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Pending Legislation

H.R. 5992: American Job Creation and Investment Promotion Reform Act of 2016

9/19/2016
On 9/9/16, Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) introduced the American Job Creation and Investment Promotion Reform Act of 2016 to implement new reforms, and to reauthorize the EB-5 Regional Center Program.
AILA Doc. No. 16091201

H.R. 5801: Protect and Grow American Jobs Act

8/9/2016
On July 14, 2016, Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA) introduced H.R. 5801, Protect and Grow American Jobs Act, which seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to modify the definition of “exempt H-1B nonimmigrant.”
AILA Doc. No. 16071805

H.R. 5850: Secure the Northern Triangle Act

8/3/2016
On July 14, 2016, Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Eliot L. Engel (D-NY) introduced the Secure the Northern Triangle Act, the House companion to legislation introduced by Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid (NV) last month.
AILA Doc. No. 16071501

S.3241: Refugee Protection Act of 2016

8/3/2016
On July 14, 2016, Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Al Franken (D-MN) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) introduced the Refugee Protection Act of 2016, which includes provisions to address many of the severe, longstanding problems in the U.S. refugee and asylum systems.
AILA Doc. No. 16071413

H.R. 5851: Refugee Protection Act of 2016

8/4/2016
On July 14, 2016, Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) introduced the Refugee Protection Act of 2016, which includes provisions to address many of the severe, longstanding problems in the U.S. refugee and asylum systems.
AILA Doc. No. 16071412

S. 3100: Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act

7/5/2016
On 6/27/16, Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) introduced the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act (S. 3100) which would force local police to become immigration enforcement agents by threatening to withhold millions of dollars in federal grants to so-called “Sanctuary Cities.”
AILA Doc. No. 16070500

S. 3106: Secure the Northern Triangle Act

6/28/2016
On 6/28/16, Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) introduced the Secure the Northern Triangle Act (S.B. 3106).
AILA Doc. No. 16070563

H.R. 5203 Visa Integrity and Security Act of 2016

5/12/2016
On 5/12/16, Representative Randy Forbes (R-VA) introduced the Visa Integrity and Security Act of 2016 (H.R. 5203).
AILA Doc. No. 16051732

H. Res. 708

4/27/2016
On 4/27/16, Representatives Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Keith Ellison (D-MN), and Judy Chu (D-CA) introduced a resolution to repeal specific provisions of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) and the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act (AEDPA).
AILA Doc. No. 16051004

H. Res. 639: Authorizing the Speaker to Appear in United States v. Texas

3/14/2016
House Resolution 639 authorized the Speaker to appear as amicus curiae on behalf of the House of Representatives in the matter of United States v. Texas.
AILA Doc. No. 16032270

H.R. 4798: Reuniting Families Act

3/17/2016
On March 17, 2016, Representative Mike Honda (D-CA) introduced the Reuniting Families Act, which would help reduce the current family-based backlogs by increasing the number of green cards available, and eliminate discrimination against same-sex couples in our immigration laws.
AILA Doc. No. 16032265

H.R. 4731: Refugee Program Integrity Restoration Act of 2016

3/16/2016
On 3/14/16, Representatives Raul Labrador (R-ID) and Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) introduced H.R. 4731, Refugee Program Integrity Restoration Act of 2016, which would drastically reduce and cap refugee admissions in the United States.
AILA Doc. No. 16031617

H.R. 4646: Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2016

2/26/2016
On 2/26/16, Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) introduced the House version of the Fair Day in Court for Kids Act 2016, which mandates that unaccompanied children and vulnerable immigrants receive legal representation.
AILA Doc. No. 16030101

S. 2540: Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2016

2/11/2016
On 2/11/16, Democratic Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (NV), introduced the Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2016 (S. 2540), which mandates that unaccompanied children and vulnerable immigrants receive legal representation.
AILA Doc. No. 16021113

Senate Resolution Regarding Operation Streamline

2/10/2016
On 2/10/16, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs voted in favor of the resolution in an 8 to 7 vote.
AILA Doc. No. 16020808

H. R. 4380: Equal Protection in Travel Act of 2016

1/13/2016
On 1/13/16, Representative Justin Amash (R-MI) introduced the Equal Protection in Travel Act of 2016 (H.R. 4380) to remove limitations on the ability of certain dual citizens from participating in the Visa Waiver Program.
AILA Doc. No. 16020402

S. 2449: Equal Protection in Travel Act of 2016

1/20/2016
On 1/20/16, Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ) introduced the Equal Protection in Travel Act of 2016 (S. 2449) to remove limitations on the ability of certain dual citizens from participating in the Visa Waiver Program.
AILA Doc. No. 16020400

H.R. 158: Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015

12/23/2015
On 12/7/15, the House Committee on Homeland Security amended the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 (H.R. 158).
AILA Doc. No. 15120803

S. 2266: H–1B and L–1 Visa Reform Act of 2015

11/10/2015
On 11/10/15, Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) introduced bipartisan legislation, S. 2266, which would amend the H-1B and L-1 visa programs.
AILA Doc. No. 15112333

H.R. 4038: American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act of 2015

1/20/2016
On 11/19/15, House members voted 289-137 in favor of H.R. 4038, which would halt the refugee resettlement program for Iraqis and Syrians, which was introduced on 11/17/15. On 1/20/16, the bill failed to receive the necessary vote to move forward in the Senate.
AILA Doc. No. 15111836

S. 2193: Stop Illegal Reentry Act

10/21/2015
On 10/21/15, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced S. 2193: Stop Illegal Reentry Act or “Kate’s Law,” which would increase penalties for individuals who illegally reenter the U.S.
AILA Doc. No. 15110560

S. 2146: Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act

10/6/2015
On 10/06/15, Senator Vitter (R-LA) introduced S. 2146: Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act, which would limit grants to cities that do not comply with detainers issued by DHS and increase penalties for individual who illegally reenter the U.S.
AILA Doc. No. 15100902

Senate Takes Up Sanctuary Cities

7/7/2016
On 7/6/16, the Senate voted down S. 3100, the "Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act," by a vote of 53 to 44, and S. 2193, the "Stop Illegal Reentry Act," by a vote of 55 to 42. Both proposals needed 60 votes to advance to the Senate floor.
AILA Doc. No. 15080401

H.R. 3009: Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act

7/23/2015
On 7/9/15, Representative Duncan Hunter (R-CA) introduced H.R. 3009, Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act, to amend section 241(i) of the INA to deny assistance under such section to a State or locality that prohibits its officials from taking certain actions with respect to immigration.
AILA Doc. No. 15072302

S. 1501: American Job Creation and Investment Promotion Reform Action of 2015

6/3/2015
On 6/3/15, Senator Leahy (D-VT) and Senator Grassley (R-IA) introduced S. 1501, American Job Creation and Investment Promotion Reform Action of 2015, “to promote and reform foreign capital investment and job creation in American communities.”
AILA Doc. No. 15061065

H.R. 616: American Entrepreneurship and Investment Act of 2015

1/28/2015
On 1/28/15, Representatives Polis (D-CO) and Amodei (R-NV) introduced H.R. 616, the American Entrepreneurship and Investment Act of 2015.
AILA Doc. No. 15040963

S. Con. Res. 11: Senate Budget Resolution

4/1/2015
On 3/25/15, Senators introduced various amendments to the Budget Resolution. There were several anti-immigration amendments that have been presented.
AILA Doc. No. 15032602

H.R. 1147: Legal Workforce Act

2/27/2015
On 2/27/15, Representative Smith (R-TX) introduced the Legal Workforce Act. H.R. 1147 (H.R. 1147).
AILA Doc. No. 15030203

H.R. 1149: Protection of Children Act of 2015

2/27/2015
On 2/27/15, Representative Carter (R-TX) introduced the Protection of Children Act of 2015 (H.R. 1149).
AILA Doc. No. 15030202

H.R. 1153: Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act of 2015

2/27/2015
On 2/27/15, Representative Chaffetz (R-UT) introduced the Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act of 2015 (H.R. 1153).
AILA Doc. No. 15030201

H.R. 1148: Michael Davis, Jr. in Honor of State and Local Law Enforcement Act

2/27/2015
On 2/27/15, Representative Gowdy (R-SC) introduced the Michael Davis, Jr. in Honor of State and Local Law Enforcement Act (H.R. 1148).
AILA Doc. No. 15030200

S. 534: Immigration Rule of Law Act of 2015

2/23/2015
On 2/23/15, Senator Collins (R-ME) introduced the Immigration Rule of Law Act of 2015.
AILA Doc. No. 15022765

S. 208: Secure the Border First Act of 2015

1/21/2015
On 1/21/15, Senator Johnson (R-Wis) introduced Secure the Border First Act of 2015 with Senator Cornyn (R-Texas) and Senator Flake (R-Ariz).
AILA Doc. No. 15020340

S. 181 – The Startup Act

1/16/2015
On 1/16/15, Senators Moran (R-Kan.) and Warner (D-VA) introduced the fourth version of their Startup Act (S.181).
AILA Doc. No. 15012744

H.R. 399: Secure Our Borders First Act of 2015

1/26/2015
On 1/16/15, Representative McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, introduced H.R. 399, the Secure Our Borders First Act of 2015.
AILA Doc. No. 15012643

S.153: High-Skilled Immigration Bill (“I-Squared”) Reintroduced in Senate

1/14/2015
On 1/13/15, Senators Hatch (R-Utah), Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Rubio (R-Fla.), Coons (D-Del.), Flake (R-Ariz.), and Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced the Immigration Innovation (“I-Squared”) Act of 2015. This bill was first introduced in the 113th Congress.
AILA Doc. No. 15011442

Proposed House and Senate Emergency Appropriations Bills

7/29/2014
In July 2014 the House and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairs, Representative Hal Rogers (R-KY) and Senator Barbara Mikulski (R-MD) respectively, introduced legislation to provide supplemental funding to address the Central American humanitarian crisis impact on the southern border.
AILA Doc. No. 14072947

H.R. 5137 - The Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act (Updated 7/23/14)

7/17/2014
On 7/17/14 Representatives Goodlatte (R-VA) and Chaffetz (R-UT) introduced H.R. 5137, the Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act to “to stop the surge of children, teenagers, and families from Central America seeking to enter the United States illegally.”
AILA Doc. No. 14071749

Legislation Addressing the Central American Humanitarian Crisis (Updated 7/29/14)

7/21/2014
A round-up of all legislation introduced after June 2014 addressing the humanitarian crisis in Central American and the impact on the southern border of the United States.
AILA Doc. No. 14072152

Rep. Cuellar (D-TX) and Sen. Cornyn (R-TX) HUMANE Act

7/16/2014
On 7/16/14, Senator Cornyn (R-TX) and Representative Cuellar (D-TX) introduced the “Helping Unaccompanied Minors and Alleviating National Emergency (HUMANE)” Act.
AILA Doc. No. 14071654

Senator Flake (R-AZ) Amendment to Weaken the TVPRA

7/15/2014
On 7/9/14 Sen. Flake (R-AZ) filed an amendment (to an unrelated bill) to amend the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 to allow for the expedited removal of unaccompanied minors from non-contiguous countries.
AILA Doc. No. 14071547

H.R. 3846 and H.R. 4279: Bills to Authorize CBP and ICE

5/29/2014
Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI), Chair of the Border and Maritime Subcommittee of the House Homeland Security Committee, introduced H.R. 3846 to authorize U.S. Customs and Border Protection on 1/10/14 and H.R. 4279 to authorize Immigration and Customs Enforcement on 3/21/14.
AILA Doc. No. 14052945

H.R. 2377 - The ENLIST Act

5/20/2014
On 6/14/13 Rep. Jeff Denham (R-CA) introduced H.R. 2377, the Encourage New Legalized Immigrants to Start Training (ENLIST) Act. On 5/19/14 Rep. Denham offered the ENLIST Act as an amendment to H.R. 4435, the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2015.
AILA Doc. No. 14052001

H.R. 4586 - The Fraudulent Overseas Recruitment and Trafficking Elimination Act of 2014

5/7/2014
On 5/7/14 Rep. Royce (R-CA) introduced H.R. 4586, the Fraudulent Overseas Recruitment and Trafficking Elimination Act of 2014.
AILA Doc. No. 14051447

H.R. 2278 – Strengthen and Fortify Enforcement Act

4/6/2015
On 6/6/13 Rep. Goodlatte (R-VA) introduced H.R. 2278 – the Strengthen and Fortify Enforcement Act.
AILA Doc. No. 13060654

H.R. 1773 – The Agricultural Guestworker Act (Updated 4/9/14)

4/26/2013
On 4/26/13 Rep. Goodlatte (R-VA) introduced H.R. 1773 “The Agricultural Guestworker Act” of 2013.
AILA Doc. No. 13042953

H.R. 15 - Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act (Updated 3/25/14)

10/2/2013
On 10/2/13 Democratic House leadership introduced H.R. 15, “The Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act.”
AILA Doc. No. 13100402

H.R. 1417 Original

6/6/2013
On 4/9/13 Rep. McCaul (R-TX) introduced H.R. 1417 – The Border Security Results Act of 2013.

S.744 as Passed by the Senate on 6/27/13

6/27/2013
Final version of Senate bill 744, “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act,” as passed by the full Senate on 6/27/13 on a 68-32 vote.
AILA Doc. No. 13100109

H.R. 2131 - The SKILLS Act

5/23/2013
On 5/23/13 Reps. Issa (R-CA) and Goodlatte (R-VA) introduced H.R. 2131, the “Supplying Knowledge Based Immigrants and Lifting Levels of STEM Visas (SKILLS) Act.”
AILA Doc. No. 13071145

H.R. 1772 - The Legal Workforce Act

4/26/2013
On 4/26/13 Rep. Smith (R-TX) introduced H.R. 1772 “The Legal Workforce Act” of 2013.
AILA Doc. No. 13071149

H.R. 1417 – Border Security Results Act of 2013

4/3/2015
On 4/9/13 Rep. McCaul (R-TX) introduced H.R. 1417 – The Border Security Results Act of 2013.
AILA Doc. No. 13060647

S. 616 – Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Act

3/19/2013
S. 616 – Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Act, introduced by Senator Klobuchar (D-MN) on 3/19/13.
AILA Doc. No. 13032157

S. 600 – The H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2013

3/18/2013
On 3/18/13 Senator Grassley (R-IA) and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced S.600 the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2013.
AILA Doc. No. 13031944

2013 House and Senate Reintroduce Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization (Updated 3/7/13)

3/7/2013
H.R. 11, S. 5 and S. 47, three bills to Reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, have been introduced by Rep. Moore (D-WI), Sen. Reid (D-NV) and Sen. Leahy (D-VT) respectively in the 2013 Congress. Both Senate bill have bi-partisan support.
AILA Doc. No. 13012342

H.R. 717 – Reuniting Families Act

3/4/2013
H.R. 717 – Reuniting Families Act, introduced by Rep. Honda (D-CA), contains practical solutions for reducing family immigration visa backlogs and promoting humane and timely reunification of immigrant families.
AILA Doc. No. 13030453

H.R. 435 - Military Enlistment Opportunity Act

3/4/2013
H.R. 435 - Military Enlistment Opportunity Act, introduced by Rep. Coffman (R-CO), broadens the pool of those eligible to enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces beyond citizens and lawful permanent residents, and those eligible under the narrow MAVNI provisions.
AILA Doc. No. 13030449

S. 169 – I2 Act of 2013

1/29/2013
S. 169 – Immigration Innovation (I2) Act of 2013, introduced by Sens. Hatch (R-UT), Klobuchar (D-MN), Rubio (R-FL), and Coons (D-DE) on January 29, 2013, makes changes to the H-1B and student visas and increases access to employment-based green cards.
AILA Doc. No. 13013040