zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Return of Talent Act - (Sec. 2) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish the Return of Talent Program to permit a lawful permanent resident (and certain family members) to return to his or her country of citizenship or nationality for up to one year (with a six-month extension) in order to contribute to such country's postconflict or natural disaster reconstruction activities or to provide medical services. Permits such a resident to be considered to be physically present and residing in the United States for naturalization purposes under specified conditions, including that: (1) such absence was solely to engage in postconflict or natural disaster reconstruction or to provide medical services in the resident's country of citizenship or nationality and the Secretary determines that the resident is a citizen or national of certain countries in which there was a conflict or disaster; or (2) the resident is a physician or other health care worker and such temporary absence was solely for the purpose of providing medical services in the resident's country of citizenship or nationality in which certain conflicts or disasters occurred; and (3) prior to, and after, such temporary absence the resident establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary that his or her U.S. absence was solely for the purpose of performing such activities or services. Authorizes up to 1,000 aliens in any fiscal year to obtain such preservation of residence and physical presence. Authorizes the spouse and any minor, dependent unmarried son or daughter who resides in the same household as the Program participant to return to such alien's country of citizenship or nationality or to reenter the United States. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress regarding participating Program countries and reconstruction efforts and medical services provided. (Sec. 4) Authorizes FY2011 appropriations for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to carry out this Act.

Date: 2010-02-02
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Haitian Emergency Life Protection Act of 2010 or the H.E.L.P. Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to V- visa nonimmigrants (spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents who come to the United States to wait for completion of the immigrant visa process) to include Haitian nationals whose petition for a family-sponsored immigrant visa was approved on or before January 12, 2010. Authorizes the Department of State to use secondary evidence to verify eligibility for such status or for immediate relative status. Sunsets the provisions of this Act two years after its enactment.

Date: 2010-02-04
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
StartUp Visa Act of 2010 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish an employment-based, conditional immigrant visa (StartUp visa) for a sponsored alien entrepreneur: (1) with required amounts of financial backing from a qualifying investor or venture capitalist; and (2) whose commercial activities will generate required levels of employment, revenue, or capital investment. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to terminate the status of a sponsored entrepreneur (and the alien spouse and children of such entrepreneur) if not later than three years after the date on which such permanent resident status was conferred: (1) the sponsoring venture capitalist or investor fails to meet investment requirements; or (2) the entrepreneur fails to meet job creation, capital investment, or revenue requirements.

Date: 2010-02-24
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Secure Visas Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act to grant the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) (Secretary), except for the Secretary of State's authority with respect to diplomatic- and international organization-related visas, exclusive authority to issue regulations, establish policy, and administer and enforce the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and all other immigration or nationality laws relating to U.S. consular officer visa functions. Authorizes the Secretary to refuse or revoke any visa to an alien or class of aliens if necessary or advisable for U.S. security interests. Prohibits judicial review of such determinations. Provides that any such visa revocation shall become effective immediately and cancel any other visa in an alien's possession. Authorizes the Secretary of State to direct a consular officer to refuse or revoke a visa if necessary or advisable for U.S. foreign policy interests. Prohibits a decision by the Secretary of State to approve a visa from overriding a revocation or refusal determination by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to review on-site all visa applications and supporting documentation before adjudication at visa-issuing posts in Algeria, Canada, China, Colombia, Egypt, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in Israel, Jordan, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Venezuela, and Yemen. Authorizes the Secretary to assign DHS employees to such posts. States that if the Secretary or the Secretary of State revokes a visa: (1) the relevant consular, law enforcement, and terrorist screening databases shall be immediately updated; and (2) look-out notices shall be posted to all DHS port inspectors and Department of State consular officers. Amends INA to eliminate the exception permitting judicial review of a visa revocation where such revocation is the sole ground for a deportation process based upon an alien's unlawful presence in the United States.

Date: 2010-03-04
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Adoption Fairness Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) from charging a fee for the issuance of a Certificate of Citizenship for a child who is adopted by a U.S.-citizen parent and who is eligible for automatic citizenship regardless of whether the child's adoption was finalized in the United States or in a foreign country. Directs the Secretary to: (1) implement measures to facilitate the timely issuance of such Certificates; and (2) report to Congress regarding recommendations to streamline the Certificate process.

Date: 2010-03-09
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Refugee Protection Act of 2010 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the one-year time limit for filing an asylum claim. Revises the definition of terrorist activity for purposes of alien inadmissibility. Excludes coerced activity from such definition. Revises: (1) the definition of refugee; and (2) the criteria for granting asylum. Authorizes the Attorney General to appoint counsel to represent an alien in a removal proceeding. Prohibits an alien from being removed during the 30-day petition for review period unless the alien indicates in writing that he or she wishes to be removed before the expiration of such period. Makes discretionary certain currently required detention provisions regarding arriving aliens who request asylum. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) establish a secure alternatives to detention program; (2) establish specified conditions of detention; (3) file notice of immigration charges with the court and the individual within 48 hours of detention; and (4) establish procedures to ensure the accuracy of statements taken by DHS employees exercising expedited removal authority. Authorizes the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom to conduct a study to determine whether certain immigration officers are properly handling asylum and removal/detention authority with regard to aliens apprehended after entering the United States. Eliminates the one-year waiting period before a refugee or asylee may petition for permanent legal resident status. Exempts aliens under the age of 18 from certain restrictions on applying for asylum. Permits applicants for refugee admission to simultaneously pursue other forms of admission. Authorizes the spouse or child of a refugee or asylee to bring his or her accompanying or following child into the United States as a refugee or asylee. States that if the President does not issue a refugee allocation determination before the beginning of a fiscal year the number of refugees that may be admitted in each quarter shall be 25% of the number of refugees admissible during the previous fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary of State to designate certain groups as eligible for expedited refugee adjudication. Directs the Secretary of State to notify Congress regarding the amount of funds that will be provided in Reception and Placement Grants in the coming fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to nonprofit organizations to assist refugees in obtaining immigration benefits. Sets forth protections for: (1) aliens interdicted at sea; and (2) stateless persons in the United States.

Date: 2010-03-15
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Protect Our Workers from Exploitation and Retaliation Act or the POWER Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exclude from the definition of "immigrant" under such Act a nonimmigrant alien who files a petition for status if the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) determines that the alien: (1) has suffered abuse or harm as a result of having been a victim of criminal activity; (2) has suffered substantial abuse or harm related to specified labor or employment violations related to a workplace claim (workplace violation); (3) is a victim of specified criminal activity and would suffer extreme hardship upon removal; (4) has suffered a workplace violation and would suffer extreme hardship upon removal; (5) has been helpful to a local judge, DHS, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Department of Labor, or the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) or to other authorities investigating, prosecuting, or seeking civil remedies for workplace violation; or (6) has filed, is a material witness in, or is likely to be helpful in the investigation of, the claim in a workplace violation and reasonably fears, has been threatened with, or has been the victim of, an action involving force, physical restraint, retaliation, or abuse of the immigration or other legal process by the employer in relation to acts underlying or related to the filing of the claim. Authorizes the Secretary to permit an alien to temporarily remain in the United States and grant the alien employment authorization upon determining that the alien: (1) has filed for relief under such provisions; (2) has filed, or is a material witness to, a bona fide workplace claim; and (3) has been helpful to a federal, state, or local law enforcement official, prosecutor, or judge, to DHS, EEOC, the Department of Labor, or NLRB, or to other federal, state, or local authorities investigating, prosecuting, or seeking civil remedies related to the claim. Sets forth provisions governing procedural requirements and protections in an enforcement action leading to a removal proceeding taken against an alien: (1) as a result of information provided to DHS in retaliation against an individual for exercising or attempting to exercise employment or other legal rights; (2) at a facility about which a workplace claim has been filed; or (3) who has filed a workplace claim, who is a material witness in any proceeding involving a workplace claim, or who has filed for relief under this Act.

Date: 2010-04-14
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Southern Border Security Assistance Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) providing financial assistance for law enforcement initiatives with our Mexican partners is important; and (2) Congress must provide, in addition to such assistance, immediate resources and equipment to state and local law enforcement entities that are currently responding to border violence and criminal activities on a daily basis. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to award border security assistance grants to law enforcement entities located in the Southern Border Region to address drug trafficking, smuggling, and border violence. Directs the President to appoint additional district judges for Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas.

Date: 2010-04-28
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Border Security Enforcement Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Governor of Arizona to: (1) order 3,000 members of the Arizona National Guard and other National Guard units to perform Active Guard and Reserve duty by immediately deploying along the Tucson Sector border and the Yuma Sector border; and (2) construct and maintain related surveillance platforms. Directs such deployment's continuation until the Governor of Arizona certifies that the federal government has achieved operational control of the Tucson Sector and the Yuma Sector borders. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to increase, by January 1, 2015, the number of Border Patrol agents stationed along the Tucson Sector and the Yuma Sector borders by 3,000. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) DHS to implement Operation Streamline along the Tucson Sector and the Yuma Sector borders and reimburse state, local, and tribal law enforcement for related detention costs; and (2) the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enhance law enforcement readiness along the U.S. borders through Operation Stonegarden. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make specified enhancements to the Tucson Sector border; (2) analyze the feasibility of creating an additional Border Patrol sector in eastern Arizona and western New Mexico to interrupt drug trafficking operations; (3) construct a permanent checkpoint near Tubac, Arizona, and operate roving checkpoints along the Tucson Sector and the Yuma Sector borders; and (4) establish a two-year grant program, to be administered by Arizona, to improve emergency communications along the Tucson Sector and the Yuma Sector borders. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to direct the Secretary to: (1) complete the required 700 mile southwest border fencing by December 31, 2011; and (2) construct double- and triple-layer fencing at appropriate locations along the Tucson Sector and the Yuma Sector borders. Provides for additional mobile surveillance systems and unmanned aerial vehicles along the Tucson Sector and the Yuma Sector borders. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) purchases and upgrades of law enforcement communications equipment; (2) the state criminal alien assistance program; and (3) reimbursement of state, county, tribal, and municipal costs associated with the prosecution and pre-trial detention of federally initiated criminal cases declined by local U.S. Attorneys' offices.

Date: 2010-05-07
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Humane Enforcement and Legal Protections for Separated Children Act or the HELP Separated Children Act - Sets forth apprehension procedures for immigration enforcement-related activities engaged in by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and cooperating entities, including: (1) providing the governor, local child welfare agencies, and local law enforcement with advance notice of an enforcement activity, if possible; (2) providing child welfare agencies and community organizations access to detained individuals to help DHS identify detainees who have children; (3) permitting detainees with children to make free phone calls to arrange for such children's care; and (4) requiring that the interests of children be considered in decisions regarding detainee release, detention, or transfer. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) require DHS detention facilities to implement procedures to ensure that child custody and family interests can be considered in any immigration detention action; (2) develop memoranda of understanding with child welfare agencies and community organizations that protect the best interests of children of detained individuals; and (3) provide DHS personnel with appropriate training.

Date: 2010-06-22
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Visa Waiver Program Updated Framework and Enhanced Security Act of 2010 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act regarding the visa waiver program to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Secretary of State, to designate program countries; (2) replace visa refusal rates with visa overstay rates in determining program participation; (3) set a maximum 3% visa overstay rate for program countries; (4) require an annual program compliance report to Congress; and (5) revise probationary status and program termination provisions. Directs the Comptroller General to review the Secretary of Homeland Security's methods for: (1) tracking aliens entering and exiting the United States; and (2) detecting visa overstays. Requires: (1) program countries to have agreements in place to share information on lost and stolen passports within 180 days of enactment of this Act; and (2) DHS to make information on all aliens who have overstayed their visas available electronically to state and local law enforcement agencies.

Date: 2010-06-29
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Requires the federal government to pay all attorneys' fees and associated court costs incurred by a state or local government in defending a state or local immigration law that survives in whole or in part a constitutional challenge by the federal government in federal court.

Date: 2010-07-15
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Law
Coal Accountability and Retired Employee Act of 2010 or CARE Act - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to transfer specified excess funds derived from coal mine operator-paid reclamation fees to the trustees of the 1974 UMWA Pension Plan for use solely to pay pension benefits required under such Plan.

Date: 2010-07-26
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Energy
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to adjust the status of an eligible alien entrepreneur, alien spouse, or alien child to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residency if the alien: (1) applies for such adjustment; (2) is present in the United States on the date of the application's filing; (3) is admissible as an immigrant; and (4) pays the appropriate fee. Requires that an eligible alien: (1) became a conditional resident as an alien entrepreneur, alien spouse, or alien child on or before December 31, 1998; (2) applied to remove his or her conditional resident status (I-829 form) on or before December 31, 2000; and (3) had such form or a motion to reopen or reconsider the denial of such form pending before DHS as of the date of the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to waive grounds of inadmissibility (other than criminal or security grounds) with regard to such aliens for humanitarian, family unity, or public interest purposes.

Date: 2010-08-04
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Families First Immigration Enforcement Act - Requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in a workplace enforcement operation that is calculated to apprehend or does apprehend at least 50 aliens, to do the following: (1) give state agencies sufficient notice to arrange for representatives who speak the detainees' language and to provide for any special needs; (2) afford access to state social service agencies to screen and interview detainees to determine if medical risks or risks to relatives exist; (3) consider, upon recommendation, the release of detainees on age, medical, or family related humanitarian grounds; and (4) provide a toll-free number for families of detainees to report their relationship to DHS or state social services. Requires that such aliens have access to legal orientation presentations through the Executive Office for Immigration Review's legal orientation program. States that detainees should be held within the jurisdiction of the local U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office to the extent that space allows. Requires a detainee's release within 72 hours of apprehension if such alien is not subject to mandatory detention, does not pose a flight risk, or is subject to humanitarian release. States that such alien shall be released: (1) on his or her own recognizance; (2) by posting a minimum bond; (3) on parole under the Immigration and Nationality Act; or (4) through the intensive supervision appearance or similar program.

Date: 2010-09-14
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2010 or DREAM Act of 2010 - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to repeal the provision making unlawful aliens ineligible for higher education benefits based on state residence unless a U.S. citizen or national is eligible for such benefits without regard to state residence. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to cancel the removal of, and adjust to conditional permanent resident status, an alien who: (1) entered the United States before his or her 16th birthday and has been present in the United States for at least five years immediately preceding this Act's enactment; (2) is a person of good moral character; (3) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act; (4) has been admitted to an institution of higher education (IHE) or has earned a high school or equivalent diploma; (5) from the age of 16 and older, has never been under a final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal; and (6) was under age 35 on the date of this Act's enactment. Requires aliens to apply for such adjustment of status within one year of being admitted to an IHE or earning a high school or equivalent diploma. Sets forth conditions for maintaining such status and having its conditional basis removed. Authorizes an alien who has satisfied the appropriate requirements before this Act's enactment to petition the Secretary for conditional permanent resident status. Provides for: (1) exclusive jurisdiction; (2) penalties for false application statements; (3) confidentiality; (4) higher education assistance; and (5) a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report respecting the number of aliens adjusted under this Act.

Date: 2010-09-22
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006, with respect to naturalization of an Afghan or Iraqi translator who is a lawful permanent resident, to count a period of absence from the United States working as a translator for the United States or a U.S. contractor in Afghanistan or Iraq towards the accumulation of the required U.S. physical presence.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Strengthening Our Commitment to Legal Immigration and America's Security Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit an alien to be paroled into the United States or granted deferred action of a final order of removal only on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Requires eligible states, counties, or cities to participate in the Secure Communities program or to designate local law enforcement officers to perform immigration law enforcement functions in order to qualify for incarceration compensation. Makes an alien who the consular officer or the Attorney General knows or has reason to believe is a member of a known criminal organization inadmissible to the United States. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to create a mandatory exit procedure for foreign visitors based upon: (1) the results of U.S. Customs and Border Protection pilot exit programs; and (2) the feasibility and benefits of the departure confirmation systems tested under such programs. Eliminates the diversity visa program unless legislation is enacted that addresses recommendations about how best to combat program fraud and abuse. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to report to Congress annually regarding the total amount of federal welfare benefits provided to: (1) each state; and (2) households with illegal aliens. Amends title XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP) of the Social Security Act to permit a state to continue receiving federal matching funds for covering legal immigrant children and legal immigrant pregnant woman if the state: (1) has covered at least 90% of its U.S. citizen/national children eligible for CHIP or Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) whose family incomes do not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level; and (2) will provide health benefit coverage to lawfully residing immigrant children or lawfully residing immigrant pregnant women that will not be less than the amount of such funds expended in FY2009. Requires the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with respect to an employee's inaccurate social security number to: (1) notify an employer that such a number has been discovered; (2) if the employer does not correct the number, notify the number holder and request clarification, including the possible fraudulent use of such number; and (3) notify specified federal agencies if the holder fails to reply. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to: (1) increase prison penalties for cultivating or manufacturing controlled substances on federal property; and (2) prohibit a person, while cultivating or manufacturing a controlled substance on federal property, from clear cutting timber or diverting or obstructing a stream or body of water. Increases related penalties under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, including increasing penalties if such violation involves the possession of firearms. Requires the Director of National Drug Control Policy to implement an action plan for keeping controlled substances off federal land.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2010 or DREAM Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to cancel the removal of, and adjust to conditional permanent resident status, an alien who: (1) entered the United States before his or her 16th birthday and has been present in the United States for at least five years immediately preceding this Act's enactment; (2) is a person of good moral character; (3) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act; (4) has been admitted to an institution of higher education (IHE) or has earned a high school or equivalent diploma; (5) from the age of 16 and older, has never been under a final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal; and (6) was under age 35 on the date of this Act's enactment. Requires aliens to apply for such adjustment of status within one year of being admitted to an IHE or earning a high school or equivalent diploma. Sets forth conditions for maintaining such status and having its conditional basis removed. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to adjust the status of an alien who has met such conditions prior to enactment of this Act to conditional permanent resident status; and (2) such alien to petition the Secretary for permanent resident status at the end of the conditional residence period. Provides for: (1) exclusive jurisdiction; (2) penalties for false application statements; (3) confidentiality; (4) higher education assistance; and (5) a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report respecting the number of aliens adjusted under this Act.

Date: 2010-11-17
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2010 or DREAM Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to cancel the removal of, and adjust to conditional permanent resident status, an alien who: (1) entered the United States before his or her 16th birthday and has been present in the United States for at least five years immediately preceding this Act's enactment; (2) is a person of good moral character; (3) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act; (4) has been admitted to an institution of higher education (IHE) or has earned a high school or equivalent diploma; (5) from the age of 16 and older, has never been under a final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal; and (6) was under age 30 on the date of this Act's enactment. Requires aliens to apply for such adjustment of status within one year of being admitted to an IHE or earning a high school or equivalent diploma. Sets forth conditions for maintaining such status and having its conditional basis removed. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to adjust the status of an alien who has met such conditions prior to enactment of this Act to conditional permanent resident status; and (2) such alien to petition the Secretary for permanent resident status at the end of the conditional residence period. Provides for: (1) exclusive jurisdiction; (2) penalties for false application statements; (3) confidentiality; (4) higher education assistance; and (5) a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report respecting the number of aliens adjusted under this Act.

Date: 2010-11-17
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the diversity immigrant program and provide an equal number of annual immigrant visas (55,000) to certain employment-based aliens who obtain an advanced degree in the United States.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Criminal Alien Accountability Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish minimum imprisonment terms for specified categories of aliens subject to criminal fines, imprisonment, or both, for reentry as removed aliens. (Such provision does not apply to aliens removed for security or terrorist grounds.) Subjects an individual who knowingly aids or conspires to allow, procure, or permit any such alien to reenter the United States to criminal penalty, the same imprisonment term as applies to the alien so aided, or both.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Fallen Heroes Family Act of 2011 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include as a nonimmigrant alien an alien who is the parent of a child who: (1) is a U.S. citizen; (2) was born outside the United States and its outlying possessions; and (3) had a natural parent who served honorably in an active-duty status in the U.S. Armed Forces and died on or after September 11, 2001, from an injury or disease incurred in or aggravated by that service. Defines "parent" to include a legal guardian or other person standing in loco parentis for purposes of: (1) such nonimmigrant alien; and (2) immediate relative status with respect to aliens who are not subject to direct numerical limitations. Sets forth related conditions concerning: (1) employment; (2) period of authorized admission; and (3) number of aliens to be admitted for each such child.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Illegal Immigration Enforcement and Social Security Protection Act of 2011 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require inclusion of encrypted machine-readable electronic identification strips on Social Security cards. Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to: (1) develop the strip in a manner that enables employers to access the Employment Eligibility Database (EED) established by this Act; and (2) transmit to the Secretary of Homeland Security (HHS) necessary information from an individual's application for a Social Security card or number for inclusion in the EED. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain the EED. Requires the EED to include data on the citizenship status and work and residency eligibility of noncitizens authorized to work in the United States. Restricts access to EED information. Prohibits individuals from commencing employment with a U.S. employer absent a Social Security card that meets the requirements of this Act and presentation of such card to the employer. Prohibits employers from hiring individuals absent verification of identity and work authorization. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) assess penalties against employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers or fail to comply with verification procedures; and (2) bring civil actions against those who fail to pay assessments or otherwise violate this Act. Establishes criminal penalties for such violations. Requires integration of Border Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint databases. Prohibits this Act from being construed to establish a national identification card.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal Act of 2011 or the CLEAR Act of 2011 - States that: (1) state and local law enforcement personnel, in the course of their routine duties, have the inherent authority to investigate, apprehend, or transfer to federal custody aliens in the United States (including interstate transportation of such aliens to detention centers) in order to assist in the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws; and (2) effective two years after enactment of this Act, a state that has in effect a statute, policy, or practice prohibiting such law enforcement assistance shall not receive certain federal incarceration assistance. Provides for the listing of immigration violators in the National Crime Information Center database. Directs states and localities to provide the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) with specified information about apprehended aliens who are believed to be in violation of U.S. immigration laws. Provides federal reimbursement for related state and local costs. (States that such provision shall not require state or local enforcement officials to provide DHS with information related to a victim of a crime or witness to a criminal offense.) Directs the Secretary to make grants to states and political subdivisions that enforce immigration laws in the course of their routine law enforcement duties for special equipment and facilities related to arresting, detaining, or transporting illegal aliens. Directs the Secretary to: (1) construct or acquire 20 additional detention facilities for aliens detained pending removal (or a decision on removal); and (2) consider the transfer of military installations under base closure laws for such purposes. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act regarding illegal aliens apprehended by state or local authorities to provide for: (1) federal custody upon state or local request; and (2) state or local compensation for related incarceration and transportation costs. Directs the Attorney General or the Secretary to ensure that the detention of an alien subject to removal is in an adequate state or local prison, detention center, or other comparable facility prior to his or her removal examination. Directs the Secretary to establish immigration-related training for state and local personnel. Provides: (1) personal liability immunity to the same extent as corresponding federal immunity for state or local personnel enforcing immigration laws within the scope of their duties under this Act; and (2) civil rights money damage immunity for state or local agencies enforcing immigration laws unless their personnel violated criminal law in such enforcement. Continues the institutional removal program (IRP), which shall be expanded to all states. Authorizes state or local detention of an illegal alien after completion of such alien's prison sentence for: (1) up to 14 days to facilitate federal transfer; or (2) until transfer to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Authorizes appropriations for FY2012 and subsequent fiscal years for the state criminal alien assistance program (SCAAP).

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Birthright Citizenship Act of 2011 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to consider a person born in the United States "subject to the jurisdiction" of the United States for citizenship at birth purposes if the person is born in the United States of parents, one of whom is: (1) a U.S. citizen or national, (2) a lawful permanent resident alien whose residence is in the United States, or (3) an alien performing active service in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
National Guard Border Enforcement Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) (Secretary) to deploy at least an additional 10,000 members of the National Guard for border control activities along the U.S.-Mexico border until the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) certifies that the federal government has achieved operational control of the border. Authorizes the Secretary to exceed 10,000 upon the request of a state that shares a portion of the U.S.-Mexico border if, despite deployment of the additional 10,000, operational control of the border has not been achieved. Requires the Secretary to provide funding to a state that submits to the Secretary of State a state border control activities plan meeting certain requirements. Limits the number of National Guard that may be so deployed.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
People Resolved to Obtain an Understanding of Democracy Act or the P.R.O.U.D. Act - Amends the Immigration and Naturalization Act to provide for the naturalization of certain graduates of U.S. high schools who are under 25 years of age on the date of application for naturalization.

Date: 2011-01-07
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit each applicant for naturalization to choose to have the oath of allegiance for naturalization administered by a Member of Congress, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner (Member). Limits the administration of the oath: (1) by a Senator to individuals who reside in the Senator's state; and (2) by a Member of the House of Representatives, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner to individuals who reside in the respective congressional district. Limits the Member's authority solely to the administration of such oath. Prohibits a Member from administering the oath during the 90-day period before any election for federal, state, or local office in which the Member is a candidate. Requires a Member to administer the oath only at times and places designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Prohibits a Member from administering the oath during any period in which exclusive authority to administer it may be exercised by an eligible court for the person concerned, unless the court has waived such exclusive authority.

Date: 2011-01-07
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act, in the case of an alien subject to removal, deportation, or exclusion and who is the parent of a U.S. citizen child, to authorize an immigration judge to decline to order such removal if the judge determines such action to be against the child's best interests. States that such discretion shall not apply to an alien when the judge determines that the alien: (1) is excludable or deportable on security grounds; or (2) has engaged in sex trafficking or severe forms of trafficking in persons.

Date: 2011-01-07
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Baseball Diplomacy Act - Waives certain foreign assistance and trade and travel prohibitions against Cuba under specified federal law regarding Cuban nationals who: (1) enter the United States on a visa to play organized professional baseball; and (2) return to Cuba with their baseball earnings. States that such visa shall be valid only for the duration of the season and need not be renewed as long as the player remains with the same team. Prohibits the President from denying visas to such nationals based upon authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act to restrict any entry of aliens or class of aliens that would be detrimental to U.S. interests. Declares that this Act shall not be affected by the economic embargo requirements against Cuba under the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996.

Date: 2011-01-07
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: International affairs
Secure the Capitol Act - Prohibits an office of the legislative branch from entering into a contract for goods or services within the Capitol Complex with any contractor employing individuals unless the contractor: (1) elects to participate in the E-Verify Program; (2) is in compliance with the terms and conditions of such election; and (3) certifies that each of its subcontractors providing goods or services has elected to participate in, and is in compliance with, such election with respect to all of its employees as well as those providing goods or services under the subcontract.

Date: 2011-01-12
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Congress
Amends the the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to require federal contractors and subcontractors to participate in the E-Verify Program. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure that the Program is applied to all of the contractor's or subcontractor's employees and not just to those performing the contract or subcontract.

Date: 2011-01-12
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Pakistani Temporary Protected Status Act of 2011 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the extraordinary and temporary conditions caused by flooding in Pakistan qualifies Pakistan for designation under the Immigration and Nationality Act pursuant to which its nationals would be eligible for temporary protected status (TPS) in the United States. Designates Pakistan as a TPS-eligible country for an initial 12-month period. Sets forth related TPS eligibility requirements, including continuous U.S. presence since July 22, 2010. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to give prior consent to such aliens for temporary trips abroad in emergency and extenuating circumstances.

Date: 2011-01-12
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Secure Education for Americans Today Act of 2011 or SEAT Act of 2011 - Prohibits the provision of federal funds to institutions of higher education that admit illegal aliens. Prohibits such provision from being construed as denying federal student assistance to students attending such schools.

Date: 2011-01-18
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Education
Securing the Homeland Through Agency Reporting Enhancement Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act with respect to any case in which the Social Security account number in the wage records of an employee provided by the employer to the Social Security Administration does not match relevant records otherwise maintained by the Administration. Requires the Commissioner of Social Security, in such a case, to send a prompt written notice ("no match" letter): (1) informing the employer of the discrepancies; (2) requesting information that would assist the Commissioner in resolving the discrepancies; and (3) informing the employer that a copy of such notice is being forwarded to assist the Secretary of Homeland Security in the enforcement of applicable federal immigration laws relating to employment of individuals who are not authorized to work in the United States. Requires the Commissioner to forward such a copy to the Secretary of Homeland Security, including the information in which discrepancies appear.

Date: 2011-01-18
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Social welfare
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to toll, during active-duty service abroad in the Armed Forces, the 90-day periods of time for an alien spouse or petitioning spouse to file a petition and appear for an interview to remove the conditional basis for permanent resident status. States that: (1) at the petitioner's option the petition may be filed during such active-duty service at any time after commencement of the 90-day petition period, and (2) the tolling of the 90-day interview period shall not be construed to prohibit the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) from waiving the interview requirement.

Date: 2011-01-24
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Stopping Trained in America Ph.D.s From Leaving the Economy Act of 2011 or the STAPLE Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt from: (1) direct numerical limitations aliens who have earned a Ph.D. degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) from a U.S. institution of higher education and who have an offer of employment from a U.S. employer in a field related to such degree; and (2) H-1B visa (specialty occupation) numerical limitations aliens who have a U.S. STEM Ph.D. and with respect to whom the petitioning employer requires such an education.

Date: 2011-01-24
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow states to be compensated for incarcerating undocumented aliens who are charged with, or convicted of, a felony or two or more misdemeanors. (Current law requires a conviction.)

Date: 2011-01-24
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration