United States, and be present 
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in the United States, as an alien lawfully admitted 
for permanent residence. 
(2) LIMITATION ON APPLICATION FOR NATU-
RALIZATION.—An alien may not apply for natu-
ralization while the alien is in permanent resident 
status on a conditional basis. 
(c) TIMING OF APPROVAL OF LAWFUL PERMANENT 
RESIDENT STATUS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—An alien granted permanent 
resident status on a conditional basis under this title 
may apply to have such conditional basis removed at 
any time after such alien has met the eligibility re-
quirements set forth in subsection (a). 
(2) APPROVAL WITH REGARD TO INITIAL APPLI-
CATIONS.— 
(A) IN
GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any 
other provision of law, the Secretary or the At-
torney General shall adjust to the status of an 
alien lawfully admitted for permanent resident 
status without conditional basis, any alien 
who— 
(i) demonstrates eligibility for lawful 
permanent residence status on a condi-
tional basis under section 102(b); and 
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(ii) subject to the exceptions described 
in subsections (a)(2) and (a)(3)(B) of this 
section, already has fulfilled the require-
ments of paragraphs (1) and (3) of sub-
section (a) of this section at the time such 
alien first submits an application for bene-
fits under this title. 
(B) BACKGROUND
CHECKS.—Subsection 
(a)(5) shall apply to an alien seeking lawful 
permanent resident status without conditional 
basis in an initial application in the same man-
ner as it applies to an alien seeking removal of 
the conditional basis of an alien’s permanent 
resident status. Section 102(b)(4) shall not be 
construed to require the Secretary to conduct 
more than one identical security or law enforce-
ment background check on such an alien. 
(C) APPLICATION FEES.—In the case of an 
alien seeking lawful permanent resident status 
without conditional basis in an initial applica-
tion, the alien shall pay the fee required under 
subsection (a)(4), subject to the exemption al-
lowed under section 303(c), but shall not be re-
quired to pay the application fee under section 
102(b)(3). 
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SEC. 105. RESTORATION OF STATE OPTION TO DETERMINE 
RESIDENCY FOR PURPOSES OF HIGHER EDU-
CATION BENEFITS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 505 of the Illegal Immi-
gration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 
(8 U.S.C. 1623) is repealed. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The repeal under subsection 
(a) shall take effect as if included in the original enact-
ment of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant 
Responsibility Act of 1996 (division C of Public Law 104– 
208; 110 Stat. 3009–546). 
TITLE II—AMERICAN PROMISE 
ACT OF 2023 
SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE. 
This title may be cited as the ‘‘American Promise Act 
of 2023’’. 
SEC. 202. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FOR CERTAIN NATION-
ALS OF CERTAIN COUNTRIES DESIGNATED 
FOR TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS OR 
DEFERRED ENFORCED DEPARTURE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other provi-
sion of law, the Secretary or the Attorney General shall 
adjust to the status of an alien lawfully admitted for per-
manent residence, an alien described in subsection (b) if 
the alien— 
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(1) applies for such adjustment, including sub-
mitting any required documents under section 307, 
not later than 3 years after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act; 
(2) has been continuously physically present in 
the United States for a period of not less than 3 
years; and 
(3) subject to subsection (c), is not inadmissible 
under paragraph (1), (2), (3), (6)(D), (6)(E), 
(6)(F), (6)(G), (8), or (10) of section 212(a) of the 
Immigration 
and 
Nationality 
Act 
(8 
U.S.C. 
1182(a)). 
(b) ALIENS ELIGIBLE FOR ADJUSTMENT OF STA-
TUS.—An alien shall be eligible for adjustment of status 
under this section if the alien is an individual— 
(1) who— 
(A) is a national of a foreign state (or part 
thereof) (or in the case of an alien having no 
nationality, is a person who last habitually re-
sided in such state) with a designation under 
subsection (b) of section 244 of the Immigra-
tion and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)) 
on January 1, 2017, who had or was otherwise 
eligible for temporary protected status on such 
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date notwithstanding subsections (c)(1)(A)(iv) 
and (c)(3)(C) of such section; and 
(B) has not engaged in conduct since such 
date that would render the alien ineligible for 
temporary 
protected 
status 
under 
section 
244(c)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality 
Act (8 U.S.C. 1245a(c)(2)); or 
(2) who was eligible for Deferred Enforced De-
parture as of January 20, 2021, and has not en-
gaged in conduct since that date that would render 
the alien ineligible for Deferred Enforced Departure. 
(c) WAIVER OF GROUNDS OF INADMISSIBILITY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para-
graph (2), with respect to any benefit under this 
title, and in addition to any waivers that are other-
wise available, the Secretary may waive the grounds 
of inadmissibility under paragraph (1), subpara-
graphs (A), (C), and (D) of paragraph (2), subpara-
graphs (D) through (G) of paragraph (6), or para-
graph (10)(D) of section 212(a) of the Immigration 
and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)) for humani-
tarian purposes, for family unity, or because the 
waiver is otherwise in the public interest. 
(2) EXCEPTION.—The Secretary may not waive 
a ground described in paragraph (1) if such inad-
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missibility is based on a conviction or convictions, 
and such conviction or convictions would otherwise 
render 
the 
alien 
ineligible 
under 
section 
244(c)(2)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality 
Act (8 U.S.C. 1254a(c)(2)(B)). 
(d) APPLICATION.— 
(1) FEE.—The Secretary shall, subject to an 
exemption under section 303(c), require an alien ap-
plying for adjustment of status under this section to 
pay a reasonable fee that is commensurate with the 
cost of processing the application, but does not ex-
ceed $1,140. 
(2) BACKGROUND
CHECKS.—The Secretary 
may not grant an alien permanent resident status on 
a conditional basis under this section until the re-
quirements of section 302 are satisfied. 
(3) WITHDRAWAL OF APPLICATION.—The Sec-
retary of Homeland Security shall, upon receipt of 
a request to withdraw an application for adjustment 
of status under this section, cease processing of the 
application and close the case. Withdrawal of the ap-
plication under this subsection shall not prejudice 
any future application filed by the applicant for any 
immigration benefit under this title or under the Im-
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migration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et 
seq.). 
SEC. 203. CLARIFICATION. 
Section 244(f)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality 
Act (8 U.S.C. 1254a(f)(4)) is amended by inserting after 
‘‘considered’’ the following: ‘‘as having been inspected and 
admitted into the United States, and’’. 
TITLE III—GENERAL 
PROVISIONS 
SEC. 301. DEFINITIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—In this Act: 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as otherwise specifi-
cally provided, any term used in this Act that is 
used in the immigration laws shall have the meaning 
given such term in the immigration laws. 
(2) APPROPRIATE
UNITED
STATES
DISTRICT 
COURT.—The term ‘‘appropriate United States dis-
trict court’’ means the United States District Court 
for the District of Columbia or the United States 
district court with jurisdiction over the alien’s prin-
cipal place of residence. 
(3) AREA CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION 
SCHOOL.—The term ‘‘area career and technical edu-
cation school’’ has the meaning given such term in 
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section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Tech-
nical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302). 
(4) DACA.—The term ‘‘DACA’’ means de-
ferred action granted to an alien pursuant to the 
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy an-
nounced by the Secretary of Homeland Security on 
June 15, 2012. 
(5) DISABILITY.—The term ‘‘disability’’ has the 
meaning given such term in section 3(1) of the 
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 
12102(1)). 
(6) FEDERAL POVERTY LINE.—The term ‘‘Fed-
eral poverty line’’ has the meaning given such term 
in section 213A(h) of the Immigration and Nation-
ality Act (8 U.S.C. 1183a). 
(7) HIGH SCHOOL; SECONDARY SCHOOL.—The 
terms ‘‘high school’’ and ‘‘secondary school’’ have 
the meanings given such terms in section 8101 of 
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). 
(8) IMMIGRATION LAWS.—The term ‘‘immigra-
tion laws’’ has the meaning given such term in sec-
tion 101(a)(17) of the Immigration and Nationality 
Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(17)). 
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(9) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.—The 
term ‘‘institution of higher education’’— 
(A) except as provided in subparagraph 
(B), has the meaning given such term in section 
102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
U.S.C. 1002); and 
(B) does not include an institution of high-
er education outside of the United States. 
(10) RECOGNIZED
POSTSECONDARY
CREDEN-
TIAL.—The term ‘‘recognized postsecondary creden-
tial’’ has the meaning given such term in section 3 
of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
(29 U.S.C. 3102). 
(11) SECRETARY.—Except as otherwise specifi-
cally provided, the term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Sec-
retary of Homeland Security. 
(12) UNIFORMED SERVICES.—The term ‘‘Uni-
formed Services’’ has the meaning given the term 
‘‘uniformed services’’ in section 101(a) of title 10, 
United States Code. 
(b) TREATMENT OF EXPUNGED CONVICTIONS.—For 
purposes of adjustment of status under this Act, the terms 
‘‘convicted’’ and ‘‘conviction’’, as used in this Act and in 
sections 212 and 244 of the Immigration and Nationality 
Act (8 U.S.C. 1182, 1254a), do not include a judgment 
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that has been expunged or set aside, that resulted in a 
rehabilitative disposition, or the equivalent. 
SEC. 302. SUBMISSION OF BIOMETRIC AND BIOGRAPHIC 
DATA; BACKGROUND CHECKS. 
(a) SUBMISSION OF BIOMETRIC AND BIOGRAPHIC 
DATA.—The Secretary may not grant an alien adjustment 
of status under this Act, on either a conditional or perma-
nent basis, unless the alien submits biometric and bio-
graphic data, in accordance with procedures established 
by the Secretary. The Secretary shall provide an alter-
native procedure for aliens who are unable to provide such 
biometric or biographic data because of a physical impair-
ment. 
(b) BACKGROUND CHECKS.—The Secretary shall use 
biometric, biographic, and other data that the Secretary 
determines appropriate to conduct security and law en-
forcement background checks and to determine whether 
there is any criminal, national security, or other factor 
that would render the alien ineligible for adjustment of 
status under this Act, on either a conditional or perma-
nent basis. The status of an alien may not be adjusted, 
on either a conditional or permanent basis, unless security 
and law enforcement background checks are completed to 
the satisfaction of the Secretary. 
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SEC. 303. LIMITATION ON REMOVAL; APPLICATION AND 
FEE EXEMPTION; AND OTHER CONDITIONS 
ON ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS. 
(a) LIMITATION ON REMOVAL.—An alien who ap-
pears to be prima facie eligible for relief under this Act 
shall be given a reasonable opportunity to apply for such 
relief and may not be removed until, subject to section 
306(c)(2), a final decision establishing ineligibility for re-
lief is rendered. 
(b) APPLICATION.—An alien present in the United 
States who has been ordered removed or has been per-
mitted to depart voluntarily from the United States may, 
notwithstanding such order or permission to depart, apply 
for adjustment of status under this Act. Such alien shall 
not be required to file a separate motion to reopen, recon-
sider, or vacate the order of removal. If the Secretary ap-
proves the application, the Secretary shall cancel the order 
of removal. If the Secretary renders a final administrative 
decision to deny the application, the order of removal or 
permission to depart shall be effective and enforceable to 
the same extent as if the application had not been made, 
only after all available administrative and judicial rem-
edies have been exhausted. 
(c) FEE EXEMPTION.—An applicant may be exempt-
ed from paying an application fee required under this Act 
if the applicant— 
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(1) is 18 years of age or younger; 
(2) received total income, during the 12-month 
period immediately preceding the date on which the 
applicant files an application under this Act, that is 
less than 150 percent of the Federal poverty line; 
(3) is in foster care or otherwise lacks any pa-
rental or other familial support; or 
(4) cannot care for himself or herself because of 
a serious, chronic disability. 
(d) ADVANCE PAROLE.—During the period beginning 
on the date on which an alien applies for adjustment of 
status under this Act and ending on the date on which 
the Secretary makes a final decision regarding such appli-
cation, the alien shall be eligible to apply for advance pa-
role. Section 101(g) of the Immigration and Nationality 
Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(g)) shall not apply to an alien granted 
advance parole under this Act. 
(e) EMPLOYMENT.—An alien whose removal is stayed 
pursuant to this Act, who may not be placed in removal 
proceedings pursuant to this Act, or who has pending an 
application under this Act, shall, upon application to the 
Secretary, be granted an employment authorization docu-
ment. 
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SEC. 304. DETERMINATION OF CONTINUOUS PRESENCE 
AND RESIDENCE. 
(a) EFFECT OF NOTICE TO APPEAR.—Any period of 
continuous physical presence or continuous residence in 
the United States of an alien who applies for permanent 
resident status under this Act (whether on a conditional 
basis or without the conditional basis as provided in sec-
tion 104(c)(2)) shall not terminate when the alien is 
served a notice to appear under section 239(a) of the Im-
migration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1229(a)). 
(b) TREATMENT OF CERTAIN BREAKS IN PRESENCE 
OR RESIDENCE.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para-
graphs (2) and (3), an alien shall be considered to 
have failed to maintain— 
(A) continuous physical presence in the 
United States under this Act if the alien has 
departed from the United States for any period 
exceeding 90 days or for any periods, in the ag-
gregate, exceeding 180 days; and 
(B) continuous residence in the United 
States under this Act if the alien has departed 
from the United States for any period exceeding 
180 days, unless the alien establishes to the 
satisfaction of the Secretary of Homeland Secu-
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rity that the alien did not in fact abandon resi-
dence in the United States during such period. 
(2) EXTENSIONS
FOR
EXTENUATING
CIR-
CUMSTANCES.—The Secretary may extend the time 
periods described in paragraph (1) for an alien who 
demonstrates that the failure to timely return to the 
United States was due to extenuating circumstances 
beyond the alien’s control, including— 
(A) the serious illness of the alien; 
(B) death or serious illness of a parent, 
grandparent, sibling, or child of the alien; 
(C) processing delays associated with the 
application process for a visa or other travel 
document; or 
(D) restrictions on international travel due 
to the public health emergency declared by the 
Secretary of Health and Human Services under 
section 319 of the Public Health Service Act 
(42 U.S.C. 247d) with respect to COVID–19. 
(3) 
TRAVEL
AUTHORIZED
BY
THE
SEC-
RETARY.—Any period of travel outside of the United 
States by an alien that was authorized by the Sec-
retary may not be counted toward any period of de-
parture from the United States under paragraph 
(1). 
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(c) WAIVER OF PHYSICAL PRESENCE.—With respect 
to aliens who were removed or departed the United States 
on or after January 20, 2017, and who were continuously 
physically present in the United States for at least 4 years 
prior to such removal or departure, the Secretary may, 
as a matter of discretion, waive the physical presence re-
quirement 
under 
section 
102(b)(1)(A) 
or 
section 
202(a)(2) for humanitarian purposes, for family unity, or 
because a waiver is otherwise in the public interest. The 
Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State, 
shall establish a procedure for such aliens to apply for re-
lief under section 102 or 202 from outside the United 
States if they would have been eligible for relief under 
such section, but for their removal or departure. 
SEC. 305. EXEMPTION FROM NUMERICAL LIMITATIONS. 
Nothing in this Act or in any other law may be con-
strued to apply a numerical limitation on the number of 
aliens who may be granted permanent resident status 
under this Act (whether on a conditional basis, or without 
the conditional basis as provided in section 104(c)(2)). 
SEC. 306. AVAILABILITY OF ADMINISTRATIVE AND JUDI-
CIAL REVIEW. 
(a) ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW.—Not later than 30 
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary shall provide to aliens who have applied for adjust-
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ment of status under this Act a process by which an appli-
cant may seek administrative appellate review of a denial 
of an application for adjustment of status, or a revocation 
of such status. 
(b) JUDICIAL REVIEW.—Except as provided in sub-
section (c), and notwithstanding any other provision of 
law, an alien may seek judicial review of a denial of an 
application for adjustment of status, or a revocation of 
such status, under this Act in an appropriate United 
States district court. 
(c) STAY OF REMOVAL.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para-
graph (2), an alien seeking administrative or judicial 
review under this Act may not be removed from the 
United States until a final decision is rendered es-
tablishing that the alien is ineligible for adjustment 
of status under this Act. 
(2) EXCEPTION.—The Secretary may remove 
an alien described in paragraph (1) pending judicial 
review if such removal is based on criminal or na-
tional security grounds described in this Act. Such 
removal shall not affect the alien’s right to judicial 
review under this Act. The Secretary shall promptly 
return a removed alien if a decision to deny an ap-
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plication for adjustment of status under this Act, or 
to revoke such status, is reversed. 
SEC. 307. DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS. 
(a) DOCUMENTS
ESTABLISHING
IDENTITY.—An 
alien’s application for permanent resident status under 
this Act (whether on a conditional basis, or without the 
conditional basis as provided in section 104(c)(2)) may in-
clude, as evidence of identity, the following: 
(1) A passport or national identity document 
from the alien’s country of origin that includes the 
alien’s name and the alien’s photograph or finger-
print. 
(2) The alien’s birth certificate and an identity 
card that includes the alien’s name and photograph. 
(3) A school identification card that includes 
the alien’s name and photograph, and school records 
showing the alien’s name and that the alien is or 
was enrolled at the school. 
(4) A Uniformed Services identification card 
issued by the Department of Defense. 
(5) Any immigration or other document issued 
by the United States Government bearing the alien’s 
name and photograph. 
(6) A State-issued identification card bearing 
the alien’s name and photograph. 
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(7) Any other evidence determined to be cred-
ible by the Secretary. 
(b) DOCUMENTS ESTABLISHING ENTRY, CONTIN-
UOUS PHYSICAL PRESENCE, LACK OF ABANDONMENT OF 
RESIDENCE.—To establish that an alien was 18 years of 
age or younger on the date on which the alien entered 
the United States, and has continuously resided in the 
United States since such entry, as required under section 
102(b)(1)(B), that an alien has been continuously phys-
ically present in the United States, as required under sec-
tion 102(b)(1)(A) or 202(a)(2), or that an alien has not 
abandoned residence in the United States, as required 
under section 104(a)(1)(B), the alien may submit the fol-
lowing forms of evidence: 
(1) 
Passport 
entries, 
including 
admission 
stamps on the alien’s passport. 
(2) Any document from the Department of Jus-
tice or the Department of Homeland Security noting 
the alien’s date of entry into the United States. 
(3) Records from any educational institution 
the alien has attended in the United States. 
(4) Employment records of the alien that in-
clude the employer’s name and contact information, 
or other records demonstrating earned income. 
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(5) Records of service from the Uniformed 
Services. 
(6) Official records from a religious entity con-
firming the alien’s participation in a religious cere-
mony. 
(7) A birth certificate for a child who was born 
in the United States. 
(8) Hospital or medical records showing med-
ical treatment or hospitalization, the name of the 
medical facility or physician, and the date of the 
treatment or hospitalization. 
(9) Automobile license receipts or registration. 
(10) Deeds, mortgages, or rental agreement 
contracts. 
(11) Rent receipts or utility bills bearing the 
alien’s name or the name of an immediate family 
member of the alien, and the alien’s address. 
(12) Tax receipts. 
(13) Insurance policies. 
(14) Remittance records, including copies of 
money order receipts sent in or out of the country. 
(15) Travel records. 
(16) Dated bank transactions. 
(17) Two or more sworn affidavits from individ-
uals who are not related to the alien who have direct 
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knowledge of the alien’s continuous physical pres-
ence in the United States, that contain— 
(A) the name, address, and telephone num-
ber of the affiant; and 
(B) the nature and duration of the rela-
tionship between the affiant and the alien. 
(18) Any other evidence determined to be cred-
ible by the Secretary. 
(c) DOCUMENTS ESTABLISHING ADMISSION TO AN 
INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.—To establish that 
an alien has been admitted to an institution of higher edu-
cation, the alien may submit to the Secretary a document 
from the institution of higher education certifying that the 
alien— 
(1) has been admitted to the institution; or 
(2) is currently enrolled in the institution as a 
student. 
(d) DOCUMENTS ESTABLISHING RECEIPT OF A DE-
GREE FROM AN INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.— 
To establish that an alien has acquired a degree from an 
institution of higher education in the United States, the 
alien may submit to the Secretary a diploma or other doc-
ument from the institution stating that the alien has re-
ceived such a degree. 
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(e) DOCUMENTS ESTABLISHING RECEIPT OF A HIGH 
SCHOOL DIPLOMA, GENERAL EDUCATIONAL DEVELOP-
MENT CREDENTIAL, OR A RECOGNIZED EQUIVALENT.— 
To establish that in the United States an alien has earned 
a high school diploma or a commensurate alternative 
award from a public or private high school, has obtained 
the General Education Development credential, or other-
wise has satisfied section 102(b)(1)(D)(iii), the alien may 
submit to the Secretary the following: 
(1) A high school diploma, certificate of comple-
tion, or other alternate award. 
(2) A high school equivalency diploma or certifi-
cate recognized under State law. 
(3) Evidence that the alien passed a State-au-
thorized exam, including the General Education De-
velopment test, in the United States. 
(4) Evidence that the alien successfully com-
pleted an area career and technical education pro-
gram, such as a certification, certificate, or similar 
alternate award. 
(5) Evidence that the alien obtained a recog-
nized postsecondary credential. 
(6) Any other evidence determined to be cred-
ible by the Secretary. 
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(f) DOCUMENTS ESTABLISHING ENROLLMENT IN AN 
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM.—To establish that an alien is 
enrolled in any school or education program described in 
section 102(b)(1)(D)(iv) or 104(a)(1)(C), the alien may 
submit school records from the United States school that 
the alien is currently attending that include— 
(1) the name of the school; and 
(2) the alien’s name, periods of attendance, and 
current grade or educational level. 
(g) DOCUMENTS ESTABLISHING EXEMPTION FROM 
APPLICATION FEES.—To establish that an alien is exempt 
from an application fee under this Act, the alien may sub-
mit to the Secretary the following relevant documents: 
(1) DOCUMENTS TO ESTABLISH AGE.—To es-
tablish that an alien meets an age requirement, the 
alien may provide proof of identity, as described in 
subsection (a), that establishes that the alien is 18 
years of age or younger. 
(2) DOCUMENTS TO ESTABLISH INCOME.—To 
establish the alien’s income, the alien may provide— 
(A) employment records or other records of 
earned income, including records that have been 
maintained by the Social Security Administra-
tion, the Internal Revenue Service, or any other 
Federal, State, or local government agency; 
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(B) bank records; or 
(C) at least two sworn affidavits from indi-
viduals who are not related to the alien and 
who have direct knowledge of the alien’s work 
and income that contain— 
(i) the name, address, and telephone 
number of the affiant; and 
(ii) the nature and duration of the re-
lationship between the affiant and the 
alien. 
(3) DOCUMENTS TO ESTABLISH FOSTER CARE, 
LACK OF FAMILIAL SUPPORT, OR SERIOUS, CHRONIC 
DISABILITY.—To establish that the alien is in foster 
care, lacks parental or familial support, or has a se-
rious, chronic disability, the alien may provide at 
least two sworn affidavits from individuals who are 
not related to the alien and who have direct knowl-
edge of the circumstances that contain— 
(A) a statement that the alien is in foster 
care, otherwise lacks any parental or other fa-
miliar support, or has a serious, chronic dis-
ability, as appropriate; 
(B) the name, address, and telephone num-
ber of the affiant; and 
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(C) the nature and duration of the rela-
tionship between the affiant and the alien. 
(h) DOCUMENTS ESTABLISHING QUALIFICATION FOR 
HARDSHIP EXEMPTION.—To establish that an alien satis-
fies one of the criteria for the hardship exemption set forth 
in section 104(a)(2)(C), the alien may submit to the Sec-
retary at least two sworn affidavits from individuals who 
are not related to the alien and who have direct knowledge 
of the circumstances that warrant the exemption, that 
contain— 
(1) the name, address, and telephone number of 
the affiant; and 
(2) the nature and duration of the relationship 
between the affiant and the alien. 
(i) DOCUMENTS ESTABLISHING SERVICE
IN
THE 
UNIFORMED SERVICES.—To establish that an alien has 
served in the Uniformed Services for at least 2 years and, 
if discharged, received an honorable discharge, the alien 
may submit to the Secretary— 
(1) a Department of Defense form DD–214; 
(2) a National Guard Report of Separation and 
Record of Service form 22; 
(3) personnel records for such service from the 
appropriate Uniformed Service; or 
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(4) health records from the appropriate Uni-
formed Service. 
(j) DOCUMENTS ESTABLISHING EARNED INCOME.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—An alien may satisfy the 
earned 
income 
requirement 
under 
section 
104(a)(1)(C)(iii) by submitting records that— 
(A) establish compliance with such require-
ment; and 
(B) have been maintained by the Social Se-
curity Administration, the Internal Revenue 
Service, or any other Federal, State, or local 
government agency. 
(2) OTHER DOCUMENTS.—An alien who is un-
able to submit the records described in paragraph 
(1) may satisfy the earned income requirement by 
submitting at least two types of reliable documents 
that provide evidence of employment or other forms 
of earned income, including— 
(A) bank records; 
(B) business records; 
(C) employer or contractor records; 
(D) records of a labor union, day labor 
center, or organization that assists workers in 
employment; 
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(E) sworn affidavits from individuals who 
are not related to the alien and who have direct 
knowledge of the alien’s work, that contain— 
(i) the name, address, and telephone 
number of the affiant; and 
(ii) the nature and duration of the re-
lationship between the affiant and the 
alien; 
(F) remittance records; or 
(G) any other evidence determined to be 
credible by the Secretary. 
(k) AUTHORITY TO PROHIBIT USE
OF CERTAIN 
DOCUMENTS.—If the Secretary determines, after publica-
tion in the Federal Register and an opportunity for public 
comment, that any document or class of documents does 
not reliably establish identity or that permanent resident 
status under this Act (whether on a conditional basis, or 
without the conditional basis as provided in section 
104(c)(2)) is being obtained fraudulently to an unaccept-
able degree, the Secretary may prohibit or restrict the use 
of such document or class of documents. 
SEC. 308. RULEMAKING. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall pub-
lish in the Federal Register interim final rules imple-
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menting this Act, which shall allow eligible individuals to 
immediately apply for relief under this Act. Notwith-
standing section 553 of title 5, United States Code, the 
regulation shall be effective, on an interim basis, imme-
diately upon publication, but may be subject to change and 
revision after public notice and opportunity for a period 
of public comment. The Secretary shall finalize such rules 
not later than 180 days after the date of publication. 
(b) PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT.—The require-
ments under chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, 
(commonly known as the ‘‘Paperwork Reduction Act’’) 
shall not apply to any action to implement this Act. 
SEC. 309. CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may not disclose 
or use information (including information provided during 
administrative or judicial review) provided in applications 
filed under this Act or in requests for DACA for the pur-
pose of immigration enforcement. 
(b) REFERRALS PROHIBITED.—The Secretary, based 
solely on information provided in an application for adjust-
ment of status under this Act (including information pro-
vided during administrative or judicial review) or an appli-
cation for DACA, may not refer an applicant to U.S. Im-
migration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and 
Border Protection, or any designee of either such entity. 
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(c) LIMITED
EXCEPTION.—Notwithstanding sub-
sections (a) and (b), information provided in an applica-
tion for adjustment of status under this Act may be 
shared with Federal security and law enforcement agen-
cies— 
(1) for assistance in the consideration of an ap-
plication for adjustment of status under this Act; 
(2) to identify or prevent fraudulent claims; 
(3) for national security purposes; or 
(4) for the investigation or prosecution of any 
felony offense not related to immigration status. 
(d) PENALTY.—Any person who knowingly uses, pub-
lishes, or permits information to be examined in violation 
of this section shall be fined not more than $10,000. 
SEC. 310. GRANT PROGRAM TO ASSIST ELIGIBLE APPLI-
CANTS. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall establish, 
within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, a pro-
gram to award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible 
nonprofit organizations that will use the funding to assist 
eligible applicants under this Act by providing them with 
the services described in subsection (b). 
(b) USE OF FUNDS.—Grant funds awarded under 
this section shall be used for the design and implementa-
tion of programs that provide— 
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