109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2092
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to comprehensively reform
immigration law and to better protect immigrant victims of violence, and for
other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 4, 2005
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas introduced the following bill; which was referred
to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Ways
and Means, Energy and Commerce, Agriculture, Homeland Security, and Financial
Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each
case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction
of the committee concerned
A BILL
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to comprehensively reform
immigration law and to better protect immigrant victims of violence, and for
other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES TO ACT.
(a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the `Save America Comprehensive
Immigration Act of 2005'.
(b) References to the Immigration and Nationality Act- Except as otherwise
expressly provided, whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed
in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the
reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of
the Immigration and Nationality Act.
TITLE I--FAMILY-BASED IMMIGRATION
SEC. 101. INCREASING THE ALLOCATION OF FAMILY-BASED IMMIGRANT VISAS.
Section 201(c)(8 U.S.C. 115(c)) is amended to read as follows:
`(c) Worldwide Level of Family-Sponsored Immigrants- The worldwide level of
family-sponsored immigrants under this subsection for a fiscal year shall
be no more than 960,000.'.
SEC. 102. PROTECTION AGAINST PROCESSING DELAYS.
(a) Age-Out Protection for Children-
(1) IN GENERAL- Chapter 1 of title IV (8 U.S.C. 1101 note) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
`AGE-OUT PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN
`SEC. 408. (a) In General- In the case of an application initially to grant
a benefit under this Act (other than an application for naturalization) that
otherwise would be granted only after a determination that the beneficiary
of the application is a child (such as classification as an immediate relative
under section 201(b)(2)(A)(i)), if the application is neither approved nor
denied (on procedural or substantive grounds) during the 90-day period beginning
on the date of the filing of the application, the beneficiary shall be considered
to be a child for all purposes related to the receipt of the benefit if the
beneficiary was a child on the last day of such 90-day period, and the beneficiary
shall not otherwise be prejudiced with respect to such determination by such
delay, and shall be considered to be a child under this Act for all purposes
related to such application.
`(b) Termination of Benefit- Subsection (a) shall remain in effect until the
termination of the 1-year period beginning on the date on which the application
described in such paragraph is approved.'.
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT- The table of contents is amended by inserting after
the item relating to section 407 the following:
`Sec. 408. Age-out protection for children.'.
(b) Timeliness of Adoption for Immigration Purposes-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 101(b)(1)(E)(i) (8 U.S.C. 1101(b)(1)(E)(i)) is amended
by striking `a child adopted while under the age of sixteen years' and inserting
`a child, under the age of 16 when adoption proceedings were initiated,'.
(2) SPECIAL RULE FOR SIBLINGS- Section 101(b)(1)(E)(ii)(III) (8 U.S.C. 1101(b)(1)(E)(ii)(III))
is amended by striking `adopted while under the age of 18 years' and inserting
`under the age of 18 when adoption proceedings were initiated'.
SEC. 103. TEMPORARY STATUS PENDING RECEIPT OF PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS.
(a) Classes of Nonimmigrant Aliens- Section 101(a)(15)(K) (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(K))
is amended--
(1) by striking `or' at the end of clause (ii);
(2) by adding `or' at the end of clause (iii); and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
`(iv)(I) has concluded a valid marriage with an alien lawfully admitted
for permanent residence, is the parent of a citizen of the United States,
or is the child, son, or daughter of an alien lawfully admitted for
permanent residence or a citizen of the United States; (II) is the beneficiary
of an approved petition to accord immigrant status on the basis of such
family relationship that was filed under section 204 by such family
member; (III) has available to the alien an immigrant visa number; (IV)
has waited more than 6 months for the issuance of an immigrant visa
based upon an application made by the alien; and (V) seeks to enter
the United States to await such issuance;'.
(b) Admission of Nonimmigrants- Section 214(d) (8 U.S.C. 1184(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking `(d)' and inserting `(d)(1)'; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
`(2) A visa shall not be issued under the provisions of section 101(a)(15)(K)(iv)
until the consular officer has received a petition filed in the United States
by the lawful permanent resident or citizen relative of the applying alien
and approved by the Secretary of Homeland Security. The petition shall be
in such form and contain such information as the Secretary shall, by regulation,
prescribe.'.
SEC. 104. ELIMINATION OF AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT REQUIREMENT.
(a) Grounds for Ineligibility for Admission- Section 212(a)(4) (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(4))
is amended--
(1) by amending subparagraph (B)(ii) to read as follows:
`(ii) If an alien submits an affidavit of support described in section
213A, in addition to the factors under clause (i), the consular officer
or the Attorney General shall also consider such affidavit in determining
whether the alien is inadmissible under this paragraph.'; and
(2) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D).
(b) Requirements for Sponsor's Affidavit of Support- Subsections (a)(1)(A),
(f)(1)(E), and (f)(4)(B)(i) of section 213A (8 U.S.C. 1183a(a)(1)(A), (f)(1)(E),
and (f)(4)(B)(i)) are amended by striking `125' and inserting `100'.
SEC. 105. ACQUISITION OF CITIZENSHIP FOR CHILDREN BORN ABROAD AND OUT OF
WEDLOCK TO A UNITED STATES CITIZEN FATHER.
(a) Requirements for Citizenship Eligibility- Section 309(a) (8 U.S.C. 1409(a))
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by adding `and' at the end;
(2) by striking paragraph (3);
(3) in paragraph (4), by striking `while the person is under the age of
18 years--' and inserting `at any time--'; and
(4) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3).
(b) Clarification Regarding Deceased Parents of Children Born Abroad and Out
of Wedlock- Section 309 (8 U.S.C. 1409) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
`(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude a person who is
a citizen or national of the United States by virtue of a provision of this
section from establishing such status under this title after the death of
the person's father, mother, or parents.'.
(c) Application of Citizenship Provisions- The amendments made by this Act
shall apply to persons born out of wedlock who are alive on or after the date
of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 106. ALLOW AUNTS AND UNCLES OR GRANDPARENTS TO ADOPT ORPHANED OR ABANDONED
CHILDREN OF THE DECEASED RELATIVE.
Section 101(b) is amended by--
(1) striking `or' at the end of subparagraph (E) and inserting a semicolon;
(2) striking the period at the end of subparagraph (F) and inserting `;
or'; and
(3) by inserting the following subparagraph:
`(G) a child adopted in the United States or abroad or who is coming to
the United States for adoption by a grandparent, aunt or uncle while under
the age of eighteen years, who has suffered the death or disappearance
of, abandonment or desertion by, or separation or loss from, both parents,
or for whom the sole or surviving parent is incapable of providing proper
care and has consented in writing to the adoption, if the Secretary of
Homeland Security is satisfied that proper care will be furnished the
child if admitted to the United States. No natural parent or prior adoptive
parent of any such child shall thereafter, by virtue of such parentage,
be accorded any right, privilege, or status under this Act. Nothing in
this subsection shall be construed to require the child to be released
to an orphanage as a prerequisite for eligibility.'.
SEC. 107. ELIMINATING THE WIDOWED IMMIGRANTS 2-YEAR MARRIAGE PENALTY AND
SURVIVING IMMEDIATE RELATIVES PENALTY.
(a) Requirements for Eliminating Widow Penalty- Section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) (8
U.S.C. 1151 (b)(2)(A)(i)) is amended--
(1) by striking `for at least 2 years';
(2) by inserting `, and if married for less than two years at the time of
the citizen's death proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the marriage
was entered into in good faith and not solely for the purpose of obtaining
an immigration benefit,' after `within 2 years after such date'; and
(3) by inserting the following sentence after the sentence ending with `remarries.':
`In the case of an alien who was the child or parent of a citizen of the
United States at the time of the citizen's death, the alien shall be considered,
for purposes of this subsection, to remain an immediate relative after the
date of the citizen's death but only if the alien files a petition under
section 204(a)(1)(A)(ii), as amended, within two years after such date in
the case of a parent, or prior to reaching the age of 21 in the case of
a child.'.
(b) Requirements for Eliminating Surviving Immediate Relative Penalty- Section
204(a)(1)(A)(ii) (8 U.S.C. 1154 (a)(1)(A)(ii)) is amended by inserting `or
an alien child or alien parent described in the third sentence of section
201(b)(2)(A)(i)' after `section 201(b)(2)(A)(i)'.
(c) Transition Period- In applying section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) (8 U.S.C. 1154(b)(2)(A)(i)),
as amended, in the case of an alien whose citizen relative died before the
date of the enactment of this Act, the alien relative may (notwithstanding
the deadlines specified in such subsection) file the classification petition
referred to in such subsection within 2 years after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
(d) Applications for Adjustment of Status- Section 245 (8 U.S.C. 1255) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
`(n) Applications for Adjustment of Status by Surviving Spouses, Children,
and Parents-
`(1) IN GENERAL- Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (c) (except subsection
(c)(6)) of section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1255), any alien described in paragraph (2) who applied for adjustment of
status prior to the death of the qualifying relative, may have such application
adjudicated as if such death had not occurred.
`(2) ALIEN DESCRIBED- An alien is described in this paragraph if the alien
was--
`(A) an immediate relative as described in section 201(b)(2)(A)(i);
`(B) a family-sponsored immigrant as described in section 203(a) or (d);
`(C) a derivative beneficiary of an employment-based immigrant under section
203(b), as described in section 203(d); or
`(D) a derivative beneficiary of a diversity immigrant as described in
section 203(c).'.
(e) Transition Period- Notwithstanding a prior denial of an application for
adjustment of status, in the case of an alien whose qualifying relative died
before the date of the enactment of this Act, such application may be renewed
by the alien through a motion to reopen, without fee, filed within two years
after the date of the enactment of this Act. In the case of an alien who was
deported, removed, or departed voluntarily before the date of the enactment
of this Act, such alien shall be eligible for parole into the United States
pursuant to the Attorney General's authority under section 212(d)(5), and
such alien's application for adjustment of status shall be considered notwithstanding
section 212(a)(9).
SEC. 108. ELIMINATING THE WIDOWED PERMANENT RESIDENT'S NATURALIZATION PENALTY.
Section 319(a) (8 U.S.C. 1429(a)) is amended by inserting `or, if the spouse
is deceased, the spouse was a citizen of the United States,' after `(a) Any
person whose spouse is a citizen of the United States,'.
TITLE II--LEGALIZATION FOR LONG-TERM RESIDENTS
SEC. 201. EARNED ACCESS TO LEGALIZATION.
(a) In General- Chapter 5 of title II (8 U.S.C. 1255 et seq.) is amended by
inserting after section 245A the following:
`ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS ON THE BASIS OF EARNED ACCESS TO LEGALIZATION
`SEC. 245B. (a) In General- The Secretary of Homeland Security may adjust
the status of an alien to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent
residence if the alien--
`(1) was physically present in the United States for a continuous period
of not less than 5 years immediately preceding the date on which this provision
was enacted and has maintained continuous physical presence since then;
`(2) has at all times been a person of good moral character;
`(3) has never been convicted of a criminal offense in the United States;
`(4) in the case of an alien who is 18 years of age or older, but who is
not over the age of 65, has successfully completed a course on reading,
writing, and speaking words in ordinary usage in the English language, unless
unable to do so on account of physical or developmental disability or mental
impairment;
`(5) in the case of an alien 18 years of age or older, has accepted the
values and cultural life of the United States; and
`(6) in the case of an alien 18 years of age or older, has performed at
least 40 hours of community service.
`(b) Treatment of Brief, Casual, and Innocent Absences- An alien shall not
be considered to have failed to maintain a continuous presence in the United
States for purposes of subsection (a)(1) by virtue of brief, casual, and innocent
absences from the United States.
`(c) Admissible as Immigrant-
`(1) IN GENERAL- The alien shall establish that the alien is admissible
to the United States as immigrant, except as otherwise provided in paragraph
(2).
`(2) EXCEPTIONS- The provisions of paragraphs (5), (6)(A), (6)(B), (6)(C),
(6)(F), (6)(G), (7)(A), (9)(B), and (9)(C)(i)(I) of section 212(a) shall
not apply in the determination of an alien's admissibility under this section.
`(d) Security and Law Enforcement Clearances- The alien, if over 15 years
of age, shall submit fingerprints in accordance with procedures established
by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Such fingerprints shall be submitted
to relevant Federal agencies to be checked against existing databases for
information relating to criminal, national security, or other law enforcement
actions that would render the alien ineligible for adjustment of status under
this section. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide a process for
challenging the accuracy of matches that result in a finding of ineligibility
for adjustment of status.
`(e) Inapplicability of Numerical Limitations- When an alien is granted lawful
permanent resident status under this subsection, the number of immigrant visas
authorized to be issued under any provision of this Act shall not be reduced.
The numerical limitations of sections 201 and 202 shall not apply to adjustment
of status under this section.
`(f) Termination of Proceedings- The Secretary of Homeland Security may terminate
removal proceedings without prejudice pending the outcome of an alien's application
for adjustment of status under this section on the basis of a prima facie
showing of eligibility for relief under this section.'.
(b) Clerical Amendment- The table of contents is amended by inserting after
the item relating to section 245A the following:
`Sec. 245B. Adjustment of status on the basis of earned access to legalization.'.
SEC. 202. LEGALIZATION PROVISIONS FOR CHILDREN.
(a) In General- Chapter 5 of title II (8 U.S.C. 1255 et seq.), as amended
by section 201, is further amended by inserting after section 245B the following:
`ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FOR CERTAIN CHILDREN
`SEC. 245C. (a) In General- The Secretary of Homeland Security may adjust
the status of an alien to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent
residence if the alien is a child at the time of filing the application for
such adjustment and establishes that the alien, at such time--
`(1) has been physically present and enrolled in school in the United States
for a continuous period of not less than 5 years immediately preceding the
date of such application, and during that period has been a person of good
moral character;
`(2) has fully integrated into life in the United States;
`(3) has learned English or is satisfactorily pursuing a course of study
to achieve an understanding of English;
`(4) is successfully pursuing an elementary school, middle school, high
school, or college-level education; and
`(5) if older than 13 years of age, has performed at least 60 hours of community
service.
`(b) Treatment of Brief, Casual, and Innocent Absences- An alien shall not
be considered to have failed to maintain a continuous presence in the United
States for purposes of subsection (a)(1) by virtue of brief, casual, and innocent
absences from the United States.
`(c) Admissible as Immigrant-
`(1) IN GENERAL- The alien shall establish that the alien is admissible
to the United States as an immigrant, except as otherwise provided in paragraph
(2).
`(2) APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS-
`(A) GROUNDS OF INADMISSIBILITY NOT APPLIED- The provisions of paragraphs
(5), (6)(A), (6)(B), (6)(C), (6)(F), (6)(G), (7)(A), (9)(B), and (9)(C)
of section 212(a) shall not apply in the determination of an alien's admissibility
under this section.
`(B) WAIVER OF OTHER GROUNDS-
`(i) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in clause (ii), the Secretary of
Homeland Security may waive any other provision of section 212(a) in
the case of an individual alien for humanitarian purposes, to assure
family unity, or when it is otherwise in the public interest.
`(ii) GROUNDS THAT MAY NOT BE WAIVED- The following provisions of section
212(a) may not be waived by the Secretary under clause (i):
`(I) Paragraphs (2)(A) and (2)(B) (relating to criminals).
`(II) Paragraph (2)(C) (relating to drug offenses), except for so
much of such paragraph as relates to a single offense of simple possession
of 30 grams or less of marijuana.
`(III) Paragraph (3) (relating to security and related grounds).
`(d) No Numerical Limitations- The numerical limitations of sections 201 and
202 shall not apply to adjustment of status under this section.
`(e) Confidentiality of Information- Except as provided in this section, neither
the Secretary of Homeland Security, nor any other official or employee of
the Department of Homeland Security, may--
`(1) use information furnished by applicant for an application filed under
this section for any purpose other than to make a determination on the application;
`(2) make any publication whereby the information furnished by any particular
applicant can be identified; or
`(3) permit anyone other than the sworn officers and employees of the Department,
the applicant, or a representative of the applicant to examine individual
applications.
`(f) Dissemination of Information- The Secretary of Homeland Security shall
broadly disseminate information respecting the benefits which aliens may receive
under this section and the requirements to obtain such benefits.'.
(b) Clerical Amendment- The table of contents, as amended by section 201,
is amended further by inserting after the item relating to section 245B the
following:
`Sec. 245C. Adjustment of status for certain children.'.
SEC. 203. UPDATED REGISTRY PROVISION.
(a) In General- Section 249 (8 U.S.C. 1259) is amended--
(1) in the section heading by striking `1972' and inserting `1986'; and
(2) in paragraph (a), by striking `1972' and inserting `1986'.
(b) Clerical Amendment- The table of sections is amended in the item relating
to section 249 by striking `1972' and inserting `1986'.
TITLE III--BORDER SECURITY PROVISIONS
SEC. 301. INCREASE THE NUMBER OF INSPECTORS AT AIRPORT AND LAND BORDER INSPECTION
STATIONS.
In each of the fiscal years 2007 through 2011, the Secretary of Homeland Security
shall, subject to the availability of appropriations for such purpose, increase
by not less than 1,000 the number of positions for full-time active duty immigration
inspectors at airport and land border inspection stations within the Department
of Homeland Security above the number of such positions for which funds were
allotted for the preceding fiscal year.
SEC. 302. ESTABLISH A SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR COORDINATING AND DISTRIBUTING
INFORMATION ON FRAUDULENT IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS.
(a) In General- The Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish a task
force (to be known as the Task Force on Fraudulent Immigration Documents)
to carry out the following:
(1) Collect information from Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies,
and Foreign governments on the production, sale, and distribution of fraudulent
documents intended to be used to enter or to remain in the United States
unlawfully.
(2) Maintain that information in a comprehensive database.
(3) Convert the information into reports that will provide guidance for
government officials on identifying fraudulent documents being used to enter
or to remain in the United States unlawfully.
(4) Develop a system for distributing these deports on an ongoing basis
to appropriate Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies.
(b) Distribution of Information- Distribute the reports to appropriate Federal,
State and local law enforcement agencies on an ongoing basis.
SEC. 303. NEW NONIMMIGRANT VISA CLASSIFICATION TO ENABLE INFORMANTS TO ENTER
THE UNITED STATES AND REMAIN TEMPORARILY.
(a) In General- Section 101(a)(15)(S) (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(S)) is amended--
(1) in clause (i), by striking `or' at the end;
(2) in clause (ii), by striking the comma at the end and inserting `; or';
(3) by inserting after clause (ii) the following:
`(iii) who the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State,
or the Attorney General determines--
`(I) is in possession of critical reliable information concerning
a commercial alien smuggling organization or enterprise or a commercial
operation for making or trafficking in documents to be used for entering
or remaining in the United States unlawfully;
`(II) is willing to supply or has supplied such information to a Federal
or State court; or
`(III) whose presence in the United States the Secretary of Homeland
Security, the Secretary of State, or the Attorney General determines
is essential to the success of an authorized criminal investigation,
the successful prosecution of an individual involved in the commercial
alien smuggling organization or enterprise, or the disruption of such
organization or enterprise or a commercial operation for making or
trafficking in documents to be used for entering or remaining in the
United States unlawfully. ';
(4) by inserting `, or with respect to clause (iii), the Secretary of Homeland
Security, the Secretary of State, or the Attorney General' after `jointly';
and
(5) by striking `(i) or (ii)' and inserting `(i), (ii), or (iii)'.
(b) Admission of Nonimmigrants- Section 214(k) (8 U.S.C. 1184(k)) is amended--
(1) by adding at the end of paragraph (1) the following:
`The number of aliens who may be provided a visa as nonimmigrants under section
101(a)(15)(S)(iii) in any fiscal year may not exceed 400.'; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
`(5) If the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State, or the
Attorney General determines that a nonimmigrant described in clause (iii)
of section 101(a)(15)(S), or that of any family member of such a nonimmigrant
who is provided nonimmigrant status pursuant to such section, must be protected,
such official may take such lawful action as the official considers necessary
to effect such protection.'.
SEC. 304. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS WHEN NEEDED TO PROTECT INFORMANTS.
Section 245(j) (8 U.S.C. 1255(j)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking `(1) or (2),' and inserting `(1), (2),
(3), or (4),';
(2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (5);
(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
`(3) If, in the opinion of the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary
of State, or the Attorney General--
`(A) a nonimmigrant admitted into the United States under section 101(a)(15)(S)(iii)
has supplied information described in subclause (I) of such section; and
`(B) the provision of such information has substantially contributed to
the success of a commercial alien smuggling investigation or an investigation
of the sale or production of fraudulent documents to be used for entering
or remaining in the United States unlawfully, the disruption of such an
enterprise, or the prosecution of an individual described in subclause
(III) of that section,
the Secretary of Homeland Security may adjust the status of the alien (and
the spouse, children, married and unmarried sons and daughters, and parents
of the alien if admitted under that section) to that of an alien lawfully
admitted for permanent residence if the alien is not described in section
212(a)(3)(E).
`(4) The Secretary of Homeland Security may adjust the status of a nonimmigrant
admitted into the United States under section 101(a)(15)(S)(iii) (and the
spouse, children, married and unmarried sons and daughters, and parents
of the nonimmigrant if admitted under that section) to that of an alien
lawfully admitted for permanent residence on the basis of a recommendation
of the Secretary of State or the Attorney General.'; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
`(6) If the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State, or the
Attorney General determines that a person whose status is adjusted under
this subsection must be protected, such official may take such lawful action
as the official considers necessary to effect such protection.'.
SEC. 305. REWARDS PROGRAM.
(a) Rewards Program- Section 274 (8 U.S.C. 1324) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
`(1) IN GENERAL- There is established in the Department of Homeland Security
a program for the payment of rewards to carry out the purposes of this section.
`(2) PURPOSE- The rewards program shall be designed to assist in the elimination
of commercial operations to produce or sell fraudulent documents to be used
for entering or remaining in the United States unlawfully and to assist
in the investigation, prosecution, or disruption of a commercial alien smuggling
operation.
`(3) ADMINISTRATION- The rewards program shall be administered by the Secretary
of Homeland Security, in consultation, as appropriate, with the Attorney
General and the Secretary of State.
`(4) REWARDS AUTHORIZED- In the sole discretion of the Secretary of Homeland
Security, such Secretary, in consultation, as appropriate, with the Attorney
General and the Secretary of State, may pay a reward to any individual who
furnishes information or testimony leading to--
`(A) the arrest or conviction of any individual conspiring or attempting
to produce or sell fraudulent documents to be used for entering or remaining
in the United States unlawfully or to commit an act of commercial alien
smuggling involving the transportation of aliens in groups of 10 or more--
`(i) in a manner that endangers their lives; or
`(ii) who present a life-threatening health risk to people in the United
States;
`(B) the arrest or conviction of any individual committing such an act;
`(C) the arrest or conviction of any individual aiding or abetting the
commission of such an act;
`(D) the prevention, frustration, or favorable resolution of such an act,
including the dismantling of an operation to produce or sell fraudulent
documents to be used for entering or remaining in the United States, or
commercial alien smuggling operations, in whole or in significant part;
or
`(E) the identification or location of an individual who holds a key leadership
position in an operation to produce or sell fraudulent documents to be
used for entering or remaining in the United States unlawfully or a commercial
alien smuggling operation involving the transportation of aliens in groups
of 10 or more--
`(i) in a manner that endangers their lives; or
`(ii) who present a life-threatening health risk to people in the United
States.
`(5) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated
such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subsection. Amounts appropriated
under this paragraph shall remain available until expended.
`(6) INELIGIBILITY- An officer or employee of any Federal, State, local,
or foreign government who, while in performance of his or her official duties,
furnishes information described in paragraph (4) shall not be eligible for
a reward under this subsection for such furnishing.
`(7) PROTECTION MEASURES- If the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary
of State, or the Attorney General determines that an individual who furnishes
information or testimony described in paragraph (4), or any spouse, child,
parent, son, or daughter of such an individual, must be protected, such
official may take such lawful action as the official considers necessary
to effect such protection.
`(8) LIMITATIONS AND CERTIFICATION-
`(A) MAXIMUM AMOUNT- No reward under this subsection may exceed $100,000,
except as personally authorized by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
`(B) APPROVAL- Any reward under this subsection exceeding $50,000 shall
be personally approved by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
`(C) CERTIFICATION FOR PAYMENT- Any reward granted under this subsection
shall be certified for payment by the Secretary of Homeland Security.'.
SEC. 306. OUTREACH PROGRAM.
Section 274 (8 U.S.C. 1324), as amended by subsection (a), is further amended
by adding at the end the following:
`(f) Outreach Program- The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation,
as appropriate, with the Attorney General and the Secretary of State, shall
develop and implement an outreach program to educate the public in the United
States and abroad about--
`(A) bringing in and harboring aliens in violation of this section; and
`(B) participating in a commercial operation for making, or trafficking
in, documents to be used for entering or remaining in the United States
unlawfully; and
`(2) the financial rewards and other incentives available for assisting
in the investigation, disruption, or prosecution of a commercial smuggling
operation or a commercial operation for making, or trafficking in, documents
to be used for entering or remaining in the United States unlawfully'.
TITLE IV--EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRATION
SEC. 401. UNFAIR IMMIGRATION-RELATED EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES.
Section 274B (8 U.S.C. 1324b) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(5)--
(A) by amending the paragraph heading to read `Prohibition of Intimidation,
Retaliation, or Unlawful Discrimination in Employment';
(B) by moving the text down and to the right 2 ems;
(C) by inserting before such text the following: `(A) IN GENERAL- '; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
`(B) FEDERAL LABOR OR EMPLOYMENT LAWS- It is an unfair employment practice
for any employer to directly or indirectly threaten any individual with
removal or any other adverse consequences pertaining to that individual's
immigration status or employment benefits for the purpose of intimidating,
pressuring, or coercing any such individual not to exercise any right
protected by State or Federal labor or employment law (including section
7 of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 157)), or for the purpose
of retaliating against any such individual for having exercised or having
stated an intention to exercise any such right.
`(C) DISCRIMINATION BASED ON IMMIGRATION STATUS- It is an unfair employment
practice for any employer, except to the extent specifically authorized
or required by law, to discriminate in any term or condition of employment
against any individual employed by such employer on the basis of such
individual's immigration status.'; and
(2) in subsection (c)(2), by adding at the end the following: `The Special
Counsel shall not disclose to the Secretary of Homeland Security or any
other government agency or employee, and shall not cause to be published
in a manner that discloses to the Secretary of Homeland Security or any
other government agency or employee, any information obtained by the Special
Counsel in any manner concerning the immigration status of any individual
who has filed a charge under this section, or the identity of any individual
or entity that is a party or witness to a proceedings brought pursuant to
such charge. The Secretary of Homeland Security may not rely, in whole or
in part, in any enforcement action or removal proceeding, upon any information
obtained as a result of the filing or prosecution of an unfair immigration-related
employment practice charge. For purposes of this paragraph, the term `Special
Counsel' includes individuals formerly appointed to the position of Special
Counsel and any current or former employee of the office of the Special
Counsel. Whoever knowingly uses, publishes, or permits information to be
used in violation of this paragraph shall be fined not more than $10,000.'.
SEC. 402. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR TASK FORCE.
The Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Attorney General and the
Secretary of Homeland Security, shall conduct a national study of American
workplaces to determine the causes, extent, circumstances, and consequences,
of exploitation of undocumented alien workers by their employers. As part
of this study, the Secretary of Labor shall create a plan for targeted review
of Federal labor law enforcement in industries with a substantial immigrant
workforce, for the purpose of identifying, monitoring, and deterring frequent
or egregious violators of wage and hour, antidiscrimination, National Labor
Relations Act, and workplace safety and health requirements. Not later than
18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Labor
shall submit to the Congress a report describing the results of the study
and the Secretary's recommendations based on the study.
SEC. 403. RECRUITMENT OF AMERICAN WORKERS.
(1) by redesignating subsections (m) (as added by section 105 of Public
Law 106-313), (n) (as added by section 107(e) of Public Law 106-386), (o)
(as added by section 1513(c) of Public Law 106-386), (o) (as added by section
1102(b) of the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act), and (p) (as added by
section 1503(b) of the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act) as subsections
(n), (o), (p), (q), and (r), respectively; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
`(s)(1) No petition to accord employment status under any nonimmigrant classification
described in section 101(a)(15) shall be granted in the absence of an affidavit
from the petitioner describing the efforts that were made to recruit an alien
lawfully admitted for permanent residence or a citizen of the United States
before resorting to a petition to obtain a foreign employee. The recruitment
efforts must have included substantial attempts to find employees in minority
communities. Recruitment efforts in minority communities should include at
least one of the following, if appropriate for the employment being advertised:
`(A) Advertise the availability of the job opportunity for which the employer
is seeking a worker in local newspapers in the labor market that is likely
to be patronized by a potential worker for at least 5 consecutive days.
`(B) Undertake efforts to advertise the availability of the job opportunity
for which the employer is seeking a worker through advertisements in public
transportation systems.
`(C) To the extent permitted by local laws and regulations, engage in recruitment
activities in secondary schools, recreation centers, community centers,
and other places throughout the communities within 50 miles of the job site
that serve minorities.
`(2)(A) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall impose a 10 percent surcharge
on all fees collected for petitions to accord employment status and shall
use these funds to establish an employment training program which will include
unemployed workers in the United States who need to be trained or retrained.
The purpose of this program shall be to increase the number of lawful permanent
residents and citizens of the United States who are available for employment
in the occupations that are the subjects of such petitions. At least 50 percent
of the funds generated by this provision must be used to train American workers
in rural and inner-city areas.
`(B) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall reserve and make available to
the Secretary of Labor a portion of the funds collected under this paragraph.
Such funds shall be used by the Secretary of Labor to establish an `Office
to Preserve American Jobs' within the Department of Labor. The purpose of
this office shall be to establish policies intended to ensure that employers
in the United States will hire available workers in the United States before
resorting to foreign labor, giving substantial emphasis to hiring minority
workers in the United States.'.
TITLE V--REMOVAL WAIVERS
SEC. 501. PERMANENT APPLICATION OF SECTION 245(i).
Section 245(i) (8 U.S.C. 1255(i)) is amended--
(1) by inserting `and' at the end of paragraph (1)(A);
(2) by amending paragraph (1)(B) to read as follows:
`(B) who is the beneficiary (including a spouse or child of the principal
alien) of--
`(i) a petition for classification under section 204; or
`(ii) an application for a labor certification under section 212(a)(5)(A);';
(3) by striking paragraph (1)(C); and
(4) by striking `Attorney General' each place such term appears and inserting
`Secretary of Homeland Security'.
SEC. 502. DISCRETIONARY WAIVER OF INADMISSIBILITY BASED ON UNLAWFUL PRESENCE,
FAILURE TO ATTEND REMOVAL PROCEEDINGS, AND MISREPRESENTATIONS.
(a) In General- Section 212(i) (8 U.S.C. 1182(i)) is amended to read as follows:
`(i) The Secretary of Homeland Security may waive the application of subparagraph
(A)(i) or (B), or clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (C), of subsection (a)(6)
in the case of an immigrant who is the parent, spouse, child, son, or daughter
of a United States citizen or of an alien lawfully admitted to the United
States for permanent residence, if it is established to the satisfaction of
the Secretary that the refusal of admission to the United States of such immigrant
would result in hardship to the immigrant or to such citizen or lawful permanent
resident parent, spouse, child, son, or daughter.'.
(b) Conforming Amendments- Section 212(a)(6) (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(6)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by adding at the end the following:
`(iii) WAIVER AUTHORIZED- For a provision authorizing the waiver of
clause (i), see subsection (i).';
(2) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) by inserting `(i)' after the subparagraph heading; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
`(ii) WAIVER AUTHORIZED- For a provision authorizing the waiver of clause
(i), see subsection (i).'; and
(3) in subparagraph (C)(iii), by inserting `or (ii)' after `(i)'.
SEC. 503. WAIVER OF INADMISSIBILITY FOR MINOR CRIMINAL OFFENSES.
Section 212(h) (8 U.S.C. 1182(h)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking `offense of simple
possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana' and inserting `controlled substance
offense for which the alien was not incarcerated for a period exceeding
1 year'; and
(2) by striking the final two sentences.
SEC. 504. GENERAL WAIVER FOR ALIENS PREVIOUSLY REMOVED AND FOR THE UNLAWFUL
PRESENCE BARS.
(a) In General- Section 212(d) (8 U.S.C. 1182(d)) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
`(14) The Secretary of Homeland Security may, in the discretion of the Secretary,
for humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or when it is otherwise
in the public interest, waive the application of subparagraph (A) or (B)(i)
of subsection (a)(9).'.
(b) Conforming Amendment- Section 212(a)(9)(B) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(9)(B))
is amended by striking clause (v).
SEC. 505. WAIVER OF AGGRAVATED FELONY CONSEQUENCES.
Section 101 (8 U.S.C. 1101) is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(j) For purposes of this Act, and notwithstanding subsection (a)(43), the
Secretary of Homeland Security may treat any conviction that did not result
in incarceration for more than 1 year as if such conviction were not a conviction
for an aggravated felony. This discretion may be exercised for humanitarian
purposes, to assure family unity, or when it is otherwise in the public interest.'.
SEC. 506. DISCRETIONARY WAIVER TO ADMIT PERSONS IN UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
(a) New General Waiver- Section 212(d) (8 U.S.C. 1182(d)) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
`(13) The Secretary of Homeland Security may, in the discretion of such
Secretary for humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or when it
is otherwise in the public interest, waive the application of subparagraph
(B) or (G) of subsection (a)(6), clause (i) or (ii) of subsection (a)(9)(A),
or subsection (a)(9)(B)(i), in unusual circumstances. For purposes of the
preceding sentence, an instance of battering or extreme cruelty is deemed
to constitute unusual circumstances in the case where it is inflicted on
an alien (or a child of an alien) by the alien's United States citizen or
lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, child, son, or daughter.'.
(b) Waiver for Aliens Previously Removed-
(1) CERTAIN ALIENS PREVIOUSLY REMOVED- Section 212(a)(9)(A) (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(9)(A))
is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(iv) WAIVER AUTHORIZED- For provision authorizing waiver of clause
(i) or (ii), see subsection (d)(13).'.
(2) ALIENS UNLAWFULLY PRESENT- Section 212(a)(9)(B)(v) (8 U.S.C. 1182(A)(9)(B)(v))
is amended to read as follows:
`(v) WAIVER AUTHORIZED- For provision authorizing waiver of clause (i),
see subsection (d)(13).'.
SEC. 507. RESTORATION OF SUSPENSION OF DEPORTATION.
(a) Cancellation of Removal- Section 240A(a)(3) (8 U.S.C. 1229b(a)(3)) is
amended to read as follows:
`(3) has not been convicted of an aggravated felony for which the sentence
imposed is five years or more.'.
(b) Repeal of Rule for Termination of Continuous Period-
(1) Section 240A(d)(1) (8 U.S.C. 1229b(d)(1)) (8 U.S.C. 1229b(a)) is repealed.
(2) Section 240A(d) (8 U.S.C. 1229b) is amended--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (1) and (2),
respectively; and
(B) by inserting before the period at the end of paragraph (1) (as redesignated)
the following: `, unless the alien's departure from the United States
was due to a temporary trip abroad required by emergency or extenuating
circumstances outside the control of the alien'.
(c) Cancellation of Removal and Adjustment for Certain Nonpermanent Residents-
Section 240A(b)(1) (8 U.S.C. 1229b(b)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
`(1) IN GENERAL- The Attorney General may cancel removal in the case of
an alien who is inadmissible or deportable from the United States if the
alien--
`(A) has been physically present in the United States for a continuous
period of--
`(i) 7 years immediately preceding the date of application in the case
of an alien--
`(I) who is deportable on any ground other than a ground specified
in clause (ii)(I); and
`(II) whose deportation would, in the opinion of the Attorney General,
result in extreme hardship to the alien or the alien's spouse, child,
parent, son, or daughter, who is a citizen of the United States or
an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence; or
`(ii) 10 years immediately preceding the date of application in the
case of an alien--
`(I) who is deportable for conviction of an offense under section
212(a)(2), 237(a)(2), or 237(a)(3); and
`(II) whose deportation would, in the opinion of the Attorney General,
result in exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to the alien
or the alien's spouse, parent, child, son, or daughter, who is a citizen
of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence;
and
`(B) has been a person of good moral character during such period.'.
(d) Elimination of Annual Limitation- Section 240A (8 U.S.C. 1229b) is amended
by striking subsection (e).
TITLE VI--REMOVAL GROUNDS BASED ON CRIMINAL OFFENSES
SEC. 601. DEFINITION OF MORAL TURPITUDE.
(a) Equitable Definition of `Moral Turpitude'-
(1) CONVICTION OF CERTAIN CRIMES- Section 212(a)(2)(A)(i) (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(2)(A)(i))
is amended by striking `of, or who admits having committed, or who admits
committing acts which constitute the essential elements of--' and inserting
`of--'.
(2) EXCEPTION- Section 212(a)(2)(A)(ii)(II) (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(2)(A)(ii)(II))
is amended--
(A) by striking `the maximum' and all that follows through `such crime,';
and
(B) by striking `6 months' and inserting `1 year'.
(b) Equitable Definition of `Crimes of Moral Turpitude'- Section 237(a)(2)(A)(i)(II)
(8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(2)(A)(i)(II)) is amended to read as follows:
`(II) for which the alien has been incarcerated for a period exceeding
one year,'.
SEC. 602. `AGGRAVATED FELONY' DEFINITIONS.
(a) In General- Section 101(a)(43) (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(43)) is amended by striking
`The term `aggravated felony' means' and inserting `Aggravated felony means
a felony'.
(b) Illicit Trafficking- Section 101(a)(43)(B) (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(43)(B)) is
amended by striking `Code);' and inserting `Code), except it does not include
simple possession of a controlled substance;'.
(c) Crimes of Violence and Theft Offenses- Subparagraphs (F), (G), (R), and
(S) of section 101(a)(43) (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(43)(F), (G), (R), and (S)) are
each amended by striking `imprisonment' and all that follows through the semicolon
and inserting `imprisonment of more than five years;'.
(d) Corrupt Organizations and Gambling Offenses- Section 101(a)(43)(J) is
amended by inserting `more than five years' after the words `sentence of'.
(e) Alien Smuggling- Section 101(a)(43)(N) (8 U.S.C. 101(a)(43)(N)) is amended--
(1) by inserting `committed for the purpose of commercial advantage,' after
`smuggling),'; and
(2) by adding at the end a semicolon.
(f) Discretionary Waiver in Cases of Other Minor Felonies- Section 101 (8
U.S.C. 1101) is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(i) For purposes of this Act, and notwithstanding subsection (a)(43), the
Attorney General may treat any conviction that did not result in incarceration
for more than 1 year as if such conviction were not a conviction for an aggravated
felony.'.
SEC. 603. DEFINITIONS OF `CONVICTION' AND `TERM OF IMPRISONMENT'.
Section 101(a)(48) (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(48)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking `court' and all that follows through
the period at the end and inserting `court. An adjudication or judgment
of guilt that has been expunged, deferred, annulled, invalidated, withheld,
or vacated, an order of probation without entry of judgment, or any similar
disposition shall not be considered a conviction for purposes of this Act.';
and
(2) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) by inserting `only' after `deemed to include'; and
(B) by striking `court of law' and all that follows through the period
at the end and inserting `court of law. Any such reference shall not be
deemed to include any suspension of the imposition or execution of that
imprisonment or sentence in whole or in part.'.
SEC. 604. ELIMINATING RETROACTIVE CHANGES IN REMOVAL GROUNDS.
(a) Application of Aggravated Felony Definition- The last sentence of section
101(a)(43) (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(43)) is amended to read as follows: `The term
shall not apply to any offense that was not covered by the term on the date
on which the offense occurred.'.
(b) Grounds of Deportability- Section 237 (8 U.S.C. 1227) is amended by adding
at the end the following new subsection:
`(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, an alien is not
deportable by reason of committing any offense that was not a ground of deportability
on the date the offense occurred.'.
(c) Grounds of Inadmissibility- Section 212 (8 U.S.C. 1182) is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
`(p) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, an alien is not
inadmissible by reason of committing any offense that was not a ground of
inadmissibility on the date the offense occurred.'.
SEC. 605. ELIMINATING UNFAIR RETROACTIVE CHANGES IN REMOVAL RULES FOR PERSONS
PREVIOUSLY REMOVED.
(a) In General- The Attorney General shall establish a process by which an
alien described in subsection (b) may apply for reopening a proceeding so
as to seek relief from exclusion, deportation, or removal under section 212(c)
of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as such section was in effect prior
to the enactment of the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996,
or section 240A of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended by this
Act.
(b) Alien Described- An alien referred to in subsection (a) is an alien who
received a final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal, or a decision
on a petition for review or petition for habeas corpus, on or after September
30, 1996, and who was--
(1) excluded, deported, or removed from the United States by reason of having
committed a criminal offense that was not a basis for removal, exclusion,
or deportation on the date on which the offense was committed;
(2) excluded, deported, or removed from the United States by reason of having
committed a criminal offense that is not a basis for removal, exclusion,
or deportation on the date of enactment of this Act; or
(3) excluded, deported, or removed from the United States by reason of having
committed a criminal offense prior to April 24, 1996, for which there was
relief from exclusion, deportation, or removal available prior to such date.
(c) Parole- The Attorney General may in her discretion exercise the parole
authority under section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1182(d)(5)(A)) for the purpose of permitting aliens excluded, deported,
or removed from the United States to participate in the process established
under subsection (a), if the alien establishes prima facie eligibility for
the relief.
TITLE VII--DIVERSITY VISAS
SEC. 701. INCREASE IN WORLDWIDE LEVEL OF DIVERSITY IMMIGRANTS.
Section 201(e) (8 U.S.C. 1151(e)) is amended by striking `55,000' and inserting
`110,000'.
SEC. 702. PERIOD DESIGNATED FOR APPLICATION.
Section 203(e)(1) (8 U.S.C. 1153(e)(1)) is amended--
(1) by striking `Attorney General' each place such term appears and and
inserting `Secretary of Homeland Security'; and
(2) by adding at the end the following: `The Secretary shall provide for
a filing system that will permit unlimited filing throughout the entire
period designated for the filing of petitions. If an electronic filing system
is chosen, the Secretary shall ensure that the computer equipment and software
used to accept the filed petitions will have the capacity to accept every
application that is submitted during the period designated for filing the
petitions. In the event that petitions submitted during the designated period
are rejected, the designated period will be extended for an additional 10-day
period.'.
TITLE VIII--HAITIAN PARITY
SEC. 801. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FOR HAITIANS.
(a) In General- Chapter 5 of title II (8 U.S.C. 1255 et seq.), as amended
by section 202, is further amended by inserting after section 245C the following:
`ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS OF CERTAIN HAITIAN NATIONALS
`SEC. 245D. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 245(c), the status of
any alien who is a national or citizen of Haiti, and who has been physically
present in the United States for at least one year, may be adjusted by the
Secretary of Homeland Security, in the Secretary's discretion and under such
regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, to that of an alien lawfully admitted
for permanent residence, if the alien makes an application for such adjustment
and the alien is eligible to receive an immigrant visa and is admissible to
the United States for permanent residence. Upon approval of such an application
for adjustment of status, the Secretary shall create a record of the alien's
admission for permanent residence as of a date 30 months prior to the filing
of such an application or the date of the alien's last arrival into the United
States, whichever date is later. The provisions of this Act shall be applicable
to the spouse and child of any alien described in this section, regardless
of their citizenship and place of birth, if the spouse or child is residing
with such alien in the United States.'.
(b) Clerical Amendment- The table of contents as amended by section 202, is
further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 245C the following:
`Sec. 245D. Adjustment of status of certain Haitian nationals.'.
(c) Sunset- The amendments made by this section shall cease to be effective
on the date that is 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 802. LIMITATION OF ATTORNEY GENERAL'S BOND DISCRETION.
Section 236 (8 U.S.C. 1226) is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(f) Exercise of Authority for Arrest, Detention, and Release- The Secretary
of Homeland Security shall exercise the discretion afforded under subsection
(a) on a case-by-case basis. If bond is to be denied on the ground that the
alien's release would give rise to adverse consequences for national security
or national immigration policy, the finding of such adverse consequences shall
be based on circumstances pertaining to the individual alien whose release
is being considered.'.
SEC. 803. ELIMINATION OF MANDATORY DETENTION IN EXPEDITED REMOVAL PROCEEDINGS.
Section 235(b)(1)(B)(iii)(IV) (8 U.S.C. 1225(b)(1)(B)(iii)(IV)) is amended
to read as follows:
`(IV) DETENTION- Aliens subject to the procedures under this clause
shall be detained in accordance with section 236.'.
SEC. 804. AMENDMENTS TO HAITIAN AND IMMIGRANT FAIRNESS ACT OF 1998.
(a) Ground for Inadmissibility for Document Fraud Does not Apply- The Haitian
Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998 (8 U.S.C. 1255 note) is amended in
subsections (a)(1)(B) and (d)(1)(D) of section 902 by inserting `(6)(C)(i),'
after `(6)(A),'.
(b) Determinations With Respect to Children- Section 902(d) of such Act is
amended by adding at the end the following:
`(3) DETERMINATIONS WITH RESPECT TO CHILDREN-
`(A) USE OF APPLICATION FILING DATE- Determinations made under this subsection
as to whether an individual is a child of a parent shall be made using
the age and status of the individual on the date of the enactment of this
section.
`(B) APPLICATION SUBMISSION BY PARENT- Notwithstanding paragraph (1)(C),
an application under this subsection filed based on status as a child
may be filed for the benefit of such child by a parent or guardian of
the child, if the child is physically present in the United States on
such filing date.'.
SEC. 805. NEW APPLICATIONS AND MOTIONS TO REOPEN.
(a) New Applications- Notwithstanding section 902(a)(1)(A) of the Haitian
and Immigrant Fairness Act of 1998, an alien who is eligible for adjustment
of status under such Act, as amended by section 804 of this Act, may submit
an application for adjustment of status under such Act not later than the
later of--
(1) 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(2) 1 year after the date on which final regulations implementing section
804 are promulgated.
(b) Motions to Reopen- The Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish
procedures for the reopening and reconsideration of applications for adjustment
of status under the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998 that
are affected by the amendments under section 804 of this Act.
(c) Relationship of Application to Certain Orders- Section 902(a)(3) of the
Haitian and Immigrant Fairness Act of 1998 shall apply to an alien present
in the United States who has been ordered excluded, deported, removed, or
ordered to depart voluntarily, and who files an application under subsection
(a), or a motion under subsection (b), in the same manner as such section
902(a)(3) applied to aliens filing applications for adjustment of status under
such Act before April 1, 2000.
SEC. 806. TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS FOR HAITIANS.
It is the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Homeland Security should
be more liberal with respect to Haiti in deciding whether to designate that
country for temporary protected status under section 244(b)(1)(A) of the Immigration
and Nationality (8 U.S.C. 1254(b)(1)(A)). It is the sense of the Congress
that this decision has sometimes been made without due regard to the serious
threat to personal safety that results from sending Haitians back to Haiti
during a period of ongoing armed conflict in that country.
TITLE IX--LIBERIAN REFUGEE RELIEF
SEC. 901. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS OF CERTAIN LIBERIAN NATIONALS.
(a) Adjustment of Status-
(1) IN GENERAL- Notwithstanding section 245(c) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act, the status of any alien described in subsection (b) shall be adjusted
by the Secretary of Homeland Security to that of an alien lawfully admitted
for permanent residence, if the alien--
(A) applies for such adjustment before April 1, 2005; and
(B) is otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa and is otherwise
admissible to the United States for permanent residence, except in determining
such admissibility the grounds for inadmissibility specified in paragraphs
(4), (5), (6)(A), and (7)(A) of section 212(a) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act shall not apply.
(2) RELATIONSHIP OF APPLICATION TO CERTAIN ORDERS- An alien present in the
United States who has been ordered excluded, deported, removed, or ordered
to depart voluntarily from the United States under any provision of the
Immigration and Nationality Act may, notwithstanding such order, apply for
adjustment of status under paragraph (1). Such an alien may not be required,
as a condition on submitting or granting such application, to file a motion
to reopen, reconsider, or vacate such order. If the Secretary of Homeland
Security grants the application, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall
cancel the order. If the Secretary of Homeland Security renders a final
administrative decision to deny the application, the order shall be effective
and enforceable to the same extent as if the application had not been made.
(b) Aliens Eligible for Adjustment of Status- The benefits provided by subsection
(a) shall apply to any alien who--
(1) is a national of Liberia; and
(2)(A) who was granted temporary protected status on or after March 27,
1991; or
(B) was eligible to apply for temporary protected status on or after March
27, 1991.
(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide by regulation
for an alien subject to a final order of deportation or removal or exclusion
to seek a stay of such order based on the filing of an application under
subsection (a).
(2) DURING CERTAIN PROCEEDINGS- Notwithstanding any provision of the Immigration
and Nationality Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall not order
any alien to be removed from the United States, if the alien is in exclusion,
deportation, or removal proceedings under any provision of such Act and
raises as a defense to such an order the eligibility of the alien to apply
for adjustment of status under subsection (a), except where the Secretary
of Homeland Security has rendered a final administrative determination to
deny the application.
(3) WORK AUTHORIZATION- The Secretary of Homeland Security may authorize
an alien who has applied for adjustment of status under subsection (a) to
engage in employment in the United States during the pendency of such application
and may provide the alien with an `employment authorized' endorsement or
other appropriate document signifying authorization of employment, except
that if such application is pending for a period exceeding 180 days, and
has not been denied, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall authorize
such employment.
(d) Adjustment of Status for Spouses and Children-
(1) IN GENERAL- Notwithstanding section 245(c) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act, the status of an alien shall be adjusted by the Secretary of Homeland
Security to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence,
if--
(A) the alien is a national of Liberia;
(B) the alien is the spouse, child, or unmarried son or daughter, of an
alien whose status is adjusted to that of an alien lawfully admitted for
permanent residence under subsection (a), except that in the case of such
an unmarried son or daughter, the son or daughter shall be required to
establish that they have been physically present in the United States
for at least 1 year and is physically present in the United States on
the date the application for such adjustment is filed;
(C) the alien applies for such adjustment and is physically present in
the United States on the date the application is filed; and
(D) the alien is otherwise eligible to receive an immigration visa and
is otherwise admissible to the United States for permanent residence,
except in determining such admissibility the grounds for exclusion specified
in paragraphs (4), (5), (6)(A), and (7)(A) of section 212(a) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act shall not apply.
(2) PROOF OF CONTINUOUS PRESENCE- For purposes of establishing the period
of continuous physical presence referred to in paragraph (1)(B), an alien
shall not be considered to have failed to maintain continuous physical presence
by reason of an absence, or absences, from the United States for any periods
in aggregate not exceeding 180 days.
(e) Availability of Administrative Review- The Secretary of Homeland Security
shall provide to applicants for adjustment of status under subsection (a)
the same right to, and procedures for, administrative review as are provided
to--
(1) applicants for adjustment of status under section 245 of the Immigration
and Nationality Act; or
(2) aliens subject to removal proceedings under section 240 of such Act.
(f) Limitation on Judicial Review- A determination by the Secretary of Homeland
Security as to whether the status of any alien should be adjusted under this
section is final and shall not be subject to review by any court.
(g) No Offset in Number of Visas Available- When an alien is granted the status
of having been lawfully admitted for permanent residence pursuant to this
section, the Secretary of State shall not be required to reduce the number
of immigrant visas authorized to be issued under any provision of the Immigration
and Nationality Act.
(h) Application of Immigration and Nationality Act Provisions- Except as otherwise
specifically provided in this section, the definitions contained in the Immigration
and Nationality Act shall apply in the administration of this section. Nothing
contained in this section shall be held to repeal, amend, alter, modify, effect,
or restrict the powers, duties, functions, or authority of the Secretary of
Homeland Security in the administration and enforcement of such Act or any
other law relating to immigration, nationality, or naturalization. The fact
that an alien may be eligible to be granted the status of having been lawfully
admitted for permanent residence under this section shall not preclude the
alien from seeking such status under any other provision of law for which
the alien may be eligible.
TITLE X--FAIRNESS IN ASYLUM AND REFUGEE PROCEEDINGS
SEC. 1001. REFUGEE STATUS FOR UNMARRIED SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF REFUGEES.
Section 207(c)(2) (8 U.S.C. 1157(c)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
`(C) When warranted by unusual circumstances or to preserve family unity,
the Attorney General may, in the Attorney General's discretion, consider
an unmarried son or daughter of a refugee to be a child of the refugee
for purposes of this paragraph.'.
SEC. 1002. ASYLEE STATUS FOR UNMARRIED SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF ASYLEES.
Section 208(b)(3) (8 U.S.C. 1158(b)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
`(C) When warranted by unusual circumstances or to preserve family unity,
the Attorney General may, in the Attorney General's discretion, consider
an unmarried son or daughter of an alien who is granted asylum under this
subsection to be a child of the alien for purposes of this paragraph.'.
SEC. 1003. ELIMINATION OF ARBITRARY TIME LIMITS ON ASYLUM APPLICATIONS.
Section 208(a)(2) (8 U.S.C. 1158(a)(2)) is amended--
(1) by striking subparagraph (B);
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking `(D),' and inserting `(C),';
(3) in subparagraph (D)--
(A) by striking `subparagraphs (B) and (C),' and inserting `subparagraph
(B),';
(B) by striking `either'; and
(C) by striking `asylum or extraordinary' and all that follows through
the period at the end and inserting `asylum.'; and
(4) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as subparagraphs (B) and
(C), respectively.
SEC. 1004. GENDER-BASED PERSECUTION.
(a) Treatment as Refugee- Section 101(a)(42) (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(42)) is amended
by adding at the end the following:
`(C) For purposes of determinations under this Act, a person who establishes
that he or she suffered persecution in the past, or has a well-founded
fear of persecution, on account of gender shall be considered to have
suffered persecution, or to have a well-founded fear of persecution, on
account of membership in a particular social group.'.
(b) Restriction on Removal to Country Where Alien Would Be Threatened- Section
241(b)(3) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1231(b)(3)) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
`(C) GENDER-BASED PERSECUTION- For purposes of determinations under this
paragraph, an alien who establishes that the alien's life or freedom would
be threatened in a country on account of gender shall be considered to
have established that the alien's life or freedom would be threatened
in that country on account of membership in a particular social group.'.
SEC. 1005. ELIMINATION OF ARBITRARY CAP ON PERSONS ELIGIBLE TO ADJUST STATUS
FROM ASYLEES TO LEGAL PERMANENT RESIDENTS.
Section 209(b) (8 U.S.C. 1159(b)) is amended by striking `Not more than 10,000
of the' and all that follows through `to adjust' and inserting `Subject to
a numerical limitation determined by the President before the beginning of
each fiscal year, the Attorney General may adjust, in the Attorney General's
discretion and under such regulations as the Attorney General may prescribe,'.
TITLE XI--TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS
SEC. 1101. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FOR CERTAIN RECIPIENTS OF TEMPORARY PROTECTED
STATUS.
(a) In General- Section 245 (8 U.S.C. 1255) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
`(n)(1) If, in the opinion of the Secretary of the Homeland Security Department,
a person granted temporary protected status under section 244--
`(A) has been physically present in the United States in that status for
a continuous period of at least 5 years;
`(B) has at all times been a person of good moral character;
`(C) has never been convicted of a criminal offense in the United States;
`(D) in the case of an alien who is 18 years of age or older, but who is
not over the age of 65, has successfully completed a course on reading,
writing, and speaking words in ordinary usage in the English language, unless
unable to do so on account of physical or developmental disability or mental
impairment;
`(E) in the case of an alien 18 years of age or older, has accepted the
values and cultural life of the United States; and
`(F) in the case of an alien 18 years of age or older, has performed at
least 40 hours of community service;
the Secretary may adjust the status of the alien to that of an alien lawfully
admitted for permanent residence.
`(2) An alien shall not be considered to have failed to maintain a continuous
presence in the United States for purposes of subsection (a)(1) by virtue
of brief, casual, and innocent absences from the United States.
`(3)(A) The alien shall establish that the alien is admissible to the United
States as immigrant, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2).
`(B) The provisions of paragraphs (5), (6)(A), (6)(B), (6)(C), (6)(F), (6)(G),
(7)(A), (9)(B), and (9)(C)(i)(I) of section 212(a) shall not apply in the
determination of an alien's admissibility under this section.
`(4) When an alien is granted lawful permanent resident status under this
subsection, the number of immigrant visas authorized to be issued under any
provision of this Act shall not be reduced. The numerical limitations of sections
201 and 202 shall not apply to adjustment of status under this section.
`(5) The Secretary of Homeland Security may terminate removal proceedings
without prejudice pending the outcome of an alien's application for adjustment
of status under this section on the basis of a prima facie showing of eligibility
for relief under this section.'.
(b) Limitation on Consideration in the Senate of Legislation Adjusting Status-
Section 244 (8 U.S.C. 1254a) is amended by striking subsection (h) and redesignating
subsection (i) as subsection (h).
SEC. 1102. FOREIGN STATE DESIGNATIONS.
Section 244(b)(1)(C) (8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(C)) is amended to change the following
phrase `the Attorney General finds that there exist extraordinary and temporary
conditions in the foreign state that prevent aliens who are nationals of the
state from returning to the state in safety,' so that it reads as follows:
`the Secretary of Homeland Security finds that extraordinary and temporary
conditions in the foreign state make returning aliens to the state undesirable
for humanitarian reasons,'.
TITLE XII--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SEC. 1201. NATURALIZATION PROVISIONS.
(a) Physical Presence Requirement- Section 316(a) (8 U.S.C. 1427) is amended
by adding at the end the following:
`(g) When warranted by extraordinary circumstances, the Secretary of Homeland
Security may reduce, by not more than 90 days, the physical presence requirement
described in the preceding sentence.'.
(b) Absences From the United States- Section 316(b) (8 U.S.C. 1427(b)) is
amended--
(1) in the first sentence, by striking `one year' and inserting `18 months';
and
(2) in the second sentence, by striking `continuous period of one year'
and inserting `continuous period of 18 months'.
SEC. 1202. PREVENTING INAPPROPRIATE STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT
IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL IMMIGRATION PROVISIONS UNDER THE IMMIGRATION AND
NATIONALITY ACT.
(a) Elimination of Ban on State and Local Governments From Preventing Communications
With the Department of Homeland Security-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 642 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant
Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1373) is repealed.
(2) VERIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR FEDERAL PUBLIC BENEFITS- Section 432
of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of
1996 (8 U.S.C. 1642) is repealed.
(b) Elimination of Authority to Permit State Personnel to Carry Out Immigration
Officer Functions- Section 287(g) (8 U.S.C. 1357(g)) is repealed.
TITLE XIII--PROTECTION FOR IMMIGRANT VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE
SEC. 1300. SHORT TITLE OF TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS OF TITLE; REFERENCES
TO VAWA-2000; REGULATIONS.
(a) Short Title- This title may be cited as `Immigrant Victims of Violence
Protection Act of 2005'.
(b) References to VAWA-2000- In this title, the term `VAWA-2000' means the
Violence Against Women Act of 2000 (division B of Public Law 106-386).
(c) Regulations- Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and Secretary
of State shall promulgate regulations to implement the provisions contained
in the Battered Immigrant Women Protection Act of 2000 (title V of VAWA-2000)
and the amendments made by (and the provisions of) this title.
Subtitle A--Victims of Crime
SEC. 1301. CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO U AND T VISAS.
(a) Treatment of U Derivatives- Clause (ii) of section 101(a)(15)(U)(ii) of
the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(U)(ii)), as added
by section 1513(b) of VAWA-2000, is amended to read as follows:
`(ii) the spouse or child of an alien described in clause (i), or the
parent of such an alien if the alien is a child, or the unmarried sibling
of such a child if such sibling is under 18 years of age on the date on
which such alien applied for status under such clause, if--
`(I) the Secretary of Homeland Security considers it necessary to avoid
extreme hardship to such alien or such spouse, child, parent, or sibling;
or
`(II) a government official described in clause (i)(III) certifies that
an investigation or prosecution described in such clause would be harmed
without the assistance of such spouse, child, parent, or sibling; and'.
(b) Treatment of Spouse and Children of Victims of Trafficking- Clause (ii)
of section 101(a)(15)(T) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1101(a)(15)(T)) is amended to read as follows:
`(ii) if accompanying, or following to join, the alien described in clause
(i)--
`(I) in the case of an alien so described who is under 21 years of age,
the spouse, children, unmarried siblings under 18 years of age on the
date on which such alien applied for status under such clause, and parents
of such alien; or
`(II) in the case of an alien described in clause (i) who is 21 years
of age or older, the spouse and children of such alien;'.
(c) Duration of U and T Visas-
(1) U VISAS- Section 214(p) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(p)) is amended by
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
`(6) DURATION OF STATUS- The authorized period of status of an alien as
a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(U) shall be 4 years, but shall be
extended--
`(A) on a year-by-year basis upon certification from a Federal, State
or local law enforcement official, prosecutor, judge, or other Federal,
State or local authority investigating or prosecuting criminal activity
described in section 101(a)(15)(U)(iii) that the alien's continued presence
in the United States is required to assist in the investigation or prosecution
of such criminal activity; and
`(B) if the alien files an application for adjustment of status under
section 245(m), until final adjudication of such application.'.
(2) T VISAS- Section 214(o) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(o)), as redesignated
by section 8(a)(3) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization
Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-193), is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(7) The authorized period of status of an alien as a nonimmigrant status
under section 101(a)(15)(T) shall be 4 years, but shall be extended--
`(A) on a year-by-year basis upon certification from a Federal, State or
local law enforcement official, prosecutor, judge, or other Federal, State
or local authority investigating or prosecuting criminal activity relating
to human trafficking that the alien's continued presence in the United States
is required to assist in the investigation or prosecution of such criminal
activity; and
`(B) if the alien files an application for adjustment of status under section
245(l), until final adjudication of such application.'.
(d) Permitting Change of Nonimmigrant Status to U and T Nonimmigrant Status-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 248 of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1258) is amended--
(A) by striking `The Attorney General' and inserting `(a) The Secretary
of Homeland Security';
(B) by inserting `(subject to subsection (b))' after `except'; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
`(b) The limitation based on inadmissibility under section 212(a)(9)(B) and
the exceptions specified in numbered paragraphs of subsection (a) shall not
apply to a change of nonimmigrant classification to that of a nonimmigrant
under subparagraph (T) or (U) of section 101(a)(15), other than from such
classification under subparagraph (C) or (D) of such section.'.
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT- Section 214(l)(2)(A) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(l)(2)(A))
is amended by striking `248(2)' and inserting `248(a)(2)'.
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 101(a)(15)(U) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(U))
is amended--
(i) by inserting `or injury' after `physical or mental abuse'; and
(ii) by inserting `or witness' after `victim'; and
(B) in clause (iii), by inserting `child abuse; stalking (including physical
or electronic stalking);' after `unlawful criminal restraint; false imprisonment;'.
(2) IMPLEMENTATION- It is the intent of Congress that certifications should
be made under clause (i)(III) of section 101(a)(15)(U) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(U)) where an alien provides information
to a law enforcement official on criminal activity described in clause (iii)
of such section and is willing to help in the investigation of such activity,
regardless of whether a prosecution is made in such case or if prosecution
is made for criminal activity not described in such clause.
(f) Certification Process for Victims of Trafficking-
(1) VICTIM ASSISTANCE IN INVESTIGATION OR PROSECUTION- Section 107(b)(1)(E)
of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (Division A of Public
Law 106-386; 22 U.S.C. 7105(b)(1)(E)) is amended----
(A) in clause (i)(I), by striking `investigation and prosecution' and
inserting `investigation or prosecution, by the United States or a State
or local government'; and
(i) by striking `INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION' and `investigation and
prosecution' and inserting `INVESTIGATION OR PROSECUTION' and `investigation
or prosecution', respectively;
(ii) in subclause (II), by striking `and' at the end;
(iii) in subclause (III), by striking the period and inserting `; or';
and
(iv) by adding at the end the following new subclause:
`(IV) responding to and cooperating with requests for evidence and
information.'.
(2) CLARIFYING ROLES OF ATTORNEY GENERAL AND SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY-
(A) Section 107 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (Division
A of Public Law 106-386; 22 U.S.C. 7105) is amended--
(i) in subsections (b)(1)(E)(i)(II)(bb), (b)(1)(E)(ii), (e)(5), and
(g), by striking `Attorney General' and inserting `Secretary of Homeland
Security'; and
(ii) in subsection (c), by inserting `, Secretary of Homeland Security,'
after `Attorney General'.
(B) Section 101(a)(15)(T) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1101(a)(15)(T)) is amended by striking `Attorney General' and inserting
`Secretary of Homeland Security' each place it appears.
(C) Section 212(d)(13) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1182(d)(13)) is amended--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking `Attorney General' and inserting
`Secretary of Homeland Security';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking `Attorney General' the first place
it appears and inserting `Secretary of Homeland Security'; and
(iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking `Attorney General, in the Attorney
General's discretion' and inserting `Secretary, in the Secretary's discretion'.
(D) Section 101(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(i))
is amended--
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking `Attorney General' and inserting `Secretary
of Homeland Security, the Attorney General,'; and
(ii) in paragraph (2), by striking `Attorney General' and inserting
`Secretary of Homeland Security'.
(E) Section 245(l) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1255(l))
is amended--
(i) by striking `Attorney General' and inserting `Secretary of Homeland
Security' the first place it appears in paragraphs (1) and (2) and in
paragraph (4);
(ii) by striking `Attorney General' and inserting `Secretary ' the second
place it appears in paragraphs (1) and (2); and
(iii) in paragraph (2), by striking `Attorney General's' and inserting
`Secretary's'.
(3) PETITIONING BY STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS- Section 107(c)(3)
of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (Division A of Public
Law 106-386; 22 U.S.C. 7105(c)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
`State or local law enforcement officials may petition Federal law enforcement
officials for the continued presence for trafficking victims. If such a
petition contains a certification that a trafficking victim is a victim
of a severe form of trafficking, the presence of the trafficking victim
shall be permitted in accordance with this paragraph.'.
(1) IN GENERAL- The amendments made by subsections (a), (b), (c)(1), (d),
and (e) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2) TRANSITION FOR DURATION OF T VISAS- In the case of an alien who is classified
as a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(T) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(T)) before the the date of implementation of the
amendment made by subsection (c)(2) and whose period of authorized stay
was less than 4 years, the authorized period of status of the alien as such
a nonimmigrant shall be extended to be 4 years and shall be further extended
on a year-by-year basis as provided in section 214(o)(7) of such Act, as
added by such amendment.
(3) CERTIFICATION PROCESS- (A) The amendments made by subsection (f)(1)
shall be effective as if included in the enactment of VAWA-2000.
(B) The amendments made by subsection (f)(2) shall be effective as of the
applicable date of transfer of authority from the Attorney General to the
Secretary of Homeland Security under the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Public
Law 107-296).
(C) The amendment made by subsection (f)(3) shall be effective as if included
in the enactment of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act
of 2003 (Public Law 108-193).
SEC. 1302. CLARIFICATION OF BASIS FOR RELIEF UNDER HARDSHIP WAIVERS FOR
CONDITIONAL PERMANENT RESIDENCE.
(a) In General- Section 216(c)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1186a(c)(4)) is amended by adding at the end the following: `An application
for relief under this paragraph may be based on one or more grounds specified
in subparagraphs (A) through (D) and may be amended at any time to change
the ground or grounds for such relief without the application being resubmitted.'.
(b) Conforming Amendment- Section 237(a)(1)(H)(ii) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(1)(H)(ii))
is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: `or qualifies
for a waiver under section 216(c)(4)'.
(c) Effective Date- The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to applications
for relief pending or filed on or after April 10, 2003.
SEC. 1303. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FOR VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING.
Section 245(l)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1255(l)(1)(A))
is amended by striking `for a continuous period of at least 3 years'.
Subtitle B--VAWA Petitioners
SEC. 1311. DEFINITION OF VAWA PETITIONER.
(a) In General- Section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1101(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
`(51) The term `VAWA petitioner' means an alien whose application or petition
for classification or relief under any of the following provisions (whether
as a principal or as a derivative) has been filed and has not been denied
after exhaustion of administrative appeals:
`(A) Clause (iii), (iv), or (vii) of section 204(a)(1)(A).
`(B) Clause (ii) or (iii) of section 204(a)(1)(B).
`(C) The first section of Public Law 89-732 (commonly known as the Cuban
Adjustment Act) as a child or spouse who has been battered or subjected
to extreme cruelty.
`(D) Section 902(d)(1)(B) of the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act
of 1998 (division A of section 101(h) of Public Law 105-277).
`(E) Section 202(d)(1) of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American
Relief Act (8 U.S.C. 1255 note; Public Law 105-100).
`(F) Section 309(c)(5) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility
Act of 1996 (division C of Public Law 104-208; 8 U.S.C. 1101 note).'.
(b) Conforming Amendments-
(1) Section 212(a)(6)(A)(ii)(I) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(6)(A)(ii)(I))
is amended by striking `qualifies for immigrant status under subparagraph
(A)(iii), (A)(iv), (B)(ii), or (B)(iii) of section 204(a)(1)' and inserting
`is a VAWA petitioner'.
(2) Section 212(a)(9)(C)(ii) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(9)(C)(ii)) is
amended by striking `to whom the Attorney General has granted classification
under clause (iii), (iv), or (v) of section 204(a)(1)(A), or classification
under clause (ii), (iii), or (iv) of section 204(a)(1)(B)' and inserting
`is a VAWA petitioner'.
(3) Subsections (h)(1)(C) and (g)(1)(C) of section 212 (8 U.S.C. 1182) is
amended by striking `qualifies for classification under clause (iii) or
(iv) of section 204(a)(1)(A) or classification under clause (ii) or (iii)
of section 204(a)(1)(B)' and inserting `is a VAWA petitioner'.
(4) Section 212(i)(1) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(i)(1)) is amended by striking
`an alien granted classification under clause (iii) or (iv) of section 201(a)(1)(A)
or clause (ii) or (iii) of section 204(a)(1)(B)' and inserting `a VAWA petitioner'.
(5) Section 237(a)(1)(H)(ii) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(1)(H)(ii)) is
amended by striking `is an alien who qualifies for classification under
clause (iii) or (iv) of section 204(a)(1)(A) or clause (ii) or (iii) of
section 204(a)(1)(B)' and inserting `is a VAWA petitioner'.
(6) Section 240A(b)(4)(B) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1229b(b)(4)(B)) is amended
by striking `they were applications filed under section 204(a)(1) (A)(iii),
(A)(iv), (B)(ii), or (B)(iii) of such Act' and inserting `the applicants
were VAWA petitioners'.
(7) Section 245(a) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1255(a)) is amended by striking
`under subparagraph (A)(iii), (A)(iv), (B)(ii), or (B)(iii) of section 204(a)(1)
or' and inserting `as a VAWA petitioner'.
(8) Section 245(c) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1255(c)) is amended by striking
`under subparagraph (A)(iii), (A)(iv), (A)(v), (A)(vi), (B)(ii), (B)(iii),
or (B)(iv) of section 204(a)(1)' and inserting `as a VAWA petitioner'.
(9) For additional conforming amendments to sections 212(a)(4)(C)(i) and
240(c)(6)(C)(iv)(I) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, see sections
832(c) and 817(a) of this Act.
SEC. 1312. SELF-PETITIONING FOR CHILDREN.
(a) Self-Petitioning by Children of Parent-Abusers Upon Death or Other Termination
of Parent-Child Relationship-
(1) CITIZEN PARENTS- Section 204(a)(1)(A)(iv) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(A)(iv)) is amended--
(A) by striking `or who' and inserting `who'; and
(B) by inserting after `domestic violence,' the following: `or who was
a child of a United States citizen parent who within the past 2 years
(or, if later, two years after the date the child attains 18 years of
age) died or otherwise terminated the parent-child relationship,'.
(2) LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENT PARENTS-
(A) IN GENERAL- Section 204(a)(1)(B)(iii) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(B)(iii))
is amended--
(i) by striking `or who' and inserting `who'; and
(ii) by inserting after `domestic violence,' the following: `or who
was a child of a lawful permanent resident resident who within the past
2 years (or, if later, two years after the date the child attains 18
years of age) died or otherwise terminated the parent-child relationship,'.
(B) CONFORMING TREATMENT OF DECEASED SPOUSES- Section 204(a)(1)(B)(ii)(II)(aa)(CC)
of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(B)(ii)(II)(aa)(CC)) is amended--
(i) by redesignating subitems (aaa) and (bbb) as subitems (bbb) and
(ccc), respectively; and
(ii) by inserting before subitem (bbb), as so redesignated, the following:
`(aaa) whose spouse died within the past 2 years;'.
(A) IN GENERAL- Subject to subparagraph (B), the amendment made by paragraphs
(1) and (2) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
(B) TRANSITION IN CASE OF CITIZEN PARENTS WHO DIED BEFORE ENACTMENT- In
applying the amendments made by paragraphs (1) and (2)(A) in the case
of an alien whose citizen parent or lawful permanent resident parent died
or whose parent-child relationship with such parent terminated during
the period beginning on October 28, 1998, and ending on the date of the
enactment of this Act, the following rules apply:
(i) The reference to `within the past 2 years' in section 204(a)(1)(A)(iv)
or 204(a)(1)(B)(iii), respectively, of the Immigration and Nationality
Act in the matter inserted by such paragraph is deemed to be a reference
to such period.
(ii) The petition must be filed under such section within 2 years after
the date of the enactment of this Act (or, if later, 2 years after the
alien's 18th birthday).
(iii) The determination of eligibility for benefits as a child under
such section (including under section 204(a)(1)(D) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act by reason of a petition authorized under such section)
shall be determined as of the date of the death of the citizen parent
or lawful permanent resident parent or the termination of the parent-child
relationship.
(b) Protecting Victims of Child Abuse From Aging Out-
(1) CLARIFICATION REGARDING CONTINUATION OF IMMEDIATE RELATIVE STATUS FOR
CHILDREN OF CITIZENS- Section 204(a)(1)(D)(i)(I) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(D)(i)(I)) is amended--
(A) by striking `clause (iv) of section 204(a)(1)(A)' and inserting `subparagraph
(A)(iv)'; and
(B) by striking `a petitioner for preference status under paragraph (1),
(2), or (3) of section 203(a), whichever paragraph is applicable' and
inserting `to continue to be treated as an immediate relative under section
101(b)(2)(A)(i), or a petitioner for preference status under section 203(a)(3)
if subsequently married,'.
(2) CLARIFICATION REGARDING APPLICATION TO CHILDREN OF LAWFUL PERMANENT
RESIDENTS- Section 204(a)(1)(D) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(D)) is
amended----
(i) by inserting after the first sentence the following new sentence:
`Any child who attains 21 years of age who has filed a petition under
subparagraph (B)(iii) that was filed or approved before the date on
which the child attained 21 year of age shall be considered (if the
child has not been admitted or approved for lawful permanent residence
by the date the child attained 21 years of age) a petitioner for preference
status under section 203(a)(2), with the same priority date assigned
to the self-petition filed under such subparagraph.'; and
(ii) in the last sentence, by inserting `in either such case' after
`shall be required to be filed';
(B) in clause (i)(III), by striking `paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of section
203(a)' and inserting `section 203(a)(2)'; and
(C) in clause (ii), by striking `(A)(iii), (A)(iv),'.
(3) CLARIFICATION OF TREATMENT OF DERIVATIVE CHILDREN- Section 204(a)(1)(D)
of such Act is further amended by striking subclauses (III) and (IV) of
clause (i) and by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following:
`(ii) Subclauses (I) and (II) of clause (i) also shall apply to a derivative
child under subparagraph (A)(ii) or (A)(iii), or under subparagraph (B)(ii)
or (B)(iii), who attains 21 years of age in the same manner as such subclauses
apply to a principal petitioner under subparagraph (A)(iv), or subparagraph
(B)(iii), respectively.'.
(4) CLARIFICATION REGARDING APPLICATION OF CSPA PROTECTIONS TO CHILDREN
OF CITIZENS- Section 201(f) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(f)) is amended by
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
`(4) APPLICATION TO CERTAIN VAWA PETITIONERS- Paragraphs (1) through (3)
apply to a petitioner described in clause (iii) or (iv) of section 204(a)(1)(A).
'.
(5) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by this subsection shall apply to
applications filed before, on, or after the date of the enactment of VAWA-2000,
except that the amendment made by paragraph (4) shall apply as if included
in the enactment of the Child Status Protection Act (Public Law 107-208).
(c) Clarification of No Separate Adjustment Application for Derivative Children-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 204(a)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following
new clause:
`(vii) In the case of a petition under clause (ii), (iii), or (iv) that includes
an individual as a derivative child of a principal alien, no adjustment application
other than the adjustment application of the principal alien shall be required
for adjustment of status of the individual under subsection (a) or (c) of
section 245.'.
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect
on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to applications
filed before, on, or after such date.
(d) Late Petition Permitted for Adults Abused as Children-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 204(a)(1)(D) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(D)), as amended by subsection (b)(1), is amended
by adding at the end the following new clause:
`(v) In the case of an alien who qualified to petition under subparagraph
(A)(iv) or (B)(iii) as of the date the individual attained 21 years of age,
the alien may file a petition under such respective subparagraph notwithstanding
that the alien has attained such age or been married so long as the petition
is filed before the date the individual attains 30 years of age. In the case
of such a petition, the alien shall remain eligible for adjustment of status
as a child notwithstanding that the alien has attained 21 years of age or
has married, or both.'.
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect
on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to individuals
who attain 21 years of age on or after the date of the enactment of VAWA-2000.
SEC. 1313. SELF-PETITIONING PARENTS.
(a) In General- Section 204(a)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
clause:
`(I) is the parent of a citizen of the United States or was a parent of
a citizen of the United States who within the past 2 years lost or renounced
citizenship status related to battering or extreme cruelty by the United
States citizen son or daughter or who within the past two years died ;
`(II) is a person of good moral character;
`(III) is eligible to be classified as an immediate relative under section
201(b)(2)(A)(i); and
`(IV) resides, or has resided in the past, with the citizen daughter or
son;
may file a petition with the Secretary of Homeland Security under this subparagraph
for classification of the alien under such section if the alien demonstrates
that the alien has been battered by or has been the subject of extreme cruelty
perpetrated by the alien's citizen son or daughter.'.
(b) Effective Date- The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect
on the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1314. PROMOTING CONSISTENCY IN VAWA ADJUDICATIONS.
(a) In General- Section 204(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)(iii)(II)(aa)(CC)(bbb), by striking `an incident
of domestic violence' and inserting `battering or extreme cruelty by the
United States citizen spouse';
(2) in subparagraph (A)(iv), by striking `an incident of domestic violence'
and inserting `battering or extreme cruelty by such parent';
(3) in subparagraph (B)(ii)(II)(aa)(CC)(aaa), by striking `due to an incident
of domestic violence' and inserting `related to battering or extreme cruelty
by the lawful permanent resident spouse'; and
(4) in subparagraph (B)(iii), by striking `due to an incident of domestic
violence' and inserting `related to battering or extreme cruelty by such
parent'.
(b) Effective Date- The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect
as if included in the enactment of VAWA-2000.
SEC. 1315. RELIEF FOR PRIMA FACIE VICTIMS PENDING ACTIONS ON PETITIONS AND
APPLICATIONS FOR RELIEF.
(a) VAWA Petitioners and Applicants for U and T Nonimmigrant Classification-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 204(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1))is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph::
`(K) In the case of an alien in the United States for whom a petition as a
VAWA petitioner has been filed or for whom an application for nonimmigrant
status (whether as a principal or derivative child) under subparagraph (T)
or (U) of section 101(a)(15) has been filed--
`(i) if the petition or application is approved, the alien shall not be
removed, detained, or deported;
`(ii) if the petition or application sets forth a prima facie case for approval,
such a petition or application shall be processed without regard to whether
a proceeding to remove or deport such alien is brought or pending; and
`(iii) if the petition or application is approved or sets forth a prima
facie case for approval, pending approval of an application for adjustment
of status, the alien is eligible for work authorization and shall be provided
an `employment authorized' endorsement or other appropriate work permit,
except that the authorized period of work shall not exceed 180 days unless
such petition or application has been approved.'.
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect
on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to petitions and
applications filed before, on, or after such date.
(b) Applicants for Cancellation of Removal or Suspension of Deportation-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 240A(b)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1229b(b)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph: :
`(E) RELIEF WHILE APPLICATION PENDING- In the case of an alien who has
applied for relief under this paragraph and whose application sets forth
a prima facie case for such relief or who has filed an application for
relief under section 244(a)(3) (as in effect on March 31, 1997) that sets
forth a prima facie case for such relief--
`(i) the alien shall not be removed, detained, or deported unless the
application is denied and all opportunities for appeal of the denial
have been exhausted; and
`(ii) such an application shall be processed without regard to whether
a proceeding to remove or deport such alien is brought or pending.'.
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect
on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to applications
filed before, on, or after such date.
SEC. 1316. ACCESS TO VAWA PROTECTION REGARDLESS OF MANNER OF ENTRY.
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 214(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1184(d)) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the
following: `, unless the alien is not eligible under section 204(c) to have
a petition approved and is eligible for status as a VAWA petitioner, for
status as a nonimmigrant under subparagraph (T) or (U) of section 101(a)(15)(T),
or for relief under section 240A(b)(2) or under section 244(a)(3) (as in
effect on March 31, 1997)'.
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect
on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to aliens admitted
before, on, or after such date.
(b) Spouses Who Are Conditional Permanent Residents-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 245(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1255(d)) is amended--
(A) by inserting `(1)' after `(d)'; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
`(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to an alien who seeks adjustment of status
on the basis of an approved petition for classification as a VAWA petitioner.'.
(2) CONFORMING CLARIFICATION IN CANCELLATION OF REMOVAL- Section 240A(b)(2)(A)
of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1229b(b)(2)(A)) is amended, in the matter before clause
(i), by inserting `, regardless of whether the alien has been admitted for
permanent residence on a conditional basis under section 216,' before `if
the alien demonstrates'.
(3) SUSPENSION OF DEPORTATION- An alien may qualify for relief under section
244(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (as in effect on March
31, 1997), regardless of whether the alien has been admitted for permanent
residence on a conditional basis under section 216 of such Act.
(4) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by this subsection, and the provisions
of paragraph (3), shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this
Act and shall apply to applications for adjustment of status, for cancellation
of removal, or for suspension of deportation filed before, on, or after
such date.
(c) Spouses and Children of Asylum Applicants Under Adjustment Provisions-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 209(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1159(b)(3)) is amended--
(A) by inserting `(A)' after `(3)'; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
`(B) was the spouse of a refugee within the meaning of section 101(a)(42)(A)
at the time the asylum application was granted and who was battered or was
the subject of extreme cruelty perpetrated by such refugee or whose child
was battered or subjected to extreme cruelty by such refugee (without the
active participation of such spouse in the battery or cruelty), or
`(C) was the child of a refugee within the meaning of section 101(a)(42)(A)
at the time of the filing of the asylum application and who was battered
or was the subject of extreme cruelty perpetrated by such refugee,'.
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect
on the date of the enactment of this Act and--
(A) section 209(b)(3)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as added
by paragraph (1)(B), shall apply to asylum applications granted before,
on, or after such date; and
(B) section 209(b)(3)(C) of such Act, as so added, shall apply with respect
to asylum applications filed before, on, or after such date.
(d) Visa Waiver Entrants-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 217(b)(2) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1187(b)(2)) is amended
by inserting after `asylum,' the following: `as a VAWA petitioner, or for
relief under subparagraph (T) or (U) of section 101(a)(15), under section
240A(b)(2), or under section 244(a)(3) (as in effect on March 31, 1997),'.
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect
on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to waivers provided
under section 217(b)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act before, on,
or after such date as if it had been included in such waivers.
(e) Exception From Foreign Residence Requirement for Educational Visitors-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 212(e) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(e)) is amended,
in the matter before the first proviso, by inserting `unless the alien is
a VAWA petitioner or a nonimmigrant under subparagraph (T) or (U) of section
101(a)(15)' after `following departure from the United States'.
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect
on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to .
SEC. 1317. ELIMINATING ABUSERS' CONTROL OVER APPLICATIONS FOR ADJUSTMENTS
OF STATUS.
(a) Application of Motions to Reopen for All VAWA Petitioners- Section 240(c)(6)(C)(iv)
of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1230(c)(6)(C)(iv)) is amended
--
(1) in subclause (I), by striking `under clause (iii) or (iv) of section
204(a)(1)(A), clause (ii) or (iii) of section 204(a)(1)(B)' and inserting
`as a VAWA petitioner'; and
(2) in subclause (II), by inserting `or adjustment of status' after `cancellation
of removal'.
(b) Application of VAWA Deportation Protections for Transitional Relief to
All VAWA Petitioners- Section 1506(c)(2) of the Violence Against Women Act
of 2000 (8 U.S.C. 1229a note) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by amending clause (i) to read as follows:
`(i) if the basis of the motion is to apply for relief as a VAWA petitioner
(as defined in section 101(a)(51) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(51)) or under section 244(a)(3) of such Act (8
U.S.C. 1254(a)(3)); and'; and
(B) in clause (ii), by inserting `or adjustment of status' after `suspension
of deportation'; and
(2) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking `for relief' and all that follows
through `1101 note))' and inserting `for relief described in subparagraph
(A)(i)'.
(c) Application of VAWA-Related Relief Under Section 202 of NACARA-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 202(d)(1) of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central
American Relief Act (8 U.S.C. 1255 note; Public Law 105-100) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by inserting `, or was eligible for adjustment,'
after `whose status is adjusted'; and
(B) in subparagraph (E), by inserting after `April 1, 2000' the following:
`, or, in the case of an alien who qualifies under subparagraph (B)(ii),
applies for such adjustment during the 18-month period beginning on the
date of enactment of the Violence Against Women Act of 2005' .
(2) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT- Section 202(d)(3) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1255 note;
Public Law 105-100) is amended by striking `204(a)(1)(H)' and inserting
`204(a)(1)(J)'.
(3) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by paragraph (2) shall take effect
as if included in the enactment of VAWA-2000.
(d) Petitioning Rights of Certain Former Spouses Under Cuban Adjustment-
(1) IN GENERAL- The first section of Public Law 89-732 (8 U.S.C. 1255 note)
is amended--
(A) in the last sentence, by striking `204(a)(1)(H)' and inserting `204(a)(1)(J)';
and
(B) by adding at the end the following: `An alien who was the spouse of
any Cuban alien described in this section and has resided with such spouse
shall continue to be treated as such a spouse for 2 years after the date
on which the Cuban alien dies (or, if later, 2 years after the date of
enactment of Violence Against Women Act of 2005), or for 2 years after
the date of termination of the marriage (or, if later, 2 years after the
date of enactment of Violence Against Women Act of 2005) if the alien
demonstrates a connection between the termination of the marriage and
the battering or extreme cruelty by the Cuban alien.'.
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by paragraph (1)(A) shall take effect
as if included in the enactment of VAWA-2000.
(e) Self-Petitioning Rights of HRIFA Applicants-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 902(d)(1)(B) of the Haitian Refugee Immigration
Fairness Act of 1998 (division A of section 101(h) of Public Law 105-277;
112 Stat. 2681-538; 8 U.S.C. 1255 note), as amended by section 1511(a) of
VAWA-2000, is amended--
(A) in clause (i), by striking `whose status is adjusted to that of an
alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence' and inserting `who is
or was eligible for classification';
(B) in clause (ii), by striking `whose status is adjusted to that of an
alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence' and inserting `who is
or was eligible for classification'; and
(C) in clause (iii), by striking `204(a)(1)(H)' and inserting `204(a)(1)(J)'
.
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by paragraph (1)(C) shall take effect
as if included in the enactment of VAWA-2000.
(f) Self-Petitioning Rights Under Section 203 of NACARA- Section 309 of the
Illegal Immigration and Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (division
C of Public Law 104-208; 8 U.S.C. 1101 note), as amended by section 203(a)
of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (8 U.S.C. 1255
note; Public Law 105-100), is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(5)(C)(i)(VII)(aa), as amended by section 1510(b) of
VAWA-2000--
(A) by striking `or' at the end of subitem (BB);
(B) by striking `and' at the end of subitem (CC) and inserting `or'; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new subitem:
`(DD) at the time at which the spouse or child files an application
for suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal; and'; and
(A) by inserting `(1)' before `Notwithstanding';
(B) by inserting `subject to paragraph (2),' after `section 101(a) of
the Immigration and Nationality Act)),'; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
`(2) There shall be no limitation on a motion to reopen removal or deportation
proceedings in the case of an alien who is described in subclause (VI) or
(VII) of subsection (c)(5)(C)(i). Motions to reopen removal or deportation
proceedings in the case of such an alien shall be handled under the procedures
that apply to aliens seeking relief under section 204(a)(1)(A)(iii) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act.'.
(g) Effective Date- Except as otherwise provided in this section, the amendments
made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this
Act.
SEC. 1318. PAROLE FOR FAMILY MEMBERS OF VICTIMS OF VAWA PETITIONERS.
(a) In General- Section 240A(b)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1229b(b)(4)) is amended--
(1) in the heading, by inserting `BATTERED ALIENS AND' before `CHILDREN
OF BATTERED ALIENS';
(2) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by striking `or' at the end of clause (i);
(B) by striking the period at the end of clause (ii) and inserting `;
or'; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new clause:
`(iii) a VAWA petitioner.'; and
(3) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) in the first sentence, by inserting `on a year-by-year basis' after
`shall extend'; and
(B) in the first sentence, by inserting `or, in the case of subparagraph
(A)(iii), from the date of approval of the applicable petition' after
`1996)'.
(b) Conforming Amendment- Section 212(d)(5) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(d)(5))
is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
`(C) For provision providing for parole for certain battered aliens, children
or battered aliens, and parents of battered alien children, see section 240A(b)(4).'.
(c) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall take effect
on the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1319. EXEMPTION OF VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT AND
TRAFFICKING FROM SANCTIONS FOR FAILURE TO DEPART VOLUNTARILY.
(a) In General- Section 240B(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1229c(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking `If' and inserting `(1) Subject to paragraph (2), if'; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph::
`(2) The ineligibility for relief under paragraph (1) shall not apply to an
alien who is a VAWA petitioner, who is seeking status as a nonimmigrant under
subparagraph (T) or (U) of section 101(a)(15), or who is an applicant for
relief under section 240A(b)(2) or under section 244(a)(3) (as in effect on
March 31, 1997).'.
(b) Effective Date- The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply as if
included in the enactment of the Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility
Act of 1996 (division C of Public Law 104-208) and shall apply to failures
to depart voluntarily occurring before, on, or after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
SEC. 1320. CLARIFICATION OF ACCESS TO NATURALIZATION FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE.
(a) In General- Section 319(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1430(a)) is amended by inserting after `extreme cruelty by a United States
citizen spouse or parent' the following: `, regardless of whether the lawful
permanent resident status was obtained on the basis of such battery or cruelty'.
(b) Effective Date- The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect
on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to applications for
naturalization filed before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
SEC. 1321. CONSOLIDATING ADJUDICATION OF VAWA CASES IN VAWA UNIT.
(a) In General- Subtitle F of title IV of the Homeland Security Act of 2002
(Public Law 107-296) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
`SEC. 479. CONSOLIDATED ADJUDICATION OF VAWA CASES IN VAWA UNIT.
`(a) Sole Jurisdiction- The Secretary of Homeland Security shall designate
the VAWA unit as the administrative unit within the Department of Homeland
Security with sole jurisdiction over the adjudication of the following:
`(1) Applications and petitions of VAWA petitioners described in section
101(a)(51) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(51)).
`(2) Applications for nonimmigrant status under subparagraph (T) or (U)
of section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)).
`(3) Applications seeking relief under paragraph (2) or (4) of section 240A(b)
of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 122b(b)).
`(4) Applications for adjustment of status by VAWA petitioners who are described
in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 101(a)(51) of such Act.
`(5) Applications for employment authorization under section 214(c)(11).
`(b) Additional Jurisdiction- The VAWA unit may have jurisdiction over such
other matters as the Secretary may specify.
`(c) VAWA Unit Defined- For purposes of this section, the term `VAWA unit'
means the administrative unit within the Department of Homeland Security that
has responsibility as of May 1, 2005, for petitions under subparagraphs (A)(iii),
(A)(iv), (B)(ii), and (B)(iii) of section 204(a)(1) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act and for applications for nonimmigrant status under subparagraphs
(T) and (U) of section 101(a)(15) of such Act.'.
(b) Clerical Amendment- The table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act
is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 478 the following
new item:
`Sec. 479. Consolidated adjudication of VAWA cases in VAWA unit.'.
(c) Effective Date- The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply to applications
and petitions filed on or after the date that is 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act and, to the extent feasible, to applications and
petitions filed before such date.
SEC. 1322. PROHIBITION OF ADVERSE DETERMINATIONS OF ADMISSIBILITY OR DEPORTABILITY
BASED ON PROTECTED INFORMATION.
(a) Application to Additional Departments and Other Battered Aliens- Section
384 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of
1996 (division C of Public Law 104-208; 8 U.S.C. 1367) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), as amended by section 1513(d) of VAWA-2000--
(A) in the matter before paragraph (1), by striking `(including any bureau
or agency of such Department)' and inserting `, or the Secretary of Homeland
Security, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Health and Human Services,
or the Secretary of Labor or any other official or employee of the Department
of Homeland Security, the Department of State, the Department of Health
and Human Services, or the Department of Labor (including any bureau or
agency of any such Department)';
(i) in the matter before subparagraph (A), by striking `furnished solely
by' and inserting `furnished by or derived from information provided
solely by';
(ii) by striking `or' at the end of subparagraph (D);
(iii) by adding `or' at the end of subparagraph (E); and
(iv) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following new subparagraph:
`(F) in the case of an alien applying for continued presence as a victim
of trafficking under section 107(b)(1)(E)(i)(II)(bb) of the Trafficking
Protection Act of 2000 or status under section 101(a)(15)(T) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act, the trafficker or perpetrator,'; and
(i) by striking `of the Department,' and inserting `of any such Department,';
(ii) by striking `under clause (iii) or (iv) of section 204(a)(1)(A),
clause (ii) or (iii) of section 204(a)(1)(B)' and inserting `as a VAWA
petitioner (as defined in section 101(a)(51) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act), or under'; and
(iii) by striking `or section 240A(a)(3) of such Act as an alien (or
the part of a child) who has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty.'
and inserting the following: `, section 101(a)(15)(T), or section 240A(b)(2)
of such Act, or section 244(a)(3) of such Act (as in effect on March
31, 1997), or for continued presence as a victim of trafficking under
section 107(b)(1)(E)(i)(II)(bb) of the Trafficking Protection Act of
2000, or any derivative of the alien;'; and
(D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
`(3) undertake any part of an enforcement action--
`(A) at a domestic violence shelter, a victims services organization or
program (as described in section 2003(8) of the Omnibus Crime Control
and Safe Streets Act of 1968), a rape crisis center, a family justice
center, or a supervised visitation center; or
`(B) against an alien at a courthouse (or in connection with the appearance
of the alien at a courthouse) if the alien is appearing in connection
with a protection order case, child custody case, or other civil or criminal
case relating to domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, or stalking
in which the alien has been battered or subject to extreme cruelty or
if the alien is described in subparagraph (T) or (U) of section 101(a)(15)
of the Immigration and Nationality Act; or
`(4) in the case of an alien described in section 101(a)(27)(J) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act who has been abused, neglected, or abandoned, contact
the alleged abuser (or family member of the alleged abuser) at any stage
of applying for special immigrant juvenile status, including after a request
for the consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security under clause (iii)(I)
of such section.'; and
(A) in paragraphs (1), by striking `may provide, in the Attorney General's
discretion' and inserting `, Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary
of State, Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Secretary of Labor
may provide';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking `may provide in the discretion of the
Attorney General' and inserting `, Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary
of State, Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of
Labor may provide'; and
(C) in paragraph (5), by striking `is authorized to disclose' and inserting
`, Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary of State, Secretary of Health
and Human Services, and Secretary of Labor, or Attorney General may disclose'.
(b) Effective Date- The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect
on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to violations or
disclosures made on or after such date.
Subtitle C--Miscellaneous Provisions
SEC. 1331. REMOVING 2 YEAR CUSTODY AND RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR BATTERED
ADOPTED CHILDREN.
(a) In General- Section 101(b)(1)(E)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(b)(1)(E)(i)) is amended by inserting after `at least two
years' the following: `or if the child has been battered or subject to extreme
cruelty by the adopting parent or by a family member of the adopting parent
residing in the same household'.
(b) Conforming Naturalization Amendment- Section 320(a)(3) of such Act (8
U.S.C. 1431(a)(3)) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the
following: `or the child is residing in the United States pursuant to a lawful
admission for permanent residence and has been battered or subject to extreme
cruelty by the citizen parent or by a family member of the citizen parent
residing in the same household '
(c) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall take effect
on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to applications pending
or filed on or after such date.
SEC. 1332. GROUNDS OF INADMISSIBILITY; GOOD MORAL CHARACTER; AND FOREIGN
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Waiver of Unlawful Presence- Paragraph (9)(B)(iii)(IV) of section 212(a)
of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)) is amended by striking
`who would be described in paragraph (6)(A)(ii)' and all that follows and
by inserting `who demonstrates that the alien is described in subclauses (I)
and (II) of paragraph (6)(A)(ii).'.
(b) Waiver of False Claim of U.S. Citizenship-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 212(i)(1) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(i)(1)) is amended
by inserting `(and, in the case of a VAWA petitioner who demonstrates a
connection between the false claim of United States citizenship and the
petitioner being subjected to extreme cruelty or physical or mental abuse,
clause (ii))' after `clause (i)'.
(2) CONFORMING REFERENCE- Section 212(a)(6)(C)(iii) of such Act (8 U.S.C.
1182(a)(6)(C)(iii)) is amended by striking `clause (i)'and inserting `clauses
(i) and (ii)'.
(c) Exemption From Public Charge Ground-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 212(a)(4) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(4)) is amended
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
`(E) SPECIAL RULE FOR BATTERED ALIENS- Subparagraphs (A) through (C) shall
not apply to an alien who is a VAWA petitioner or is a qualified alien
described in section 431(c) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity
Reconciliation Act of 1996.'.
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT- Section 212(a)(4)(C)(i) of such Act (8 U.S.C.
1182(a)(4)(C)(i)) is amended to read as follows:
`(i) the alien is described in subparagraph (E); or'.
(d) Effective Date- Except as provided in this section, the amendments made
by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act
and shall apply regardless of whether the conviction was entered, crime, or
disqualifying event occurred before, on, or after such date.
SEC. 1333. TREATMENT OF GOOD MORAL CHARACTER.
(a) In General- Section 101(a)(43) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(43)) is amended----
(1) in subparagraphs (F) and (G), by striking `at least one year' and inserting
`is more than one year';
(2) in subparagraph (J), by striking `one year imprisonment or more' by
inserting `imprisonment of more than one year';
(3) in subparagraph (P), by striking `at least 12 months' and inserting
`more than one year'; and
(4) in subparagraphs (R) and (S), by striking `at least one year' and inserting
`more than one year'.
(b) Effective Date- The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect
on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to all convictions
entered (and criminal acts occurring) before, on, or after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1334. EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION FOR BATTERED SPOUSES OF H-1B VISA HOLDERS.
(a) In General- Section 214(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1184(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
`(11) In the case of an alien spouse admitted under section 101(a)(15)(H)
who is accompanying or following to join a principal alien admitted under
section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(B), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall authorize
the alien spouse to engage in employment in the United States and provide
the spouse with an `employment authorized' endorsement or other appropriate
work permit if the alien spouse demonstrates that during the marriage the
alien spouse or a child of the alien spouse has been battered or has been
the subject to extreme cruelty perpetrated by the spouse of the alien spouse.'.
(b) Effective Date- The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect
on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to aliens who obtained
the status of an alien spouse admitted under section 101(a)(15)(H) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act before, on, or after such date.
SEC. 1335. GROUNDS FOR HARDSHIP WAIVER FOR CONDITIONAL PERMANENT RESIDENCE
FOR INTENDED SPOUSES.
(a) In General- Section 216(c)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1186a(c)(4)) is amended--
(1) by striking `or' at the end of subparagraph (B);
(2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C) and inserting
`, or'; and
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following new subparagraph:
`(D) the alien meets the requirements under section 204(a)(1)(A)(iii)(II)(aa)(BB)
and following the marriage ceremony has been battered by or was subject
to extreme cruelty perpetrated by his or her intended spouse and was not
at fault in failing to meet the requirements of paragraph (1).'.
(b) Effective Date- The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply as if
included in the enactment of VAWA-2000.
SEC. 1336. CANCELLATION OF REMOVAL AND SUSPENSION OF DEPORTATION.
(a) Clarifying Application of Domestic Violence Waiver Authority in Cancellation
of Removal-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 240A(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1229b(b)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1)(C), by striking `(except in a case described in section
237(a)(7) where the Attorney General exercises discretion to grant a waiver)'
and inserting `, subject to paragraph (5)';
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by amending clause (iv) to read as follows:
`(iv) subject to paragraph (5), the alien is not inadmissible under
section 212(a)(2) or removable under section 237(a)(2) or 237(a)(3);
and '; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
`(5) APPLICATION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WAIVER AUTHORITY- Paragraphs (1)(C)
and (2)(A)(iv) shall not apply with respect to an offense described in clause
(i) or (ii) of section 237(a)(2)(E) in the case described in section 237(a)(7)(A).'.
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall apply as
if included in the enactment of section 1504(a) of VAWA-2000.
(b) Clarifying Nonapplication of Cancellation Cap-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 240A(e)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1229b(e)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
`(C) Aliens with respect to their cancellation of removal under subsection
(b)(2).'.
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply to cancellations
of removal occurring on or after October 1, 2004.
SEC. 1337. MOTIONS TO REOPEN.
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 240(c)(6) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1230(c)(6)) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting `, except that this limitation shall
not apply so as to prevent the filing of one motion to reopen described
in clause (iv)' before the period at the end;
(B) in subparagraph (C)(iv), in the matter before subclause (I), by striking
`The deadline specified in subsection (b)(5)(C) for filing a motion to
reopen does not apply' and inserting `Any limitation under this section
on the deadlines for filing such motions shall not apply'; and
(C) in subparagraph (C)(iv), by adding after and below subclause (III)
the following new sentence:
`The filing of a motion to reopen under this clause shall stay the removal
of the alien pending final disposition of the motion including exhaustion
of all appeals.'.
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect
on the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Deportation Proceedings-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 1506(c)(2)(A) of VAWA-2000 is amended--
(A) in the matter before clause (i), by striking `Notwithstanding any
limitation imposed by law on motions' inserting `Notwithstanding any limitation
on the number of motions, or the deadlines for filing motions (including
the deadline specified in section 242B(c)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act before the title III-A effective date),';
(B) in the matter before clause (i), by striking `there is no time limit
on the filing of a motion' and all that follows through `does not apply'
and inserting `such limitations shall not apply to the filing of a single
motion under this subparagraph to reopen such proceedings'; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
`The filing of a motion under this subparagraph shall stay the removal
of the alien pending a final disposition of the motion including the exhaustion
of all appeals.'.
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect
on the date of the enactment of this Act .
SEC. 1338. REMOVAL PROCEEDINGS.
(a) Exception to Reinstatement of Removal-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 241(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1251(a)(5)) is amended by adding at the end the following: `The
provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to an alien who, before reinstatement
of the removal order, sought relief as a VAWA petitioner, applied for status
as a nonimmigrant under subparagraph (T) or (U) of section 101(a)(15), or
applied for relief under section 240A(b)(2)or section 244(a)(3) (as in effect
on March 31, 1997).'.
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect
on the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Treatment of Battery or Extreme Cruelty as Exceptional Circumstances-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 240(e)(1) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1230(e)(1)) is amended
by inserting `battery or extreme cruelty of the alien or any child or parent
of the alien or' after `exceptional circumstances (such as'.
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect
on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to a failure to
appear that occurs before, on, or after such date.
SEC. 1339. CONFORMING RELIEF IN SUSPENSION OF DEPORTATION PARALLEL TO THE
RELIEF AVAILABLE IN VAWA-2000 CANCELLATION FOR BIGAMY.
Section 244(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (as in effect before
the title III-A effective date in section 309 of the Illegal Immigration Reform
and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996) shall be applied as if `or by a
United States citizen or lawful permanent resident whom the alien intended
to marry, but whose marriage is not legitimate because of that United States
citizen's or permanent resident's bigamy' were inserted after `by a spouse
or parent who is a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident'.
SEC. 1340. CORRECTION OF CROSS-REFERENCE TO CREDIBLE EVIDENCE PROVISIONS.
(a) Cuban Adjustment Provision- The last sentence of the first section of
Public Law 89-732 (November 2, 1966; 8 U.S.C. 1255 note), as amended by section
1509(a) of VAWA-2000, is amended by striking `204(a)(1)(H)' and inserting
`204(a)(1)(J)'.
(b) NACARA- Section 202(d)(3) of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American
Relief Act (8 U.S.C. 1255 note; Public Law 105-100), as amended by section
1510(a)(2) of VAWA-2000, is amended by striking `204(a)(1)(H)' and inserting
`204(a)(1)(J)'.
(c) IIARAIRA- Section 309(c)(5)(C)(iii) of the Illegal Immigration and Reform
and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (division C of Public Law 104-208;
8 U.S.C. 1101 note), as amended by section 1510(b)(2) of VAWA-2000, is amended
by striking `204(a)(1)(H)' and inserting `204(a)(1)(J)'.
(d) HRIFA- Section 902(d)(1)(B)(iii) of the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness
Act of 1998 (division A of section 101(h) of Public Law 105-277; 112 Stat.
2681-538), as amended by section 1511(a) of VAWA-2000, is amended by striking
`204(a)(1)(H)' and inserting `204(a)(1)(J)'.
(e) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall take effect
as if included in the enactment of VAWA-2000.
SEC. 1341. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
(a) Technical Corrections to References in Application of Special Physical
Presence and Good Moral Character Rules-
(1) PHYSICAL PRESENCE RULES- Section 240A(b)(2)(B) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1229b(b)(2)(B)) is amended--
(A) in the first sentence, by striking `(A)(i)(II)' and inserting `(A)(ii)';
and
(B) in the fourth sentence, by striking `section 240A(b)(2)(B)' and inserting
`this subparagraph, subparagraph (A)(ii),'.
(2) MORAL CHARACTER RULES- Section 240A(b)(2)(C) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1229b(b)(2)(C))
is amended by striking `(A)(i)(III)' and inserting `(A)(iii)'.
(3) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by this subsection shall be effective
as if included in the enactment of section 1504(a) of VAWA (114 Stat. 1522).
(b) Correction of Cross-Reference Error in Applying Good Moral Character-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 101(f)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1101(f)(3)) is amended by striking `(9)(A)' and inserting `(10)(A)'.
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall be effective
as if included in the enactment of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant
Responsibility Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-208).
(c) Punctuation Correction- Effective as if included in the enactment of section
5(c)(2) of VAWA-2000, section 237(a)(1)(H)(ii) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(1)(H)(ii))
is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting `; or'.
(d) Correction of Designation and Indentation- The last sentence of section
212(a)(9)(C)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(9)(C)(ii)),
as added by section 1505(a) of VAWA-2000, is amended--
(1) by striking `section 212(a)(9)(C)(i)' and inserting `clause (i)';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2), and subparagraphs (A) through
(D) of paragraph (2), as subclauses (I) and (II), and items (aa) through
(dd) of subclause (II), respectively; and
(3) by moving the margins of each of such paragraphs and subparagraphs 6
ems to the right.
(e) Additional Technical Correction- Section 245(l)(2)(B) of such Act (8 U.S.C.
1255(l)(2)(B)) is amended by striking `(10(E))' and inserting `(10)(E))'.
Subtitle D--Ensuring Crime Victim Access to Legal Services
SEC. 1351. ENSURING CRIME VICTIM ACCESS TO LEGAL SERVICES.
(a) In General- Section 502 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State,
the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 (Public Law 105-119;
111 Stat. 2510) is amended--
(1) by amending subparagraph (C) of subsection (a) to read as follows:
`(C) subsection (a)(11) of such section 504 shall not be construed to
prohibit a recipient from using Corporation funds and funds derived from
a source other than the Corporation to provide legal assistance to--
`(i) an alien who has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty
or who has been a victim of sexual assault or a victim of trafficking
in the United States;
`(ii) an alien whose child has been battered or subjected to extreme
cruelty or has been a victim of sexual assault or a victim of trafficking
in the United States, if the alien has not actively participated in
the battery, extreme cruelty, sexual assault, or trafficking; or
`(iii) an alien who qualifies (or whose child qualifies) for status
under section 101(a)(15)(U) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(U)) .'; and
(2) by striking paragraph (2) of subsection (b) and inserting the following:
`(2) The term `victim of trafficking' has the meaning given such term in
section 103(14) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (Public
Law 106-286; 22 U.S.C. 7102(14)). '.
(b) Effective Date- The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply to expenditures
made on or after the date of the enactment of this Act with respect to appropriations
made for fiscal years beginning before, on, or after such date.
(c) Construction- Nothing in the amendments made by subsection (a) shall be
construed to restrict the legal assistance provided to victims of severe forms
of trafficking and certain family members allowed under section 107(b)(1)
of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-286; 22
U.S.C. 7105(b)(1)).
Subtitle E--Eligibility for Certain Public Benefits of Aliens Suffering
From Domestic Abuse
SEC. 1361. ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN PUBLIC BENEFITS OF ALIENS SUFFERING FROM
DOMESTIC ABUSE.
(a) Exemption From SSI and Food Stamps Ban- Section 402(a)(2) of the Personal
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2))
is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
`(M) BATTERED AND CRIME VICTIM ALIENS- With respect to eligibility for
benefits for a specified Federal program (as defined in paragraph (3)),
paragraph (1) shall not apply to an alien who--
`(i) is described in section 431(c);
`(ii) is described in section 431(b) and also is described in section
431(c), other than paragraphs (1)(B), (2)(B), and (3)(B) of such section;
or
`(iii) is described in a clause (i) or (ii) and was lawfully admitted
as a permanent resident.'.
(b) Exemption From TANF, Social Services Block Grant, and Medicaid Ban- Section
402(b)(2) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1612(b)(2)) is amended by inserting after
subparagraph (F) the following new subparagraph:
`(G) BATTERED AND CRIME VICTIM ALIENS- An alien who--
`(i) is described in section 431(c);
`(ii) is described in section 431(b) and also is described in section
431(c), other than paragraphs (1)(B), (2)(B), and (3)(B) of such section;
or
`(iii) is described in clause (i) or (ii) and was lawfully admitted
as a permanent resident.'.
(c) Exemption From 5-Year Ban for Federal Means-Tested Public Benefits- Section
403(b) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1613(b)) is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
`(3) BATTERED AND CRIME VICTIM ALIENS- An alien who--
`(A) is described in section 431(c);
`(B) is described in section 431(b) and also is described in section 431(c),
other than paragraphs (1)(B), (2)(B), and (3)(B) of such section; or
`(C) is described in subparagraph (A) or (B) and was lawfully admitted
as a permanent resident.'.
(d) Status as Qualified Alien for VAWA Petitioners and Nonimmigrant `U' and
`T' Visa Applicants and Visa Holders- Section 431(c) of such Act (8 U.S.C.
1641(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(B)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking `or a child' and inserting `, child, or
parent' and by striking `or (iv)' and inserting `(iv), or (vii)';
(B) in clause (ii), by striking `(as in effect prior to April 1, 1997)';
(C) in clause (iii), by striking the period at the end and inserting a
comma;
(D) in clause (iv), by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting
a comma;
(E) in clause (v), by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting
`, or'; and
(F) by adding at the end the following new clause:
`(vi) status as a VAWA petitioner (as defined in section 101(a)(51)
of such Act), other than such a petitioner described in clause (i) or
(ii);';
(2) by striking `or' at the end of paragraph (2)(B);
(3) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (3)(B) and inserting
`; or'; and
(4) by inserting after paragraph (3)(B) the following new paragraph:
`(4) an alien who has applied for and not been denied status as a nonimmigrant
under clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (T), or clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph
(U), of section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act'.
(e) Conforming Definition of `Family' Used in Laws Granting Federal Public
Benefit Access for Battered Aliens to State Family Law-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 431(c) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1641(c)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking `by a spouse or a parent, or by a
member of the spouse or parent's family residing in the same household
as the alien and the spouse or parent consented to, or acquiesced in,
such battery or cruelty' and inserting `by a spouse, parent, son, or daughter,
or by any individual having a relationship with the alien covered by the
civil or criminal domestic violence statutes of the State or Indian country
where the alien resides, or the State or Indian country in which the alien,
the alien's child, or the alien child's parents received a protection
order, or by any individual against whom the alien could obtain a protection
order,';
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking `by a spouse or parent of the alien
(without the active participation of the alien in the battery or cruelty),
by a member of the spouse or parent's family residing in the same household
as the alien and the spouse or parent consented or acquiesced to such
battery or cruelty,' and inserting `by a spouse, parent, son, or daughter
of the alien (without the active participation of the alien in such battery)
or by any individual having a relationship with the alien covered by the
civil or criminal domestic violence statutes of the State or Indian country
where the alien resides, or the State or Indian country in which the alien,
the alien's child, or the alien child's parents received a protection
order, or by any individual against whom the alien could obtain a protection
order,'; and
(C) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking `by a spouse or parent, or by a member
of the spouse or parent's family residing in the same household as the
alien and the spouse or parent consented or acquiesced to such battery
or cruelty,' and inserting `by a spouse, parent, son, or daughter, or
by any individual having a relationship with the alien covered by the
civil or criminal domestic violence statutes of the State or Indian country
where the alien resides, or the State or Indian country in which the alien,
the alien's child, or the alien child's parents received a protection
order, or by any individual against whom the alien could obtain a protection
order,'.
(2) FEDERAL ATTRIBUTION OF SPONSOR'S INCOME AND RESOURCES- Section 421(f)(1)(A)
of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1631(f)(1)(A)) is amended--
(A) in clause (i), by striking `by a spouse or parent, or by a member
of the spouse or parent's family residing in the same household as the
alien and the spouse or parent consented or acquiesced to such battery
or cruelty,' and inserting `by a spouse, parent, son, or daughter, or
by any individual having a relationship with the alien covered by the
civil or criminal domestic violence statutes of the State or Indian country
where the alien resides, or the State or Indian country in which the alien,
the alien's child, or the alien child's parents received a protection
order, or by any individual against whom the alien could obtain a protection
order,';
(B) in clause (ii), by striking `by a spouse or parent of the alien (without
the active participation of the alien in the battery or cruelty), or by
a member of the spouse or parent's family residing in the same household
as the alien and the spouse or parent consented or acquiesced to such
battery or cruelty,' and inserting `by a spouse, parent, son, or daughter
of the alien (without the active participation of the alien in the battery
or cruelty) or by any individual having a relationship with the alien
covered by the civil or criminal domestic violence statutes of the State
or Indian country where the alien resides, or the State or Indian country
in which the alien, the alien's child, or the alien child's parents received
a protection order, or by any individual against whom the alien could
obtain a protection order,';
(C) by striking `or' before `(iii) the alien'; and
(D) by inserting `, or (iv) the alien is described in section 431(c)(4)'
before `and the battery or cruelty'.
(f) Elimination of Sponsor Liability and Responsibility or Reimbursement With
Respect to Benefits Provided to Battered Aliens- Section 423(d) of the Personal
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 is amended
by adding after paragraph (11) the following new paragraph:
`(12) Benefits provided to an alien who--
`(A) is described in section 431(c); or
`(B) is described in section 431(b) and also is described in section 431(c),
other than paragraphs (1)(B), (2)(B), and (3)(B) of such section.'.
(g) Conforming Amendment Confirming IIRAIRA's Grant of Public and Assisted
Housing to All Qualified Aliens, Including Battered Immigrants- Section 214
of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 1436a) is
amended--
(A) in paragraph (6), by striking `or' at the end;
(B) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
`(7) a qualified alien described in section 431 of the Personal Responsibility
and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1641), or'; and
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking `(6)' and inserting `(7)'; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting
`(other than a qualified alien described in 431 of the Personal Responsibility
and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1641)' after
`any alien'.
(h) Implementation- Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary of Agriculture,
the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Housing and
Urban Development shall promulgate regulations for its officials to implement
this section.
(i) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section apply to applications
for public benefits and public benefits provided on or after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
Subtitle F--Law Enforcement Training Grants
SEC. 1381. GRANTS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING PROGRAMS TO IDENTIFY AND
PROTECT VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING.
(a) Definitions- In this section:
(1) ACT OF TRAFFICKING- The term `act of trafficking' means an act or practice
described in paragraph (8) or (9) of section 103 of the Trafficking Victims
Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7102).
(2) ELIGIBLE ENTITY- The term `eligible entity' means a State or a local
government.
(3) STATE- The term `State' means any State of the United States, the District
of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin
Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa,
and any other territory or possession of the United States.
(4) VICTIM OF TRAFFICKING- The term `victim of trafficking' means an individual
subjected to an act of trafficking.
(b) Grants Authorized- The Attorney General may award grants to eligible entities
to provide training to State and local law enforcement personnel to identify
and protect victims of trafficking.
(c) Use of Funds- A grant awarded under this section shall be used for any
one or more of the following:
(1) To train law enforcement personnel to identify and protect victims of
trafficking, including training such personnel to utilize Federal, State,
or local resources to assist victims of trafficking.
(2) To train law enforcement or State or local prosecutors to identify,
investigate, or prosecute acts of trafficking.
(3) To train law enforcement or State or local prosecutors to utilize laws
that prohibit acts of trafficking.
(4) To assist in the development of State and local laws to prohibit acts
of trafficking.
(1) SUPPLEMENT NOT SUPPLANT- A grant awarded under this section shall be
used to supplement and not supplant other Federal, State, and local public
funds available to carry out the training described in subsection (c).
(2) ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES- An eligible entity that receives a grant under
this section may use not more than 5 percent of the total amount of such
grant for administrative expenses.
(3) NONEXCLUSIVITY- Nothing in this section may be construed to restrict
the ability of an eligible entity to apply for or obtain funding from any
other source to carry out the training described in subsection (c).
(e) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated
$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010 to carry out this section.
END