CHAPTER 2 - QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION OF ALIENS; TRAVEL CONTROL OF CITIZENS AND ALIENS
INA:
ACT 211- DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS
Sec. 211. [8 U.S.C. 1181]
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) and subsection (c) no immigrant shall be admitted into the United States unless at the time of application for admission he (1) has a valid unexpired immigrant visa or was born subsequent to the issuance of such visa of the accompanying parent, and (2) presents a valid unexpired passport or other suitable travel document, or document of identity and nationality, if such document is required under the regulations issued by the Attorney General. With respect to immigrants to be admitted under quotas of quota areas prior to June 30, 1968, no immigrant visa shall be deemed valid unless the immigrant is properly chargeable to the quota area under the quota of which the visa is issued.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 212(a)(7)(A) of this Act in such cases or in such classes of cases and under such conditions as may be by regulations prescribed, returning resident immigrants, defined in section 101(a)(27)(A) , who are otherwise admissible may be readmitted to the United States by the Attorney General in his discretion without being required to obtain a passport, immigrant visa, reentry permit or other documentation.
(c) The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to an alien whom the Attorney General admits to the United States under section 207.
INA: ACT 212 - GENERAL CLASSES OF ALIENS INELIGIBLE TO
RECEIVE VISAS AND INELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION; WAIVERS OF INADMISSIBILLITY
Sec. 212.
[8 U.S.C. 1182]
(a) Classes
of Aliens Ineligible for Visas or Admission.-Except as otherwise provided in
this Act, aliens who are inadmissible under the following paragraphs are
ineligible to receive visas and ineligible to be admitted to the United States:
(i) who is determined (in accordance with regulations
prescribed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services) to have a
communicable disease of public health significance; 1b
(ii) 1 except as provided in
subparagraph (C) 1a who seeks admission as an immigrant, or who seeks
adjustment of status to the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent
residence, and who has failed to present documentation of having received
vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases, which shall include at least
the following diseases: mumps, measles, rubella, polio, tetanus and diphtheria
toxoids, pertussis, influenza type B and hepatitis B, and any other
vaccinations against vaccine-preventable diseases recommended by the Advisory
Committee for Immunization Practices,
(iii) who is determined (in accordance with regulations prescribed by
the Secretary of Health and Human Services in consultation with the Attorney
General)-
(I) to have a
physical or mental disorder and behavior associated with the disorder that may
pose, or has posed, a threat to the property, safety, or welfare of the alien
or others, or
(II) to have had a
physical or mental disorder and a history of behavior associated with the
disorder, which behavior has posed a threat to the property, safety, or welfare
of the alien or others and which behavior is likely to recur or to lead to
other harmful behavior, or
(iv) who is
determined (in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of
Health and Human Services) to be a drug abuser or addict, is inadmissible.
(B) Waiver authorized.-For provision authorizing waiver of
certain clauses of subparagraph (A), see subsection (g).
(C) 1 EXCEPTION FROM IMMUNIZATION
REQUIREMENT FOR ADOPTED CHILDREN 10 YEARS OF AGE OR YOUNGER.--Clause (ii) of
subparagraph (A) shall not apply to a child who--
(iii) is seeking an immigrant visa as an immediate
relative under section 201(b),
if, prior to the admission of the child, an adoptive parent or prospective
adoptive parent of the child, who has sponsored the child for admission as an
immediate relative, has executed an affidavit stating that the parent is aware
of the provisions of subparagraph (A)(ii) and will ensure that, within 30 days
of the child's admission, or at the earliest time that is medically
appropriate, the child will receive the vaccinations identified in such
subparagraph.
(i) In general.-Except as provided in clause (ii), any alien
convicted of, or who admits having committed, or who admits committing acts
which constitute the essential elements of-
(I) a crime
involving moral turpitude (other than a purely political offense) or an attempt
or conspiracy to commit such a crime, or
(II) a violation of (or a conspiracy or attempt to violate) any law or
regulation of a State, the United States, or a foreign country relating to a
controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances
Act (21 U.S.C. 802)), is inadmissible.
(I) the crime was committed when the alien
was under 18 years of age, and the crime was committed (and the alien released
from any confinement to a prison or correctional institution imposed for the
crime) more than 5 years before the date of application for a visa or other
documentation and the date of application for admission to the United States,
or
(II) the maximum
penalty possible for the crime of which the alien was convicted (or which the
alien admits having committed or of which the acts that the alien admits having
committed constituted the essential elements) did not exceed imprisonment for
one year and, if the alien was convicted of such crime, the alien was not
sentenced to a term of imprisonment in excess of 6 months (regardless of the
extent to which the sentence was ultimately executed).
(B) Multiple criminal convictions.-Any alien convicted of 2 or
more offenses (other than purely political offenses), regardless of whether the
conviction was in a single trial or whether the offenses arose from a single
scheme of misconduct and regardless of whether the offenses involved moral
turpitude, for which the aggregate sentences to confinement 2 were 5 years or more is inadmissible.
(C) 2a CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
TRAFFICKERS- Any alien who the consular officer or the Attorney General knows
or has reason to believe--
(i) is or has been an illicit trafficker in any
controlled substance or in any listed chemical (as defined in section 102 of
the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802)), or is or has been a knowing
aider, abettor, assister, conspirator, or colluder with others in the illicit
trafficking in any such controlled or listed substance or chemical, or
endeavored to do so; or
(ii) is the spouse, son, or daughter of an alien
inadmissible under clause (i), has, within the previous 5 years, obtained any
financial or other benefit from the illicit activity of that alien, and knew or
reasonably should have known that the financial or other benefit was the
product of such illicit activity, is inadmissible.
(i) is coming to the United States solely, principally, or
incidentally to engage in prostitution, or has engaged in prostitution within
10 years of the date of application for a visa, admission, or adjustment of
status,
(ii) directly or indirectly procures or attempts to procure, or
(within 10 years of the date of application for a visa, admission, or
adjustment of status) procured or attempted to procure or to import,
prostitutes or persons for the purpose of prostitution, or receives or (within
such 10- year period) received, in whole or in part, the proceeds of
prostitution, or
(iii) is coming to the United States to engage in any other
unlawful commercialized vice, whether or not related to prostitution, is
inadmissible.
(E) Certain aliens involved in serious criminal activity who
have asserted immunity from prosecution.-Any alien-
(i) who has committed in the United States at any time a
serious criminal offense (as defined in section 101(h)),
(iii) who as a consequence of the offense and exercise of
immunity has departed from the United States, and
(iv) who has not subsequently submitted fully to the
jurisdiction of the court in the United States having jurisdiction with respect
to that offense, is inadmissible.
(F) Waiver authorized.-For provision authorizing waiver of
certain subparagraphs of this paragraph, see subsection (h).
(G) 2b 2c FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
WHO HAVE COMMITTED PARTICULARLY SEVERE VIOLATIONS OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM- Any
alien who, while serving as a foreign government official, was responsible for
or directly carried out, at any time, particularly severe violations of
religious freedom, as defined in section 3 of the International Religious
Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6402), is inadmissible.
(i) IN GENERAL- Any alien who commits or conspires to commit
human trafficking offenses in the United States or outside the United States, 42 or who the consular officer, the Secretary of Homeland
Security, the Secretary of State, 42 or the Attorney General knows or has reason to believe
is or has been a knowing aider, abettor, assister, conspirator, or colluder
with such a trafficker in severe forms of trafficking in persons, as defined in
the section 103 of such Act, is inadmissible.
(ii) BENEFICIARIES OF TRAFFICKING- Except as provided
in clause (iii), any alien who the consular officer or the Attorney General
knows or has reason to believe is the spouse, or daughter of an alien
inadmissible under clause (i), has, within the previous 5 years, obtained any
financial or other benefit from the illicit activity of that alien, and knew or
reasonably should have known that the financial or other benefit was the
product of such illicit activity, is inadmissible.
(iii) EXCEPTION FOR CERTAIN SONS AND DAUGHTERS- Clause
(ii) shall not apply to a son or daughter who was a child at the time he or she
received the benefit described in such clause.
(i) who a consular officer or the Attorney General
knows, or has reason to believe, has engaged, is engaging, or seeks to enter
the United States to engage, in an offense which is described in section 1956
or 1957 of title 18, United States Code (relating to laundering of monetary
instruments); or
(ii) who a consular officer or the Attorney General
knows is, or has been, a knowing aider, abettor, assister, conspirator, or
colluder with others in an offense which is described in such section; is
inadmissible.
(A) In general.-Any alien who a consular officer or the
Attorney General knows, or has reasonable ground to believe, seeks to enter the
United States to engage solely, principally, or incidentally in-
(i) any activity (I) to violate any law
of the United States relating to espionage or sabotage or (II)
to violate or evade any law prohibiting the export from the United States of
goods, technology, or sensitive information,
(iii) any activity a purpose of which is the opposition to, or
the control or overthrow of, the Government of the United States by force,
violence, or other unlawful means, is inadmissible.
(II) a consular officer, the Attorney General, or the Secretary
of Homeland Security knows, or has reasonable ground to believe, is engaged in
or is likely to engage after entry in any terrorist activity (as defined in
clause (iv));
(III) has, under circumstances indicating an intention to cause
death or serious bodily harm, incited terrorist activity;
(aa) a terrorist organization (as defined in clause
(vi)); or
(bb) a political, social, or other group that endorses
or espouses terrorist activity;
(VI) is a member of a terrorist organization described in clause
(vi)(III), unless the alien can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence
that the alien did not know, and should not reasonably have known, that the
organization was a terrorist organization;
(VII) endorses or espouses terrorist activity or persuades others
to endorse or espouse terrorist activity or support a terrorist organization;
(VIII) has received military-type training (as defined in section
2339D(c)(1) of title 18, United States Code) from or on behalf of any
organization that, at the time the training was received, was a terrorist
organization (as defined in clause (vi)); or
(IX) is the spouse
or child of an alien who is inadmissible under this subparagraph, if the
activity causing the alien to be found inadmissible occurred within the last 5
years, is inadmissible.
(I) who did not know or should not reasonably have
known of the activity causing the alien to be found inadmissible under this
section; or
(II) whom the consular officer or Attorney General has
reasonable grounds to believe has renounced the activity causing the alien to
be found inadmissible under this section.
4 (iii) TERRORIST
ACTIVITY DEFINED.-As used in this Act, the term "terrorist activity"
means any activity which is unlawful under the laws of the place where it is
committed (or which, if 4 it had been committed in the United States, would be
unlawful under the laws of the United States or any State) and which involves
any of the following:
(I) The highjacking or sabotage of any conveyance
(including an aircraft, vessel, or vehicle).
(II) The seizing or detaining, and threatening to
kill, injure, or continue to detain, another individual in order to compel a
third person (including a governmental organization) to do or abstain from
doing any act as an explicit or implicit condition for the release of the
individual seized or detained.
(III) A violent attack upon an internationally
protected person (as defined in section 1116(b)(4) of title 18, United States
Code) or upon the liberty of such a person.
(IV) An assassination.
(V) The use of any-
(aa) biological agent, chemical agent, or nuclear
weapon or device, or
(bb) explosive, 4 firearm, or other weapon or dangerous device (other
than for mere personal monetary gain), with intent to endanger, directly or indirectly,
the safety of one or more individuals or to cause substantial damage to
property.
(VI) A threat, attempt, or conspiracy to do any of the
foregoing.
(iv) 4 4b ENGAGE IN TERRORIST ACTIVITY
DEFINED- As used in this chapter, the term "engage in terrorist
activity" means, in an individual capacity or as a member of an
organization-
(I) to commit or to incite to commit, under
circumstances indicating an intention to cause death or serious bodily injury,
a terrorist activity;
(II) to prepare or plan a terrorist activity;
(III) to gather information on potential targets for
terrorist activity;
(IV) to solicit funds or other things of value for--
(aa) a terrorist activity;
(bb) a terrorist organization described in clause
(vi)(I) or (vi)(II); or
(cc) a terrorist organization described in clause
(vi)(III), unless the solicitor can demonstrate by clear and convincing
evidence that he did not know, and should not reasonably have known, that the
organization was a terrorist organization;
(V) to solicit any individual--
(aa) to engage in conduct otherwise described in this
subsection;
(bb) for membership in a terrorist organization
described in clause (vi)(I) or (vi)(II); or
(cc) for membership in a terrorist organization
described in clause (vi)(III) unless the solicitor can demonstrate by clear and
convincing evidence that he did not know, and should not reasonably have known,
that the organization was a terrorist organization; or
(VI) to commit an
act that the actor knows, or reasonably should know, affords material support, including
a safe house, transportation, communications, funds, transfer of funds or other
material financial benefit, false documentation or identification, weapons
(including chemical, biological, or radiological weapons), explosives, or
training--
(aa) for the commission of a terrorist activity;
(bb) to any individual who the actor knows, or
reasonably should know, has committed or plans to commit a terrorist activity;
(cc) to a terrorist organization described in
subclause (I) or (II) of clause (vi) or to any member of such an organization;
or
(dd) to a terrorist organization described in clause
(vi)(III), or to any member of such an organization, unless the actor can
demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the actor did not know, and
should not reasonably have known, that the organization was a terrorist
organization.
5 (v) REPRESENTATIVE DEFINED.-As used
in this paragraph, the term "representative" includes an officer,
official, or spokesman of an organization, and any person who directs,
counsels, commands, or induces an organization or its members to engage in
terrorist activity.
(vi) 5a 4c TERRORIST ORGANIZATION
DEFINED- As used in this section, the term 'terrorist organization' means an
organization?
(II) otherwise designated, upon publication in the
Federal Register, by the Secretary of State in consultation with or upon the
request of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security, as a
terrorist organization, after finding that the organization engages in the
activities described in subclauses (I) through (VI) of clause (iv); or
(III) that is a group of two or
more individuals, whether organized or not, which engages in, or has a subgroup
which engages in, the activities described in subclauses (I) through (VI) of
clause (iv).
(i) In general.-An alien whose entry or proposed activities in
the United States the Secretary of State has reasonable ground to believe would
have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United
States is inadmissible.
(ii) Exception for officials.-An alien who is an official of a
foreign government or a purported government, or who is a candidate for
election to a foreign government office during the period immediately preceding
the election for that office, shall not be excludable or subject to
restrictions or conditions on entry into the United States under clause (i)
solely because of the alien's past, current, or expected beliefs, statements,
or associations, if such beliefs, statements, or associations would be lawful
within the United States.
(iii) Exception for other aliens.-An alien, not described in
clause (ii), shall not be excludable or subject to restrictions or conditions
on entry into the United States under clause (i) because of the alien's past,
current, or expected beliefs, statements, or associations, if such beliefs,
statements, or associations would be lawful within the United States, unless
the Secretary of State personally determines that the alien's admission would
compromise a compelling United States foreign policy interest.
(iv) Notification of determinations.-If a determination is made
under clause (iii) with respect to an alien, the Secretary of State must notify
on a timely basis the chairmen of the Committees on the Judiciary and Foreign
Affairs of the House of Representatives and of the Committees on the Judiciary
and Foreign Relations of the Senate of the identity of the alien and the
reasons for the determination.
(i) In general.-Any immigrant who is or
has been a member of or affiliated with the Communist or any other totalitarian
party (or subdivision or affiliate thereof), domestic or foreign, is
inadmissible.
(ii) Exception for involuntary
membership.-Clause (i) shall not apply to an alien because of membership or
affiliation if the alien establishes to the satisfaction of the consular
officer when applying for a visa (or to the satisfaction of the Attorney
General when applying for admission) that the membership or affiliation is or
was involuntary, or is or was solely when under 16 years of age, by operation
of law, or for purposes of obtaining employment, food rations, or other
essentials of living and whether necessary for such purposes.
(iii) Exception for past membership.-Clause (i) shall not apply to
an alien because of membership or affiliation if the alien establishes to the
satisfaction of the consular officer when applying for a visa (or to the
satisfaction of the Attorney General when applying for admission) that-
(I) the membership or affiliation terminated at least-
(aa) 2 years before the date of such application, or
(bb) 5 years before the date of such application, in
the case of an alien whose membership or affiliation was with the party
controlling the government of a foreign state that is a totalitarian
dictatorship as of such date, and
(II) the alien is not a threat to the security of the
United States.
(iv) Exception for close family members.-The Attorney General
may, in the Attorney General's discretion, waive the application of clause (i)
in the case of an immigrant who is the parent, spouse, son, daughter, brother,
or sister of a citizen of the United States or a spouse, son, or daughter of an
alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence for humanitarian purposes, to
assure family unity, or when it is otherwise in the public interest if the
immigrant is not a threat to the security of the United States.
(E) 5aaa PARTICIPANTS IN NAZI
PERSECUTION, GENOCIDE, OR THE COMMISSION OF ANY ACT OF TORTURE OR EXTRAJUDICIAL
KILLING
(i) Participation in nazi persecutions.-Any alien who,
during the period beginning on March 23, 1933, and ending on May 8, 1945, under
the direction of, or in association with-
(I) the Nazi government of Germany,
(II) any government in any area occupied by the
military forces of the Nazi government of Germany,
(III) any government established with the assistance
or cooperation of the Nazi government of Germany, or
(IV) any government which was an ally of the Nazi
government of Germany, ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in
the persecution of any person because of race, religion, national origin, or
political opinion is inadmissible.
(ii) Participation in genocide.-Any alien who 5aaa ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated 5ab in genocide, as defined in section 1091(a) of title
18, United States Code, is inadmissible.
(iii) 5aaa COMMISSION OF ACTS OF TORTURE OR EXTRAJUDICIAL
KILLINGS- Any alien who, outside the United States, has committed, ordered,
incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in the commission of--
(I) any act of torture, as defined in section 2340 of
title 18, United States Code; or
(II) under color of law of any foreign nation, any
extrajudicial killing, as defined in section 3(a) of the Torture Victim
Protection Act of 1991 (28 U.S.C. 1350 note), is inadmissible.
5aa (F) ASSOCIATION WITH TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS- Any
alien who the Secretary of State, after consultation with the Attorney General,
or the Attorney General, after consultation with the Secretary of State,
determines has been associated with a terrorist organization and intends while
in the United States to engage solely, principally, or incidentally in
activities that could endanger the welfare, safety, or security of the United
States is inadmissible.
(G) 41 RECRUITMENT OR USE OF CHILD SOLDIERS- Any alien who
has engaged in the recruitment or use of child soldiers in violation of section
2442 of title 18, United States Code, is inadmissible.
(A) In general.-Any alien who, in the opinion of the consular
officer at the time of application for a visa, or in the opinion of the
Attorney General at the time of application for admission or adjustment of
status, is likely at any time to become a public charge is inadmissible. 6
(B) Factors to be taken into account.- (i) In determining
whether an alien is excludable under this paragraph, the consular officer or
the Attorney General shall at a minimum consider the alien's-
(I) age;
(II) health;
(III) family status;
(IV) assets, resources, and financial status; and
(V) education and skills
(ii) In addition to the factors under clause (i), the consular
officer or the Attorney General may also consider any affidavit of support
under section 213A for purposes of exclusion under this paragraph.
(C) Family-Sponsored immigrants.-Any alien who seeks admission
or adjustment of status under a visa issued under section 201(b)(2) or 203(a) is excludable under this paragraph unless-
(I) status as a spouse or a child of a United States
citizen pursuant to clause (ii), (iii), or (iv) or section 204(a)(1)(A), or
(ii) the person petitioning for the alien's admission 6aa (and any additional sponsor required under section 213A(f) or any alternative sponsor permitted under paragraph
(5)(B) of such section) has executed an affidavit of support described in
section 213A with respect to such alien.
(D) Certain employment-based immigrants.-Any alien who seeks
admission or adjustment of status under a visa number issued under section 203(b) by virtue of a classification petition filed by a
relative of the alien (or by an entity in which such relative has a significant
ownership interest) is excludable under this paragraph unless such relative has
executed an affidavit of support described in section 213A with respect to such alien.
(E) 6ab Special Rule for Qualified Aliens. - Subparagraphs
(A), (B), and (C) shall not apply to an alien who -
(i) is a VAWA self-petitioner;
(ii) is an applicant for, or is granted, nonimmigrant
status under section 101(a)(15)(U); or
(iii) is a qualified alien described in section 431(c)
of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996
(8 U.S.C. 1641(c)).
(i) In
general.-Any alien who seeks to enter the United States for the purpose of
performing skilled or unskilled labor is inadmissible, unless the Secretary of
Labor has determined and certified to the Secretary of State and the Attorney
General that-
(I) there are not sufficient workers who are able, willing,
qualified (or equally qualified in the case of an alien described in clause
(ii)) and available at the time of application for a visa and admission to the
United States and at the place where the alien is to perform such skilled or
unskilled labor, and
(II) the employment of such alien will not adversely
affect the wages and working conditions of workers in the United States
similarly employed.
(ii) Certain aliens
subject to special rule.-For purposes of clause (i)(I), an alien described in
this clause is an alien who-
(I) is a member of the teaching profession, or
(II) has exceptional ability in the sciences or the
arts.
(I) In general.-A certification made under clause (i)
with respect to a professional athlete shall remain valid with respect to the
athlete after the athlete changes employer, if the new employer is a team in
the same sport as the team which employed the athlete when the athlete first
applied for certification.
(II) Definition.-For purposes of subclause (I), the term
"professional athlete" means an individual who is employed as an
athlete by-
(aa) a team that is a member of an association of 6 or
more professional sports teams whose total combined revenues exceed $10,000,000
per year, if the association governs the conduct of its members and regulates
the contests and exhibitions in which its member teams regularly engage;
or
(bb) any minor league team that is affiliated with
such an association.
(iv) 7 LONG DELAYED ADJUSTMENT
APPLICANTS- A certification made under clause (i) with respect to an individual
whose petition is covered by section 204(j)shall
remain valid with respect to a new job accepted by the individual after the
individual changes jobs or employers if the new job is in the same or a similar
occupational classification as the job for which the certification was issued.
(B)
Unqualified physicians.-An alien who is a graduate of a medical school not
accredited by a body or bodies approved for the purpose by the Secretary of
Education (regardless of whether such school of medicine is in the United
States) and who is coming to the United States principally to perform services
as a member of the medical profession is inadmissible, unless the alien (i) has
passed parts I and II of the National Board of Medical Examiners Examination (or
an equivalent examination as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human
Services) and (ii) is competent in oral and written English. For purposes of
the previous sentence, an alien who is a graduate of a medical school shall be
considered to have passed parts I and II of the National Board of Medical
Examiners if the alien was fully and permanently licensed to practice medicine
in a State on January 9, 1978, and was practicing medicine in a State on that
date.
(C) Uncertified foreign health-care workers 7 Subject to subsection (r), any alien who seeks to
enter the United States for the purpose of performing labor as a health-care
worker, other than a physician, is excludable unless the alien presents to the
consular officer, or, in the case of an adjustment of status, the Attorney
General, a certificate from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing
Schools, or a certificate from an equivalent independent credentialing
organization approved by the Attorney General in consultation with the
Secretary of Health and Human Services, verifying that-
(i) the alien's education, training, license, and
experience-
(I) meet all applicable statutory and regulatory
requirements for entry into the United States under the classification
specified in the application;
(II) are comparable with that required for an American
health-care worker of the same type; and
(III) are authentic and, in the case of a license,
unencumbered;
(ii) the alien has the level of competence in oral and
written English considered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in
consultation with the Secretary of Education, to be appropriate for health care
work of the kind in which the alien will be engaged, as shown by an appropriate
score on one or more nationally recognized, commercially available,
standardized assessments of the applicant's ability to speak and write; and
(iii) if a majority of States licensing the profession
in which the alien intends to work recognize a test predicting the success on
the profession's licensing or certification examination, the alien has passed
such a test, or has passed such an examination.
For purposes of clause (ii), determination of the
standardized tests required and of the minimum scores that are appropriate are
within the sole discretion of the Secretary of Health and Human Services and
are not subject to further administrative or judicial review.
(D) Application of grounds.-The grounds of inadmissibility of
aliens under subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall apply to immigrants seeking
admission or adjustment of status under paragraph (2) or (3) of section 203(b).
(i) In general.-An alien
present in the United States without being admitted or paroled, or who arrives
in the United States at any time or place other than as designated by the
Attorney General, is inadmissible.
(ii) Exception for certain battered women and children.-Clause
(hall not apply to an alien who demonstrates that-
(II)(II)(a) the alien has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty
by a spouse or parent, or by a member of the spouse's 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, or (b) the alien's child has been
battered or subjected to extreme cruelty 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's or parent's family residing in the same household as
the alien when the spouse or parent consented to or acquiesced in such battery
or cruelty and the alien did not actively participate in such battery or
cruelty, and
(III) there was a substantial connection between the
battery or cruelty described in subclause (I) or (II) and the alien's unlawful
entry into the United States.
(B) Failure to attend removal proceeding.-Any alien who without
reasonable cause fails or refuses to attend or remain in attendance at a
proceeding to determine the alien's inadmissibility or deportability and who
seeks admission to the United States within 5 years of such alien's subsequent
departure or removal is inadmissible.
(i) In general.-Any alien who, by fraud or willfully
misrepresenting a material fact, seeks to procure (or has sought to procure or
has procured) a visa, other documentation, or admission into the United States
or other benefit provided under this Act is inadmissible.
(I) IN GENERAL- Any alien who falsely represents, or has
falsely represented, himself or herself to be a citizen of the United States
for any purpose or benefit under this Act (including section 274A) or any other Federal or State law is inadmissible.
(II) EXCEPTION- In the case of an alien making a representation
described in subclause (I), if each natural parent of the alien (or, in the
case of an adopted alien, each adoptive parent of the alien) is or was a
citizen (whether by birth or naturalization), the alien permanently resided in
the United States prior to attaining the age of 16, and the alien reasonably
believed at the time of making such representation that he or she was a
citizen, the alien shall not be considered to be inadmissible under any
provision of this subsection based on such representation.
(i) In general.-Any alien who at any time knowingly has
encouraged, induced, assisted, abetted, or aided any other alien to enter or to
try to enter the United States in violation of law is inadmissible.
(ii) Special rule in the case of family reunification.-Clause
(i) shall not apply in the case of alien who is an eligible immigrant (as
defined in section 301(b)(1) of the Immigration Act of 1990), was physically
present in the United States on May 5, 1988, and is seeking admission as an
immediate relative or under section 203(a)(2)(including under section 112 of the Immigration Act of 1990) or
benefits under section 301(a) of the Immigration Act of 1990 if the alien, before
May 5, 1988, has encouraged, induced, assisted, abetted, or aided only the
alien's spouse, parent, son, or daughter (and no other individual) to enter the
United States in violation of law.
(i) In general.-An alien who is the subject of a final order for
violation of section 274C is inadmissible.
(ii)(ii) Waiver authorized.-For provision authorizing waiver of
clause (i), see subsection (d)(12). 10
(G) Student visa abusers.-An alien who obtains the status of a
nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) and who violates a term or condition of such status
under section214(l) is excludable until the alien has been outside the
United States for a continuous period of 5 years after the date of the violation. 11
(i) In general.-Except as otherwise specifically provided in
this Act, any immigrant at the time of application for admission-
(I) who is not in possession of a valid unexpired immigrant
visa, reentry permit, border crossing identification card, or other valid entry
document required by this Act, and a valid unexpired passport, or other
suitable travel document, or document of identity and nationality if such
document is required under the regulations issued by the Attorney General under
section 211(a) or
(II) whose visa has been issued without compliance with the
provisions of section 203, is inadmissible.
(I) is not in possession of a passport valid for a minimum of
six months from the date of the expiration of the initial period of the alien's
admission or contemplated initial period of stay authorizing the alien to
return to the country from which the alien came or to proceed to and enter some
other country during such period, or
(II) is not in possession of a valid
nonimmigrant visa or border crossing identification card at the time of
application for admission, is inadmissible.
(ii) General waiver authorized.-For provision authorizing waiver
of clause (i), see subsection (d)(4).
(iii) GUAM AND
NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS VISA WAIVER- For provision authorizing waiver of
clause (i) in the case of visitors to Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands, see subsection (l). 38
(iv) VISA WAIVER 11 PROGRAM.-For authority to waive the requirement of
clause (i) under a 11a program, see section 217.
(B) Draft evaders.-Any person who has departed from or who has
remained outside the United States to avoid or evade training or service in the
armed forces in time of war or a period declared by the President to be a
national emergency is inadmissible, except that this subparagraph shall not
apply to an alien who at the time of such departure was a nonimmigrant and who
is seeking to reenter the United States as a nonimmigrant.
(i) Arriving aliens.-Any alien who has been ordered removed
under section 235(b)(1) or at the end of proceedings under section 240
initiated upon the alien's arrival in the United States and who again seeks
admission within 5 years of the date of such removal (or within 20 years in the
case of a second or subsequent removal or at any time in the case of an alien
convicted of an aggravated felony) is inadmissible.
(II) departed the United States while an order of
removal was outstanding, and who seeks admission within 10 years of the date of
such alien's departure or removal (or within 20 years of such date in the case
of a second or subsequent removal or at any time in the case of an alien
convicted of an aggravated felony) is inadmissible.
(iii) Exception.-Clauses (i) and (ii) shall not apply to an alien
seeking admission within a period if, prior to the date of the alien's
reembarkation at a place outside the United States or attempt to be admitted
from foreign contiguous territory, the Attorney General has consented to the
alien's reapplying for admission.
(I) was unlawfully present in the United States for a period of
more than 180 days but less than 1 year, voluntarily departed the United States
(whether or not pursuant to section 244(e))
prior to the commencement of proceedings under section 235(b)(1) or section 240,
and again seeks admission within 3 years of the date of such alien's departure
or removal, or
(II) has been unlawfully present in the United States for one
year or more, and who again seeks admission within 10 years of the date of such
alien's departure or removal from the United States is inadmissible.
(ii) Construction of unlawful presence.-For purposes of this
paragraph, an alien is deemed to be unlawfully present in the United States if
the alien is present in the United States after the expiration of the period of
stay authorized by the Attorney General or is present in the United States
without being admitted or paroled.
(I) Minors.-No period of time in which an alien is under 18
years of age shall be taken into account in determining the period of unlawful
presence in the United States under clause (i).
(II) Asylees.-No period of time in which an alien has a bona
fide application for asylum pending under section 208 shall be taken into account in determining the period
of unlawful presence in the United States under clause (i) unless the alien
during such period was employed without authorization in the United States.
(III) Family unity.-No period of time in which the alien is a
beneficiary of family unity protection pursuant to section 301 of the Immigration Act of 1990 14 shall be taken into account in determining the period
of unlawful presence in the United States under clause (i).
(IV) Battered women and children.-Clause (i) shall not apply to
an alien who would be described in paragraph (6)(A)(ii) if "violation of
the terms of the alien's nonimmigrant visa" were substituted for
"unlawful entry into the United States" in subclause (III) of that
paragraph.
(V) 13a VICTIMS OF A SEVERE FORM OF
TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS- Clause (i) shall not apply to an alien who demonstrates
that the severe form of trafficking (as that term is defined in section 103 of
the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7102)) was at least
one central reason for the alien's unlawful presence in the United States.
(I) has been lawfully admitted or paroled into the
United States,
(II) has filed a nonfrivolous application for a change
or extension of status before the date of expiration of the period of stay
authorized by the Attorney General, and
(III) has not been employed without authorization in
the United States before or during the pendency of such application, the
calculation of the period of time specified in clause (i)(I) shall be tolled
during the pendency of such application, but not to exceed 120 days.
(v) Waiver.-The Attorney General has sole discretion to waive
clause (i) in the case of an immigrant who is the spouse or son or daughter of
a United States citizen or of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent
residence, if it is established to the satisfaction of the Attorney General
that the refusal of admission to such immigrant alien would result in extreme
hardship to the citizen or lawfully resident spouse or parent of such alien. No
court shall have jurisdiction to review a decision or action by the Attorney
General regarding a waiver under this clause.
(I) has been unlawfully present in the United States for an
aggregate period of more than 1 year, or
(II) has been ordered removed under section 235(b)(1), section 240,
or any other provision of law, and who enters or attempts to reenter the United
States without being admitted is inadmissible.
(ii) Exception.-Clause (i) shall not apply to an alien seeking
admission more than 10 years after the date of the alien's last departure from
the United States if, prior to the alien's reembarkation at a place outside the
United States or attempt to be readmitted from a foreign contiguous territory, 14a 6aa the Secretary of Homeland Security has consented to
the alien's reapplying for admission.
(iii) 6aa WAIVER- The Secretary of
Homeland Security may waive the application of clause (i) in the case of an
alien who is a VAWA self-petitioner if there is a connection between--
(I) the alien's battering or subjection to extreme
cruelty; and
(II) the alien's removal, departure from the United
States, reentry or reentries into the United States; or attempted reentry into
the United States.
(A) Practicing polygamists.-Any immigrant who is coming to the
United States to practice polygamy is inadmissible.
(i) who is accompanying another alien who is inadmissible and
who is certified to be helpless from sickness, mental or physical disability,
or infancy pursuant to section232(c),
and
(ii) whose protection or guardianship is determined to be
required by the alien described in clause (I), is inadmissible. 16
(i) In general.-Except as
provided in clause (ii), any alien who, after entry of an order by a court in
the United States granting custody to a person of a United States citizen child
who detains or retains the child, or withholds custody of the child, outside
the United States from the person granted custody by that order, is
inadmissible until the child is surrendered to the person granted custody by
that order.
16a (ii) ALIENS SUPPORTING ABDUCTORS AND RELATIVES
OF ABDUCTORS. -- Any alien who--
(I) is known by the Secretary of State to have
intentionally assisted an alien in the conduct described in clause (i),
(II) is known by the Secretary of State to be
intentionally providing material support or safe haven to an alien described in
clause (i), or
(III) is a spouse (other than the spouse who is the
parent of the abducted child), child (other than the abducted child), parent,
sibling, or agent of an alien described in clause (i), if such person has been
designated by the Secretary of State at the Secretary's sole and unreviewable
discretion, is inadmissible until the child described in clause (i) is
surrendered to the person granted custody by the order described in that
clause, and such person and child are permitted to return to the United States
or such person's place of residence.
(iii) EXCEPTIONS. -- Clauses (i) and (ii) shall not
apply--
(I) to a government official of the United States who
is acting within the scope of his or her official duties;
(II) to a government official of any foreign
government if the official has been designated by the Secretary of State at the
Secretary's sole and unreviewable discretion; or
(III) so long as the child is located in a foreign
state that is a party to the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International
Child Abduction, done at The Hague on October 25, 1980.
(i) IN GENERAL- Any alien who has voted in violation
of any Federal, State, or local constitutional provision, statute, ordinance,
or regulation is inadmissible.
(ii) EXCEPTION- In the case of an alien who voted in a
Federal, State, or local election (including an initiative, recall, or
referendum) in violation of a lawful restriction of voting to citizens, if each
natural parent of the alien (or, in the case of an adopted alien, each adoptive
parent of the alien) is or was a citizen (whether by birth or naturalization),
the alien permanently resided in the United States prior to attaining the age
of 16, and the alien reasonably believed at the time of such violation that he
or she was a citizen, the alien shall not be considered to be inadmissible
under any provision of this subsection based on such violation.
(E) Former citizens who renounced citizenship to avoid
taxation.-Any alien who is a former citizen of the United States who officially
renounces United States citizenship and who is determined by the Attorney
General to have renounced United States citizenship for the purpose of avoiding
taxation by the United States is excludable. 18
INA:
ACT 213 - ADMISSION OF CERTAIN ALIENS ON GIVING BOND
Sec. 213. [8 U.S.C. 1183] An alien inadmissible under paragraph (4) of
section 212(a) may, if otherwise admissible, be
admitted in the discretion of the Attorney General (subject to the affidavit of
support requirement and attribution of sponsor's income and resources under
section 213A) 1/ upon the giving of a suitable and
proper bond or undertaking approved by the Attorney General, in such amount and
containing such conditions as he may prescribe, to the United States, and to
all States, territories, counties, towns, municipalities, and districts thereof
holding the United States and all States, territories, counties, towns,
municipalities, and districts thereof harmless against such alien becoming a
public charge. Such bond or undertaking shall terminate upon the permanent departur
e from the United States, the naturalization, or the death of such alien, and
any sums or other security held to secure performance thereof, except to the
extent forfeited for violation of the terms thereof, shall be returned to the
person by whom furnished, or to his legal representatives. Suit may be brought
thereon in the name and by the proper law officers of the United States for the
use of the United States, or of any State, territory, district, county, town,
or municipality in which such ali en becomes a public charge, irrespective of
whether a demand for payment of public expenses has been made.
FOOTNOTES FOR SECTION 213
INA: ACT 213 FN 1
Sec. 213A. (a) Enforceability.-
(1) Terms of affidavit.-No affidavit of support may be accepted by the Attorney General or by any consular officer to establish that an alien is not excludable as a public charge under section212(a)(4) unless such affidavit is executed by a sponsor of the alien as a contract-
(A) in which the sponsor agrees to provide support
to maintain the sponsored alien at an annual income that is not less than 125
percent of the Federal poverty line during the period in which the affidavit is
enforceable;
(B) that is legally enforceable against the sponsor by the sponsored alien, the
Federal Government, any State (or any political subdivision of such State) or
by any other entity that provides any means-tested public benefit (as defined
in subsection (e)), consistent with the provisions of this section; and
(C) in which the sponsor agrees to submit to the jurisdiction of any Federal or
State court for the purpose of actions brought under subsection (b)(2).
(2) Period of enforceability.-An affidavit of support shall be enforceable with
respect to benefits provided for an alien before the date the alien is
naturalized as a citizen of the United States, or, if earlier, the termination
date provided under paragraph (3).
(A) In general.-An affidavit of support is not enforceable after such time as
the alien (i) has worked 40 qualifying quarters of coverage as defined under
title II of the Social Security Act or can be credited with such qualifying
quarters as provided under subparagraph (B), and (ii) in the case of any such
qualifying quarter creditable for any period beginning after December 31, 1996,
did not receive any Federal means-tested public benefit (as provided under
section 403 of the Personal Responsibi lity and Work Opportunity Reconciliation
Act of 1996) during any such period.
(B) Qualifying quarters.-For purposes of this section,
in determining the number of qualifying quarters of coverage under title II of
the Social Security Act an alien shall be credited with-
(i) all of the qualifying quarters of coverage as defined under title II of the
Social Security Act worked by a parent of such alien while the alien was under
age 18, and
(ii) all of the qualifying quarters worked by a spouse of such alien during
their marriage and the alien remains married to such spouse or such spouse is
deceased.
No such qualifying quarter of coverage that is creditable under title II of the
Social Security Act for any period beginning after December 31, 1996, may be
credited to an alien under clause (i) or (ii) if the parent or spouse (as the
case may be) of such alien received any Federal means- tested public benefit
(as provided under section 403 of the Personal Responsibility and Work
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996) during the period for which such
qualifying quarter of coverage is so credited.
(C) Provision of information to save system.-The Attorney General shall ensure
that appropriate information regarding the application of this paragraph is
provided to the system for alien verification of eligibility (SAVE) described
in section 1137(d)(3) of the Social Security Act.
(A) Requirement.-Upon notification that a sponsored alien has received any
means-tested public benefit, the appropriate nongovernmental entity which
provided such benefit or the appropriate entity of the Federal Government, a
State, or any political subdivision of a State shall request reimbursement by
the sponsor in an amount which is equal to the unreimbursed costs of such
benefit.
(B) Regulations.-The Attorney General, in consultation with the heads of other
appropriate Federal agencies, shall prescribe such regulations as may be
necessary to carry out subparagraph (A).
(A) In case of nonresponse.-If within 45 days after a request for reimbursement
under paragraph (1)(A), the appropriate entity has not received a response from
the sponsor indicating a willingness to commence payment an action may be
brought against the sponsor pursuant to the affidavit of support.
(B) In case of failure to pay.-If the sponsor fails to abide by the repayment
terms established by the appropriate entity, the entity may bring an action
against the sponsor pursuant to the affidavit of support.
(C) Limitation on actions.-No cause of action may be brought under this paragraph later than 10 years after the date on which the sponsored alien last received any means-tested public benefit to which the affidavit of support applies.
(3) Use of collection agencies.-If the appropriate entity under paragraph (1)(A) requests reimbursement from the sponsor or brings an action against the sponsor pursuant to the affidavit of support, the appropriate entity may appoint or hire an individual or other person to act on behalf of such entity acting under the authority of law for purposes of collecting any amounts owed.
(c) Remedies.-Remedies available to enforce an affidavit of support under this
section include any or all of the remedies described in section 3201, 3203,
3204, or 3205 of title 28, United States Code, as well as an order for specific
performance and payment of legal fees and other costs of collection, and
include corresponding remedies available under State law. A Federal agency may
seek to collect amounts owed under this section in accordance with the
provisions of subchapter II of chapter 37 of title 31, United States Code.
(1) General requirement.-The sponsor shall notify the Attorney General and the
State in which the sponsored alien is currently a resident within 30 days of
any change of address of the sponsor during the period in which an affidavit of
support is enforceable.
(2) Penalty.-Any person subject to the requirement of paragraph (1) who fails
to satisfy such requirement shall, after notice and opportunity to be heard, be
subject to a civil penalty of-
(B) if such failure occurs with knowledge that the
sponsored alien has received any means-tested public benefits (other than
benefits described in section 401(b), 403(c)(2), or 411(b) of the Personal
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996) not less than
$2,000 or more than $5,000.
The Attorney General shall enforce this paragraph under appropriate
regulations.
(e) Jurisdiction.-An action to enforce an affidavit of support executed under
subsection (a) may be brought against the sponsor in any appropriate
court-
(1) by a sponsored alien, with respect to financial support; or
(2) by the appropriate entity of the Federal Government, a State or any
political subdivision of a State, or by any other nongovernmental entity under
subsection (b)(2), with respect to reimbursement.
(1) In general.-For purposes of this section the term "sponsor" in
relation to a sponsored alien means an individual who executes an affidavit of
support with respect to the sponsored alien and who-
(A) is a citizen or national of the United States or an
alien who is lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent
residence;
(C) is domiciled in any of the several States of
the United States, the District of Columbia, or any territory or possession of
the United States;
(E) demonstrates (as provided in paragraph (6)) the
means to maintain an annual income equal to at least 125 percent of the Federal
poverty line.
(2) INCOME REQUIREMENT CASE.--Such term also
includes an individual who does not meet the requirement of paragraph (1)(E)
but accepts joint and several liability together with an individual under
paragraph (5)(A). 1a/
(3) Active duty armed services case.-Such term also
includes an individual who does not meet the requirement of paragraph (1)(E)
but is on active duty (other than active duty for training) in the Armed Forces
of the United States, is petitioning for the admission of the alien under
section 204 as the spouse or child of the
individual, and demonstrates (as provided in paragraph (6)) the means to
maintain an annual income equal to at least 100 percent of the Federal poverty
line.
(4) Certain employment-based immigrants case.-Such term also includes an
individual-
(A) who does not meet the requirement of paragraph (1)(D), but is the relative
of the sponsored alien who filed a classification petition for the sponsored
alien as an employment- based immigrant under section 203(b) or who has a significant ownership
interest in the entity that filed such a petition; and
(B)(i) who demonstrates (as provided under paragraph (6)) the means to maintain
an annual income equal to at least 125 percent of the Federal poverty line (or
in the case of an affidavit for a spouse or minor child of the petitioner 140
percent of the Federal poverty line), or
(ii) does not meet the requirement of paragraph (1)(E) but accepts joint and
several liability together with an individual under paragraph (5)(A). 1a/
(5) 1a/ NON-PETITIONING CASES- Such
term also includes an individual who does not meet the requirement of paragraph
(1)(D) but who--
(A) accepts joint and several liability with a
petitioning sponsor under paragraph (2) or relative of an employment-based
immigrant under paragraph (4) and who demonstrates (as provided under paragraph
(6)) the means to maintain an annual income equal to at least 125 percent of
the Federal poverty line; or
(B) is a spouse, parent, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sibling,
child (if at least 18 years of age), son, daughter, son-in-law,
daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, grandparent, or grandchild of a
sponsored alien or a legal guardian of a sponsored alien, meets the
requirements of paragraph (1) (other than subparagraph (D)), and executes an
affidavit of support with respect to such alien in a case in which--
(i) 3/ the individual petitioning under
section 204 of this Act for the classification of such alien died after the
approval of such petition, and the Secretary of Homeland Security has
determined for humanitarian reasons that revocation of such petition under
section 205 would be inappropriate; or
(ii) 3/ the alien's petition is being
adjudicated pursuant to section 204(l) (surviving relative consideration).
(6) Demonstration of means to maintain income.-
(A) In general.-
(i) Method of demonstration.-For purposes of this section, a demonstration of
the means to maintain income shall include provision of a certified copy of the
individual's Federal income tax return for the individual's 3 most recent
taxable years and a written statement, executed under oath or as permitted
under penalty of perjury under section 1746 of title 28, United States Code,
that the copies are certified copies of such returns.
(ii) Flexibility.-For purposes of this section, aliens may demonstrate the
means to maintain income through demonstration of significant assets of the
sponsored alien or of the sponsor, if such assets are available for the support
of the sponsored alien.
(iii) Percent of poverty.-For purposes of this section, a reference to an
annual income equal to at least a particular percentage of the Federal poverty
line means an annual income equal to at least such percentage of the Federal
poverty line for a family unit of a size equal to the number of members of the
sponsor's household (including family and non-family dependents) plus the total
number of other dependents and aliens sponsored by that sponsor.
(B) Limitation.-The Secretary of State, or the Attorney General in the case of
adjustment of status, may provide that the demonstration under subparagraph (A)
applies only to the most recent taxable year.(h)
(h) 2/ Federal Poverty Line Defined.-For
purposes of this section, the term "Federal poverty line" means the
level of income equal to the official poverty line (as defined by the Director
of the Office of Management and Budget, as revised annually by the Secretary of
Health and Human Services, in accordance with section 673(2) of the Omnibus
Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 9902)) that is applicable to a
family of the size involved.
(1) An affidavit of support shall include the social security account number of
each sponsor.
(2) The Attorney General shall develop an automated system to maintain the social security account number data provided under paragraph (1).
(3) The Attorney General shall submit an annual report to the Committees on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the Senate setting forth-
(A) for the most recent fiscal year for which data are available the number of
sponsors under this section and the number of sponsors in compliance with the
financial obligations of this section; and
(B) a comparison of such numbers with the numbers of such sponsors for the
preceding fiscal year.
INA:
ACT 214 - ADMISSION OF NONIMMIGRANTS
(a) (1) The admission
to the United States of any alien as a nonimmigrant shall be for such time and
under such conditions as the Attorney General may by regulations prescribe,
including when he deems necessary the giving of a bond with sufficient surety
in such sum and containing such conditions as the Attorney General shall
prescribe, to insure that at the expiration of such time or upon failure to
maintain the status under which he was admitted, or to maintain any status
subsequently acquired under section 248 , such alien will depart from the
United States. No alien admitted to Guam or the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands 23/ without a visa pursuant to
section 212(l) may be authorized to enter or stay
in the United States other than in Guam or the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands 23/ or to remain in Guam or the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands 23/ for a period exceeding 45 days 23/ from date of admission to
Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands 23/ . No alien admitted to the United
States without a visa pursuant to section 217 may be authorized to remain in the
United States as a nonimmigrant visitor for a period exceeding 90 days from the
date of admission.
(2) (A) The period of
authorized status as a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(O) shall be for
such period as the Attorney General may specify in order to provide for the
event (or events) for which the nonimmigrant is admitted.
(B) The period of authorized status as a nonimmigrant
described in section 101(a)(15)(P) shall be for
such period as the Attorney General may specify in order to provide for the
competition, event, or performance for which the nonimmigrant is admitted. In
the case of nonimmigrants admitted as individual athletes under section 101(a)(15)(P) , the period of
authorized status may be for an initial period (not to exceed 5 years) during
which the nonimmigrant will perform as an athlete and such period may be
extended by the Attorney General for an additional period of up to 5 years.
(b) Every alien 10/ (other than a nonimmigrant described
in subparagraph (L) or (V) of section 101(a)(15), and other
than a nonimmigrant described in any provision of section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)except subclause (b1) of such section) shall be presumed
to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular
officer, at the time of application for a visa, and the immigration officers,
at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a nonimmigrant
status under section 101(a)(15) . An alien who is an officer or
employee of any foreign government or of any international organization
entitled to enjoy privileges, exemptions, and immunities under the
International Organizations Immunities Act [22 U.S.C. 288, note], or an alien
who is the attendant, servant, employee, or member of the immediate family of
any such alien shall not be entitled to apply for or receive an immigrant visa,
or to enter the United States as an immigrant unless he executes a written
waiver in the same form and su bstance as is prescribed by section 247(b) .
(c) (1) The question of
importing any alien as a nonimmigrant under 10a/ subparagraph (H) , (L) , (O) , or (P)(i) of section 101(a)(15) (excluding
nonimmigrants under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b1) )
in any specific case or specific cases shall be determined by the Attorney
General, after consultation with appropriate agencies of the Government, upon
petition of the importing employer. Such petition shall be made and approved
before the visa is granted. The petition shall be in such form and contain such
information as the Attorney General shall prescribe. The approval of such a
petition shall not, of itself, be construed as establishing that the alien is a
nonimmigrant. For purposes of this subsectio n with respect to nonimmigrants
described in section101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a) ,
the term "appropriate agencies of Government" means the Department of
Labor and includes the Department of Agriculture. The provisions of
section 218 shall apply to the question of
importing any alien as a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a) .
(2) (A) The Attorney
General shall provide for a procedure under which an importing employer which
meets requirements established by the Attorney General may file a blanket
petition to import aliens as nonimmigrants described in section 101(a)(15)(L) instead of
filing individual petitions under paragraph (1) to import such aliens. Such
procedure shall permit the expedited processing of visas for admission of
aliens covered under such a petition. 1c/ 1g/
(B) For purposes of section 101(a)(15)(L) , an alien is
considered to be serving in a capacity involving specialized knowledge with
respect to a company if the alien has a special knowledge of the company
product and its application in international markets or has an advanced level
of knowledge of processes and procedures of the company.
(C) The Attorney General shall provide a process for
reviewing and acting upon petitions under this subsection with respect to
nonimmigrants described in section 101(a)(15)(L) within 30 days
after the date a completed petition has been filed.
(i) a nonimmigrant admitted to render services in a
managerial or executive capacity under section 101(a)(15)(L) shall not
exceed 7 years, or
(ii) a nonimmigrant admitted to render services in a
capacity that involves specialized knowledge under section 101(a)(15)(L) shall not
exceed 5 years.
(E) 1c/ In the case of an alien spouse
admitted under section 101(a)(15)(L) , who is
accompanying or following to join a principal alien admitted under such
section, the Attorney General shall authorize the alien spouse to engage in
employment in the United States and provide the spouse with an `employment
authorized' endorsement or other apprpriate work permit.
(F) 1f/ An alien who will serve in a capacity
involving specialized knowledge with respect to an employer for purposes of
section 101(a)(15)(L) and will be
stationed primarily at the worksite of an employer other than the petitioning
employer or its affiliate, subsidiary, or parent shall not be eligible for
classification under section 101(a)(15)(L) if-
(i) the alien will be controlled and supervised principally by such
unaffiliated employer; or
(ii) the placement of the alien at the worksite of the unaffiliated employer is
essentially an arrangement to provide labor for hire for the unaffiliated
employer, rather than a placement in connection with the provision of a product
or service for which specialized knowledge specific to the petitioning employer
is necessary.
(A) with respect to a nonimmigrant described in
section 101(a)(15)(O)(i) only after
consultation in accordance with paragraph (6) or, with respect to aliens
seeking entry for a motion picture or television production, after consultation
with the appropriate union representing the alien's occupational peers and a
management organization in the area of the alien's ability, or
(B) with respect to a nonimmigrant described in
section 101(a)(15)(O)(ii) after
consultation in accordance with paragraph (6) or, in the case of such an alien
seeking entry for a motion picture or television production, after consultation
with such a labor organization and a management organization in the area of the
alien's ability.
In the case of an alien seeking entry for a motion picture or television
production, (i) any opinion under the previous sentence shall only be advisory,
(ii) any such opinion that recommends denial must be in writing, (iii) in
making the decision the Attorney General shall consider the exigencies and
scheduling of the production, and (iv) the Attorney General shall append to the
decision any such opinion. The Attorney General shall provide by regulation for
the waiver of the consultation requirement under s ubparagraph (A) in the case
of aliens who have been admitted as nonimmigrants under section 101(a)(15)(O)(i) because of
extraordinary ability in the arts and who seek readmission to perform similar
services within 2 years after the date of a consultation under such
subparagraph. Not later than 5 days after the date such a waiver is provided,
the Attorney General shall forward a copy of the petition and all supporting
documentation to the national office of an appropriate labor organization.
(4) (A) For purposes of
section 101(a)(15)(P)(i)(a) ,
an alien is described in this subparagraph if the alien-
(i) 22/ (I) performs as an
athlete, individually or as part of a group or team, at an internationally
recognized level of performance;
(III) performs as an athlete, or as a coach, as
part of a team or franchise that is located in the United States and a member
of a foreign league or association of 15 or more amateur sports teams, if--
(aa) the foreign league or association is the
highest level of amateur performance of that sport in the relevant foreign country;
(bb) participation in such league or association
renders players ineligible, whether on a temporary or permanent basis, to earn
a scholarship in, or participate in, that sport at a college or university in
the United States under the rules of the National Collegiate Athletic
Association; and
(cc) a significant number of the individuals who
play in such league or association are drafted by a major sports league or a
minor league affiliate of such a sports league; or
(IV) is a professional athlete or amateur
athlete who performs individually or as part of a group in a theatrical ice
skating production; and
(I) as such an athlete with respect to a specific athletic competition; or
(II) in the case of an individual described in clause (i)(IV), in a specific
theatrical ice skating production or tour.
(B) (i) For purposes of
section 101(a)(15)(P)(i)(b) ,
an alien is described in this subparagraph if the alien-
(I) performs with or is an integral and essential part
of the performance of an entertainment group that has (except as provided in
clause (ii)) been recognized internationally as being outstanding in the
discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time,
(II) in the case of a performer or entertainer, except
as provided in clause (iii), has had a sustained and substantial relationship
with that group (ordinarily for at least one year) and provides functions
integral to the performance of the group, and
(III) seeks to enter the United States temporarily and
solely for the purpose of performing as such a performer or entertainer or as
an integral and essential part of a performance.
(ii) In the case of an entertainment group that is
recognized nationally as being outstanding in its discipline for a sustained
and substantial period of time, the Attorney General may, in consideration of
special circumstances, waive the international recognition requirement of
clause (i)(I).
(iii) (I) The one-year
relationship requirement of clause (i)(II) shall not apply to 25 percent of the
performers and entertainers in a group.
(II) The Attorney General may waive such one-year
relationship requirement for an alien who because of illness or unanticipated
and exigent circumstances replaces an essential member of the group and for an
alien who augments the group by performing a critical role.
(iv) The requirements of subclauses (I) and (II) of
clause (i) shall not apply to alien circus personnel who perform as part of a
circus or circus group or who constitute an integral and essential part of the
performance of such circus or circus group, but only if such personnel are
entering the United States to join a circus that has been recognized nationally
as outstanding for a sustained and substantial period of time or as part of
such a circus.
(C) A person may petition the Attorney General for
classification of an alien as a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(P) .
(D) The Attorney General shall approve petitions under
this subsection with respect to nonimmigrants described in clause (i) or (iii)
of section 101(a)(15)(P) only after
consultation in accordance with paragraph (6).
(E) The Attorney General shall approve petitions under
this subsection for nonimmigrants described in section 101(a)(15)(P)(ii) only after
consultation with labor organizations representing artists and entertainers in
the United States.
(F)(i) 22/ No nonimmigrant
visa under section 101(a)(15)(P)(i)(a) shall be issued to any alien who is a national of a country
that is a state sponsor of international terrorism unless the Secretary of
State determines, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security and
the heads of other appropriate United States agencies, that such alien does not
pose a threat to the safety, national security, or national interest of the
United States. In making a determination under this subparagraph, the Secretary
of State shall apply standards developed by the Secretary of St ate, in
consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the heads of other
appropriate United States agencies, that are applicable to the nationals of
such states.
(ii) In this subparagraph, the term `state
sponsor of international terrorism' means any country the government of which
has been determined by the Secretary of State under any of the laws specified
in clause (iii) to have repeatedly provided support for acts of international
terrorism.
(iii) The laws specified in this clause are the
following:
(I) Section 6(j)(1)(A) of the Export
Administration Act of 1979 (50 U.S.C. App. 2405(j)(1)(A)) (or successor
statute).
(II) Section 40(d) of the Arms Export Control
Act (22 U.S.C. 2780(d)).
(III) Section 620A(a) of the Foreign Assistance
Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2371(a)).
(G) 22/ The Secretary of
Homeland Security shall permit a petition under this subsection to seek
classification of more than 1 alien as a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(P)(i)(a) .
(H) 22/ The Secretary of
Homeland Security shall permit an athlete, or the employer of an athlete, to
seek admission to the United States for such athlete under a provision of this
Act other than section 101(a)(15)(P)(i) if
the athlete is eligible under such other provision.
(5) (A) In the case of an
alien who is provided nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) or 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) and
who is dismissed from employment by the employer before the end of the period
of authorized admission, the employer shall be liable for the reasonable costs
of return transportation of the alien abroad.
(B) In the case of an alien who is admitted to the United
States in nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(O) or 101(a)(15)(P) and whose
employment terminates for reasons other than voluntary resignation, the
employer whose offer of employment formed the basis of such nonimmigrant status
and the petitioner are jointly and severally liable for the reasonable cost of
return transportation of the alien abroad. The petitioner shall provide
assurance satisfactory to the Attorney General that the reasonable cost of that
transportation will be provided.
(6) (A) (i) To meet the consultation requirement of paragraph
(3)(A) in the case of a petition for a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(O)(i) (other than
with respect to aliens seeking entry for a motion picture or television
production), the petitioner shall submit with the petition an advisory opinion
from a peer group (or other person or persons of its choosing, which may
include a labor organization) with expertise in the specific field involved.
(ii) To meet the consultation requirement of paragraph
(3)(B) in the case of a petition for a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(O)(ii) (other than
with respect to aliens seeking entry for a motion picture or television
production), the petitioner shall submit with the petition an advisory opinion
from a labor organization with expertise in the skill area involved.
(iii) To meet the consultation requirement of paragraph
(4)(D) in the case of a petition for a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(P)(i) or 101(a)(15)(P)(iii) ,
the petitioner shall submit with the petition an advisory opinion from a labor
organization with expertise in the specific field of athletics or entertainment
involved.
(B) To meet the consultation requirements of
subparagraph (A), unless the petitioner submits with the petition an advisory
opinion from an appropriate labor organization, the Attorney General shall
forward a copy of the petition and all supporting documentation to the national
office of an appropriate labor organization within 5 days of the date of
receipt of the petition. If there is a collective bargaining representative of
an employer's employees in the occupational classification for which the alien
is being sought, that representative shall be the appropriate labor
organization.
(C) In those cases in which a petitioner described in
subparagraph (A) establishes that an appropriate peer group (including a labor
organization) does not exist, the Attorney General shall adjudicate the
petition without requiring an advisory opinion.
(D) Any person or organization receiving a copy of a petition described in subparagraph (A) and supporting documents shall have no more than 15 days following the date of receipt of such documents within which to submit a written advisory opinion or comment or to provide a letter of no objection. Once the 15-day period has expired and the petitioner has had an opportunity, where appropriate, to supply rebuttal evidence, the Attorney General shall adjudicate such petition in no more than 14 days. The Attorne y General may shorten any specified time period for emergency reasons if no unreasonable burden would be thus imposed on any participant in the process.
(E) (i) The Attorney General shall establish by regulation expedited consultation procedures in the case of nonimmigrant artists or entertainers described in section 101(a)(15)(O) or 101(a)(15)(P) to accommodate the exigencies and scheduling of a given production or event.
(ii) The Attorney General shall establish by regulation expedited consultation procedures in the case of nonimmigrant athletes described in section 101(a)(15)(O)(i) or 101(a)(15)(P)(i) in the case of emergency circumstances (including trades during a season).
(F) No consultation required under this subsection by the Attorney General with a nongovernmental entity shall be construed as permitting the Attorney General to delegate any authority under this subsection to such an entity. The Attorney General shall give such weight to advisory opinions provided under this section as the Attorney General determines, in his sole discretion, to be appropriate.
(7) If a petition is filed and denied under this subsection, the Attorney General shall notify the petitioner of the determination and the reasons for the denial and of the process by which the petitioner may appeal the determination.
(8) The Attorney General shall submit annually to the Committees on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and of the Senate a report describing, with respect to petitions under each subcategory of subparagraphs (H), (O), (P), and (Q) of section 101(a)(15) the following:
(B) The number of such petitions which have been approved and the number of workers (by occupation) included in such approved petitions.
(C) The number of such petitions which have been denied and the number of workers (by occupation) requested in such denied petitions.
1/ (9) (A) The Attorney General shall impose a fee on an employer 1a/ (excluding any employer that is a primary or secondary education institution, an institution of higher education, as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a), a nonprofit entity related to or affiliated with any such institution, a nonprofit entity which engages in established curriculum-related clinical training of students registered at any such institution, a nonprofit research organization, or a governmental research organization) filing before; 1h/ and a petition under paragraph (1)-
(ii) to extend the stay of an alien having such status (unless the employer previously has obtained an extension for such alien); or
(iii) to obtain authorization for an alien having such status to change employers.
(B) The amount of the fee shall be $1,500 1i/ 1b/ for each such petition 1i/ except that the fee shall be half the amount for each such petition by any employer with not more than 25 full-time equivalent employees who are employed in the United States (determined by including any affiliate or subsidiary of such employer).
(C) Fees collected under this paragraph shall be deposited in the Treasury in accordance with section 286(s) .
(10) 1bb/ An amended H-1B petition shall not be required where the petitioning employer is involved in a corporate restructuring, including but not limited to a merger, acquisition, or consolidation, where a new corporate entity succeeds to the interests and obligations of the original petitioning employer and where the terms and conditions of employment remain the same but for the identity of the petitioner.
(11) 1e/ (A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Secretary of State, as appropriate, shall impose a fee on an employer who has filed an attestation described in section 212(t) --
(i) in order that an alien may be initially granted nonimmigrant status described in section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b1) ; or
(ii) in order to satisfy the requirement of the second sentence of subsection (g)(8)(C) for an alien having such status to obtain certain extensions of stay.
(B) The amount of the fee shall be the same as the amount imposed by the Secretary of Homeland Security under paragraph (9), except that if such paragraph does not authorize such Secretary to impose any fee, no fee shall be imposed under this paragraph.
(C) Fees collected under this paragraph shall be deposited in the Treasury in accordance with section 286(s) .
(12) 1j/ ( A) In addition to any other fees authorized by law, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall impose a fraud prevention and detection fee on an employer filing a petition under paragraph (1)--
(i) initially to grant an alien nonimmigrant status described in subparagraph (H)(i)(b) or (L) of section 101(a)(15); or
(ii) to obtain authorization for an alien having such status to change employers.
(B) In addition to any other fees authorized by law, the Secretary of State shall impose a fraud prevention and detection fee on an alien filing an application abroad for a visa authorizing admission to the United States as a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(L) , if the alien is covered under a blanket petition described in paragraph (2)(A).
(C) The amount of the fee imposed under subparagraph (A) or (B) shall be $500.
(D) The fee imposed under subparagraph (A) or (B) shall only apply to principal aliens and not to the spouses or children who are accompanying or following to join such principal aliens.
(E) Fees collected under this paragraph shall be deposited in the Treasury in accordance with section 286(v) .
(13) 16/ (A) In addition to any other fees authorized by law, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall impose a fraud prevention and detection fee on an employer filing a petition under paragraph (1) for nonimmigrant workers described in section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) .
(B) The amount of the fee imposed under subparagraph (A) shall be $150.
(14) 17/ (A) If the Secretary of Homeland Security finds, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, a substantial failure to meet any of the conditions of the petition to admit or otherwise provide status to a nonimmigrant worker under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) or a willful misrepresentation of a material fact in such petition--
(i) the Secretary of Homeland Security may, in addition to any other remedy authorized by law, impose such administrative remedies (including civil monetary penalties in an amount not to exceed $10,000 per violation) as the Secretary of Homeland Security determines to be appropriate; and
(ii) the Secretary of Homeland Security may deny petitions filed with respect to that employer under section 204 or paragraph (1) of this subsection during a period of at least 1 year but not more than 5 years for aliens to be employed by the employer.
(B) The Secretary of Homeland Security may delegate to the Secretary of Labor, with the agreement of the Secretary of Labor, any of the authority given to the Secretary of Homeland Security under subparagraph (A)(i).
(C) In determining the level of penalties to be assessed under subparagraph (A), the highest penalties shall be reserved for willful failures to meet any of the conditions of the petition that involve harm to United States workers.
(D) In this paragraph, the term 'substantial failure' means the willful failure to comply with the requirements of this section that constitutes a significant deviation from the terms and conditions of a petition.
Sec. 215. [8 U.S.C. 1185]
(1) for any alien to depart from or enter or attempt to depart from or enter the United States except under such reasonable rules, regulations, and orders, and subject to such limitations and exceptions as the President may prescribe;
(2) for any person to transport or attempt to transport from or into the United States another person with knowledge or reasonable cause to believe that the departure or entry of such other person is forbidden by this section;
(3) for any person knowingly to make any false statement in an application for permission to depart from or enter the United States with intent to induce or secure the granting of such permission either for himself or for another;
(4) for any person knowingly to furnish or attempt to furnish or assist in furnishing to another a permit or evidence of permission to depart or enter not issued and designed for such other person's use;
(5) for any person knowingly to use or attempt to use any permit or evidence of permission to depart or enter not issued and designed for his use;
(6) for any person to forge, counterfeit, mutilate, or alter, or cause or procure to be forged, counterfeited, mutilated, or altered, any permit or evidence of permission to depart from or enter the United States;
(7) for any person knowingly to use or attempt to use or furnish to another for use any false, forged, counterfeited, mutilated, or altered permit, or evidence of permission, or any permit or evidence of permission which, though originally valid, has become or been made void or invalid.
(b) Except as otherwise provided by the President and subject to such limitations and exceptions as the President may authorize and prescribe, it shall be unlawful for any citizen of the United States to depart from or enter, or attempt to depart from or enter, the United States unless he bears a valid United States passport.
(c) The term "United States" as used in this section includes the Canal Zone, and all territory and waters, continental or insular, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The term "person" as used in this section shall be deemed to mean any individual, partnership, association, company, or other incorporated body of individuals, or corporation, or body politic.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to entitle an alien to whom a permit to enter the United States has been issued to enter the United States, if, upon arrival in the United States, he is found to be inadmissible under any of the provisions of this Act, or any other law, relating to the entry of aliens into the United States.
(e) The revocation of any rule, regulation, or order issued in pursuance of this section shall not prevent prosecution for any offense committed, or the imposition of any penalties or forfeitures, liability for which was incurred under this section prior to the revocation of such rule, regulation, or order.
(f) Passports, visas, reentry permits, and other documents required for entry under this Act may be considered as permits to enter for the purposes of this section.
INA: ACT 216 - CONDITIONAL PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS
FOR CERTAIN ALIEN SPOUSES AND SONS AND DAUGHTERS
(1) Conditional
basis for status.-Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, an alien
spouse (as defined in subsection (h)(1)) and an alien son or daughter (as
defined in subsection (h)(2)) shall be considered, at the time of obtaining the
status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, to have obtained
such status on a conditional basis subject to the provisions of this section.
(A) At time of
obtaining permanent residence.-At the time an alien spouse or alien son or
daughter obtains permanent resident status on a conditional basis under
paragraph (1), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide for notice to
such a spouse, son, or daughter respecting the provisions of this section and
the requirements of subsection (c)(1) to have the conditional basis of such
status removed.
(B) At time of
required petition.-In addition, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall
attempt to provide notice to such a spouse, son, or daughter, at or about the
beginning of the 90-day period described in subsection (d)(2)(A), of the
requirements of subsections (c)(1).
(C) Effect of
failure to provide notice.-The failure of the Secretary of Homeland Security to
provide a notice under this paragraph shall not affect the enforcement of the
provisions of this section with respect to such a spouse, son, or daughter.
(1) In general.-In the case of an alien with permanent resident
status on a conditional basis under subsection (a), if the Secretary of
Homeland Security determines, before the second anniversary of the alien's
obtaining the status of lawful admission for permanent residence, that-
(B) a fee or other consideration was given (other than a fee or
other consideration to an attorney for assistance in preparation of a lawful
petition) for the filing of a petition under section 204(a) or 1 subsection
(d) or (p) of section 214 with
respect to the alien; the Secretary of Homeland Security shall so notify the
parties involved and, subject to paragraph (2), shall terminate the permanent
resident status of the alien (or aliens) involved as of the date of the
determination.
(2) Hearing in removal proceeding.-Any alien whose permanent
resident status is terminated under paragraph (1) may request a review of such
determination in a proceeding to remove the alien. In such proceeding, the
burden of proof shall be on the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish, by
a preponderance of the evidence, that a condition described in paragraph (1) is
met.
(1) In general.-In order for the conditional basis established
under subsection (a) for an alien spouse or an alien son or daughter to be
removed-
(A) the alien spouse and the petitioning spouse (if not
deceased) jointly must submit to the Secretary of Homeland Security, during the
period described in subsection (d)(2), a petition which requests the removal of
such conditional basis and which states, under penalty of perjury, the facts
and information described in subsection (d)(1), and
(B) in accordance with subsection (d)(3), the alien spouse and
the petitioning spouse (if not deceased) must appear for a personal interview
before an officer or employee of the Department of Homeland Security respecting
the facts and information described in subsection (d)(1).
(2) Termination of permanent resident status for failure to
file petition or have personal interview.-
(A) In general.-In the case of an alien with permanent resident
status on a conditional basis under subsection (a), if-
(i) no petition
is filed with respect to the alien in accordance with the provisions of
paragraph (1)(A), or
(ii) unless there is
good cause shown, the alien spouse and petitioning spouse fail to appear at the
interview described in paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary of Homeland Security
shall terminate the permanent resident status of the alien as of the second
anniversary of the alien's lawful admission for permanent residence.
(B) Hearing in removal proceeding.-In any removal proceeding
with respect to an alien whose permanent resident status is terminated under
subparagraph (A), the burden of proof shall be on the alien to establish
compliance with the conditions of paragraphs (1)(A) and (1)(B).
(ii) the alien
spouse and petitioning spouse appear at the interview described in paragraph
(1)(B), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall make a determination, within
90 days of the date of the interview, as to whether the facts and information
described in subsection (d)(1) and alleged in the petition are true with
respect to the qualifying marriage.
(B) Removal of conditional basis if favorable determination.-If
the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that such facts and information
are true, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall so notify the parties
involved and shall remove the conditional basis of the parties effective as of
the second anniversary of the alien's obtaining the status of lawful admission
for permanent residence.
(C) Termination if adverse determination.-If the Secretary of
Homeland Security determines that such facts and information are not true, the
Secretary of Homeland Security shall so notify the parties involved and,
subject to subparagraph (D), shall terminate the permanent resident status of
an alien spouse or an alien son or daughter as of the date of the
determination.
(D) Hearing in removal proceeding.-Any alien whose permanent
resident status is terminated under subparagraph (C) may request a review of such
determination in a proceeding to remove the alien. In such proceeding, the
burden of proof shall be on the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish, by
a preponderance of the evidence, that the facts and information described in
subsection (d)(1) and alleged in the petition are not true with respect to the
qualifying marriage.
(4) Hardship
waiver.3-The Secretary of Homeland Security, in
the Secretary of Homeland Security's discretion, may remove the conditional
basis of the permanent resident status for an alien who fails to meet the
requirements of paragraph (1) if the alien demonstrates that-
(B) the qualifying marriage was entered into in good faith by
the alien spouse, but the qualifying marriage has been terminated (other than
through the death of the spouse) and the alien was not at fault in failing to
meet the requirements of paragraph (1), or
(C) the qualifying marriage was entered into in good faith by
the alien spouse and during the marriage the alien spouse or child was battered
by or was the subject of extreme cruelty perpetrated by his or her spouse or
citizen or permanent resident parent and the alien was not at fault in failing
to meet the requirements of paragraph (1); or
(D)
the alien meets the requirements under section 204(a)(1)(A)(iii)(II)(aa)(BB)
and following the marriage ceremony was battered by or subject to extreme
cruelty perpetrated by the alien's intended spouse and was not at fault in
failing to meet the requirements of paragraph (1).
In
determining extreme hardship, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall consider
circumstances occurring only during the period that the alien was admitted for
permanent residence on a conditional basis. The Secretary of Homeland Security
shall, by regulation, establish measures to protect the confidentiality of
information concerning any abused alien spouse or child, including information
regarding the whereabouts of such spouse or child. In acting on applications
under this paragraph, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall consider any
credible evidence relevant to the application. The determination of what evidence
is credible and the weight to be given that evidence shall be within the sole
discretion of the Secretary of Homeland Security.
(1) Contents of petition.-Each petition under subsection
(c)(1)(A) shall contain the following facts and information:
(I)
was entered into in accordance with the laws of the place where the marriage
took place,
(ii) no fee or other
consideration was given (other than a fee or other consideration to an attorney
for assistance in preparation of a lawful petition) for the filing of a
petition under section 204(a) or 1 subsection
(d) or (p) of section 214 with
respect to the alien spouse or alien son or daughter.
(i) the actual
residence of each party to the qualifying marriage since the date the alien
spouse obtained permanent resident status on a conditional basis under
subsection (a), and
(ii) the place of
employment (if any) of each such party since such date, and the name of the
employer of such party.
(A) 90-day period before second anniversary.-Except as provided
in subparagraph (B), the petition under subsection (c)(1)(A) must be filed
during the 90-day period before the second anniversary of the alien's obtaining
the status of lawful admission for permanent residence.
(B) Date
petitions for good cause.-Such a petition may be considered if filed after such
date, but only if the alien establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary of
Homeland Security good cause and extenuating circumstances for failure to file
the petition during the period described in subparagraph (A).
(C) Filing of petitions during removal.-In the case of an alien
who is the subject of removal hearings as a result of failure to file a
petition on a timely basis in accordance with subparagraph (A), the Secretary
of Homeland Security may stay such removal proceedings against an alien pending
the filing of the petition under subparagraph (B).
(3) Personal interview.-The interview under subsection
(c)(1)(B) shall be conducted within 90 days after the date of submitting a
petition under subsection (c)(1)(A) and at a local office of the Department of
Homeland Security, designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security, which is
convenient to the parties involved. The Secretary of Homeland Security, in the
Secretary's discretion, may waive the deadline for such an interview or the
requirement for such an interview in such cases as may be appropriate.
(e) Treatment of
Period for Purposes of Naturalization.-For purposes of title III, in the case
of an alien who is in the United States as a lawful permanent resident on a
conditional basis under this section, the alien shall be considered to have
been admitted as an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence and to be
in the United States as an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for
permanent residence.
(f) Treatment of
Certain Waivers.-In the case of an alien who has permanent residence status on
a conditional basis under this section, if, in order to obtain such status, the
alien obtained a waiver under subsection (h) or (i) of section 212 of certain
grounds of inadmissibility, such waiver terminates upon the termination of such
permanent residence status under this section.
(1) Filing petition.--The 90-day period described in subsection
(d)(2)(A) shall be tolled during any period of time in which the alien spouse
or petitioning spouse is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States and
serving abroad in an active-duty status in the Armed Forces, except that, at
the option of the petitioners, the petition may be filed during such
active-duty service at any time after the commencement of such 90-day period.
(2) Personal interview.--The 90-day period described in the
first sentence of subsection (d)(3) shall be tolled during any period of time
in which the alien spouse or petitioning spouse is a member of the Armed Forces
of the United States and serving abroad in an active-duty status in the Armed
Forces, except that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prohibit
the Secretary of Homeland Security from waiving the requirement for an
interview under subsection (c)(1)(B) pursuant to the Secretary's authority under
the second sentence of subsection (d)(3).
(1) The term "alien
spouse" means an alien who obtains the status of an alien lawfully
admitted for permanent residence (whether on a conditional basis or otherwise)-
(A) as an immediate
relative (described in section 201(b)) as the spouse of a citizen of the
United States,
(B) under section 214(d) as
the fiancee or fiancé of a citizen of the United States, or (C) under section 203(a)(2) as
the spouse of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, by virtue of
a marriage which was entered into less than 24 months before the date the alien
obtains such status by virtue of such marriage, but does not include such an
alien who only obtains such status as a result of section 203(d).
(2) The term "alien
son or daughter" means an alien who obtains the status of an alien
lawfully admitted for permanent residence (whether on a conditional basis or
otherwise) by virtue of being the son or daughter of an individual through a
qualifying marriage.
FOOTNOTES FOR SECTION 216
INA: ACT 216 FN 1
FN 1 Section 11103(c)(2) of
Public Law 106-553, dated December 21, 2000, amended section 216(b)(1)(B) and
216(d)(1)(A)(ii) by striking "214(d)" and inserting "subsection
(d) or (p) of section 214".
FN 2
Section 1 of Public Law 112-58, dated November 23, 2011, amended section 216 by
inserted a new subsection (g); redesignated former subsection (g) as subsection
(h); made conforming amendments in subsection (a)(1) by striking
"(g)(1)" and "(g)(2)" and inserting "(h)(1)" and
"(h)(2)".
Additionally, Section 1 of
Public Law 112-58 amended subsection (d)(3) by striking "Attorney
General's" and inserting "Secretary's"; by striking Attorney
General" and inserting "Secretary of Homeland Security"
throughout section 216; and amended subsections (c)(1)(B) and (d)(3) by
striking "Service" and inserting "Department of Homeland
Security."
FN3
Section 806 of Public Law 113-4, dated March 7, 2013, amended section
216(c)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act by striking the comma at the
end and inserting a semicolon in subparagraph (A); striking "(1), or"
and inserting "(1); or" in subparagraph (B); striking the period at
the end and inserting a semicolon and "or" in subparagraph (C); and
adding new paragraph (D) after subparagraph (C).
Section 806 of Public Law 113-4,
further amended section (c)(4) introductory text of the Immigration and
Nationality Act by striking "The Attorney General, in the Attorney
General's" and inserting "The Secretary of Homeland Security, in the
Secretary's". Additionally, in the undesignated paragraph at the end of
section (c)(4), by striking "Attorney General" and inserting
"Secretary of Homeland Security" in the first sentence; striking
"Attorney General" and inserting "Secretary" in the second
sentence; striking "Attorney General." and inserting
"Secretary." in the third sentence; and striking "Attorney
General" and inserting "Secretary" in the fourth sentence.
INA:
ACT 216A - CONDITIONAL PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS FOR CERTAIN ALIEN
ENTREPRENEURS, SPOUSED, AND CHILDREN
Sec. 216A. [8 U.S.C. 1186b]
(1) Conditional basis for status.-Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, an alien entrepreneur (as defined in subsection (f)(1)), alien spouse, and alien child (as defined in subsection (f)(2)) shall be considered, at the time of obtaining the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, to have obtained such status on a conditional basis subject to the provisions of this section.
(A) At time of obtaining permanent residence.-At the time an alien entrepreneur, alien spouse, or alien child obtains permanent resident status on a conditional basis under paragraph (1), the Attorney General shall provide for notice to such an entrepreneur, spouse, or child respecting the provisions of this section and the requirements of subsection (c)(1) to have the conditional basis of such status removed.
(B) At time of required petition.-In addition, the Attorney General shall attempt to provide notice to such an entrepreneur, spouse, or child, at or about the beginning of the 90-day period described in subsection (d)(2)(A), of the requirements of subsection (c)(1).
(C) Effect of failure to provide notice.-The failure of the Attorney General to provide a notice under this paragraph shall not affect the enforcement of the provisions of this section with respect to such an entrepreneur, spouse, or child.
(1) In general.-In the case of an alien entrepreneur with permanent resident status on a conditional basis under subsection (a), if the Attorney General determines, before the second anniversary of the alien's obtaining the status of lawful admission for permanent residence, that-
(A) the investment in 1/ the commercial enterprise was intended solely as a means of evading the immigration laws of the United States,
(B) (i) 1/ the alien did not invest, or was not actively in the process of investing, the requisite capital; or
(ii) 1/ the alien was not sustaining the actions described in clause (i) throughout the period of the alien's residence in the United States; or
(C) the alien was otherwise not conforming to the requirements of section 203(b)(5) , then the Attorney General shall so notify the alien involved and, subject to paragraph (2), shall terminate the permanent resident status of the alien (and the alien spouse and alien child) involved as of the date of the determination.
(2) Hearing in removal proceeding.-Any alien whose permanent resident status is terminated under paragraph (1) may request a review of such determination in a proceeding to remove the alien. In such proceeding, the burden of proof shall be on the Attorney General to establish, by a preponderance of the evidence, that a condition described in paragraph (1) is met.
(1) In general.-In order for the conditional basis established under subsection (a) for an alien entrepreneur, alien spouse, or alien child to be removed-
(A) the alien entrepreneur must submit to the Attorney General, during the period described in subsection (d)(2), a petition which requests the removal of such conditional basis and which states, under penalty of perjury, the facts and information described in subsection (d)(1), and
(B) in accordance with subsection (d)(3), the alien entrepreneur must appear for a personal interview before an officer or employee of the Service respecting the facts and information described in subsection (d)(1).
(2) Termination of permanent resident status for failure to file petition or have personal interview.-
(A) In general.-In the case of an alien with permanent resident status on a conditional basis under subsection (a), if-
(i) no petition is filed with respect to the alien in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (1)(A), or
(ii) unless there is good cause shown, the alien entrepreneur fails to appear at the interview described in paragraph (1)(B) (if required under subsection (d)(3)), the Attorney General shall terminate the permanent resident status of the alien (and the alien's spouse and children if it was obtained on a conditional basis under this section or section 216) as of the second anniversary of the alien's lawful admission for permanent residence.
(B) Hearing in removal proceeding.-In any removal proceeding with respect to an alien whose permanent resident status is terminated under subparagraph (A), the burden of proof shall be on the alien to establish compliance with the conditions of paragraphs (1)(A) and (1)(B).
(ii) the alien entrepreneur appears at any interview described in paragraph (1)(B), the Attorney General shall make a determination, within 90 days of the date of the such filing or interview (whichever is later), as to whether the facts and information described in subsection (d)(1) and alleged in the petition are true with respect to the qualifying commercial enterprise.
(B) Removal of conditional basis if favorable determination.-If the Attorney General determines that such facts and information are true, the Attorney General shall so notify the alien involved and shall remove the conditional basis of the alien's status effective as of the second anniversary of the alien's lawful admission for permanent residence.
(C) Termination if adverse determination.-If the Attorney General determines that such facts and information are not true, the Attorney General shall so notify the alien involved and, subject to subparagraph (D), shall terminate the permanent resident status of an alien entrepreneur, alien spouse, or alien child as of the date of the determination.
(D) Hearing in removal proceeding.-Any alien whose permanent resident status is terminated under subparagraph (C) may request a review of such determination in a proceeding to remove the alien. In such proceeding, the burden of proof shall be on the Attorney General to establish, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the facts and information described in subsection (d)(1) and alleged in the petition are not true with respect to the qualifying commercial enterprise.
(1) 2/ Contents of petition.--Each petition under subsection (c)(1)(A) shall contain facts and information demonstrating that the alien
(A)(i) invested, or is actively in the process of investing, the requisite capital; and
(ii) sustained the actions described in clause (i) throughout the period of the alien's residence in the United States; and
(A) 90-day period before second anniversary.-Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the petition under subsection (c)(1)(A) must be filed during the 90-day period before the second anniversary of the alien's lawful admission for permanent residence.
(B) Date petitions for good cause.-Such a petition may be considered if filed after such date, but only if the alien establishes to the satisfaction of the Attorney General good cause and extenuating circumstances for failure to file the petition during the period described in subparagraph (A).
(C) Filing of petitions during removal.-In the case of an alien who is the subject of removal hearings as a result of failure to file a petition on a timely basis in accordance with subparagraph (A), the Attorney General may stay such removal proceedings against an alien pending the filing of the petition under subparagraph (B).
(3) Personal interview.-The interview under subsection (c)(1)(B) shall be conducted within 90 days after the date of submitting a petition under subsection (c)(1)(A) and at a local office of the Service, designated by the Attorney General, which is convenient to the parties involved. The Attorney General, in the Attorney General's discretion, may waive the deadline for such an interview or the requirement for such an interview in such cases as may be appropriate.
(e) Treatment of Period for Purposes of Naturalization.-For purposes of title III, in the case of an alien who is in the United States as a lawful permanent resident on a conditional basis under this section, the alien shall be considered to have been admitted as an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence and to be in the United States as an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.
(1) The term "alien entrepreneur" means an alien who obtains the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence (whether on a conditional basis or otherwise) under section203(b)(5) .
(2) The term "alien spouse" and the term "alien child" mean an alien who obtains the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence (whether on a conditional basis or otherwise) by virtue of being the spouse or child, respectively, of an alien entrepreneur.
FOOTNOTES FOR SECTION 216A
FN 1 Section 216A(b)(1)(A) and (B) were amended by section 11036(b)(1)(A) and (B) of the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act, Public Law 107-273, dated November 2, 2002.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by section 11036 shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act (Public Law 107-273 dated November 2, 2002) and shall apply to aliens having any of the following petitions pending on or after the date of the enactment of this Act:
(1) A petition under section 204(a)(1)(H) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(H)) (or any predecessor provision), with respect to status under section 203(b)(5) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5)).
(2) A petition under section 216A(c)(1)(A) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1186b(c)(1)(A)) to remove the conditional basis of an alien's permanent resident status.
FN 2 Section 216A(d)(1) revised by section 11036(b)(2) of the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act, Public Law 107-273, dated November 2, 2002.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by section 11036 shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act (Public Law 107-273 dated November 2, 2002) and shall apply to aliens having any of the following petitions pending on or after the date of the enactment of this Act:
(1) A petition under section 204(a)(1)(H) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(H)) (or any predecessor provision), with respect to status under section 203(b)(5) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5)).
(2) A petition under section 216A(c)(1)(A) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1186b(c)(1)(A)) to remove the conditional basis of an alien's permanent resident status.
FN 3 Section 216A(f)(3) added by section 11036(b)(3) of the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act, Public Law 107-273, dated November 2, 2002.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by section 11036 shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act (Public Law 107-273 dated November 2, 2002) and shall apply to aliens having any of the following petitions pending on or after the date of the enactment of this Act:
(1) A petition under section 204(a)(1)(H) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(H)) (or any predecessor provision), with respect to status under section 203(b)(5) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5)).
(2) A petition under section 216A(c)(1)(A) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1186b(c)(1)(A)) to remove the conditional basis of an alien's permanent resident status.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF 2/ PROGRAM.-The Attorney General and the Secretary of State are authorized to establish a 2/ program (hereinafter in this section referred to as the 2/ "program") under which the requirement of paragraph (7)(B)(i)(II) of section 212(a) may be waived by the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of State, 2a/ and in accordance with this section, in the case of an alien who meets the following requirements:
(1) SEEKING ENTRY AS TOURIST FOR 90 DAYS OR LESS.-The alien is applying for admission during the 2/ program as a nonimmigrant visitor (described in section 101(a)(15)(B) ) for a period not exceeding 90 days.
(2) NATIONAL OF 2/ PROGRAM COUNTRY.-The alien is a national of, and presents a passport issued by, a country which-
(A) extends (or agrees to extend), 2aa/ either on its own or in conjunction with one or more other countries that are described in subparagraph (B) and that have established with it a common area for immigration admissions, reciprocal privileges to citizens and nationals of the United States, and
2aaa/ (A) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in subparagraph (B), on or after October 1, 2003, the alien at the time of application for admission is in possession of a valid unexpired machine-readable passport that satisfies the internationally accepted standard for machine readability.
2aaa/ (B) LIMITED WAIVER AUTHORITY- For the period beginning October 1, 2003, and ending September 30, 2007, the Secretary of State may waive the requirement of subparagraph (A) with respect to nationals of a program country (as designated under subsection (c)), if the Secretary of State finds that the program country--
(i) is making progress toward ensuring that passports meeting the requirement of subparagraph (A) are generally available to its nationals; and
(ii) has taken appropriate measures to protect against misuse of passports the country has issued that do not meet the requirement of subparagraph (A).
(4) 2aa/ EXECUTES IMMIGRATION FORMS.-The alien before the time of such admission completes such immigration form as the Attorney General shall establish.
(5) 2aa/ ENTRY INTO THE UNITED STATES.-If arriving by sea or air, the alien arrives at the port of entry into the United States on a carrier, 2aa/ including any carrier conducting operations under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or a noncommercial aircraft that is owned or operated by a domestic corporation conducting operations under part 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations which has entered into an agreement with the Attorney General pursuant to subsection (e). The Attorney General is authorized to require a carrier conducting operations under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or a domestic corporation co nducting operations under part 91 of that title, to give suitable and proper bond, in such reasonable amount and containing such conditions as the Attorney General may deem sufficient to ensure compliance with the indemnification requirements of this section, as a term of such an agreement.
(6) 2aa/ NOT A SAFETY THREAT.-The alien has been determined not to represent a threat to the welfare, health, safety, or security of the United States.
(7) 2aa/ NO PREVIOUS VIOLATION.-If the alien previously was admitted without a visa under this section, the alien must not have failed to comply with the conditions of any previous admission as such a nonimmigrant.
(8) 2aa/ ROUND-TRIP TICKET.-The alien is in possession of a round-trip transportation ticket (unless this requirement is waived by the Attorney General under regulations 2aa/ or the alien is arriving at the port of entry on an aircraft operated under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or a noncommercial aircraft that is owned or operated by a domestic corporation conducting operations under part 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations).
(9) 2aa/ AUTOMATED SYSTEM CHECK- The identity
of the alien has been checked using an automated electronic database containing
information about the inadmissibility of aliens to uncover any grounds on which
the alien may be inadmissible to the United States, and no such ground has been
found.
(10) 2aa/ 9a/ ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF
IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION - Operators of aircraft under part 135 of title
14, Code of Federal Regulations, or operators of noncommercial aircraft that
are owned or operated by a domestic corporation conducting operations under part
91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, carrying any alien passenger who
will apply for admission under this section shall furnish such information as
the Attorney General by regulation shall prescribe as necessary for the
identification of any alien passenger being transported and for the enforcement
of the immigration la ws. Such information shall be electronically transmitted
not less than one hour prior to arrival at the port of entry for purposes of
checking for inadmissibility using the automated electronic database.
(11) 9a/ ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION UNDER THE ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION SYSTEM- Beginning on the date on which the electronic travel authorization system developed under subsection (h)(3) is fully operational, each alien traveling under the program shall, before applying for admission to the United States, electronically provide to the system biographical information and such other information as the Secretary of Homeland Security shall determine necessary to determine the eligibility of, and whether there exi sts a law enforcement or security risk in permitting, the alien to travel to the United States. Upon review of such biographical information, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall determine whether the alien is eligible to travel to the United States under the program.
(b) WAIVER OF RIGHTS.-An alien may not be provided a waiver under the 2/ program unless the alien has waived any right-
(1) to review or appeal under this Act of an immigration officer's determination as to the admissibility of the alien at the port of entry into the United States, or
(2) to contest, other than on the basis of an application for asylum, any action for removal of the alien.
(1) IN GENERAL.-The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of State 3/ may designate any country as a 2/ program country if it meets the requirements of paragraph (2).
(2) QUALIFICATIONS. 3a/ --Except as provided in 2/ subsection (f), a country may not be designated as a 2/ program country unless the following requirements are met:
(A) LOW NONIMMIGRANT VISA REFUSAL RATE.--Either--
(i) the average number of refusals of nonimmigrant visitor visas for nationals of that country during--
(I) the two previous full fiscal years was less than 2.0 percent of the total number of nonimmigrant visitor visas for nationals of that country which were granted or refused during those years; and
(II) either of such two previous full fiscal years was less than 2.5 percent of the total number of nonimmigrant visitor visas for nationals of that country which were granted or refused during that year; or
(ii) such refusal rate for nationals of that country during the previous full fiscal year was less than 3.0 percent.
(i) IN GENERAL- Subject to clause (ii), the government of the country certifies that it issues to its citizens machine-readable passports that satisfy the internationally accepted standard for machine readability.
(ii) DEADLINE FOR COMPLIANCE FOR CERTAIN COUNTRIES- In the case of a country designated as a program country under this subsection prior to May 1, 2000, as a condition on the continuation of that designation, the country-
(I) shall certify, not later than October 1, 2000, that it has a program to issue machine-readable passports to its citizens not later than October 1, 2003; and
(II) shall satisfy the requirement of clause (i) not later than October 1, 2003.
C) 3aa/ LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SECURITY INTERESTS- The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of State-
(i) evaluates the effect that the country's designation would have on the law enforcement and security interests of the United States (including the interest in enforcement of the immigration laws of the United States and the existence and effectiveness of its agreements and procedures for extraditing to the United States individuals, including its own nationals, who commit crimes that violate United States law);
(ii) determines that such interests would not be compromised by the designation of the country; and
(iii) submits a written report to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate regarding the country's qualification for designation that includes an explanation of such determination.
(D) 3aaa/ 9b/ REPORTING LOST AND STOLEN PASSPORTS-
The government of the country enters into an agreement with the United States
to report, or make available through Interpol or other means as designated by
the Secretary of Homeland Security, to the United States Government information
about the theft or loss of passports within a strict time limit and in a manner
specified in the agreement.
(E) 9c/ REPATRIATION OF ALIENS- The
government of the country accepts for repatriation any citizen, former citizen,
or national of the country against whom a final executable order of removal is
issued not later than three weeks after the issuance of the final order of
removal. Nothing in this subparagraph creates any duty for the United States or
any right for any alien with respect to removal or release. Nothing in this
subparagraph gives rise to any cause of action or claim under this paragraph or
any other law against any official of the United States or of any State to
compel the release, removal, or consideration for release or removal of any
alien.
(F) 9c/ PASSENGER INFORMATION EXCHANGE- The government of the country enters into an agreement with the United States to share information regarding whether citizens and nationals of that country traveling to the United States represent a threat to the security or welfare of the Unite
(A) CONTINUING QUALIFICATION.-In the case of a country which was a 2/ program country in the previous fiscal year, a country may not be designated as a 2/ program country unless the sum of-
(i) the total of the number of nationals of that country who were denied admission at the time of arrival or withdrew their application for admission during such previous fiscal year as a nonimmigrant visitor, and
(ii) the total number of nationals of that country who were admitted as nonimmigrant visitors during such previous fiscal year and who violated the terms of such admission, was less than 2 percent of the total number of nationals of that country who applied for admission as nonimmigrant visitors during such previous fiscal year.
(B) NEW COUNTRIES.-In the case of another country, the country may not be designated as a 2/ program country unless the following requirements are met:
(i) LOW NONIMMIGRANT VISA REFUSAL RATE IN PREVIOUS 2-YEAR PERIOD.-The average number of refusals of nonimmigrant visitor visas for nationals of that country during the two previous full fiscal years was less than 2 percent of the total number of nonimmigrant visitor visas for nationals of that country which were granted or refused during those years.
(ii) LOW NONIMMIGRANT VISA REFUSAL RATE IN EACH OF THE 2 PREVIOUS YEARS.-The average number of refusals of nonimmigrant visitor visas for nationals of that country during either of such two previous full fiscal years was less than 2.5 percent of the total number of nonimmigrant visitor visas for nationals of that country which were granted or refused during that year.
(4) INITIAL PERIOD.-For purposes of paragraphs (2) and (3), the term "initial period" means the period beginning at the end of the 30-day period described in subsection (b)(1) and ending on the last day of the first fiscal year which begins after such 30-day period.
(A)
PERIODIC EVALUATIONS-
(i)
IN GENERAL- The Secretary of Homeland Security 9d/ , in consultation with the
Secretary of State, periodically (but not less than once every 2 years)- 4aaa/
(I)
shall evaluate the effect of each program country's continued designation on
the law enforcement and security interests of the United States (including the
interest in enforcement of the immigration laws of the United States and the
existence and effectiveness of its agreements and procedures for extraditing to
the United States individuals, including its own nationals, who commit crimes
that violate United States law);
(II)
shall determine, based upon the evaluation in subclause (I),whether any such
designation ought to be continued or terminated under subsection (d); 9e/
(III)
shall submit a written report to the Committee on the Judiciary , the
Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Homeland Security, 9e/ of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on the Judiciary, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and
the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 9e/ of the Senate regarding the
continuation or termination of the country's designation that includes an
explanation of such determination and the effects described in subclause (I);
and 9e/
(IV) 9e/ shall submit to Congress a report
regarding the implementation of the electronic travel authorization system
under subsection (h)(3) and the participation of new countries in the program
through a waiver under paragraph (8).
(ii)
EFFECTIVE DATE- A termination of the designation of a country under this
subparagraph shall take effect on the date determined by the Secretary of
Homeland Security, 9d/ in consultation with the Secretary
of State.
(iii)
REDESIGNATION- In the case of a termination under this subparagraph, the
Secretary of Homeland Security 9d/ shall redesignate the country as a
program country, without regard to subsection (f) or paragraph (2) or (3), when
the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of State, determines
that all causes of the termination have been eliminated.
(B)
EMERGENCY TERMINATION-
(i)
IN GENERAL- In the case of a program country in which an emergency occurs that
the Secretary of Homeland Security, 9d/ in consultation with the Secretary
of State, determines threatens the law enforcement or security interests of the
United States (including the interest in enforcement of the immigration laws of
the United States), the Attorney General shall immediately terminate the
designation of the country as a program country.
(ii)
DEFINITION- For purposes of clause (i), the term "emergency" means--
(I)
the overthrow of a democratically elected government;
(II)
war (including undeclared war, civil war, or other military activity) on the
territory of the program country;
(III)
a severe breakdown in law and order affecting a significant portion of the
program country's territory;
(IV)
a severe economic collapse in the program country; or
(V)
any other extraordinary event in the program country that threatens the law
enforcement or security interests of the United States (including the interest
in enforcement of the immigration laws of the United States) and where the
country's participation in the program could contribute to that threat.
(iii)
REDESIGNATION- The Secretary of Homeland Security 9d/ may redesignate the country as a
program country, without regard to subsection (f) or paragraph (2) or (3), when
the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of State, determines
that
(I)
at least 6 months have elapsed since the effective date of the termination;
(II)
the emergency that caused the termination has ended; and
(III)
the average number of refusals of nonimmigrant visitor visas for nationals of
that country during the period of termination under this subparagraph was less
than 3.0 percent of the total number of nonimmigrant visitor visas for
nationals of that country which were granted or refused during such period.
(iv)
PROGRAM SUSPENSION AUTHORITY- The Director of National Intelligence shall
immediately inform the Secretary of Homeland Security of any current and
credible threat which poses an imminent danger to the United States or its
citizens and originates from a country participating in the visa waiver
program. Upon receiving such notification, the Secretary, in consultation with
the Secretary of State--
(I)
may suspend a country from the visa waiver program without prior notice;
(II)
shall notify any country suspended under subclause (I) and, to the extent
practicable without disclosing sensitive intelligence sources and methods,
provide justification for the suspension; and
(III)
shall restore the suspended country's participation in the visa waiver program
upon a determination that the threat no longer poses an imminent danger to the
United States or its citizens.
(C)
TREATMENT OF NATIONALS AFTER TERMINATION For purposes of this paragraph-
(i)
nationals of a country whose designation is terminated under subparagraph (A)
or (B) shall remain eligible for a waiver under subsection (a) until the
effective date of such termination; and
(ii) a waiver under this section that is provided to such a national for a period described in subsection (a)(1) shall not, by such termination, be deemed t
(6) 4/ COMPUTATION OF VISA REFUSAL RATES- For purposes of determining the eligibility of a country to be designated as a program country, the calculation of visa refusal rates shall not include any visa refusals which incorporate any procedures based on, or are otherwise based on, race, sex, or disability, unless otherwise specifically authorized by law or regulation. No court shall have jurisdiction under this paragraph to review any visa refusal, the denial of admission to the United States of any alien by the Attorney General, the Secretary's computation of the visa refusal rate, or the designation or nondesignation of any country.
(A) IN GENERAL- In refusing the application of nationals of a program country for United States visas, or the applications of nationals of a country seeking entry into the visa waiver program, a consular officer shall not knowingly or intentionally classify the refusal of the visa under a category that is not included in the calculation of the visa refusal rate only so that the percentage of that country's visa refusals is less than the percentage limitation applicable to qualification for participation in the visa waiver program.
(B) REPORTING REQUIREMENT- On May 1 of each year, for each country under consideration for inclusion in the visa waiver program, the Secretary of State shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees-
(i) the total number of nationals of that country that applied for United States visas in that country during the previous calendar year;
(ii) the total number of such nationals who received United States visas during the previous calendar year;
(iii) the total number of such nationals who were refused United States visas during the previous calendar year;
(iv) the total number of such nationals who were refused United States visas during the previous calendar year under each provision of this Act under which the visas were refused; and
(v) the number of such nationals that were refused under section 214(b) as a percentage of the visas that were issued to such nationals.
(C) CERTIFICATION- Not later than May 1 of each year, the United States chief of mission, acting or permanent, to each country under consideration for inclusion in the visa waiver program shall certify to the appropriate congressional committees that the information described in subparagraph (B) is accurate and provide a copy of that certification to those committees.
(D) CONSIDERATION OF COUNTRIES IN THE VISA WAIVER PROGRAM- Upon notification to the Attorney General that a country is under consideration for inclusion in the visa waiver program, the Secretary of State shall provide all of the information described in subparagraph (B) to the Attorney General.
(E) DEFINITION- In this paragraph, the term "appropriate congressional committees" means the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives.
(A)
CERTIFICATION-
(i)
IN GENERAL- On the date on which an air exit system is in place that can verify
the departure of not less than 97 percent of foreign nationals who exit through
airports of the United States and the electronic travel authorization system
required under subsection (h)(3) is fully operational, the Secretary of
Homeland Security shall certify to Congress that such air exit system and
electronic travel authorization system are in place.
(ii)
NOTIFICATION TO CONGRESS The Secretary shall notify Congress in writing of the
date on which the air exit system under clause (i) fully satisfies the
biometric requirements specified in subsection (i).
(iii)
TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF WAIVER AUTHORITY- Notwithstanding any certification
made under clause (i), if the Secretary has not notified Congress in accordance
with clause (ii) by June 30, 2009, the Secretary's waiver authority under
subparagraph (B) shall be suspended beginning on July 1, 2009, until such time
as the Secretary makes such notification.
(iv)
RULE OF CONSTRUCTION- Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as in any
way abrogating the reporting requirements under subsection (i)(3).
(B)
WAIVER- After certification by the Secretary under subparagraph (A), the
Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State, may waive the
application of paragraph (2)(A) for a country if--
(i)
the country meets all security requirements of this section;
(ii)
the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that the totality of the
country's security risk mitigation measures provide assurance that the
country's participation in the program would not compromise the law
enforcement, security interests, or enforcement of the immigration laws of the
United States;
(iii)
there has been a sustained reduction in the rate of refusals for nonimmigrant
visas for nationals of the country and conditions exist to continue such
reduction;
(iv)
the country cooperated with the Government of the United States on
counterterrorism initiatives, information sharing, and preventing terrorist
travel before the date of its designation as a program country, and the
Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State determine that such
cooperation will continue; and
(v)(I)
the rate of refusals for nonimmigrant visitor visas for nationals of the
country during the previous full fiscal year was not more than ten percent; or
(II)
the visa overstay rate for the country for the previous full fiscal year does
not exceed the maximum visa overstay rate, once such rate is established under
subparagraph (C).
(C)
MAXIMUM VISA OVERSTAY RATE-
(i)
REQUIREMENT TO ESTABLISH- After certification by the Secretary under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary and the Secretary of State jointly shall use
information from the air exit system referred to in such subparagraph to
establish a maximum visa overstay rate for countries participating in the program
pursuant to a waiver under subparagraph (B). The Secretary of Homeland Security
shall certify to Congress that such rate would not compromise the law
enforcement, security interests, or enforcement of the im migration laws of the
United States.
(ii)
VISA OVERSTAY RATE DEFINED- In this paragraph the term `visa overstay rate'
means, with respect to a country, the ratio of--
(I)
the total number of nationals of that country who were admitted to the United
States on the basis of a nonimmigrant visa whose periods of authorized stays
ended during a fiscal year but who remained unlawfully in the United States
beyond such periods; to
(II)
the total number of nationals of that country who were admitted to the United
States on the basis of a nonimmigrant visa during that fiscal year.
(iii)
REPORT AND PUBLICATION- The Secretary of Homeland Security shall on the same
date submit to Congress and publish in the Federal Register
information relating to the maximum visa overstay rate established under clause
(i). Not later than 60 days after such date, the Secretary shall issue a final
maximum visa overstay rate above which a country may not participate in the
program.
(9) 9/ DISCRETIONARY SECURITY-RELATED
CONSIDERATIONS- In determining whether to waive the application of paragraph
(2)(A) for a country, pursuant to paragraph (8), the Secretary of Homeland
Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall take into
consideration other factors affecting the security of the United States,
including--
(A)
airport security standards in the country;
(B)
whether the country assists in the operation of an effective air marshal
program;
(C)
the standards of passports and travel documents issued by the country; and
(D)
other security-related factors, including the country's cooperation with the
United States' initiatives toward combating terrorism and the country's
cooperation with the United States intelligence community in sharing
information regarding terrorist threats.
(10) 9f/ TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE- The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the
Secretary of State, shall provide technical assistance to program countries to
assist those countries in meeting the requirements under this section. The
Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that the program office within the
Department of Homeland Security is adequately staffed and has resources to be
able to provide such technical assistance, in addition to its duties to
effectively monitor compliance of the countri es participating in the program
with all the requirements of the program.
(A)
IN GENERAL- Prior to the admission of a new country into the program under this
section, and in conjunction with the periodic evaluations required under
subsection (c)(5)(A), the Director of National Intelligence shall conduct an
independent intelligence assessment of a nominated country and member of the
program.
(B)
REPORTING REQUIREMENT- The Director shall provide to the Secretary of Homeland
Security, the Secretary of State, and the Attorney General the independent
intelligence assessment required under subparagraph (A).
(C)
CONTENTS- The independent intelligence assessment conducted by the Director
shall include--
(i)
a review of all current, credible terrorist threats of the subject country;
(ii)
an evaluation of the subject country's counterterrorism efforts;
(iii)
an evaluation as to the extent of the country's sharing of information
beneficial to suppressing terrorist movements, financing, or actions;
(iv)
an assessment of the risks associated with including the subject country in the
program; and
(v) recommendations to mitigate the risks identified in clause (iv).
(d) Authority.-Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, Secretary of Homeland Security, 9g/ in consultation with the Secretary of State, 4a/ may for any reason (including national security) refrain from waiving the visa requirement in respect to nationals of any country which may otherwise qualify for designation or may, at any time, rescind any waiver or designation previously granted under this section. The Secretary of Homeland Security may not waive any eligibility requirement under this section unless the Secretary notifies, with respect to the House of Representatives, the Committee on Homeland Security, the Committee on the Judiciary, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Appropriations, and with respect to the Senate, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Committee on the Judiciary, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Committee on Appropriations not later than 30 days before the effective date of such waiver. 9g/
(1) IN GENERAL.-The agreement referred to in subsection (a)(4) is an agreement between a 4aa/ carrier (including any carrier conducting operations under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) or a domestic corporation conducting operations under part 91 of that title and the Attorney General under which the 4aa/ carrier (including any carrier conducting operations under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) or a domestic corporation conducting operations under part 91 of that title agrees, in consideration of the waiver of the visa requirement with respect to a nonimmigrant visitor under the 2/ program-
(A) to indemnify the United States against any costs for the transportation of the alien from the United States if the visitor is refused admission to the United States or remains in the United States unlawfully after the 90-day period described in subsection (a)(1)(A),
(B) to submit daily to immigration officers any immigration forms received with respect to nonimmigrant visitors provided a waiver under the 2/ program, 2/
(C) to be subject to the imposition of fines resulting from the transporting into the United States of a national of a designated country without a passport pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Attorney General, 2/ and
(2) TERMINATION OF AGREEMENTS.-The Attorney General may terminate an agreement under paragraph (1) with five days' notice to the 4aa/ carrier (including any carrier conducting operations under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) or a domestic corporation conducting operations under part 91 of that title for the 4aa/ failure by a carrier (including any carrier conducting operations under part 135 of title 14,Code of Federal Regulations) or a domestic corporation conducting operations under part 91 of that title to meet the terms of such agreement.
(A) IN GENERAL- For purposes of this section, a domestic corporation conducting operations under part 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations that owns or operates a noncommercial aircraft is a corporation that is organized under the laws of any of the States of the United States or the District of Columbia and is accredited by or a member of a national organization that sets business aviation standards. The Attorney General shall prescribe by regulation the provision of such information as the Attorney General deems necessary to identify the domestic corporation, its officers, employees, shareholders, its place of business, and its business activities.
(B) COLLECTIONS- In addition to any other fee authorized by law, the Attorney General is authorized to charge and collect, on a periodic basis, an amount from each domestic corporation conducting operations under part 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, for nonimmigrant visa waiver admissions on noncommercial aircraft owned or operated by such domestic corporation equal to the total amount of fees assessed for issuance of nonimmigrant visa waiver arrival/departure forms at land border ports of entr y. All fees collected under this paragraph shall be deposited into the Immigration User Fee Account established under section 286(h).
(1) IN GENERAL.-
(A) DETERMINATION AND NOTIFICATION OF DISQUALIFICATION RATE.-Upon determination by the Attorney General that a 2/ program country's disqualification rate is 2 percent or more, the Attorney General shall notify the Secretary of State.
(B) PROBATIONARY STATUS.-If the program country's disqualification rate is greater than 2 percent but less than 3.5 percent, the Attorney General shall place the program country in probationary status for a period not to exceed 2 full fiscal years following the year in which the determination under subparagraph (A) is made.
(C) TERMINATION OF DESIGNATION.-Subject to paragraph (3), if the program country's disqualification rate is 3.5 percent or more, the Attorney General shall terminate the country's designation as a 2/ program county effective at the beginning of the second fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the determination under subparagraph (A) is made.
(2) TERMINATION OF PROBATIONARY STATUS.-
(A) IN GENERAL.-If the Attorney General determines at the end of the probationary period described in paragraph (1)(B) that the 2/ program country placed in probationary status under such paragraph has failed to develop a machine-readable passport program as required by section (c)(2)(C), or has a disqualification rate of 2 percent or more, the Attorney General shall terminate the designation of the country as a 2/ program country. If the Attorney General determines that the program country has developed a machine-readable passport program and has a disqualification rate of less than 2 percent, the Attorney General shall redesignate the country as a program country.
(B) EFFECTIVE DATE.-A termination of the designation of a country under subparagraph (A) shall take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the determination under such paragraph is made. Until such date, nationals of the country shall remain eligible for a waiver under subsection (a).
(3) NONAPPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS.-Paragraph (1)(C) shall not apply unless the total number of nationals of a 2/ program country described in paragraph (4)(A) exceeds 100.
(4) DEFINITION.-For purposes of this subsection, the term "disqualification rate" means the percentage which-
(i) excluded from admission or withdrew their application for admission during the most recent fiscal year for which data are available; and
(ii) admitted as nonimmigrant visitors during such fiscal year and who violated the terms of such admission; bears to
(B) the total number of nationals of such country who applied for admission as nonimmigrant visitors during such fiscal year.
(5) 6a/ FAILURE TO REPORT PASSPORT THEFTS- If the Secretary of Homeland Security 9h/ and the Secretary of State jointly determine that the program country is not reporting the theft or loss of 9h/ passports, as required by subsection (c)(2)(D), the Secretary of Homeland Security 9h/ shall terminate the designation of the country as a program country.
(g) 7/ VISA APPLICATION SOLE METHOD TO DISPUTE DENIAL OF WAIVER BASED ON A GROUND OF INADMISSIBILITY- In the case of an alien denied a waiver under the program by reason of a ground of inadmissibility described in section 212(a) that is discovered at the time of the alien's application for the waiver or through the use of an automated electronic database required under subsection (a)(9), the alien may apply for a visa at an appropriate consular office outside the United States. There shall be no other means of administrative or judicial review of such a denial, and no court or person otherwise shall have jurisdiction to consider any claim attacking the validity of such a denial.
(1) AUTOMATED ENTRY-EXIT CONTROL SYSTEM-
(A) SYSTEM- Not later than October 1, 2001, the Attorney General shall develop and implement a fully automated entry and exit control system that will collect a record of arrival and departure for every alien who arrives and departs by sea or air at a port of entry into the United States and is provided a waiver under the program.
(B) REQUIREMENTS- The system under subparagraph (A) shall satisfy the following requirements:
(i) DATA COLLECTION BY CARRIERS- Not later than October 1, 2001, the records of arrival and departure described in subparagraph (A) shall be based, to the maximum extent practicable, on passenger data collected and electronically transmitted to the automated entry and exit control system by each carrier that has an agreement under subsection (a)(4).
(ii) DATA PROVISION BY CARRIERS- Not later than October 1, 2002, no waiver may be provided under this section to an alien arriving by sea or air at a port of entry into the United States on a carrier unless the carrier is electronically transmitting to the automated entry and exit control system passenger data determined by the Attorney General to be sufficient to permit the Attorney General to carry out this paragraph.
(iii) CALCULATION- The system shall contain sufficient data to permit the Attorney General to calculate, for each program country and each fiscal year, the portion of nationals of that country who are described in subparagraph (A) and for whom no record of departure exists, expressed as a percentage of the total number of such nationals who are so described.
(C) REPORTING-
(i) PERCENTAGE OF NATIONALS LACKING DEPARTURE RECORD- As part of the annual report required to be submitted under section 110(e)(1) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, the Attorney General shall include a section containing the calculation described in subparagraph (B)(iii) for each program country for the previous fiscal year, together with an analysis of that information.
(ii) SYSTEM EFFECTIVENESS- Not later than December 31,2004, the Attorney General shall submit a written report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the United States House of Representatives and of the Senate containing the following:
(I) The conclusions of the Attorney General regarding the effectiveness of the automated entry and exit control system to be developed and implemented under this paragraph.
(II) The recommendations of the Attorney General regarding the use of the calculation described in subparagraph (B)(iii) as a basis for evaluating whether to terminate or continue the designation of a country as a program country.
The report required by this clause may be combined with the annual report required to be submitted on that date under section 110(e)(1) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.
(2) AUTOMATED DATA SHARING SYSTEM-
(A) SYSTEM- The Attorney General and the Secretary of State shall develop and implement an automated data sharing system that will permit them to share data in electronic form from their respective records systems regarding the admissibility of aliens who are nationals of a program country.
(B) REQUIREMENTS- The system under subparagraph (A) shall satisfy the following requirements:
(i) SUPPLYING INFORMATION TO IMMIGRATION OFFICERS CONDUCTING INSPECTIONS AT PORTS OF ENTRY- Not later than October 1, 2002, the system shall enable immigration officers conducting inspections at ports of entry under section 235 to obtain from the system, with respect to aliens seeking a waiver under the program-
(I) any photograph of the alien that may be contained in the records of the Department of State or the Service; and
(II) information on whether the alien has ever been determined to be ineligible to receive a visa or ineligible to be admitted to the United States.
(ii) SUPPLYING PHOTOGRAPHS OF INADMISSIBLE ALIENS- The system shall permit the Attorney General electronically to obtain any photograph contained in the records of the Secretary of State pertaining to an alien who is a national of a program country and has been determined to be ineligible to receive a visa.
(iii) MAINTAINING RECORDS ON APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION- The system shall maintain, for a minimum of 10 years, information about each application for admission made by an alien seeking a waiver under the program, including the following:
(I) The name or Service identification number of each immigration officer conducting the inspection of the alien at the port of entry.
(II) Any information described in clause (i) that is obtained from the system by any such officer.
(III) The results of the application.
(A)
SYSTEM- The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary
of State, shall develop and implement a fully automated electronic travel
authorization system (referred to in this paragraph as the `System') to collect
such biographical and other information as the Secretary of Homeland Security
determines necessary to determine, in advance of travel, the eligibility of,
and whether there exists a law enforcement or security risk in permitting, the
alien to travel to the United States.
(i) In general.-- No later than 6 months after the date of enactment of the Travel Promotion Act of 2009, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish a fee for the use of the System and begin assessment and collection of that fee. The initial fee shall be the sum of-
(I) $10 per travel authorization; and
(II) an amount that will at least ensure recovery of the full costs of providing and administering the System, as determined by the Secretary.
(ii) Disposition of amounts collected.-- Amounts collected under clause (i)(I) shall be credited to the Travel Promotion Fund established by 11/ subsection (d) of the Travel Promotion Act of 2009. Amounts collected under clause (i)(II) shall be transferred to the general fund of the Treasury and made available to pay the costs incurred to administer the System.
(iii) Sunset of travel promotion fund fee.-- The Secretary may not collect the fee authorized by clause (i)(I) for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 2015. 11/
(C)
VALIDITY-
(i)
PERIOD- The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary
of State, shall prescribe regulations that provide for a period, not to exceed
three years, during which a determination of eligibility to travel under the
program will be valid. Notwithstanding any other provision under this section,
the Secretary of Homeland Security may revoke any such determination at any
time and for any reason.
(ii)
LIMITATION- A determination by the Secretary of Homeland Security that an alien
is eligible to travel to the United States under the program is not a
determination that the alien is admissible to the United States.
(iii)
NOT A DETERMINATION OF VISA ELIGIBILITY- A determination by the Secretary of
Homeland Security that an alien who applied for authorization to travel to the
United States through the System is not eligible to travel under the program is
not a determination of eligibility for a visa to travel to the United States
and shall not preclude the alien from applying for a visa.
(iv)
JUDICIAL REVIEW- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no court shall
have jurisdiction to review an eligibility determination under the System.
(D)
REPORT- Not later than 60 days before publishing notice regarding the
implementation of the System in the Federal Register, the Secretary of Homeland
Security shall submit a report regarding the implementation of the system to--
(i)
the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives;
(ii)
the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives;
(iii)
the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives;
(iv)
the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives;
(v)
the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives;
(vi)
the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate;
(vii)
the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate;
(viii)
the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate;
(ix)
the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; and
(x) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
(1)
IN GENERAL- Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this
subsection, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish an exit system
that records the departure on a flight leaving the United States of every alien
participating in the visa waiver program established under this section.
(2)
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS- The system established under paragraph (1) shall--
(A)
match biometric information of the alien against relevant watch lists and
immigration information; and
(B)
compare such biometric information against manifest information collected by
air carriers on passengers departing the United States to confirm such aliens
have departed the United States.
(3)
REPORT- Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
subsection, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that describes--
(A)
the progress made in developing and deploying the exit system established under
this subsection; and
(B) the procedures by which the Secretary shall improve the method of calculating the rates of nonimmigrants who overstay their authorized period of stay in the United States.
INA:
ACT 218 - ADMISSION OF TEMPORARY H-2A WORKERS
Sec. 218. [8 U.S.C. 1188]
(1) A petition to import an alien as an H-2A worker (as defined in subsection (i)(2)) may not be approved by the Attorney General unless the petitioner has applied to the Secretary of Labor for a certification that-
(A) there are not sufficient workers who are able, willing, and qualified, and who will be available at the time and place needed, to perform the labor or services involved in the petition, and
(B) the employment of the alien in such labor or services will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of workers in the United States similarly employed.
(2) The Secretary of Labor may require by regulation, as a condition of issuing the certification, the payment of a fee to recover the reasonable costs of processing applications for certification.
(b) Conditions for Denial of Labor Certification.-The Secretary of Labor may not issue a certification under subsection (a) with respect to an employer if the conditions described in that subsection are not met or if any of the following conditions are met:
(1) There is a strike or lockout in the course of a labor dispute which, under the regulations, precludes such certification.
(2) (A) The employer during the previous two-year period employed H-2A workers and the Secretary of Labor has determined, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, that the employer at any time during that period substantially violated a material term or condition of the labor certification with respect to the employment of domestic or nonimmigrant workers.
(B) No employer may be denied certification under subparagraph (A) for more than three years for any violation described in such subparagraph.
(3) The employer has not provided the Secretary with satisfactory assurances that if the employment for which the certification is sought is not covered by State workers' compensation law, the employer will provide, at no cost to the worker, insurance covering injury and disease arising out of and in the course of the worker's employment which will provide benefits at least equal to those provided under the State workers' compensation law for comparable employment.
(4) The Secretary determines that the employer has not made positive recruitment efforts within a multi- state region of traditional or expected labor supply where the Secretary finds that there are a significant number of qualified United States workers who, if recruited, would be willing to make themselves available for work at the time and place needed. Positive recruitment under this paragraph is in addition to, and shall be conducted within the same time period as, the circulation through the i nterstate employment service system of the employer's job offer. The obligation to engage in positive recruitment under this paragraph shall terminate on the date the H-2A workers depart for the employer's place of employment.
(c) Special Rules for Consideration of Applications.-The following rules shall apply in the case of the filing and consideration of an application for a labor certification under this section:
(1) Deadline for filing applications.-The Secretary of Labor may not require that the application be filed more than 45 days 1/ before the first date the employer requires the labor or services of the H-2A worker.
(A) The employer shall be notified in writing within seven days of the date of filing if the application does not meet the standards (other than that described in subsection (a)(1)(A)) for approval.
(B) If the application does not meet such standards, the notice shall include the reasons therefor and the Secretary shall provide an opportunity for the prompt resubmission of a modified application.
(A) The Secretary of Labor shall make, not later than 30 days 1/ before the date such labor or services are first required to be performed, the certification described in subsection (a)(1) if-
(i) the employer has complied with the criteria for certification (including criteria for the recruitment of eligible individuals as prescribed by the Secretary), and
(ii) the employer does not actually have, or has not been provided with referrals of, qualified eligible individuals who have indicated their availability to perform such labor or services on the terms and conditions of a job offer which meets the requirements of the Secretary.
In considering the question of whether a specific qualification is appropriate in a job offer, the Secretary shall apply the normal and accepted qualifications required by non-H-2A-employers in the same or comparable occupations and crops.
(B) (i) For a period of 3 years subsequent to the effective date of this section, labor certifications shall remain effective only if, from the time the foreign worker departs for the employer's place of employment, the employer will provide employment to any qualified United States worker who applies to the employer until 50 percent of the period of the work contract, under which the foreign worker who is in the job was hired, has elapsed. In addition, the employer will offer to provide benefits, wag es and working conditions required pursuant to this section and regulations.
(I) did not, during any calendar quarter during the preceding calendar year, use more than 500 man-days of agricultural labor, as defined in section 3(u) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203(u)),
(II) is not a member of an association which has petitioned for certification under this section for its members, and
(III) has not otherwise associated with other employers who are petitioning for temporary foreign workers under this section.
(iii) Six months before the end of the 3-year period described in clause (i), the Secretary of Labor shall consider the findings of the report mandated by section 403(a)(4)(D) of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 as well as other relevant materials, including evidence of benefits to United States workers and costs to employers, addressing the advisability of continuing a policy which requires an employer, as a condition for certification under this section, to continue to accept qual ified, eligible United States workers for employment after the date the H-2A workers depart for work with the employer. The Secretary's review of such findings and materials shall lead to the issuance of findings in furtherance of the Congressional policy that aliens not be admitted under this section unless there are not sufficient workers in the United States who are able, willing, and qualified to perform the labor or service needed and that the employment of the aliens in such labor or servi ces will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of workers in the United States similarly employed. In the absence of the enactment of Federal legislation prior to three months before the end of the 3-year period described in clause (i) which addresses the subject matter of this subparagraph, the Secretary shall immediately publish the findings required by this clause, and shall promulgate, on an interim or final basis, regulations based on his findings which shall be effective no later than three years from the effective date of this section.
(iv) In complying with clause (i) of this subparagraph, an association shall be allowed to refer or transfer workers among its members: Provided, That for purposes of this section an association acting as an agent for its members shall not be considered a joint employer merely because of such referral or transfer.
(v) United States workers referred or transferred pursuant to clause (iv) of this subparagraph shall not be treated disparately.
(vi) An employer shall not be liable for payments under section 655.202(b)(6) of title 20, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation) with respect to an H-2A worker who is displaced due to compliance with the requirement of this subparagraph, if the Secretary of Labor certifies that the H- 2A worker was displaced because of the employer's compliance with clause (i) of this subparagraph.
(vii)(I) No person or entity shall willfully and knowingly withhold domestic workers prior to the arrival of H-2A workers in order to force the hiring of domestic workers under clause (I).
(II) Upon the receipt of a complaint by an employer that a violation of subclause (I) has occurred the Secretary shall immediately investigate. He shall within 36 hours of the receipt of the complaint issue findings concerning the alleged violation. Where the Secretary finds that a violation has occurred, he shall immediately suspend the application of clause (i) of this subparagraph with respect to that certification for that date of need.
(4) Housing.-Employers shall furnish housing in accordance with regulations. The employer shall be permitted at the employer's option to provide housing meeting applicable Federal standards for temporary labor camps or to secure housing which meets the local standards for rental and/or public accommodations or other substantially similar class of habitation: Provided, That in the absence of applicable local standards, State standards for rental and/or public accommodations or other substantially si milar class of habitation shall be met: Provided further, That in the absence of applicable local or State standards, Federal temporary labor camp standards shall apply: Provided further, That the Secretary of Labor shall issue regulations which address the specific requirements of housing for employees principally engaged in the range production of livestock: Provided further, That when it is the prevailing practice in the area and occupation of intended employment to provide family housing, fami ly housing shall be provided to workers with families who request it: And provided further, That nothing in this paragraph shall require an employer to provide or secure housing for workers who are not entitled to it under the temporary labor certification regulations in effect on June 1, 1986.
(1) Permitting filing by agricultural associations.-A petition to import an alien as a temporary agricultural worker, and an application for a labor certification with respect to such a worker, may be filed by an association of agricultural producers which use agricultural services.
(2) Treatment of associations acting as employers.-If an association is a joint or sole employer of temporary agricultural workers, the certifications granted under this section to the association may be used for the certified job opportunities of any of its producer members and such workers may be transferred among its producer members to perform agricultural services of a temporary or seasonal nature for which the certifications were granted.
(A) Member's violation does not necessarily disqualify association or other members.-If an individual producer member of a joint employer association is determined to have committed an act that under subsection (b)(2) results in the denial of certification with respect to the member, the denial shall apply only to that member of the association unless the Secretary determines that the association or other member participated in, had knowledge of, or reason to know of, the violation.
(i) If an association representing agricultural producers as a joint employer is determined to have committed an act that under subsection (b)(2) results in the denial of certification with respect to the association, the denial shall apply only to the association and does not apply to any individual producer member of the association unless the Secretary determines that the member participated in, had knowledge of, or reason to know of, the violation.
(ii) If an association of agricultural producers certified as a sole employer is determined to have committed an act that under subsection (b)(2) results in the denial of certification with respect to the association, no individual producer member of such association may be the beneficiary of the services of temporary alien agricultural workers admitted under this section in the commodity and occupation in which such aliens were employed by the association which was denied certification during th e period such denial is in force, unless such producer member employs such aliens in the commodity and occupation in question directly or through an association which is a joint employer of such workers with the producer member.
(1) Regulations shall provide for an expedited procedure for the review of a denial of certification under subsection (a)(1) or a revocation of such a certification or, at the applicant's request, for a de novo administrative hearing respecting the denial or revocation.
(2) The Secretary of Labor shall expeditiously, but in no case later than 72 hours after the time a new determination is requested, make a new determination on the request for certification in the case of an H-2A worker if able, willing, and qualified eligible individuals are not actually available at the time such labor or services are required and a certification was denied in whole or in part because of the availability of qualified workers. If the employer asserts that any eligible individual w ho has been referred is not able, willing, or qualified, the burden of proof is on the employer to establish that the individual referred is not able, willing, or qualified because of employment- related reasons.
(f) Violators Disqualified for 5 Years.-An alien may not be admitted to the United States as a temporary agricultural worker if the alien was admitted to the United States as such a worker within the previous five-year period and the alien during that period violated a term or condition of such previous admission.
(1) There are authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year, beginning with fiscal year 1987, $10,000,000 for the purposes-
(A) of recruiting domestic workers for temporary labor and services which might otherwise be performed by nonimmigrants described in section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a) , and
(B) of monitoring terms and conditions under which such nonimmigrants (and domestic workers employed by the same employers) are employed in the United States.
(2) The Secretary of Labor is authorized to take such actions, including imposing appropriate penalties and seeking appropriate injunctive relief and specific performance of contractual obligations, as may be necessary to assure employer compliance with terms and conditions of employment under this section.
(3) There are authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year, beginning with fiscal year 1987, such sums as may be necessary for the purpose of enabling the Secretary of Labor to make determinations and certifications under this section and under section 212(a)(5)(A)(i).
(4) There are authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year, beginning with fiscal year 1987, such sums as may be necessary for the purposes of enabling the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out the Secretary's duties and responsibilities under this section.
(1) The Attorney General shall provide for such endorsement of entry and exit documents of nonimmigrants described in section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii) as may be necessary to carry out this section and to provide notice for purposes of section 274A .
(2) The provisions of subsections (a) and (c) of section 214 and the provisions of this section preempt any State or local law regulating admissibility of nonimmigrant workers.
(1) The term "eligible individual" means, with respect to employment, an individual who is not an unauthorized alien (as defined in section 274A(h)(3) with respect to that employment.
FOOTNOTES FOR SECTION 218
FN 1 Section 748 of Public Law 106-78, dated October 22, 1999, amended section 218(c)(1) by changing "60 days" to "45 days" and by amending section 218(c)(3)(A) by changing "20 days" to "30 days".
(1) In general.-The Secretary is authorized to designate an organization as a terrorist organization in accordance with this subsection if the Secretary finds that-
(A) the organization is a foreign organization;
(B) the organization engages in terrorist activity (as defined in section 212(a)(3)(B) 1a/ or terrorism (as defined in section 140(d)(2) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989 (22 U.S.C. 2656f(d)(2)), or retains the capability and intent to engage in terrorist activity or terrorism); and
(C) the terrorist activity 1a/ or terrorism of the organization threatens the security of United States nationals or the national security of the United States.
(2) Procedure.-
(i) TO CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS- Seven days before making a designation under this subsection, the Secretary shall, by classified communication, notify the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the President pro tempore, Majority Leader, and Minority Leader of the Senate, and the members of the relevant committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate, in writing, of the intent to designate an organization under this subsection, together with the findings made under paragraph (1 ) with respect to that organization, and the factual basis therefor.
(ii) PUBLICATION IN FEDERAL REGISTER- The Secretary shall publish the designation in the Federal Register seven days after providing the notification under clause (i).
(B) Effect of designation.-
(i) For purposes of section 2339B of title 18, United States Code, a designation under this subsection shall take effect upon publication under subparagraph (A)(ii) 1a/ .
(ii) Any designation under this subsection shall cease to have effect upon an Act of Congress disapproving such designation.
(C) Freezing of assets.-Upon notification under paragraph (2)(A)(i) 1a/ , the Secretary of the Treasury may require United States financial institutions possessing or controlling any assets of any organization included in the notification to block all financial transactions involving those assets until further directive from either the Secretary of the Treasury, Act of Congress, or order of court.
(3) Record.-
(A) In general.-In making a designation under this subsection, the Secretary shall create an administrative record.
(B) Classified information.-The Secretary may consider classified information in making a designation under this subsection. Classified information shall not be subject to disclosure for such time as it remains classified, except that such information may be disclosed to a court ex parte and in camera for purposes of judicial review under subsection (c ) 1d/ 1a/ .
(A) In general.- 1b/ A designation under this subsection shall be effective for all purposes 1b/ until revoked under paragraph (5) or (6) or set aside pursuant to subsection (c).
(i) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall review the designation of a foreign terrorist organization under the procedures set forth in clauses (iii) and (iv) if the designated organization files a petition for revocation within the petition period described in clause (ii).
(ii) PETITION PERIOD- For purposes of clause (i)--
(I) if the designated organization has not previously filed a petition for revocation under this subparagraph, the petition period begins 2 years after the date on which the designation was made; or
(II) if the designated organization has previously filed a petition for revocation under this subparagraph, the petition period begins 2 years after the date of the determination made under clause (iv) on that petition.
(iii) PROCEDURES- Any foreign terrorist organization that submits a petition for revocation under this subparagraph must provide evidence in that petition that the relevant circumstances described in paragraph (1) are sufficiently different from the circumstances that were the basis for the designation such that a revocation with respect to the organization is warranted.
(iv) DETERMINATION-
(I) IN GENERAL- Not later than 180 days after receiving a petition for revocation submitted under this subparagraph, the Secretary shall make a determination as to such revocation.
(II) CLASSIFIED INFORMATION- The Secretary may consider classified information in making a determination in response to a petition for revocation. Classified information shall not be subject to disclosure for such time as it remains classified, except that such information may be disclosed to a court ex parte and in camera for purposes of judicial review under subsection (c).
(III) PUBLICATION OF DETERMINATION- A determination made by the Secretary under this clause shall be published in the Federal Register.
(IV) PROCEDURES- Any revocation by the Secretary shall be made in accordance with paragraph (6).
(i) IN GENERAL- If in a 5-year period no review has taken place under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall review the designation of the foreign terrorist organization in order to determine whether such designation should be revoked pursuant to paragraph (6).
(ii) PROCEDURES- If a review does not take place pursuant to subparagraph (B) in response to a petition for revocation that is filed in accordance with that subparagraph, then the review shall be conducted pursuant to procedures established by the Secretary. The results of such review and the applicable procedures shall not be reviewable in any court.
(iii) PUBLICATION OF RESULTS OF REVIEW- The Secretary shall publish any determination made pursuant to this subparagraph in the Federal Register.
(5) Revocation by act of congress.-The Congress, by an Act of Congress, may block or revoke a designation made under paragraph (1).
(6) Revocation based on change in circumstances.-
(A) In general.-The Secretary may revoke a designation made under paragraph (1) 1a/ 1d/ at any time, and shall revoke a designation upon completion of a review conducted pursuant to subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (4) if the Secretary finds that-
(i) the circumstances that were the basis for the designation 1a/ 1d/ have changed in such a manner as to warrant revocation 1a/ ; or
(B) Procedure.-The procedural requirements of paragraphs (2) and (3) 1a/ shall apply to a revocation under this paragraph . 1a/ Any revocation shall take effect on the date specified in the revocation or upon publication in the Federal Register if no effective date is specified.
(7) Effect of revocation.-The revocation of a designation under paragraph (5) or (6) 1d/ 1a/ shall not affect any action or proceeding based on conduct committed prior to the effective date of such revocation.
(8) Use of designation in trial or hearing.-If a designation under this subsection has become effective under 1a/ paragraph (2)(B) 1d/ a defendant in a criminal action 1a/ or an alien in removal proceeding shall not be permitted to raise any question concerning the validity of the issuance of such designation 1d/ 1a/ as a defense or an objection at any trial or hearing.
(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary may amend a designation under this subsection if the Secretary finds that the organization has changed its name, adopted a new alias, dissolved and then reconstituted itself under a different name or names, or merged with another organization.
(2) PROCEDURE- Amendments made to a designation in accordance with paragraph (1) shall be effective upon publication in the Federal Register. Subparagraphs (B) and (C) of subsection (a)(2) shall apply to an amended designation upon such publication. Paragraphs (2)(A)(i), (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8) of subsection (a) shall also apply to an amended designation.
(3) ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD- The administrative record shall be corrected to include the amendments as well as any additional relevant information that supports those amendments.
(4) CLASSIFIED INFORMATION- The Secretary may consider classified information in amending a designation in accordance with this subsection. Classified information shall not be subject to disclosure for such time as it remains classified, except that such information may be disclosed to a court ex parte and in camera for purposes of judicial review under subsection (c).
(1) In general.-Not later than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register of a designation, an amended designation, or a determination in response to a petition for revocation, the designated organization may seek judicial review 1d/ in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
(2) Basis of review.-Review under this subsection shall be based solely upon the administrative record, except that the Government may submit, for ex parte and in camera review, classified information used in making the designation, amended designation, or determination in response to a petition for revocation. 1d/
(3) Scope of review.-The Court shall hold unlawful and set aside a designation, 1d/ amended designation, or determination in response to a petition for revocation the court finds to be-
(A) arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law;
(B) contrary to constitutional right, power, privilege, or immunity;
(C) in excess of statutory jurisdiction, authority, or limitation, or short of statutory right;
(D) lacking substantial support in the administrative record taken as a whole or in classified information submitted to the court under paragraph (2), or
(4) Judicial review invoked.-The pendency of an action for judicial review of a designation, amended designation, or determination in response to a petition for revocation 1d/ shall not affect the application of this section, unless the court issues a final order setting aside the designation, amended designation, or determination in response to a petition for
(1) the term "classified information" has the meaning given that term in section 1(a) of the Classified Information Procedures Act (18 U.S.C. App.);
(2) the term "national security" means the national defense, foreign relations, or economic interests of the United States;
(3) the term "relevant committees" means the Committees on the Judiciary, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committees on the Judiciary, Intelligence, and International Relations of the House of Representatives; and
(4) the term "Secretary" means the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General.
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