zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2010 - Amends the the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise employer and government provisions regarding H-1B (specialty occupation) and L-1 (intracompany transfer) nonimmigrant aliens. Amends H-1B employer application requirements to: (1) revise wage determination requirements; (2) require Internet posting and description of employment positions; (3) lengthen U.S. worker displacement protection: (4) apply certain requirements to all H-1B employers rather than only to H-1B dependent employers; (5) prohibit employer advertising that makes a position available only to, or gives priority to, H-1B nonimmigrants; and (6) limit the number of H-1B and L-1 employees that an employer of 50 or more workers in the United States may hire. Revises application review provisions. Authorizes the Department of Labor (DOL) to: (1) investigate applications for fraud; and (2) conduct H-1B compliance audits. Directs DOL to conduct annual audits of companies with large numbers of H-1B workers. Authorizes DOL to initiate H-1B employer application investigations. Increases employer penalties. Revises provisions regarding initiation of employer violation investigations by DOL. Provides for information sharing between DOL and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services regarding employer noncompliance. Authorizes DOL to hire 200 additional employees to administer H-1B programs. Prohibits, with a specified waiver by the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), an employer from hiring an L-1 nonimmigrant for more than one year who will: (1) serve in a capacity involving specialized knowledge; and (2) be stationed primarily at the worksite of an employer other than the petitioning employer. Specifies L-1: (1) employer petition requirements for employment at a new office; (2) wage rates and working conditions; and (3) employer penalties. Authorizes the Secretary to initiate an L-1 employer investigation. Requires a report to Congress regarding the L-1 blanket petition process.

Date: 2010-05-25
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
International Adoption Harmonization Act of 2010 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include in the definition of "child" a child adopted under the age of 18 (16 under current law) who has been: (1) in the custody of, and has resided with, the adopting parent or parents for at least two years; or (2) battered or subjected to extreme cruelty by the adopting parent or a family member residing in the same household. Includes in the definition of "child," and thus in the exemption from required admissions vaccination documentation, certain children who have been adopted in a foreign country that is a signatory to the Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Convention) or who are emigrating from such a country for U.S. adoption. States that the budgetary effects of this Act for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled "Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation" for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the Committee on the Budget of the House of Representatives, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

Date: 2010-06-15
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to create an exemption from the presumption that an alien seeking U.S. entry is an immigrant for an alien seeking U.S. entry to care for a relative who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident with a serious health condition. Requires such alien to submit an attestation from a health care provider that includes: (1) a diagnosis and treatment statement; and (2) the expected length of such care.

Date: 2010-06-24
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
National Border and Homeland Security Act of 2010 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to give state criminal alien assistance program (SCAAP) funding priority to: (1) northern or southern border states; or (2) state political subdivisions having one of the four largest populations of unlawfully present aliens for the preceding fiscal year. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) (Secretary) to complete the required 700 mile southwest border fencing by December 31, 2012. Amends the Secure Fence Act of 2006 to direct the Secretary to achieve operational control over U.S. international land and maritime borders by December 31, 2012. Directs the Secretary to: (1) increase the number of full-time, active-duty Border Patrol agents; (2) increase the number of Customs and Border Protection officers at U.S. ports of entry; and (3) ensure the implementaion of the automated entry and exit control system for aliens entering the United States at ports of entry (US-Visit) by December 31, 2011. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) from impeding border security-related activities by the Secretary on U.S. public lands. Sets forth activities that may be taken to increase the number of Operation Streamline prosecutions by the following U.S. district courts: (1) the District of Arizona; (2) the District of New Mexico (3) the Southern District of California (4) the Southern District of Texas; and (5) the Western District of Texas. Increases criminal penalties for improper U.S. entry by an alien. Excludes minimum mandatory prison penalties for an alien who: (1) is under 18 years old; (2) is a parent traveling with a child under 18 years old; or (3) has a life-threatening health condition. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (of DHS), in protecting the United States from a nuclear, fissile material, or radiological attack, to consider potential smuggling routes in land border areas between ports of entry, railcars entering the United States from Canada or Mexico, and private aircraft or small vessels. Directs the Secretary to procure the number of next generation portable radiation detectors (PRD) and radioactive isotope identification devices (RIID) required by the Border Patrol along the southern and northern U.S. borders by July 1, 2011. Authorizes appropriations for port security grants. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a strategic plan to detect and interdict biological and chemical weapons entering the United States.

Date: 2010-07-01
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Emergency management
Offshore Worker Whistleblower Protection Act - Prohibits an employer from discharging, discriminating, or engaging in retaliatory actions against specified employees who report to a government official any violation under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). Sets forth complaint filing procedures with the Secretary of Labor regarding such retaliation. Requires employers to: (1) post a notice approved by the Secretary of Labor explaining employee rights and remedies under this Act in a conspicuous location in the place of employment where employees frequent; (2) provide training to employees about their rights under this Act within 30 days of employment, and at least once every 12 months thereafter; and (3) provide employees with a card containing a toll free telephone number at the Department of Labor to get information or file a complaint under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor, within 30 days after enactment of this Act, to designate agency officials to receive, investigate, and adjudicate complaints concerning violations under this Act. Prohibits an employer engaged in activities for the exploration for, and development and production of, minerals, alternative energy, or oil spill cleanup under a lease or permit issued under the OCSLA from discharging or constructively discharging an employee performing such activities on or in waters above the Outer Continental Shelf, and who has completed a probationary period of employment of up to six months, without reasonable job-related grounds based on: (1) failure to satisfactorily perform job duties, including compliance with the OCSLA and mandatory health and safety standards or regulations; or (2) other legitimate business reason. Authorizes an aggrieved employee, within one year of an alleged violation of such requirement, to file a complaint in an appropriate federal district court. Entitles a prevailing employee to: (1) reinstatement with backpay and compensatory damages; and (2) reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. Directs the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a cooperative educational and training agreement to jointly train Department of Labor and Department of the Interior inspectors of, and other related personnel on, onshore and offshore oil and gas drilling or production platforms or rigs.

Date: 2010-07-15
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Labor and employment
Stop the Drop Houses Act of 2010 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to subject real property used or intended to be used in alien smuggling to seizure and forfeiture.

Date: 2010-07-19
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Respect for Local Laws Act - 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: 2010-07-19
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Law
Putting an End to Sanctuary Cities Act - Prohibits the distribution of federal funds to a state or a political subdivision of a state that is determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to be interfering with federal immigration law enforcement. Terminates such prohibition when the Secretary certifies that the state or political subdivision has entered into an agreement with the Secretary to cease such interference.

Date: 2010-07-20
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Border Security and Employee Verification Improvement Act of 2010 - Provides for: (1) an increase of full-time active-duty Border Patrol personnel along the southern border for each of FY2011-FY2013; and (2) Border Patrol infrastructure improvements along such border. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) construct two layers of reinforced fencing along at least 150 miles (in addition to any existing fencing) of the southern border; and (2) complete such work within three years. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the E-Verify Program.

Date: 2010-07-22
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Family Reunification Act of 2010 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise the eligibility criteria for 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: (1) replace the current petition filing date of on or before the date of the enactment of the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act with a filing deadline of December 21, 2010; (2) require that such petition has been pending for more than 540 days (3 years under current law); and (3) require that for an approved petition, more than 540 days (3 years under current law) have elapsed since the petition's filing and no visa is available or the petition remains pending.

Date: 2010-07-27
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Secretary of State, upon notice by the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) that a foreign government denies or unreasonably delays accepting the return of an alien who is a citizen, subject, national, or resident of that country, to order consular officers in that foreign country to stop granting immigrant visas or nonimmigrant visas to citizens, subjects, nationals, and residents of that country until the country has accepted the alien. (Under current law the Attorney General provides such notice to the Secretary of State.) Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security, upon a determination that a foreign government denies or unreasonably delays accepting an alien who is a citizen, subject, national, or resident of that country after the alien has been ordered removed, to deny admission to any citizen, subject, national, or resident of such country who is seeking or has received a diplomatic nonimmigrant visa.

Date: 2010-07-30
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Criminal Alien Removal Act of 2010 - Directs the the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to carry out a Criminal Alien Program to: (1) identify incarcerated criminal aliens; (2) ensure that such aliens are not released into the community; and (3) remove such aliens from the United States upon release. Makes a state that does not cooperate with the Secretary to carry out the Program ineligible for Department of Justice (DOJ) law enforcement grant programs (including the criminal alien incarceration program under the Immigration and Nationality Act). Authorizes appropriate state officials to: (1) hold an illegal alien for up to 14 days after completion of the term of incarceration in order to effectuate transfer to federal custody if the alien is removable or not lawfully present in the United States; and (2) issue a detainer permitting an alien who completes a term of incarceration to be held until U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement takes the alien into custody. Directs the Secretary to carry out the Program as follows: (1) by December 31, 2012, identify each criminal alien incarcerated in a federal facility who will be deportable or removable upon release; and (2) by December 31, 2014, identify each criminal alien serving a term of three or more years in a state or local facility who will be deportable or removable upon release.

Date: 2010-07-30
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
International Child Protection Act of 2010 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make aliens convicted of sex offenses against minors inadmissible to the United States. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), the Attorney General, and the Secretary of State should work with foreign law enforcement agencies and international organizations to establish related information reporting mechanisms.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Citizenship and Service 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 prior to his or her sixteenth birthday, and has been present in the United States for at least five years immediately preceding enactment of this Act; (2) is a person of good moral character; (3) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act; and (4) at the time of application, has been admitted to an institution of higher education, or has earned a high school or general education diploma in the United States. 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. Sets forth the conditions for conditional permanent resident status, including: (1) termination of status for violation of this Act; and (2) removal of conditional status to permanent status. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) exclusive jurisdiction; (2) penalties for false application statements; (3) confidentiality; (4) fee prohibitions for expedited application processing; and (5) a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report respecting the number of aliens adjusted under this Act.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Justice for Sergei Magnitsky Act of 2010 - Makes an alien ineligible for entry or admission to the United States when the Secretary of State determines such alien to be: (1) an individual who engaged in any act that was instrumental in causing the death of Sergei Leonidovich Magnitsky; (2) an individual who conspired to defraud the Russian Federation of taxes on corporate profits because of fraudulent transactions and lawsuits against the Hermitage foreign investment company; or (3) the spouse, son, daughter, or parent of such alien. Revokes any visa issued for such person. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such prohibition if in the U.S. national interest. States that such provisions shall cease to be effective when the Secretary certifies to Congress that: (1) the government of the Russian Federation has conducted a thorough and impartial investigation into Mr. Magnitsky's detention and death, and the responsible individuals have been brought to justice according to the Russian Federation's laws and pursuant to its international legal obligations; (2) the government of the Russian Federation has taken steps to bring its criminal justice and penal systems into compliance with international legal standards; and (3) the U.S. government is confident that the investigation was properly conducted. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) instruct domestic financial institutions and agencies to take specified measures if the Secretary makes a money laundering determination relating to such conspiracy; and (2) freeze and prohibit U.S. property transactions of an individual who is prohibited from entering the United States or acts as an agent for an such individual. States that such provisions shall cease to be effective when the Secretary of the Treasury certifies to Congress that: (1) the government of the Russian Federation has conducted a thorough and impartial investigation into the conspiracy to defraud the Russian Federation of taxes on corporate profit, and the responsible individuals have been brought to justice according to the Russian Federation's laws and pursuant to its international legal obligations; (2) the government of the Russian Federation has taken steps to bring its criminal justice systems into compliance with international financial and banking standards, and has strengthened protections for individuals who disclose illegal government activities; and (3) the U.S. government is confident that the investigation was properly conducted.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to toll, during active-duty service abroad in the Armed Forces, the 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.

Date: 2010-11-15
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Marine Sergeant Michael H. Ferschke, Jr. Memorial Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to count as a spouse, wife, or husband a party to a marriage ceremony in which the parties were not in each other's physical presence, and the marriage was not consummated, if the failure to consummate was caused by physical separation because of one party's active-duty status abroad in the U.S. Armed Forces. States that the budgetary effects of this Act for purposes of Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 compliance shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled "Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation" for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the Committee on the Budget of the House of Representatives, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

Date: 2010-11-15
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to adjust an alien's status from conditional resident to lawful permanent resident if such person: (1) became a conditional resident as an alien entrepreneur, alien spouse, or alien child on or before December 31, 1998; (2) filed an application to remove conditional resident status on an 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.

Date: 2010-11-18
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
No Health Care Subsidies for Illegal Aliens Act of 2010 - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, with respect to procedures for determining eligibility for participation in a state health care insurance exchange (Exchange), to: (1) require an applicant for enrollment in a qualified health plan (enrollee) to appear in person at an Exchange and submit a sworn statement, under penalty of perjury, that the enrollee is a citizen or national of the United States or an eligible alien; (2) require enrollees to provide satisfactory documentary evidence of citizenship or nationality or satisfactory immigration status; (3) require Exchanges to verify citizenship or immigration status of enrollees based on satisfactory documentary evidence and (4) eliminate the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to modify the methods used by Exchanges to verify enrollee eligibility.

Date: 2010-11-18
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Health
Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010 - Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure that: (1) by not later than two years after enactment of this Act, all applicants for law enforcement positions with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) receive polygraph examinations before being hired for law enforcement positions; and (2) by not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act, CBP initiates all periodic background reinvestigations for all of its law enforcement personnel. Requires the Secretary to make periodic progress reports to Congress on CBP compliance.

Date: 2010-12-01
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Pakistani Temporary Protected Status Act of 2010 - 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: 2010-12-08
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Stronger Economy, Stronger Borders Act of 2009 - Expresses the sense of Congress that Congress should enact, and the President should sign, legislation to strengthen the economy, recognize the heritage of the United States as a nation of immigrants, and amend the Immigration and Nationality Act by: (1) providing more effective border and employment enforcement; (2) preventing illegal immigration; and (3) reforming and rationalizing avenues for legal immigration.

Date: 2009-01-06
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Visa Waiver Program Expansion Act of 2010 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to remove the provision prohibiting the Secretary of Homeland Security's (DHS) authority to waive requirements for the participation of a country with a low nonimmigrant visa refusal rate in the visa waiver program if the Secretary has not notified Congress by June 30, 2009, of a required air exit system's completion.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Authorizes a financial institution, when verifying the identity of a non-U.S. citizen or national who is seeking to open a bank account, to accept only: (1) a Social Security number; (2) a passport number and the country of issuance; (3) an alien identification card number; or (4) any combination of such items.Prohibits a financial institution, for such verification purposes, from accepting identification documents issued by a foreign government, other than an unexpired passport.

Date: 2009-01-06
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Prohibits the use of community oriented policing services funds in contravention of provisions of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 that restrict a government entity or official from preventing any government entity or official from sending to, or receiving from, the responsible federal immigration agency information regarding an individual's citizenship or immigration status.

Date: 2009-01-06
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
SCAAP Reimbursement Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to compensate states for incarcerating undocumented aliens charged with a felony or two or more misdemeanors.

Date: 2009-01-08
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Strengthening the Visa Waiver Program to Secure America Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act regarding the visa waiver program to: (1) require current and new program countries to report on lost or stolen visas in order to participate in the program; (2) set a maximum 2% visa overstay rate for program countries; (3) require a reevaluation of program countries within one year; and (4) include arrival data in the required air entry and exit system and electronic travel authorization system.

Date: 2009-01-12
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit states, at their option, to require certain individuals to present satisfactory documentary evidence of citizenship or nationality for Medicaid eligibility. Revises the rules for children born in the United States to mothers eligible for Medicaid. Declares that a Medicaid-eligible individual shall be deemed to have provided satisfactory documentary evidence of citizenship or nationality, and shall not be required to provide further evidence, on any date during or after the period in which the individual is eligible for Medicaid.

Date: 2009-01-13
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Health
Border Law Enforcement Relief Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants on a competitive basis to eligible law enforcement agencies to assist such agencies in addressing border-related criminal activity within their jurisdictions. Defines "eligible law enforcement agency" as a tribal, state, or local law enforcement agency located or performing duties in a county that is within 100 miles of the Mexican or Canadian border or a county that has been designated by the Attorney General as a high impact area.

Date: 2009-01-28
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Wild Horse, Montana, as a port of entry and to assign sufficient U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel and allocate sufficient equipment to accept entries of merchandise, clear passengers, collect duties, and enforce customs and related laws at such port for 24 hours per day.

Date: 2009-03-11
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2009 or DREAM Act of 2009 - 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 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 enactment of this Act; (2) is a person of good moral character; (3) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act; (4) at the time of application, has been admitted to an institution of higher education 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. Sets forth the conditions for conditional permanent resident status, including: (1) termination of status for violation of this Act; and (2) removal of conditional status to permanent status. Authorizes an alien who has satisfied the appropriate requirements prior to enactment of this Act to petition the Secretary for conditional permanent resident status. Provides for: (1) exclusive jurisdiction; (2) penalties for false application statements; (3) confidentiality; (4) fee prohibitions; (5) higher education assistance; and (6) a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report respecting the number of aliens adjusted under this Act.

Date: 2009-03-26
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow an alien widow of a U.S. citizen who was married for less than two years at the time of the citizen spouse's death who proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the marriage was entered into in good faith and not for the purpose of obtaining an immigration benefit to self-petition (within the required two years) for continued immediate relative status. Applies such provision to all applications and petitions pending on or after the date of enactment of this Act. Extends the petition filing deadline for two years after the date of enactment of this Act for an alien spouse if: (1) the U.S. citizen spouse died before the date of enactment of this Act; (2) the alien and the citizen spouse were married for less than two years at the time of the citizen spouse's death; and (3) the alien has not remarried.

Date: 2009-04-02
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2009 - Amends the the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise employer and government provisions regarding H-1B (specialty occupation) and L-1 (intracompany transfer) nonimmigrant aliens. Amends H-1B employer application requirements to: (1) revise wage determination requirements; (2) require Internet posting and description of employment positions; (3) lengthen U.S. worker displacement protection: (4) apply certain requirements to all H-1B employers rather than only to H-1B dependent employers; (5) prohibit employer advertising that makes a position available only to, or gives priority to, H-1B nonimmigrants; and (6) limit the number of H-1B and L-1 employees that an employer of 50 or more workers in the United States may hire. Revises application review provisions. Authorizes the Department of Labor (DOL) to: (1) investigate applications for fraud; and (2) conduct H-1B compliance audits. Directs DOL to conduct annual audits of companies with large numbers of H-1B workers. Authorizes DOL to initiate H-1B employer application investigations. Increases employer penalties. Revises provisions regarding initiation of employer violation investigations by DOL. Provides for information sharing between DOL and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services regarding employer noncompliance. Authorizes DOL to hire 200 additional employees to administer H-1B programs. Prohibits, with a specified waiver by the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), an employer from hiring an L-1 nonimmigrant for more than one year who will: (1) serve in a capacity involving specialized knowledge; and (2) be stationed primarily at the worksite of an employer other than the petitioning employer. Specifies L-1: (1) employer petition requirements for employment at a new office; (2) wage rates and working conditions; and (3) employer penalties. Authorizes the Secretary to initiate an L-1 employer investigation. Requires a report to Congress regarding the L-1 blanket petition process.

Date: 2009-04-23
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Posthumous Citizenship for Binghamton Victims Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide for the granting of citizenship as of April 2, 2009, to an individual otherwise eligible for naturalization who: (1) was, as of April 2, 2009, an alien or U.S. national; (2) died as a result of an injury incurred during the April 3, 2009, shooting at the American Civic Association Community Center in Binghamton, New York; and (3) was not culpable for an act that was a cause of an injury during such shooting. Prohibits the granting of derivative immigration benefits to surviving relatives of an individual granted posthumous citizenship under this Act.

Date: 2009-04-28
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
English Language Unity Act of 2009 - Makes English the official language of the United States. Requires, subject to exceptions and rules of construction, that: (1) official functions of the United States be conducted in English; and (2) all naturalization ceremonies be conducted in English. Establishes a uniform English language rule for naturalization. Makes English language requirements and workplace policies, whether in the public or private sector, presumptively consistent with the laws of the United States. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue for public notice and comment a proposed rule for uniform testing of English language ability of candidates for naturalization based upon the principles that: (1) all citizens should be able to read and understand generally the English language text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the laws of the United States; and (2) any exceptions to this standard should be limited to extraordinary circumstances, such as asylum.

Date: 2009-05-06
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits, and Security Act of 2009 or the AgJOBS Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to confer "blue card status" upon an alien who: (1) has performed agricultural employment in the United States for at least 863 hours or 150 work days during the 24-month period ending on December 31, 2008; (2) applied for such status during the 18-month application period beginning on the first day of the seventh month that begins after the date of enactment of this Act; (3) is otherwise admissible to the United States; and (4) has not been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor, an element of which involves bodily injury, threat of serious bodily injury, or harm to property in excess of $500. Limits the number of blue cards that may be issued during the five-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to adjust a blue card alien (and spouse and minor children) to permanent resident status if the alien has fulfilled specified periods of agricultural employment. Amends the Social Security Act to exempt blue card aliens from prosecution for social security-related identity or payment false statements if such conduct occurred prior to the granting of blue card status. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise H-2A visa (agricultural labor or temporary or seasonal services) provisions. Replaces the existing labor certification requirement with a labor attestation requirement containing: (1) a description of the nature and location of the job; (2) the job's expected beginning and ending dates; (3) the number of jobs; and (4) specified labor assurances respecting job opportunities covered by collective bargaining agreements and non-covered job opportunities.

Date: 2009-05-14
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Protecting America's Communities Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the admission, asylum entry, or parole entry into the United States of an alien who, as of January 1, 2009, was being detained by the Department of Defense (DOD) at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. Requires the additional six-month detainment of such an alien ordered removed if the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) certifies that: (1) the alien cannot be removed due to the refusal of all countries designated by the alien to receive the alien; and (2) the Secretary is making reasonable efforts to find alternative means for removing the alien. Authorizes the Secretary to renew such certification after providing the alien with an opportunity to request and provide evidentiary support for reconsideration of the detainment certification. Prohibits: (1) an immigration judge or official of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement from releasing a detained alien on bond or parole; and (2) the Secretary from delegating certification authority to an official below the level of the Assistant Secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Directs the Attorney General to take into custody upon release an alien who, as of January 1, 2009, was being detained by DOD at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. Reaffirms that: (1) the United States is in an armed conflict with Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and associated forces; and (2) the President is authorized to detain enemy combatants in connection with such conflict regardless of their place of capture.

Date: 2009-05-19
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Reuniting Families Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish the fiscal year worldwide level of employment-based immigrants at 140,000 plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY1992-FY2007. Establishes the fiscal year worldwide level of family-sponsored immigrants at 480,000 plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY1992-FY2007. Revises the definition of "immediate relative" to: (1) mean a child, spouse, or parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (and for each family member of a citizen or resident, such individual's accompanying spouse or child), except that in the case of parents such citizens shall be at least 21 years old; (2) permit a widow or widower of a U.S. citizen or resident to seek permanent resident status if married at least two years at the time of the citizen's or resident's death or, if married less than two years, by showing through a preponderance of the evidence that the marriage was entered into in good faith and not solely to obtain an immigration benefit; and (3) include an alien who was the child or parent of a U.S. citizen or resident at the time of the citizen's or resident's death if the alien files a petition within two years after such date or prior to reaching 21 years old. Increases immigration visas for: (1) unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens; and (2) brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. Provides a 60,000 visa allocation for the unmarried sons and daughters of permanent resident aliens. Increases annual per country (10% of annual total) and dependent area (5% of annual total) limits for employment-based and family-sponsored immigrant visas. Expands specified family-unity exceptions to unlawful presence-based inadmissibility. Provides specified relief for orphans and spouses regarding: (1) petitions for immediate relative status; (2) parole eligibility; (3) permanent resident status adjustment; and (4) processing of immigrant visas. Exempts children of naturalized Filipino World War II veterans from worldwide or numerical immigrant limitations. Makes a minor child of an alien fiancee/fiance or of an alien spouse of a U.S. citizen eligible for derivative K-visa status provided that the child's age is determined using such child's age at the date that the petition to classify such child's parent as a K-visa alien is filed with the Secretary of Homeland Security. Authorizes the Secretary or the Attorney General to adjust the status of a finacee/fiance or alien spouse and any minor children (K-visa) to conditional permanent resident status if such alien marries the petitioner within three months after U.S. admission. Redefines "child" for purposes of titles I and II of the Act to include a stepchild under 21 years old. (Current law includes a stepchild who has not reached 18 years old at the time the marriage creating the status of stepchild occurred.)

Date: 2009-05-20
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Orphans, Widows, and Widowers Protection Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise the definition of "immediate relative" to: (1) permit a widow or widower of a U.S. citizen to seek permanent resident status if married less than two years by showing through a preponderance of the evidence that the marriage was entered into in good faith and not solely to obtain an immigration benefit; and (2) include an alien who was the child or parent of a U.S. citizen at the time of the citizen's death if the alien parent files a petition within two years after such date or the alien child files a petition prior to reaching 21 years old. Provides specified relief for orphans and spouses regarding: (1) petitions for immediate relative status; (2) parole eligibility; (3) permanent resident status adjustment; and (4) processing of immigrant visas.

Date: 2009-06-11
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Arts Require Timely Service Act or the ARTS Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to adjudicate a visa petition filed by an employer on behalf of an alien with extraordinary ability in the arts (O- and P- visas other than athletes) and an accompanying alien not later than 30 days after: (1) the date on which the petitioner submits the petition with a written advisory opinion, letter of no objection, or request for a waiver; or (2) the date on which the 15-day period to comment upon a petition has expired if the petitioner has had an opportunity, as appropriate, to supply rebuttal evidence. Requires the petitioner to be provided premium-processing services without a fee if such petition is not adjudicated within the required time frame and the petitioner is a qualified nonprofit organization or is petitioning on behalf of a qualified nonprofit organization.

Date: 2009-07-08
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
September 11 Family Humanitarian Relief and Patriotism Act of 2009 - Provides permanent resident status adjustment for an applicant alien who: (1) was on September 10, 2001, the spouse, child, or unmarried son or daughter of an alien who died as a direct result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist activity against the United States; (2) was deemed to be a beneficiary of, and by, the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001; (3) has no federal tax liability; (4) made a proffer of information to the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) between April 24, 2008, and August 15, 2008, in connection with a request for immigration relief; and (5) applies not later than one year from the date of enactment of this Act. Makes the provisions of this Act inapplicable to an alien who is inadmissible or deportable under criminal or security grounds, including September 11, 2001, terrorist activity.

Date: 2009-10-01
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act - Exempts provisions expanding the adoption tax credit and adoption assistance programs enacted by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 from the general terminating (sunset) provisions of that Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the tax credit for adoption expenses in the taxable year in which such expenses are paid or incurred.

Date: 2009-11-21
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit judicial review of visa or document revocation. (Judicial review is currently permitted in a deportation proceeding if such revocation is the sole ground for deportation.) States that this Act shall: (1) take effect on the date of its enactment; and (2) apply to all visas issued before, on, or after such date.

Date: 2010-01-20
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Amends the Homeland Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) 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. Authorizes the Secretary of State (Secretary) 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 to approve a visa from overriding a revocation or refusal determination by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Provides that the Secretary of Homeland Security: (1) shall review all visa applications and supporting documentation before adjudication; (2) shall have sole authority to issue, refuse, and revoke visas in Algeria, Canada, Egypt, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Syria, Turkey, Venezuela, and Yemen; and (3) may designate additional consular posts and embassies for on-site personnel to review visa applications if national or homeland security interests warrant such designation. States that if the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Secretary 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.

Date: 2010-01-21
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration
Refugee Opportunity Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the waiver of the continuous one-year presence requirement for permanent resident status adjustment for a refugee/asylee who: (1) is or was employed by the U.S. government or a U.S. government contractor overseas and worked on behalf of the U.S. government for the entire period of absence, which may not exceed one year; or (2) is or was employed by the U.S. government or a U.S. government contractor in the alien's country of nationality or last habitual residence for the entire period of absence, which may not exceed one year, and was under U.S. government or contractor protection while working on behalf of the U.S. government during the entire period of employment; and (3) returns immediately to the United States upon such employment's conclusion.

Date: 2010-01-28
Topic: Immigration (Immigration)
Subject: Immigration