Title: USA Act of 2018
Policy area: Immigration

Summary:
Uniting and Securing America Act of 2018 or the USA Act of 2018
This bill provides conditional permanent resident status for an alien meeting specified requirements, including having entered the United States when younger than 18 years old and residing in the United States since December 31, 2013.
An individual may apply to have such conditional basis removed after meeting specified eligibility requirements.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall cancel the removal of, and adjust to the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence on a conditional basis, an individual who was granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, unless such individual has engaged in disqualifying conduct.
The bill repeals provisions that deny an unlawful alien eligibility for higher education benefits on the basis of residence within a state unless a U.S. citizen or national is eligible for such benefits without regard to whether such citizen or national is such a resident.
DHS shall: (1) deploy the most practical and effective technology available in order to achieve situational awareness and operational control along the U.S. border; (2) submit to Congress a comprehensive southern border strategy to achieve border control; and (3) begin eradicating the carrizo cane plant and salt cedar along the Rio Grande River.
DHS may construct new ports of entry along the northern and southern borders.
The bill establishes Operation Stonegarden in DHS to provide border security grants to law enforcement agencies in border or maritime border states that are involved in U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations
DHS shall establish a two-year grant program to improve emergency communications in the southern border region for individuals who are at risk of violence and lack cellular and LTE network service.
The number of immigration judges is increased.
The President shall designate a senior official to coordinate federal and international efforts to strengthen citizen security, the rule of law, and economic prosperity in Central America.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4796 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                H. R. 4796

  To provide relief from removal and adjustment of status of certain 
 individuals who are long-term United States residents and who entered 
    the United States before reaching the age of 18, improve border 
 security, foster United States engagement in Central America, and for 
                            other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            January 16, 2018

 Mr. Hurd (for himself, Mr. Aguilar, Mr. Upton, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, Mr. 
Dent, Mr. Amodei, Mr. Barton, Ms. Stefanik, Mr. Valadao, Mr. Faso, Mr. 
 Denham, Mr. Lance, Mr. Katko, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mrs. Love, Mrs. Brooks 
   of Indiana, Miss Gonzalez-Colon of Puerto Rico, Mr. Newhouse, Mr. 
  Stivers, Mr. Shuster, Mr. Costello of Pennsylvania, Mr. King of New 
 York, Mr. Knight, Mr. Reichert, Mr. Flores, Mr. Bacon, Ms. Sewell of 
  Alabama, Mr. Welch, Ms. Clarke of New York, Ms. Roybal-Allard, Ms. 
 Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico, Mr. O'Halleran, Mr. Crist, Mr. 
   Carbajal, Ms. Sinema, Ms. Rosen, Mr. Ruiz, Mr. Cuellar, Ms. Eddie 
 Bernice Johnson of Texas, Ms. Judy Chu of California, Mr. Peters, Mr. 
  Schneider, Ms. Lofgren, Mr. Gottheimer, Mrs. Bustos, Mr. Himes, Mr. 
Polis, Mr. Richmond, Miss Rice of New York, and Ms. DelBene) introduced 
    the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the 
  Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Homeland Security, 
Education and the Workforce, Energy and Commerce, and Foreign Affairs, 
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 provide relief from removal and adjustment of status of certain 
 individuals who are long-term United States residents and who entered 
    the United States before reaching the age of 18, improve border 
 security, foster United States engagement in Central America, and for 
                            other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 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 ``Uniting and 
Securing America Act of 2018'' or as the ``USA 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--ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS WHO ENTERED THE 
                       UNITED STATES AS CHILDREN

Sec. 101. Definitions.
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. Documentation requirements.
Sec. 106. Rulemaking.
Sec. 107. Confidentiality of information.
Sec. 108. Restoration of State option to determine residency for 
                            purposes of higher education benefits.
        TITLE II--SECURE MILES WITH ALL RESOURCES AND TECHNOLOGY

Sec. 201. Definitions.
                Subtitle A--Infrastructure and Equipment

Sec. 211. Strengthening the requirements for border security technology 
                            along the southern border.
Sec. 212. Comprehensive southern border strategy.
Sec. 213. Control or eradication of carrizo cane and salt cedar.
Sec. 214. Air and Marine Operations flight hours.
Sec. 215. Ports of entry infrastructure.
                           Subtitle B--Grants

Sec. 221. Operation Stonegarden.
Sec. 222. Southern border region emergency communications grant.
      TITLE III--REDUCING SIGNIFICANT DELAYS IN IMMIGRATION COURT

Sec. 301. Eliminate immigration court backlogs.
Sec. 302. Improved training for immigration judges and members of the 
                            Board of Immigration Appeals.
Sec. 303. New technology to improve court efficiency.
 TITLE IV--ADVANCING REFORMS IN CENTRAL AMERICA TO ADDRESS THE FACTORS 
                           DRIVING MIGRATION

Sec. 401. Definitions.
   Subtitle A--Effectively Coordinating United States Engagement in 
                            Central America

Sec. 411. United States coordinator for engagement in Central America.
  Subtitle B--Targeting Assistance to Appropriate Communities in the 
                           Northern Triangle

Sec. 421. Targeting assistance to appropriate communities.
     Subtitle C--Regional Millennium Challenge Corporation Compacts

Sec. 431. MCC compacts.
Subtitle D--United States Leadership for Engaging International Donors 
                              and Partners

Sec. 441. Requirement for strategy to secure support of international 
                            donors and partners.

 TITLE I--ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS WHO ENTERED THE 
                       UNITED STATES AS CHILDREN

SEC. 101. DEFINITIONS.

    In this title:
            (1) In general.--Except as otherwise specifically provided, 
        any term used in this title that is used in the immigration 
        laws shall have the meaning given such term in the immigration 
        laws.
            (2) DACA.--The term ``DACA'' means deferred action granted 
        to an alien pursuant to the Deferred Action for Childhood 
        Arrivals program announced by President Obama on June 15, 2012.
            (3) 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)).
            (4) Early childhood education program.--The term ``early 
        childhood education program'' has the meaning given such term 
        in section 103 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
        1003).
            (5) Elementary school; high school; secondary school.--The 
        terms ``elementary school'', ``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).
            (6) Immigration laws.--The term ``immigration laws'' has 
        the meaning given such term in section 101(a)(17) of the 
        Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(17)).
            (7) 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 higher 
                education outside of the United States.
            (8) Permanent resident status on a conditional basis.--The 
        term ``permanent resident status on a conditional basis'' means 
        status as an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence on 
        a conditional basis under this title.
            (9) Poverty line.--The term ``poverty line'' has the 
        meaning given such term in section 673 of the Community 
        Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902).
            (10) Secretary.--Except as otherwise specifically provided, 
        the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Homeland 
        Security.
            (11) Uniformed services.--The term ``Uniformed Services'' 
        has the meaning given the term ``uniformed services'' in 
        section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code.

SEC. 102. PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS ON A CONDITIONAL BASIS FOR CERTAIN 
              LONG-TERM RESIDENTS WHO ENTERED THE UNITED STATES AS 
              CHILDREN.

    (a) Conditional Basis for Status.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, and except as provided in subsection (c)(2) of 
section 104, 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 under this title.
    (b) Requirements.--
            (1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
        law, the Secretary shall cancel the removal of, and adjust to 
        the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent 
        residence on a conditional basis, or without such conditional 
        basis as provided in subsection (c)(2) of section 104, an alien 
        who is inadmissible or deportable from the United States or is 
        in temporary protected status under section 244 of the 
        Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1254a), if--
                    (A) the alien has been continuously physically 
                present in the United States since December 31, 2013;
                    (B) the alien was younger than 18 years of age on 
                the date on which the alien initially entered the 
                United States;
                    (C) subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the alien--
                            (i) is not inadmissible under paragraph 
                        (2), (3), (6)(E), (6)(G), (8), (10)(A), 
                        (10)(C), or (10)(D) of section 212(a) of the 
                        Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
                        1182(a));
                            (ii) has not ordered, incited, assisted, or 
                        otherwise participated in the persecution of 
                        any person on account of race, religion, 
                        nationality, membership in a particular social 
                        group, or political opinion; and
                            (iii) other than an offense under State or 
                        local law for which an essential element was 
                        the alien's immigration status, a minor traffic 
                        offense, or a violation of this title, has not 
                        been convicted of--
                                    (I) any offense under Federal or 
                                State law punishable by a maximum term 
                                of imprisonment of more than 1 year;
                                    (II) any combination of offenses 
                                under Federal or State law, for which 
                                the alien was sentenced to imprisonment 
                                for a total of more than 1 year; or
                                    (III) a crime of domestic violence 
                                (as such term is defined in section 
                                237(a)(2)(E)(i) of the Immigration and 
                                Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
                                1227(a)(2)(E)(i))), unless--
                                            (aa) the alien has filed an 
                                        application under section 
                                        101(a)(15)(T), 101(a)(15)(U), 
                                        106, or 240A(b)(2) of the 
                                        Immigration and Nationality Act 
                                        or section 244(a)(3) of such 
                                        Act (as in effect on March 31, 
                                        1997);
                                            (bb) the alien is a VAWA 
                                        self-petitioner for immigration 
                                        relief, as defined in section 
                                        101(a)(51) of the Immigration 
                                        and Nationality Act;
                                            (cc) the alien provides 
                                        evidence that the alien's crime 
                                        of domestic violence is related 
                                        to her or his having been a 
                                        victim herself or himself of 
                                        domestic violence, sexual 
                                        assault, stalking, child abuse 
                                        or neglect, elder abuse or 
                                        neglect, human trafficking, 
                                        having been battered or 
                                        subjected to extreme cruelty, 
                                        having been a victim of 
                                        criminal activity described in 
                                        section 101(a)(15)(U)(iii) of 
                                        the Immigration and Nationality 
                                        Act; or
                                            (dd) the alien is a witness 
                                        involved in a pending criminal 
                                        or government agency 
                                        investigation or prosecution 
                                        related to the crime of 
                                        domestic violence; and
                    (D) the alien--
                            (i) has been admitted to an institution of 
                        higher education;
                            (ii) has earned a high school diploma or a 
                        commensurate alternative award from a public or 
                        private high school, or has obtained a general 
                        education development certificate recognized 
                        under State law or a high school equivalency 
                        diploma in the United States; or
                            (iii) is enrolled in secondary school or in 
                        an education program assisting students in--
                                    (I) obtaining a regular high school 
                                diploma or its recognized equivalent 
                                under State law; or
                                    (II) in passing a general 
                                educational development exam, a high 
                                school equivalence diploma examination, 
                                or other similar State-authorized exam.
            (2) Waiver.--With respect to any benefit under this title, 
        the Secretary may waive subclauses (I), (II), and (III) of 
        subsection (b)(1)(C)(iii) of this section, and the grounds of 
        inadmissibility under paragraph (2), (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, family unity, or if 
        the waiver is otherwise in the public interest.
            (3) Treatment of expunged convictions.--For purposes of 
        cancellation of removal, adjustment to permanent resident 
        status on a conditional basis, or other adjustment of status, 
        the term ``conviction'' does not include an adjudication or 
        judgment of guilt that has been dismissed, expunged, deferred, 
        annulled, invalidated, withheld, sealed, vacated, pardoned, an 
        order of probation without entry of judgment, or any similar 
        rehabilitative disposition.
            (4) DACA recipients.--The Secretary shall cancel the 
        removal of, and adjust to the status of an alien lawfully 
        admitted for permanent residence on a conditional basis, an 
        alien who was granted DACA unless the alien has engaged in 
        conduct since the alien was granted DACA that would make the 
        alien ineligible for DACA.
            (5) Application fee.--
                    (A) In general.--The Secretary shall require an 
                alien applying for permanent resident status on a 
                conditional basis under this section to pay a 
                reasonable fee that is commensurate with the cost of 
                processing the application.
                    (B) Exemption.--An applicant may be exempted from 
                paying the fee required under subparagraph (A) if the 
                alien--
                            (i)(I) is younger than 18 years of age;
                            (II) received total income, during the 12-
                        month period immediately preceding the date on 
                        which the alien files an application under this 
                        section, that is less than 150 percent poverty 
                        line; and
                            (III) is in foster care or otherwise 
                        lacking any parental or other familial support;
                            (ii) is younger than 18 years of age and is 
                        homeless;
                            (iii)(I) cannot care for himself or herself 
                        because of a serious, chronic disability; and
                            (II) received total income, during the 12-
                        month period immediately preceding the date on 
                        which the alien files an application under this 
                        section, that is less than 150 percent of the 
                        poverty line; or
                            (iv)(I) during the 12-month period 
                        immediately preceding the date on which the 
                        alien files an application under this section, 
                        accumulated $10,000 or more in debt as a result 
                        of unreimbursed medical expenses incurred by 
                        the alien or an immediate family member of the 
                        alien; and
                            (II) received total income, during the 12-
                        month period immediately preceding the date on 
                        which the alien files an application under this 
                        section, that is less than 150 percent of the 
                        poverty line.
            (6) Submission of biometric and biographic data.--The 
        Secretary may not grant an alien permanent resident status on a 
        conditional basis under this section unless the alien submits 
        biometric and biographic data, in accordance with procedures 
        established by the Secretary. The Secretary shall provide an 
        alternative procedure for aliens who are unable to provide such 
        biometric or biographic data because of a physical impairment.
            (7) Background checks.--
                    (A) Requirement for background checks.--The 
                Secretary shall utilize biometric, biographic, and 
                other data that the Secretary determines appropriate--
                            (i) to conduct security and law enforcement 
                        background checks of an alien seeking permanent 
                        resident status on a conditional basis under 
                        this section; and
                            (ii) to determine whether there is any 
                        criminal, national security, or other factor 
                        that would render the alien ineligible for such 
                        status.
                    (B) Completion of background checks.--The security 
                and law enforcement background checks of an alien 
                required under subparagraph (A) shall be completed, to 
                the satisfaction of the Secretary, before the date on 
                which the Secretary grants such alien permanent 
                resident status on a conditional basis under this 
                section.
            (8) Medical examination.--
                    (A) Requirement.--An alien applying for permanent 
                resident status on a conditional basis under this 
                section shall undergo a medical examination.
                    (B) Policies and procedures.--The Secretary, with 
                the concurrence of the Secretary of Health and Human 
                Services, shall prescribe policies and procedures for 
                the nature and timing of the examination required under 
                subparagraph (A).
            (9) Military selective service.--An alien applying for 
        permanent resident status on a conditional basis under this 
        section 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) Determination of Continuous Presence.--
            (1) Termination of continuous period.--Any period of 
        continuous physical presence in the United States of an alien 
        who applies for permanent resident status on a conditional 
        basis under this section shall not terminate when the alien is 
        served a notice to appear under section 239(a) of the 
        Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1229(a)).
            (2) Treatment of certain breaks in presence.--
                    (A) In general.--Except as provided in 
                subparagraphs (B) and (C), an alien shall be considered 
                to have failed to maintain continuous physical presence 
                in the United States under subsection (b)(1)(A) if the 
                alien has departed from the United States for any 
                period exceeding 90 days or for any periods, in the 
                aggregate, exceeding 180 days.
                    (B) Extensions for extenuating circumstances.--The 
                Secretary may extend the time periods described in 
                subparagraph (A) 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 the serious illness of the alien, or 
                death or serious illness of a parent, grandparent, 
                sibling, or child of the alien.
                    (C) Travel authorized by the secretary.--Any period 
                of travel outside of the United States by an alien that 
                was authorized by the Secretary may not be counted 
                toward any period of departure from the United States 
                under subparagraph (A).
    (d) Limitation on Removal of Certain Aliens.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary or the Attorney General may 
        not remove an alien who appears prima facie eligible for relief 
        under this section.
            (2) Aliens subject to removal.--The Secretary shall provide 
        a reasonable opportunity to apply for relief under this section 
        to any alien who requests such an opportunity or who appears 
        prima facie eligible for relief under this section if the alien 
        is in removal proceedings, is the subject of a final removal 
        order, or is the subject of a voluntary departure order.
            (3) Certain aliens enrolled in elementary or secondary 
        school.--
                    (A) Stay of removal.--The Attorney General shall 
                stay the removal proceedings of an alien who--
                            (i) meets all the requirements under 
                        subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of subsection 
                        (b)(1), subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of 
                        such subsection;
                            (ii) is at least 5 years of age; and
                            (iii) is enrolled in an elementary school, 
                        a secondary school, or an early childhood 
                        education program.
                    (B) Commencement of removal proceedings.--The 
                Secretary may not commence removal proceedings for an 
                alien described in subparagraph (A).
                    (C) Employment.--An alien whose removal is stayed 
                pursuant to subparagraph (A) or who may not be placed 
                in removal proceedings pursuant to subparagraph (B) 
                shall, upon application to the Secretary, be granted an 
                employment authorization document.
                    (D) Lift of stay.--The Secretary or Attorney 
                General may not lift the stay granted to an alien under 
                subparagraph (A) unless the alien ceases to meet the 
                requirements under such subparagraph.
    (e) Exemption From Numerical Limitations.--Nothing in this section 
or in any other law may be construed to apply a numerical limitation on 
the number of aliens who may be granted permanent resident status, on a 
conditional basis or otherwise, under this title.

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 8 years, unless such period is 
        extended by the Secretary; and
            (2) subject to termination 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 regarding the provisions of this title and the 
requirements to have the conditional basis of such status removed.
    (c) Termination of Status.--The Secretary may terminate 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 paragraph (1)(C) of section 102(b), subject 
        to paragraphs (2) and (3) of that section; and
            (2) prior to the termination, provides the alien--
                    (A) notice of the proposed termination; and
                    (B) the opportunity for a hearing to provide 
                evidence that the alien meets such requirements or 
                otherwise contest the termination.
    (d) Return to Previous Immigration Status.--
            (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), an 
        alien whose permanent resident status on a conditional basis 
        expires under subsection (a)(1) or is terminated under 
        subsection (c) or whose application for such status is denied 
        shall return to the immigration status that the alien had 
        immediately before receiving permanent resident status on a 
        conditional basis or applying for such status, as appropriate.
            (2) Special rule for temporary protected status.--An alien 
        whose permanent resident status on a conditional basis expires 
        under subsection (a)(1) or is terminated under subsection (c) 
        or whose application for such status is denied and who had 
        temporary protected status under section 244 of the Immigration 
        and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1254a) immediately before 
        receiving or applying for such permanent resident status on a 
        conditional basis, as appropriate, may not return to such 
        temporary protected status if--
                    (A) the relevant designation under section 244(b) 
                of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
                1254a(b)) has been terminated; or
                    (B) the Secretary determines that the reason for 
                terminating the permanent resident status on a 
                conditional basis renders the alien ineligible for such 
                temporary protected status.

SEC. 104. REMOVAL OF CONDITIONAL BASIS OF PERMANENT 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 lawfully admitted for permanent residence if 
        the alien--
                    (A) is described in paragraph (1)(C) of section 
                102(b), subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of that 
                section;
                    (B) has not abandoned the alien's residence in the 
                United States; and
                    (C)(i) has acquired a degree from an institution of 
                higher education or has completed at least 2 years, in 
                good standing, in a postsecondary vocational program or 
                in a program for a bachelor's degree or higher degree 
                in the United States;
                    (ii) has served in the Uniformed Services for at 
                least the period for which the alien was obligated to 
                serve on active duty and, if discharged, received an 
                honorable discharge; or
                    (iii) has been employed for periods totaling at 
                least 3 years and at least 80 percent of the time that 
                the alien has had a valid employment authorization, 
                except that any period during which the alien is not 
                employed while having a valid employment authorization 
                and is enrolled in an institution of higher education, 
                a secondary school, or an education program described 
                in section 3(b)(1)(D)(iii), shall not count toward the 
                time requirements under this clause.
            (2) Hardship exception.--The Secretary shall remove the 
        conditional basis of an alien's permanent resident status and 
        grant the alien status as an alien lawfully admitted for 
        permanent residence if the alien--
                    (A) satisfies the requirements under subparagraphs 
                (A) and (B) of paragraph (1);
                    (B) demonstrates compelling circumstances for the 
                inability to satisfy the requirements under 
                subparagraph (C) of such paragraph; and
                    (C) demonstrates that--
                            (i) the alien has a disability;
                            (ii) the alien is a full-time caregiver of 
                        a minor child; or
                            (iii) the removal of the alien from the 
                        United States would result in extreme hardship 
                        to the alien or the alien's spouse, parent, or 
                        child who is a national of the United States or 
                        is lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
            (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 demonstrates that the alien 
                satisfies the requirements under section 312(a) of the 
                Immigration 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.--
                    (A) In general.--The Secretary shall require aliens 
                applying for lawful permanent resident status under 
                this section to pay a reasonable fee that is 
                commensurate with the cost of processing the 
                application.
                    (B) Exemption.--An applicant may be exempted from 
                paying the fee required under subparagraph (A) if the 
                alien--
                            (i)(I) is younger than 18 years of age;
                            (II) received total income, during the 12-
                        month period immediately preceding the date on 
                        which the alien files an application under this 
                        section, that is less than 150 percent of the 
                        poverty line; and
                            (III) is in foster care or otherwise 
                        lacking any parental or other familial support;
                            (ii) is younger than 18 years of age and is 
                        homeless;
                            (iii)(I) cannot care for himself or herself 
                        because of a serious, chronic disability; and
                            (II) received total income, during the 12-
                        month period immediately preceding the date on 
                        which the alien files an application under this 
                        section, that is less than 150 percent of the 
                        poverty line; or
                            (iv)(I) during the 12-month period 
                        immediately preceding the date on which the 
                        alien files an application under this section, 
                        the alien accumulated $10,000 or more in debt 
                        as a result of unreimbursed medical expenses 
                        incurred by the alien or an immediate family 
                        member of the alien; and
                            (II) received total income, during the 12-
                        month period immediately preceding the date on 
                        which the alien files an application under this 
                        section, that is less than 150 percent of the 
                        poverty line.
            (5) Submission of biometric and biographic data.--The 
        Secretary may not remove the conditional basis of an alien's 
        permanent resident status unless the alien submits biometric 
        and biographic data, in accordance with procedures established 
        by the Secretary. The Secretary shall provide an alternative 
        procedure for applicants who are unable to provide such 
        biometric data because of a physical impairment.
            (6) Background checks.--
                    (A) Requirement for background checks.--The 
                Secretary shall utilize biometric, biographic, and 
                other data that the Secretary determines appropriate--
                            (i) to conduct security and law enforcement 
                        background checks of an alien applying for 
                        removal of the conditional basis of the alien's 
                        permanent resident status; and
                            (ii) to determine whether there is any 
                        criminal, national security, or other factor 
                        that would render the alien ineligible for 
                        removal of such conditional basis.
                    (B) Completion of background checks.--The security 
                and law enforcement background checks of an alien 
                required under subparagraph (A) shall be completed, to 
                the satisfaction of the Secretary, before the date on 
                which the Secretary removes the conditional basis of 
                the alien's permanent resident status.
    (b) Treatment for Purposes of Naturalization.--
            (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 in the United States, as an alien lawfully 
        admitted for permanent residence.
            (2) Limitation on application for naturalization.--An alien 
        may not apply for naturalization while the alien is in 
        permanent resident status on a conditional basis.
    (c) Timing of Approval of Lawful Permanent Residence Status.--
            (1) In general.--An alien granted lawful permanent 
        residence on a conditional basis under this title may apply to 
        have such conditional basis removed at any time after such 
        alien has met the eligibility requirements set forth in 
        subsection (a).
            (2) Approval with regard to initial applications.--The 
        Secretary shall provide lawful permanent residence status 
        without conditional basis to any alien who demonstrates 
        eligibility for lawful permanent residence status on a 
        conditional basis under section 102, if such alien has already 
        fulfilled the requirements of subsection (a) at the time such 
        alien first submits an application for benefits under this 
        title.

SEC. 105. DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS.

    (a) Documents Establishing Identity.--An alien's application for 
permanent resident status on a conditional basis may include, as proof 
of identity--
            (1) a passport or national identity document from the 
        alien's country of origin that includes the alien's name and 
        the alien's photograph or fingerprint;
            (2) the alien's birth certificate and an identity card that 
        includes the alien's name and photograph;
            (3) a school identification card that includes the alien's 
        name and photograph, and school records showing the alien's 
        name and that the alien is or was enrolled at the school;
            (4) a Uniformed Services identification card issued by the 
        Department of Defense;
            (5) any immigration or other document issued by the United 
        States Government bearing the alien's name and photograph; or
            (6) a State-issued identification card bearing the alien's 
        name and photograph.
    (b) Documents Establishing Continuous Physical Presence in the 
United States.--To establish that an alien has been continuously 
physically present in the United States, as required under section 
102(b)(1)(A), or to establish that an alien has not abandoned residence 
in the United States, as required under section 104(a)(1)(B), the alien 
may submit documents to the Secretary, including--
            (1) employment records that include the employer's name and 
        contact information;
            (2) records from any educational institution the alien has 
        attended in the United States;
            (3) records of service from the Uniformed Services;
            (4) official records from a religious entity confirming the 
        alien's participation in a religious ceremony;
            (5) passport entries;
            (6) a birth certificate for a child who was born in the 
        United States;
            (7) automobile license receipts or registration;
            (8) deeds, mortgages, or rental agreement contracts;
            (9) tax receipts;
            (10) insurance policies;
            (11) remittance records;
            (12) 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;
            (13) copies of money order receipts for money sent in or 
        out of the United States;
            (14) dated bank transactions; or
            (15) two or more sworn affidavits from individuals who are 
        not related to the alien who have direct knowledge of the 
        alien's continuous physical presence in the United States, that 
        contain--
                    (A) the name, address, and telephone number of the 
                affiant; and
                    (B) the nature and duration of the relationship 
                between the affiant and the alien.
    (c) Documents Establishing Initial Entry Into the United States.--
To establish under section 102(b)(1)(B) that an alien was younger than 
18 years of age on the date on which the alien initially entered the 
United States, an alien may submit documents to the Secretary, 
including--
            (1) an admission stamp on the alien's passport;
            (2) records from any educational institution the alien has 
        attended in the United States;
            (3) any document from the Department of Justice or the 
        Department of Homeland Security stating the alien's date of 
        entry into the United States;
            (4) hospital or medical records showing medical treatment 
        or hospitalization, the name of the medical facility or 
        physician, and the date of the treatment or hospitalization;
            (5) 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;
            (6) employment records that include the employer's name and 
        contact information;
            (7) official records from a religious entity confirming the 
        alien's participation in a religious ceremony;
            (8) a birth certificate for a child who was born in the 
        United States;
            (9) automobile license receipts or registration;
            (10) deeds, mortgages, or rental agreement contracts;
            (11) tax receipts;
            (12) travel records;
            (13) copies of money order receipts sent in or out of the 
        country;
            (14) dated bank transactions;
            (15) remittance records; or
            (16) insurance policies.
    (d) Documents Establishing Admission to an Institution of Higher 
Education.--To establish that an alien has been admitted to an 
institution of higher education, the alien shall 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.
    (e) Documents Establishing Receipt of a Degree 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 
shall submit to the Secretary a diploma or other document from the 
institution stating that the alien has received such a degree.
    (f) Documents Establishing Receipt of High School Diploma, General 
Educational Development Certificate, or a Recognized Equivalent.--To 
establish that an alien has earned a high school diploma or a 
commensurate alternative award from a public or private high school, or 
has obtained a general educational development certificate recognized 
under State law or a high school equivalency diploma in the United 
States, the alien shall submit to the Secretary--
            (1) a high school diploma, certificate of completion, or 
        other alternate award;
            (2) a high school equivalency diploma or certificate 
        recognized under State law; or
            (3) evidence that the alien passed a State-authorized exam, 
        including the general educational development exam, in the 
        United States.
    (g) 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)(iii), 102(d)(3)(A)(iii), or 
104(a)(1)(C), the alien shall 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.
    (h) Documents Establishing Exemption From Application Fees.--To 
establish that an alien is exempt from an application fee under section 
102(b)(5)(B) or 104(a)(4)(B), the alien shall submit to the Secretary 
the following relevant documents:
            (1) Documents to establish age.--To establish that an alien 
        meets an age requirement, the alien shall provide proof of 
        identity, as described in subsection (a), that establishes that 
        the alien is younger than 18 years of age.
            (2) Documents to establish income.--To establish the 
        alien's income, the alien shall provide--
                    (A) employment records that have been maintained by 
                the Social Security Administration, the Internal 
                Revenue Service, or any other Federal, State, or local 
                government agency;
                    (B) bank records; or
                    (C) at least 2 sworn affidavits from individuals 
                who are not related to the alien and who have direct 
                knowledge of the alien's work and income that contain--
                            (i) the name, address, and telephone number 
                        of the affiant; and
                            (ii) the nature and duration of the 
                        relationship between the affiant and the alien.
            (3) Documents to establish foster care, lack of familial 
        support, homelessness, or serious, chronic disability.--To 
        establish that the alien was in foster care, lacks parental or 
        familial support, is homeless, or has a serious, chronic 
        disability, the alien shall provide at least 2 sworn affidavits 
        from individuals who are not related to the alien and who have 
        direct knowledge of the circumstances that contain--
                    (A) a statement that the alien is in foster care, 
                otherwise lacks any parental or other familiar support, 
                is homeless, or has a serious, chronic disability, as 
                appropriate;
                    (B) the name, address, and telephone number of the 
                affiant; and
                    (C) the nature and duration of the relationship 
                between the affiant and the alien.
            (4) Documents to establish unpaid medical expense.--To 
        establish that the alien has debt as a result of unreimbursed 
        medical expenses, the alien shall provide receipts or other 
        documentation from a medical provider that--
                    (A) bear the provider's name and address;
                    (B) bear the name of the individual receiving 
                treatment; and
                    (C) document that the alien has accumulated $10,000 
                or more in debt in the past 12 months as a result of 
                unreimbursed medical expenses incurred by the alien or 
                an immediate family member of the alien.
    (i) Documents Establishing Qualification for Hardship Exemption.--
To establish that an alien satisfies one of the criteria for the 
hardship exemption set forth in section 104(a)(2)(A)(iii), the alien 
shall submit to the Secretary at least 2 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.
    (j) Documents Establishing Service in the Uniformed Services.--To 
establish that an alien has served in the Uniformed Services for at 
least the period for which the alien was obligated to serve on active 
duty and, if discharged, received an honorable discharge, the alien 
shall submit to the Secretary--
            (1) a Department of Defense form DD-214;
            (2) a National Guard Report of Separation and Record of 
        Service form 22;
            (3) personnel records for such service from the appropriate 
        Uniformed Service; or
            (4) health records from the appropriate Uniformed Service.
    (k) Documents Establishing Employment.--
            (1) In general.--An alien may satisfy the employment 
        requirement under section 104(a)(1)(C)(iii) by submitting 
        records that--
                    (A) establish compliance with such employment 
                requirement; and
                    (B) have been maintained by the Social Security 
                Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, or any 
                other Federal, State, or local government agency.
            (2) Other documents.--An alien who is unable to submit the 
        records described in paragraph (1) may satisfy the employment 
        requirement by submitting at least 2 types of reliable 
        documents that provide evidence of employment, including--
                    (A) bank records;
                    (B) business records;
                    (C) employer records;
                    (D) records of a labor union, day labor center, or 
                organization that assists workers in employment;
                    (E) sworn affidavits from individuals who are not 
                related to the alien and who have direct knowledge of 
                the alien's work, that contain--
                            (i) the name, address, and telephone number 
                        of the affiant; and
                            (ii) the nature and duration of the 
                        relationship between the affiant and the alien; 
                        and
                    (F) remittance records.
    (l) Authority To Prohibit Use of Certain Documents.--If the 
Secretary determines, after publication in the Federal Register and an 
opportunity for public comment, that any document or class of documents 
does not reliably establish identity or that permanent resident status 
on a conditional basis is being obtained fraudulently to an 
unacceptable degree, the Secretary may prohibit or restrict the use of 
such document or class of documents.

SEC. 106. RULEMAKING.

    (a) Initial Publication.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish regulations 
implementing this title in the Federal Register. Such regulations shall 
allow eligible individuals to immediately apply affirmatively for the 
relief available under section 102 without being placed in removal 
proceedings.
    (b) Interim Regulations.--Notwithstanding section 553 of title 5, 
United States Code, the regulations published pursuant to subsection 
(a) shall be effective, on an interim basis, immediately upon 
publication in the Federal Register, but may be subject to change and 
revision after public notice and opportunity for a period of public 
comment.
    (c) Final Regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the date on 
which interim regulations are published under this section, the 
Secretary shall publish final regulations implementing this title.
    (d) Paperwork Reduction Act.--The requirements 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 
title.

SEC. 107. CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary may not disclose or use information 
provided in applications filed under this title or in requests for DACA 
for the purpose of immigration enforcement.
    (b) Referrals Prohibited.--The Secretary may not refer any 
individual who has been granted permanent resident status on a 
conditional basis or who was granted DACA to U.S. Immigration and 
Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or any 
designee of either such entity.
    (c) Limited Exception.--Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), 
information provided in an application for permanent resident status on 
a conditional basis or a request for DACA may be shared with Federal 
security and law enforcement agencies--
            (1) for assistance in the consideration of an application 
        for permanent resident status on a conditional basis;
            (2) to identify or prevent fraudulent claims;
            (3) for national security purposes; or
            (4) for the investigation or prosecution of any felony not 
        related to immigration status.
    (d) Penalty.--Any person who knowingly uses, publishes, or permits 
information to be examined in violation of this section shall be fined 
not more than $10,000.

SEC. 108. RESTORATION OF STATE OPTION TO DETERMINE RESIDENCY FOR 
              PURPOSES OF HIGHER EDUCATION BENEFITS.

    (a) In General.--Section 505 of the Illegal Immigration 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 enactment of the Illegal 
Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (division C 
of Public Law 104-208; 110 Stat. 3009-546).

        TITLE II--SECURE MILES WITH ALL RESOURCES AND TECHNOLOGY

SEC. 201. DEFINITIONS.

    In this title:
            (1) Operational control.--The term ``operational control'' 
        has the meaning given such term in section 2(b) of the Secure 
        Fence Act of 2006 (8 U.S.C. 1701 note; Public Law 109-367).
            (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of Homeland Security.
            (3) Situational awareness.--The term ``situational 
        awareness'' has the meaning given the term in section 
        1092(a)(7) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
        Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328).

                Subtitle A--Infrastructure and Equipment

SEC. 211. STRENGTHENING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BORDER SECURITY TECHNOLOGY 
              ALONG THE SOUTHERN BORDER.

    Section 102 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant 
Responsibility Act of 1996 (Division C of Public Law 104-208; 8 U.S.C. 
1103 note) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) by inserting ``and border technology'' before 
                ``in the vicinity of''; and
                    (B) by striking ``illegal crossings in areas of 
                high illegal entry into the United Sates'' and 
                inserting ``, impede, and detect illegal activity in 
                high traffic areas'';
            (2) in subsection (c)(1), by inserting ``and, pursuant to 
        subsection (d), the installation, operation, and maintenance of 
        technology'' after ``barriers and roads''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
    ``(d) Installation, Operation, and Maintenance of Technology.--Not 
later than January 20, 2021, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in 
carrying out subsection (a), shall deploy the most practical and 
effective technology available along the United States border for 
achieving situational awareness and operational control of the border.
    ``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) High traffic areas.--The term `high traffic areas' 
        means sectors along the northern, southern, or coastal border 
        that--
                    ``(A) are within the responsibility of U.S. Customs 
                and Border Protection; and
                    ``(B) have significant unlawful cross-border 
                activity.
            ``(2) Operational control.--The term `operational control' 
        has the meaning given such term in section 2(b) of the Secure 
        Fence Act of 2006 (8 U.S.C. 1701 note; Public Law 109-367).
            ``(3) Situational awareness defined.--The term `situational 
        awareness' has the meaning given such term in section 
        1092(a)(7) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
        Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328).
            ``(4) Technology.--The term `technology' includes border 
        surveillance and detection technology, including--
                    ``(A) radar surveillance systems;
                    ``(B) Vehicle and Dismount Exploitation Radars 
                (VADER);
                    ``(C) 3-dimensional, seismic acoustic detection and 
                ranging border tunneling detection technology;
                    ``(D) sensors;
                    ``(E) unmanned cameras;
                    ``(F) man-portable and mobile vehicle-mounted 
                unmanned aerial vehicles; and
                    ``(G) any other devices, tools, or systems found to 
                be more effective or advanced than those specified in 
                subparagraphs (A) through (F).''.

SEC. 212. COMPREHENSIVE SOUTHERN BORDER STRATEGY.

    (a) Requirement.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a 
comprehensive southern border strategy.
    (b) Contents.--The strategy submitted under subsection (a) shall 
include--
            (1) a list of known physical barriers, levees, 
        technologies, tools, and other devices that can be used to 
        achieve and maintain situational awareness and operational 
        control along the southern border;
            (2) a projected per mile cost estimate for each physical 
        barrier, levee, technology, tool, and other device included on 
        the list required under paragraph (1);
            (3) a detailed account of which type of physical barrier, 
        levee, technology, tool, or other device the Department of 
        Homeland Security believes is necessary to achieve and maintain 
        situational awareness and operational control for each linear 
        mile of the southern border;
            (4) an explanation for why such physical barrier, levee, 
        technology, tool, or other device was chosen to achieve and 
        maintain situational awareness and operational control for each 
        linear mile of the southern border, including--
                    (A) the methodology used to determine which type of 
                physical barrier, levee, technology, tool, or other 
                device was chosen for such linear mile;
                    (B) an examination of existing manmade and natural 
                barriers for each linear mile of the southern border;
                    (C) the information collected and evaluated from--
                            (i) the appropriate U.S. Customs and Border 
                        Protection Sector Chief;
                            (ii) the Joint Task Force Commander;
                            (iii) the appropriate State Governor;
                            (iv) tribal government officials;
                            (v) border county and city elected 
                        officials;
                            (vi) local law enforcement officials;
                            (vii) private property owners;
                            (viii) local community groups, including 
                        human rights organizations; and
                            (ix) other affected stakeholders; and
                    (D) a privacy evaluation conducted by the Privacy 
                Officer of the Department of Homeland Security, in 
                accordance with the responsibilities and authorities 
                under section 222 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 
                (6 U.S.C. 142), for each such physical barrier, levee, 
                technology, tool, or other device;
            (5) a per mile cost calculation for each linear mile of the 
        southern border given the type of physical barrier, levee, 
        technology, tool, or other device chosen to achieve and 
        maintain situational awareness and operational control for each 
        linear mile; and
            (6) a cost justification for each time a more expensive 
        physical barrier, levee, technology, tool, or other device is 
        chosen over a less expensive option, as established by the per 
        mile cost estimates required in paragraph (2).

SEC. 213. CONTROL OR ERADICATION OF CARRIZO CANE AND SALT CEDAR.

    Not later than January 20, 2019, the Secretary, after coordinating 
with the heads of relevant Federal, State, and local agencies, shall 
begin controlling or eradicating, as appropriate, the carrizo cane 
plant and any salt cedar along the Rio Grande River.

SEC. 214. AIR AND MARINE OPERATIONS FLIGHT HOURS.

    (a) Increased Flight Hours.--The Secretary shall ensure that not 
fewer than 95,000 annual flight hours are executed by Air and Marine 
Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with adequate 
accountability and oversight, including strong privacy protections.
    (b) Unmanned Aerial System.--The Secretary shall ensure that Air 
and Marine Operations operate unmanned aerial systems for not less than 
24 hours per day for not fewer than five days per week.
    (c) Study and Report.--
            (1) Study.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall commence a 
        comprehensive study to--
                    (A) identify deficiencies and opportunities for 
                improvement in the capability of Air and Marine 
                Operations to fulfill air and marine support 
                requirements for the U.S. Border Patrol and other 
                components of the Department of Homeland Security, 
                including support in critical source and transit zones;
                    (B) assess whether such requirements could better 
                be fulfilled through the realignment of Air and Marine 
                Operations as a directorate of the U.S. Border Patrol; 
                and
                    (C) identify deficiencies and opportunities for 
                improvement in the capabilities of the U.S. Border 
                Patrol and other departmental components to develop 
                rigorous estimates of such requirements.
            (2) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
        Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives 
        and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 
        of the Senate a report containing the results of the study 
        required under paragraph (1), including recommendations and 
        timeframes for implementing the recommendations contained in 
        such study.

SEC. 215. PORTS OF ENTRY INFRASTRUCTURE.

    (a) Additional Ports of Entry.--
            (1) Authority.--The Secretary may construct new ports of 
        entry along the northern border and southern border and 
        determine the location of any such new ports of entry.
            (2) Consultation.--
                    (A) Requirement to consult.--The Secretary shall 
                consult with the Secretary of the Interior, the 
                Secretary of Agriculture, the Administrator of General 
                Services, and appropriate representatives of State and 
                local governments, tribal governments, community 
                groups, and property owners in the United States prior 
                to selecting a location for any new port constructed 
                pursuant to paragraph (1).
                    (B) Considerations.--The purpose of the 
                consultations required by subparagraph (A) shall be to 
                minimize any negative impacts of any proposed new port 
                on the environment, culture, commerce, and quality of 
                life of the communities and residents located near such 
                new port.
    (b) Expansion and Modernization of High-Volume Southern Border 
Ports of Entry.--Not later than September 30, 2018, the Secretary shall 
provide to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 
of the Senate, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
of the Senate, the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of 
Representatives, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
of the House of Representatives a plan to expand the primary and 
secondary inspection lanes for vehicle, cargo, and pedestrian inbound 
and outbound inspection lanes at the top ten high-volume ports of entry 
on the southern border, as determined by the Secretary.
    (c) Estimates of Inspection Processing Goals and Wait-Time 
Standards.--The plan required pursuant to subsection (b) shall be based 
on estimates by the Secretary of the number of such inspection lanes 
required to meet inspection processing goals and wait-time standards 
established by the Secretary.
    (d) Port of Entry Prioritization.--Prior to constructing any new 
ports of entry pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary shall complete 
the expansion and modernization of ports of entry pursuant to 
subsection (b), to the extent practicable.

                           Subtitle B--Grants

SEC. 221. OPERATION STONEGARDEN.

    (a) In General.--Subtitle A of title XX of the Homeland Security 
Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
following new section:

``SEC. 2009. OPERATION STONEGARDEN.

    ``(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Department a 
program, which shall be known as `Operation Stonegarden', under which 
the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, shall make grants to 
eligible law enforcement agencies, through the State administrative 
agency, to enhance border security in accordance with this section.
    ``(b) Eligible Recipients.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
this section, a law enforcement agency--
            ``(1) shall be located in--
                    ``(A) a State bordering Canada or Mexico; or
                    ``(B) a State or territory with a maritime border; 
                and
            ``(2) shall be involved in an active, ongoing, U.S. Customs 
        and Border Protection operation coordinated through a sector or 
        field office.
    ``(c) Permitted Uses.--The recipient of a grant under this section 
may use such grant for--
            ``(1) equipment, including maintenance and sustainment 
        costs;
            ``(2) any cost or activity permitted for Operation 
        Stonegarden under the Department of Homeland Security's Fiscal 
        Year 2017 Homeland Security Grant Program Notice of Funding 
        Opportunity; and
            ``(3) any other appropriate border security activity, as 
        determined by the Administrator, in consultation with the 
        Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
    ``(d) Period of Performance.--The Secretary shall award grants 
under this section to grant recipients for a period of not less than 36 
months.
    ``(e) Report.--For each of the fiscal years 2018 through 2022, the 
Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and 
Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Homeland 
Security of the House of Representatives a report that contains 
information on the expenditure of grants made under this section by 
each grant recipient.
    ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated $110,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022 
for grants under this section.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Subsection (a) of section 2002 of the 
Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 603) is amended to read as 
follows:
    ``(a) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary, through the Administrator, 
may award grants under sections 2003, 2004, and 2009 to State, local, 
and tribal governments, as appropriate.''.
    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of 
the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by inserting after the 
item relating to section 2008 the following new item:

``Sec. 2009. Operation Stonegarden.''.

SEC. 222. SOUTHERN BORDER REGION EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS GRANT.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Governors 
of the States located on the southern border, shall establish a two-
year grant program to improve emergency communications in the southern 
border region.
    (b) Eligibility for Grants.--An individual is eligible for a grant 
under this section if the individual demonstrates that the individual--
            (1) regularly resides or works in a State on the southern 
        border; and
            (2) is at greater risk of border violence due to a lack of 
        cellular and LTE network service at the individual's residence 
        or business and the individual's proximity to the southern 
        border.
    (c) Use of Grants.--Grants awarded under this section may be used 
to purchase satellite telephone communications systems and services 
that--
            (1) can provide access to 9-1-1 service; and
            (2) are equipped with receivers for the Global Positioning 
        System.

      TITLE III--REDUCING SIGNIFICANT DELAYS IN IMMIGRATION COURT

SEC. 301. ELIMINATE IMMIGRATION COURT BACKLOGS.

    (a) Annual Increases 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 at least--
            (1) 55 judges during fiscal year 2018;
            (2) an additional 55 judges during fiscal year 2019; and
            (3) an additional 55 judges during fiscal year 2020.
    (b) Qualifications of Immigration Judges.--The Attorney General 
shall ensure that all newly hired immigration judges are highly 
qualified and trained to conduct fair, impartial hearings consistent 
with due process and that all newly hired immigration judges represent 
a diverse pool of individuals that includes a balance of individuals 
with nongovernmental, private bar, or academic experience in addition 
to government experience.
    (c) 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.
    (d) Annual Increases in Board of Immigration Appeals Personnel.--
The Attorney General shall increase the number of Board of Immigration 
Appeals staff attorneys (including necessary additional support staff) 
to efficiently process cases by at least--
            (1) 23 attorneys during fiscal year 2018;
            (2) an additional 23 attorneys during fiscal year 2019; and
            (3) an additional 23 attorneys during fiscal year 2020.
    (e) GAO Report.--The Comptroller General of the United States 
shall--
            (1) conduct a study of the hurdles to efficient hiring of 
        immigration court judges within the Department of Justice; and
            (2) propose solutions to Congress for improving the 
        efficiency of the hiring process.

SEC. 302. IMPROVED TRAINING FOR IMMIGRATION JUDGES AND MEMBERS OF THE 
              BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS.

    (a) In General.--To ensure efficient and fair proceedings, the 
Director of the Executive Office for Immigration Review shall 
facilitate robust training programs for immigration judges and members 
of the Board of Immigration Appeals.
    (b) Mandatory Training.--Training facilitated under subsection (a) 
shall include--
            (1) an expansion of the training program for new 
        immigration judges and Board members;
            (2) continuing education regarding current developments in 
        immigration law through regularly available training resources 
        and an annual conference;
            (3) methods to ensure that immigration judges are trained 
        on properly crafting and dictating decisions and standards of 
        review, including improved on-bench reference materials and 
        decision templates;
            (4) specialized training to handle cases involving other 
        vulnerable populations including survivors of domestic 
        violence/sexual assault/trafficking and individuals with mental 
        disabilities in partnership with the National Council of 
        Juvenile and Family Court Judges; and
            (5) specialized training in child interviewing, child 
        psychology, and child trauma in partnership with the National 
        Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges for Immigration 
        Judges.

SEC. 303. NEW TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE COURT EFFICIENCY.

    The Director of the Executive Office for Immigration Review shall 
modernize its case management and related electronic systems, including 
allowing for electronic filing, to improve efficiency in the processing 
of immigration proceedings.

 TITLE IV--ADVANCING REFORMS IN CENTRAL AMERICA TO ADDRESS THE FACTORS 
                           DRIVING MIGRATION

SEC. 401. DEFINITIONS.

    In this title:
            (1) Northern triangle.--The term ``Northern Triangle'' 
        means the countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
            (2) Plan.--The term ``Plan'' means the Plan of the Alliance 
        for Prosperity in the Northern Triangle, developed by the 
        Governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, with the 
        technical assistance of the Inter-American Development Bank, 
        and representing a comprehensive approach to address the 
        complex situation in the Northern Triangle.

   Subtitle A--Effectively Coordinating United States Engagement in 
                            Central America

SEC. 411. UNITED STATES COORDINATOR FOR ENGAGEMENT IN CENTRAL AMERICA.

    (a) Designation.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the President shall designate a senior official 
to coordinate the efforts of the Federal Government under this title 
and the efforts of international partners to strengthen citizen 
security, the rule of law, and economic prosperity in Central America 
and to protect vulnerable populations in the region.
    (b) Supervision.--The official designated under subsection (a) 
shall report directly to the President.
    (c) Duties.--The official designated under subsection (a) shall 
coordinate the efforts, activities, and programs related to United 
States engagement in Central America under this title, including--
            (1) coordinating with the Department of State, the 
        Department of Justice (including the Federal Bureau of 
        Investigation), the Department of Homeland Security, the 
        intelligence community, and international partners regarding 
        United States efforts to confront armed criminal gangs, illicit 
        trafficking networks, and organized crime responsible for high 
        levels of violence, extortion, and corruption in Central 
        America;
            (2) coordinating with the Department of State, the United 
        States Agency for International Development, and international 
        partners regarding United States efforts to prevent and 
        mitigate the effects of violent criminal gangs and 
        transnational criminal organizations on vulnerable Central 
        American populations, including women and children;
            (3) coordinating with the Department of State, the 
        Department of Homeland Security, and international partners 
        regarding United States efforts to counter human smugglers 
        illegally transporting Central American migrants to the United 
        States;
            (4) coordinating with the Department of State, the 
        Department of Homeland Security, the United States Agency for 
        International Development, and international partners, 
        including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to 
        increase protections for vulnerable Central American 
        populations, improve refugee processing, and strengthen asylum 
        systems throughout the region;
            (5) coordinating with the Department of State, the 
        Department of Defense, the Department of Justice (including the 
        Drug Enforcement Administration), the Department of the 
        Treasury, the intelligence community, and international 
        partners regarding United States efforts to combat illicit 
        narcotics traffickers, interdict transshipments of illicit 
        narcotics, and disrupt the financing of the illicit narcotics 
        trade;
            (6) coordinating with the Department of State, the 
        Department of the Treasury, the Department of Justice, the 
        intelligence community, the United States Agency for 
        International Development, and international partners regarding 
        United States efforts to combat corruption, money laundering, 
        and illicit financial networks;
            (7) coordinating with the Department of State, the 
        Department of Justice, the United States Agency for 
        International Development, and international partners regarding 
        United States efforts to strengthen the rule of law, democratic 
        governance, and human rights protections; and
            (8) coordinating with the Department of State, the 
        Department of Agriculture, the United States Agency for 
        International Development, the Overseas Private Investment 
        Corporation, the United States Trade and Development Agency, 
        the Department of Labor, and international partners, including 
        the Inter-American Development Bank, to strengthen the 
        foundation for inclusive economic growth and improve food 
        security, investment climate, and protections for labor rights.
    (d) Consultation.--The official designated under subsection (a) 
shall consult with Congress, multilateral organizations and 
institutions, foreign governments, and domestic and international civil 
society organizations in carrying out this section.

  Subtitle B--Targeting Assistance to Appropriate Communities in the 
                           Northern Triangle

SEC. 421. TARGETING ASSISTANCE TO APPROPRIATE COMMUNITIES.

    Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act 
and annually thereafter for each of the five succeeding years, the 
Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee 
on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations and the 
Committee on Appropriations of the Senate a report that contains the 
following:
            (1) Raw data on the number of children migrating to the 
        United States from each community or geographic area in the 
        Northern Triangle.
            (2) An assessment of whether United States foreign 
        assistance to the Northern Triangle is effectively reaching the 
        communities and geographic areas from which children are 
        migrating.
            (3) An assessment of the extent to which the State 
        Department and the United States Agency for International 
        Development are adjusting programming in the Northern Triangle 
        as migration patterns shift.

     Subtitle C--Regional Millennium Challenge Corporation Compacts

SEC. 431. MCC COMPACTS.

    (a) Concurrent Compacts.--Section 609 of the Millennium Challenge 
Act of 2003 (22 U.S.C. 7708) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following 
        new sentence: ``The Board may enter into a Compact with more 
        than one eligible country in a region if the Board determines 
        that a regional development strategy would further regional 
        development objectives.'';
            (2) in subsection (k)--
                    (A) by striking the first sentence; and
                    (B) by striking ``the existing'' and inserting ``an 
                existing''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(l) Concurrent Compacts.--In accordance with the requirements of 
this Act, an eligible country and the United States may enter into and 
have in effect more than one Compact at any given time, including a 
concurrent Compact for purposes of regional economic integration or 
cross-border collaborations, only if the Board determines that such 
country is making considerable and demonstrable progress in 
implementing the terms of the existing Compact and any supplementary 
agreements thereto.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--The Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 is 
amended--
            (1) in subsection (b) of section 609 (22 U.S.C. 7708)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1)--
                            (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph 
                        (A), by striking ``the national development 
                        strategy of the eligible country'' and 
                        inserting ``the national or regional 
                        development strategy of the country or 
                        countries''; and
                            (ii) in each of subparagraphs (A), (B), 
                        (E), and (J), by striking ``the country'' each 
                        place it appears and inserting ``the country or 
                        countries''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (3)--
                            (i) by inserting ``or regional development 
                        strategy'' after ``national development 
                        strategy''; and
                            (ii) by inserting ``or governments of the 
                        countries in the case of regional investments'' 
                        after ``government of the country''; and
            (2) in subparagraph (A) of section 613(b)(2) of such Act 
        (22 U.S.C. 7712(b)(2)) by striking ``the Compact'' and 
        inserting ``any Compact''.

Subtitle D--United States Leadership for Engaging International Donors 
                              and Partners

SEC. 441. REQUIREMENT FOR STRATEGY TO SECURE SUPPORT OF INTERNATIONAL 
              DONORS AND PARTNERS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the 
appropriate congressional committees a three-year strategy that--
            (1) describes how the United States will secure support 
        from international donors and regional partners (including 
        Colombia and Mexico) for the implementation of the Plan;
            (2) identifies governments that are willing to provide 
        financial and technical assistance for the implementation of 
        the Plan and a description of such assistance; and
            (3) identifies the financial and technical assistance to be 
        provided by multilateral institutions, including the Inter-
        American Development Bank, the World Bank, the International 
        Monetary Fund, the Andean Development Corporation-Development 
        Bank of Latin America, and the Organization of American States, 
        and a description of such assistance.
    (b) Diplomatic Engagement and Coordination.--The Secretary of 
State, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, as 
appropriate, shall--
            (1) carry out diplomatic engagement to secure contributions 
        of financial and technical assistance from international donors 
        and partners in support of the Plan; and
            (2) take all necessary steps to ensure effective 
        cooperation among international donors and partners supporting 
        the Plan.
    (c) Report.--Not later than one year after submitting the strategy 
required under subsection (a), the Secretary of State shall submit to 
the appropriate congressional committees a report that describes--
            (1) the progress made in implementing the strategy; and
            (2) the financial and technical assistance provided by 
        international donors and partners, including the multilateral 
        institutions specified in subsection (a)(3).
    (d) Briefings.--Upon a request from any of the appropriate 
congressional committees, the Secretary of State shall provide a 
briefing to such committee that describes the progress made in 
implementing the strategy required under subsection (a).
    (e) Defined Term.--In this section, the term ``appropriate 
congressional committees'' means--
            (1) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate;
            (2) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;
            (3) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of 
        Representatives; and
            (4) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
        Representatives.
                                 <all>