,,ii #aaeth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #bcfg ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,february #e1 #bjah,mr4 ,coons 7for himself and ,mr4 ,mc,cain7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on the ,judiciary ,a ,,bill ,to provide relief from removal and adjustment of status of certain individuals who are long-term ,united ,states residents and who entered the ,united ,states before reaching the age of #ah1 improve border security1 foster ,united ,states engagement in ,central ,america1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,uniting and ,securing ,america ,act of #bjah or as the ,,usa ,act of #bjah4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,,title ,i--,adjustment of ,status for ,certain ,individuals who ,entered the ,united ,states as ,children ,sec4 #aja4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,permanent resident status on a conditional basis for certain long-term residents who entered the ,united ,states as children4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,terms of permanent resident status on a conditional basis4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,removal of conditional basis of permanent resident status4 ,sec4 #aje4 ,documentation requirements4 ,sec4 #ajf4 ,rulemaking4 ,sec4 #ajg4 ,confidentiality of information4 ,sec4 #ajh4 ,restoration of ,state option to determine residency for purposes of higher education benefits4 ,,title ,,ii--,secure ,miles with ,all ,resources and ,technology ,sec4 #bja4 ,definitions4 ,subtitle ,a--,infrastructure and ,equipment ,sec4 #baa4 ,strengthening the requirements for border security technology along the southern border4 ,sec4 #bab4 ,comprehensive southern border strategy4 ,sec4 #bac4 ,control or eradication of carrizo cane and salt cedar4 ,sec4 #bad4 ,air and ,marine ,operations flight hours4 ,sec4 #bae4 ,ports of entry infrastructure4 ,subtitle ,b--,grants ,sec4 #bba4 ,operation ,stonegarden4 ,sec4 #bbb4 ,southern border region emergency communications grant4 ,,title ,,iii--,reducing ,significant ,delays in ,immigration ,court ,sec4 #cja4 ,eliminate immigration court backlogs4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,improved training for immigration judges and members of the ,board of ,immigration ,appeals4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,new technology to improve court efficiency4 ,,title ,,iv--,advancing ,reforms in ,central ,america to ,address the ,factors ,driving ,migration ,sec4 #dja4 ,definitions4 ,subtitle ,a--,effectively ,coordinating ,united ,states ,engagement in ,central ,america ,sec4 #daa4 ,united ,states ,coordinator for ,engagement in ,central ,america4 ,subtitle ,b--,targeting ,assistance to ,appropriate ,communities in the ,northern ,triangle ,sec4 #dba4 ,targeting assistance to appropriate communities4 ,subtitle ,c--,regional ,millennium ,challenge ,corporation ,compacts ,sec4 #dca4 ,millennium ,challenge ,corporation compacts4 ,subtitle ,d--,united ,states ,leadership for ,engaging ,international ,donors and ,partners ,sec4 #dda4 ,requirement for strategy to secure support of international donors and partners4 ,i ,adjustment of ,status for ,certain ,individuals who ,entered the ,united ,states as ,children #aja4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,in general ,except as otherwise specifically provided1 any term used in this title that is used in the immigration laws shall have the meaning given such term in the immigration laws4 7#b7 ,,daca ,the term ,,daca means deferred action granted to an alien pursuant to the ,deferred ,action for ,childhood ,arrivals program announced by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security through a memorandum issued on ,june #ae1 #bjab4 7#c7 ,disability ,the term disability has the meaning given such term in section #c7a7 of the ,americans with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abajb7a774 7#d7 ,early childhood education program ,the term early childhood education program has the meaning given such term in section #ajc of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjc74 7#e7 ,elementary school2 high school2 secondary school ,the terms elementary school1 high school1 and secondary school have the meanings given such terms in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja74 7#f7 ,immigration laws ,the term immigration laws has the meaning given such term in section #aja7;a77#ag7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7;a77#ag774 7#g7 ,institution of higher education ,the term institution of higher education-- 7,a7 except as provided in subparagraph 7,b71 has the meaning given such term in section #ajb of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjb72 and 7,b7 does not include an institution of higher education outside of the ,united ,states4 7#h7 ,permanent resident status on a conditional basis ,the term permanent resident status on a conditional basis means status as an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence on a conditional basis under this title4 7#i7 ,poverty line ,the term poverty line has the meaning given such term in section #fgc of the ,community ,services ,block ,grant ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #iijb74 7#aj7 ,secretary ,except as otherwise specifically provided1 the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security4 7#aa7 ,uniformed services ,the term ,uniformed ,services has the meaning given the term uniformed services in section #aja7;a7 of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code4 #ajb4 ,permanent resident status on a conditional basis for certain long-term residents who entered the ,united ,states as children 7a7 ,conditional basis for status ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 and except as provided in section #ajd7;c77#b71 an alien shall be considered1 at the time of obtaining the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence under this section1 to have obtained such status on a conditional basis subject to the provisions under this title4 7b7 ,requirements 7#a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,secretary shall cancel the removal of1 and adjust to the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence on a conditional basis1 or without such conditional basis as provided in section #ajd7;c77#b71 an alien who is inadmissible or deportable from the ,united ,states or is in temporary protected status under section #bdd of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abed;a7 if-- 7,a7 the alien has been continuously physically present in the ,united ,states since ,december #ca1 #bjac2 7,b7 the alien was younger than #ah years of age on the date on which the alien initially entered the ,united ,states2 7,c7 subject to paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c71 the alien-- 7i7 is not inadmissible under paragraph 7#b71 7#c71 7#f77;,e71 7#f77;,g71 7#h71 7#aj77;,a71 7#aj77;,c71 or 7#aj77;,d7 of section #bab7;a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aahb7;a772 7ii7 has not ordered1 incited1 assisted1 or otherwise participated in the persecution of any person on account of race1 religion1 nationality1 membership in a particular social group1 or political opinion2 and 7iii7 other than an offense under ,state or local law for which an essential element was the alien's immigration status1 a minor traffic offense1 or a violation of this title1 has not been convicted of-- 7,i7 any offense under ,federal or ,state law punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of more than #a year2 7,,ii7 any combination of offenses under ,federal or ,state law1 for which the alien was sentenced to imprisonment for a total of more than #a year2 or 7,,iii7 a crime of domestic violence 7as such term is defined in section #bcg7;a77#b77;,e77i7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbg7;a77#b77;,e77i7771 unless-- 7aa7 the alien has filed an application under section #aja7;a77#ae77,t71 #aja7;a77#ae77,u71 #ajf1 or #bdj;,a7b77#b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7;a77#ae77,t71 #aaja7;a77#ae77,u71 #aaje;a1 and #abbi;b7b77#b77 or section #bdd7;a77#c7 of such ,act 7as in effect on ,march #ca1 #aiig72 7bb7 the alien is a ,,vawa self-petitioner for immigration relief1 as defined in section #aja7;a77#ea7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act2 7cc7 the alien provides evidence that the alien's crime of domestic violence is related to her or his having been a victim herself or himself of domestic violence1 sexual assault1 stalking1 child abuse or neglect1 elder abuse or neglect1 human trafficking1 having been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty1 having been a victim of criminal activity described in section #aja7;a77#ae77,u77iii7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7;a77#ae77,u77iii772 or 7dd7 the alien is a witness involved in a pending criminal or government agency investigation or prosecution related to the crime of domestic violence2 and 7,d7 the alien-- 7i7 has been admitted to an institution of higher education2 7ii7 has earned a high school diploma or a commensurate alternative award from a public or private high school1 or has obtained a general education development certificate recognized under ,state law or a high school equivalency diploma in the ,united ,states2 or 7iii7 is enrolled in secondary school or in an education program assisting students in-- 7,i7 obtaining a regular high school diploma or its recognized equivalent under ,state law2 or 7,,ii7 in passing a general educational development exam1 a high school equivalence diploma examination1 or other similar ,state-authorized exam4 7#b7 ,waiver ,with respect to any benefit under this title1 the ,secretary may waive subclauses 7,i71 7,,ii71 and 7,,iii7 of subsection 7b77#a77;,c77iii7 and the grounds of inadmissibility under paragraph 7#b71 7#f77;,e71 7#f77;,g71 or 7#aj77;,d7 of section #bab7;a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aahb7;a77 for humanitarian purposes1 family unity1 or if the waiver is otherwise in the public interest4 7#c7 ,treatment of expunged convictions ,for purposes of cancellation of removal1 adjustment to permanent resident status on a conditional basis1 or other adjustment of status1 the term conviction does not include an adjudication or judgment of guilt that has been dismissed1 expunged1 deferred1 annulled1 invalidated1 withheld1 sealed1 vacated1 pardoned1 an order of probation without entry of judgment1 or any similar rehabilitative disposition4 7#d7 ,,daca recipients ,the ,secretary shall cancel the removal of1 and adjust to the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence on a conditional basis1 an alien who was granted ,,daca unless the alien has engaged in conduct since the alien was granted ,,daca that would make the alien ineligible for ,,daca4 7#e7 ,application fee 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall require an alien applying for permanent resident status on a conditional basis under this section to pay a reasonable fee that is commensurate with the cost of processing the application4 7,b7 ,exemption ,an applicant may be exempted from paying the fee required under subparagraph 7,a7 if the alien-- 7i7 7,i7 is younger than #ah years of age2 7,,ii7 received total income1 during the #ab-month period immediately preceding the date on which the alien files an application under this section1 that is less than #aej percent poverty line2 and 7,,iii7 is in foster care or otherwise lacking any parental or other familial support2 7ii7 is younger than #ah years of age and is homeless2 7iii7 7,i7 cannot care for himself or herself because of a serious1 chronic disability2 and 7,,ii7 received total income1 during the #ab-month period immediately preceding the date on which the alien files an application under this section1 that is less than #aej percent of the poverty line2 or 7iv7 7,i7 during the #ab-month period immediately preceding the date on which the alien files an application under this section1 accumulated #aj1jjj or more in debt as a result of unreimbursed medical expenses incurred by the alien or an immediate family member of the alien2 and 7,,ii7 received total income1 during the #ab-month period immediately preceding the date on which the alien files an application under this section1 that is less than #aej percent of the poverty line4 7#f7 ,submission of biometric and biographic data ,the ,secretary may not grant an alien permanent resident status on a conditional basis under this section unless the alien submits biometric and biographic data1 in accordance with procedures established by the ,secretary4 ,the ,secretary shall provide an alternative procedure for aliens who are unable to provide such biometric or biographic data because of a physical impairment4 7#g7 ,background checks 7,a7 ,requirement for background checks ,the ,secretary shall utilize biometric1 biographic1 and other data that the ,secretary determines appropriate-- 7i7 to conduct security and law enforcement background checks of an alien seeking permanent resident status on a conditional basis under this section2 and 7ii7 to determine whether there is any criminal1 national security1 or other factor that would render the alien ineligible for such status4 7,b7 ,completion of background checks ,the security and law enforcement background checks of an alien required under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be completed1 to the satisfaction of the ,secretary1 before the date on which the ,secretary grants such alien permanent resident status on a conditional basis under this section4 7#h7 ,medical examination 7,a7 ,requirement ,an alien applying for permanent resident status on a conditional basis under this section shall undergo a medical examination4 7,b7 ,policies and procedures ,the ,secretary1 with the concurrence of the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 shall prescribe policies and procedures for the nature and timing of the examination required under subparagraph 7,a74 7#i7 ,military selective service ,an alien applying for permanent resident status on a conditional basis under this section shall establish that the alien has registered under the ,military ,selective ,service ,act 7#ej ,u4,s4,c4 #chja et seq471 if the alien is subject to registration under such ,act4 7c7 ,determination of continuous presence 7#a7 ,termination of continuous period ,any period of continuous physical presence in the ,united ,states of an alien who applies for permanent resident status on a conditional basis under this section shall not terminate when the alien is served a notice to appear under section #bci7;a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbi7;a774 7#b7 ,treatment of certain breaks in presence 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c71 an alien shall be considered to have failed to maintain continuous physical presence in the ,united ,states under subsection 7b77#a77;,a7 if the alien has departed from the ,united ,states for any period exceeding #ij days or for any periods1 in the aggregate1 exceeding #ahj days4 7,b7 ,extensions for extenuating circumstances ,the ,secretary may extend the time periods described in subparagraph 7,a7 for an alien who demonstrates that the failure to timely return to the ,united ,states was due to extenuating circumstances beyond the alien's control1 including the serious illness of the alien1 or death or serious illness of a parent1 grandparent1 sibling1 or child of the alien4 7,c7 ,travel authorized by the secretary ,any period of travel outside of the ,united ,states by an alien that was authorized by the ,secretary may not be counted toward any period of departure from the ,united ,states under subparagraph 7,a74 7d7 ,limitation on removal of certain aliens 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary or the ,attorney ,general may not remove an alien who appears prima facie eligible for relief under this section4 7#b7 ,aliens subject to removal ,the ,secretary shall provide an alien with a reasonable opportunity to apply for relief under this section if the alien-- 7,a7 requests such an opportunity or appears prima facie eligible for relief under this section2 and 7,b7 is in removal proceedings1 is the subject of a final removal order1 or is the subject of a voluntary departure order4 7#c7 ,certain aliens enrolled in elementary or secondary school 7,a7 ,stay of removal ,the ,attorney ,general shall stay the removal proceedings of an alien who-- 7i7 meets all the requirements under subparagraphs 7,a71 7,b71 and 7,c7 of subsection 7b77#a71 subject to paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 of such subsection2 7ii7 is at least #e years of age2 and 7iii7 is enrolled in an elementary school1 a secondary school1 or an early childhood education program4 7,b7 ,commencement of removal proceedings ,the ,secretary may not commence removal proceedings for an alien described in subparagraph 7,a74 7,c7 ,employment ,an alien whose removal is stayed pursuant to subparagraph 7,a7 or who may not be placed in removal proceedings pursuant to subparagraph 7,b7 shall1 upon application to the ,secretary1 be granted an employment authorization document4 7,d7 ,lift of stay ,the ,secretary or ,attorney ,general may not lift the stay granted to an alien under subparagraph 7,a7 unless the alien ceases to meet the requirements under such subparagraph4 7e7 ,exemption from numerical limitations ,nothing in this section or in any other law may be construed to apply a numerical limitation on the number of aliens who may be granted permanent resident status1 on a conditional basis or otherwise1 under this title4 #ajc4 ,terms of permanent resident status on a conditional basis 7a7 ,period of status ,permanent resident status on a conditional basis is-- 7#a7 valid for a period of #h years1 unless such period is extended by the ,secretary2 and 7#b7 subject to termination under subsection 7c74 7b7 ,notice of requirements ,at the time an alien obtains permanent resident status on a conditional basis1 the ,secretary shall provide notice to the alien regarding the provisions of this title and the requirements to have the conditional basis of such status removed4 7c7 ,termination of status ,the ,secretary may terminate the permanent resident status on a conditional basis of an alien only if the ,secretary-- 7#a7 determines that the alien ceases to meet the requirements under section #ajb7;b77#a77;,c71 subject to paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 of section #ajb7;b72 and 7#b7 before the termination1 provides the alien with-- 7,a7 notice of the proposed termination2 and 7,b7 the opportunity for a hearing to provide evidence that the alien meets such requirements or otherwise contest the termination4 7d7 ,return to previous immigration status 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 an alien whose permanent resident status on a conditional basis expires under subsection 7a77#a7 or is terminated under subsection 7c7 or whose application for such status is denied shall return to the immigration status that the alien had immediately before receiving permanent resident status on a conditional basis or applying for such status1 as appropriate4 7#b7 ,special rule for temporary protected status ,an alien whose permanent resident status on a conditional basis expires under subsection 7a77#a7 or is terminated under subsection 7c7 or whose application for such status is denied and who had temporary protected status under section #bdd of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abed;a7 immediately before receiving or applying for such permanent resident status on a conditional basis1 as appropriate1 may not return to such temporary protected status if-- 7,a7 the relevant designation under section #bdd7;b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abed;a7b77 has been terminated2 or 7,b7 the ,secretary determines that the reason for terminating the permanent resident status on a conditional basis renders the alien ineligible for such temporary protected status4 #ajd4 ,removal of conditional basis of permanent resident status 7a7 ,eligibility for removal of conditional basis 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary shall remove the conditional basis of an alien's permanent resident status granted under this title and grant the alien status as an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence if the alien-- 7,a7 is described in section #ajb7;b77#a77;,c71 subject to paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 of that section #ajb7;b72 7,b7 has not abandoned the alien's residence in the ,united ,states2 and 7,c7 7i7 has acquired a degree from an institution of higher education or has completed at least #b years1 in good standing1 in a postsecondary vocational program or in a program for a bachelor's degree or higher degree in the ,united ,states2 7ii7 has served in the ,uniformed ,services for at least the period for which the alien was obligated to serve on active duty and1 if discharged1 received an honorable discharge2 or 7iii7 has been employed for periods totaling at least #c years and at least #hj percent of the time that the alien has had a valid employment authorization1 except that any period during which the alien is not employed while having a valid employment authorization and is enrolled in an institution of higher education1 a secondary school1 or an education program described in section #ajb7;b77#a77;,d77iii71 shall not count toward the time requirements under this clause4 7#b7 ,hardship exception ,the ,secretary shall remove the conditional basis of an alien's permanent resident status and grant the alien status as an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence if the alien-- 7,a7 satisfies the requirements under subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 of paragraph 7#a72 7,b7 demonstrates compelling circumstances for the inability to satisfy the requirements under subparagraph 7,c7 of such paragraph2 and 7,c7 demonstrates that-- 7i7 the alien has a disability2 7ii7 the alien is a full-time caregiver of a minor child2 or 7iii7 the removal of the alien from the ,united ,states would result in extreme hardship to the alien or the alien's spouse1 parent1 or child who is a national of the ,united ,states or is lawfully admitted for permanent residence4 7#c7 ,citizenship requirement 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,b71 the conditional basis of an alien's permanent resident status granted under this title may not be removed unless the alien demonstrates that the alien satisfies the requirements under section #cab7;a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #adbc7;a774 7,b7 ,exception ,subparagraph 7,a7 shall not apply to an alien who is unable to meet the requirements under such section #cab7;a7 due to disability4 7#d7 ,application fee 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall require aliens applying for lawful permanent resident status under this section to pay a reasonable fee that is commensurate with the cost of processing the application4 7,b7 ,exemption ,an applicant may be exempted from paying the fee required under subparagraph 7,a7 if the alien-- 7i7 7,i7 is younger than #ah years of age2 7,,ii7 received total income1 during the #ab-month period immediately preceding the date on which the alien files an application under this section1 that is less than #aej percent of the poverty line2 and 7,,iii7 is in foster care or otherwise lacking any parental or other familial support2 7ii7 is younger than #ah years of age and is homeless2 7iii7 7,i7 cannot care for himself or herself because of a serious1 chronic disability2 and 7,,ii7 received total income1 during the #ab-month period immediately preceding the date on which the alien files an application under this section1 that is less than #aej percent of the poverty line2 or 7iv7 7,i7 during the #ab-month period immediately preceding the date on which the alien files an application under this section1 the alien accumulated #aj1jjj or more in debt as a result of unreimbursed medical expenses incurred by the alien or an immediate family member of the alien2 and 7,,ii7 received total income1 during the #ab-month period immediately preceding the date on which the alien files an application under this section1 that is less than #aej percent of the poverty line4 7#e7 ,submission of biometric and biographic data ,the ,secretary may not remove the conditional basis of an alien's permanent resident status unless the alien submits biometric and biographic data1 in accordance with procedures established by the ,secretary4 ,the ,secretary shall provide an alternative procedure for applicants who are unable to provide such biometric data because of a physical impairment4 7#f7 ,background checks 7,a7 ,requirement for background checks ,the ,secretary shall utilize biometric1 biographic1 and other data that the ,secretary determines appropriate-- 7i7 to conduct security and law enforcement background checks of an alien applying for removal of the conditional basis of the alien's permanent resident status2 and 7ii7 to determine whether there is any criminal1 national security1 or other factor that would render the alien ineligible for removal of such conditional basis4 7,b7 ,completion of background checks ,the security and law enforcement background checks of an alien required under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be completed1 to the satisfaction of the ,secretary1 before the date on which the ,secretary removes the conditional basis of the alien's permanent resident status4 7b7 ,treatment for purposes of naturalization 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of title ,,iii of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #adja et seq471 an alien granted permanent resident status on a conditional basis shall be considered to have been admitted to the ,united ,states1 and be present in the ,united ,states1 as an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence4 7#b7 ,limitation on application for naturalization ,an alien may not apply for naturalization while the alien is in permanent resident status on a conditional basis4 7c7 ,timing of approval of lawful permanent residence status 7#a7 ,in general ,an alien granted lawful permanent residence on a conditional basis under this title may apply to have such conditional basis removed at any time after such alien has met the eligibility requirements set forth in subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,approval with regard to initial applications ,the ,secretary shall provide lawful permanent residence status without conditional basis to any alien who demonstrates eligibility for lawful permanent residence status on a conditional basis under section #ajb1 if such alien has already fulfilled the requirements of subsection 7a7 at the time such alien first submits an application for benefits under this title4 #aje4 ,documentation requirements 7a7 ,documents establishing identity ,an alien's application for permanent resident status on a conditional basis may include1 as proof of identity-- 7#a7 a passport or national identity document from the alien's country of origin that includes the alien's name and the alien's photograph or fingerprint2 7#b7 the alien's birth certificate and an identity card that includes the alien's name and photograph2 7#c7 a school identification card that includes the alien's name and photograph1 and school records showing the alien's name and that the alien is or was enrolled at the school2 7#d7 a ,uniformed ,services identification card issued by the ,department of ,defense2 7#e7 any immigration or other document issued by the ,united ,states ,government bearing the alien's name and photograph2 or 7#f7 a ,state-issued identification card bearing the alien's name and photograph4 7b7 ,documents establishing continuous physical presence in the ,united ,states ,to establish that an alien has been continuously physically present in the ,united ,states1 as required under section #ajb7;b77#a77;,a71 or to establish that an alien has not abandoned residence in the ,united ,states1 as required under section #ajd7;a77#a77;,b71 the alien may submit documents to the ,secretary1 including-- 7#a7 employment records that include the employer's name and contact information2 7#b7 records from any educational institution the alien has attended in the ,united ,states2 7#c7 records of service from the ,uniformed ,services2 7#d7 official records from a religious entity confirming the alien's participation in a religious ceremony2 7#e7 passport entries2 7#f7 a birth certificate for a child who was born in the ,united ,states2 7#g7 automobile license receipts or registration2 7#h7 deeds1 mortgages1 or rental agreement contracts2 7#i7 tax receipts2 7#aj7 insurance policies2 7#aa7 remittance records2 7#ab7 rent receipts or utility bills bearing the alien's name or the name of an immediate family member of the alien1 and the alien's address2 7#ac7 copies of money order receipts for money sent in or out of the ,united ,states2 7#ad7 dated bank transactions2 or 7#ae7 #b or more sworn affidavits from individuals who are not related to the alien who have direct knowledge of the alien's continuous physical presence in the ,united ,states1 that contain-- 7,a7 the name1 address1 and telephone number of the affiant2 and 7,b7 the nature and duration of the relationship between the affiant and the alien4 7c7 ,documents establishing initial entry into the ,united ,states ,to establish under section #ajb7;b77#a77;,b7 that an alien was younger than #ah years of age on the date on which the alien initially entered the ,united ,states1 an alien may submit documents to the ,secretary1 including-- 7#a7 an admission stamp on the alien's passport2 7#b7 records from any educational institution the alien has attended in the ,united ,states2 7#c7 any document from the ,department of ,justice or the ,department of ,homeland ,security stating the alien's date of entry into the ,united ,states2 7#d7 hospital or medical records showing medical treatment or hospitalization1 the name of the medical facility or physician1 and the date of the treatment or hospitalization2 7#e7 rent receipts or utility bills bearing the alien's name or the name of an immediate family member of the alien1 and the alien's address2 7#f7 employment records that include the employer's name and contact information2 7#g7 official records from a religious entity confirming the alien's participation in a religious ceremony2 7#h7 a birth certificate for a child who was born in the ,united ,states2 7#i7 automobile license receipts or registration2 7#aj7 deeds1 mortgages1 or rental agreement contracts2 7#aa7 tax receipts2 7#ab7 travel records2 7#ac7 copies of money order receipts sent in or out of the country2 7#ad7 dated bank transactions2 7#ae7 remittance records2 or 7#af7 insurance policies4 7d7 ,documents establishing admission to an institution of higher education ,to establish that an alien has been admitted to an institution of higher education1 the alien shall submit to the ,secretary a document from the institution of higher education certifying that the alien-- 7#a7 has been admitted to the institution2 or 7#b7 is currently enrolled in the institution as a student4 7e7 ,documents establishing receipt of a degree from an institution of higher education ,to establish that an alien has acquired a degree from an institution of higher education in the ,united ,states1 the alien shall submit to the ,secretary a diploma or other document from the institution stating that the alien has received such a degree4 7f7 ,documents establishing receipt of high school diploma1 general educational development certificate1 or a recognized equivalent ,to establish that an alien has earned a high school diploma or a commensurate alternative award from a public or private high school1 or has obtained a general educational development certificate recognized under ,state law or a high school equivalency diploma in the ,united ,states1 the alien shall submit to the ,secretary-- 7#a7 a high school diploma1 certificate of completion1 or other alternate award2 7#b7 a high school equivalency diploma or certificate recognized under ,state law2 or 7#c7 evidence that the alien passed a ,state-authorized exam1 including the general educational development exam1 in the ,united ,states4 7g7 ,documents establishing enrollment in an educational program ,to establish that an alien is enrolled in any school or education program described in section #ajb7;b77#a77;,d77iii71 #ajb7;d77#c77;,a77iii71 or #ajd7;a77#a77;,c71 the alien shall submit school records from the ,united ,states school that the alien is currently attending that include-- 7#a7 the name of the school2 and 7#b7 the alien's name1 periods of attendance1 and current grade or educational level4 7h7 ,documents establishing exemption from application fees ,to establish that an alien is exempt from an application fee under section #ajb7;b77#e77;,b7 or #ajd7;a77#d77;,b71 the alien shall submit to the ,secretary the following relevant documents3 7#a7 ,documents to establish age ,to establish that an alien meets an age requirement1 the alien shall provide proof of identity1 as described in subsection 7a71 that establishes that the alien is younger than #ah years of age4 7#b7 ,documents to establish income ,to establish the alien's income1 the alien shall provide-- 7,a7 employment records that have been maintained by the ,social ,security ,administration1 the ,internal ,revenue ,service1 or any other ,federal1 ,state1 or local government agency2 7,b7 bank records2 or 7,c7 at least #b sworn affidavits from individuals who are not related to the alien and who have direct knowledge of the alien's work and income that contain-- 7i7 the name1 address1 and telephone number of the affiant2 and 7ii7 the nature and duration of the relationship between the affiant and the alien4 7#c7 ,documents to establish foster care1 lack of familial support1 homelessness1 or serious1 chronic disability ,to establish that the alien was in foster care1 lacks parental or familial support1 is homeless1 or has a serious1 chronic disability1 the alien shall provide at least #b sworn affidavits from individuals who are not related to the alien and who have direct knowledge of the circumstances that contain-- 7,a7 a statement that the alien is in foster care1 otherwise lacks any parental or other familiar support1 is homeless1 or has a serious1 chronic disability1 as appropriate2 7,b7 the name1 address1 and telephone number of the affiant2 and 7,c7 the nature and duration of the relationship between the affiant and the alien4 7#d7 ,documents to establish unpaid medical expense ,to establish that the alien has debt as a result of unreimbursed medical expenses1 the alien shall provide receipts or other documentation from a medical provider that-- 7,a7 bear the provider's name and address2 7,b7 bear the name of the individual receiving treatment2 and 7,c7 document that the alien has accumulated #aj1jjj or more in debt in the past #ab months as a result of unreimbursed medical expenses incurred by the alien or an immediate family member of the alien4 7i7 ,documents establishing qualification for hardship exemption ,to establish that an alien satisfies one of the criteria for the hardship exemption set forth in section #ajd7;a77#b77;,a77iii71 the alien shall submit to the ,secretary at least #b sworn affidavits from individuals who are not related to the alien and who have direct knowledge of the circumstances that warrant the exemption1 that contain-- 7#a7 the name1 address1 and telephone number of the affiant2 and 7#b7 the nature and duration of the relationship between the affiant and the alien4 7j7 ,documents establishing service in the ,uniformed ,services ,to establish that an alien has served in the ,uniformed ,services for at least the period for which the alien was obligated to serve on active duty and1 if discharged1 received an honorable discharge1 the alien shall submit to the ,secretary-- 7#a7 a ,department of ,defense form ,,dd-#bad2 7#b7 a ,national ,guard ,report of ,separation and ,record of ,service form #bb2 7#c7 personnel records for such service from the appropriate ,uniformed ,service2 or 7#d7 health records from the appropriate ,uniformed ,service4 7k7 ,documents establishing employment 7#a7 ,in general ,an alien may satisfy the employment requirement under section #ajd7;a77#a77;,c77iii7 by submitting records that-- 7,a7 establish compliance with such employment requirement2 and 7,b7 have been maintained by the ,social ,security ,administration1 the ,internal ,revenue ,service1 or any other ,federal1 ,state1 or local government agency4 7#b7 ,other documents ,an alien who is unable to submit the records described in paragraph 7#a7 may satisfy the employment requirement by submitting at least #b types of reliable documents that provide evidence of employment1 including-- 7,a7 bank records2 7,b7 business records2 7,c7 employer records2 7,d7 records of a labor union1 day labor center1 or organization that assists workers in employment2 7,e7 sworn affidavits from individuals who are not related to the alien and who have direct knowledge of the alien's work1 that contain-- 7i7 the name1 address1 and telephone number of the affiant2 and 7ii7 the nature and duration of the relationship between the affiant and the alien2 and 7,f7 remittance records4 7l7 ,authority ,to prohibit use of certain documents ,if the ,secretary determines1 after publication in the ,federal ,register and an opportunity for public comment1 that any document or class of documents does not reliably establish identity or that permanent resident status on a conditional basis is being obtained fraudulently to an unacceptable degree1 the ,secretary may prohibit or restrict the use of such document or class of documents4 #ajf4 ,rulemaking 7a7 ,initial ,publication ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall publish regulations implementing this title in the ,federal ,register4 ,such regulations shall allow eligible individuals to immediately apply affirmatively for the relief available under section #ajb without being placed in removal proceedings4 7b7 ,interim ,regulations ,notwithstanding section #eec of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 the regulations published pursuant to subsection 7a7 shall be effective1 on an interim basis1 immediately upon publication in the ,federal ,register1 but may be subject to change and revision after public notice and opportunity for a period of public comment4 7c7 ,final ,regulations ,not later than #ahj days after the date on which interim regulations are published under this section1 the ,secretary shall publish final regulations implementing this title4 7d7 ,paperwork ,reduction ,act ,the requirements under chapter #ce of title #dd1 ,united ,states ,code 7commonly known as the ,paperwork ,reduction ,act71 shall not apply to any action to implement this title4 #ajg4 ,confidentiality of information 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may not disclose or use information provided in applications filed under this title or in requests for ,,daca for the purpose of immigration enforcement4 7b7 ,referrals prohibited ,the ,secretary may not refer any individual who has been granted permanent resident status on a conditional basis or who was granted ,,daca to ,u4,s4 ,immigration and ,customs ,enforcement1 ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection1 or any designee of either such entity4 7c7 ,limited exception ,notwithstanding subsections 7a7 and 7b71 information provided in an application for permanent resident status on a conditional basis or a request for ,,daca may be shared with ,federal security and law enforcement agencies-- 7#a7 for assistance in the consideration of an application for permanent resident status on a conditional basis2 7#b7 to identify or prevent fraudulent claims2 7#c7 for national security purposes2 or 7#d7 for the investigation or prosecution of any felony not related to immigration status4 7d7 ,penalty ,any person who knowingly uses1 publishes1 or permits information to be examined in violation of this section shall be fined not more than #aj1jjj4 #ajh4 ,restoration of ,state option to determine residency for purposes of higher education benefits 7a7 ,in ,general ,section #eje of the ,illegal ,immigration ,reform and ,immigrant ,responsibility ,act of #aiif 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #afbc7 is repealed4 7b7 ,effective date ,the repeal under subsection 7a7 shall take effect as if included in the original enactment of the ,illegal ,immigration ,reform and ,immigrant ,responsibility ,act of #aiif 7division ,c of ,public ,law #ajd-bjh2 #aaj ,stat4 #cjji-edf74 ,,ii ,secure ,miles with ,all ,resources and ,technology #bja4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,operational control ,the term operational control has the meaning given such term in section #b7;b7 of the ,secure ,fence ,act of #bjjf 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #agja note2 ,public ,law #aji-cfg74 7#b7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security4 7#c7 ,situational awareness ,the term situational awareness has the meaning given the term in section #ajib7;a77#g7 of the ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjag 7,public ,law #aad-cbh74 7#d7 ,southern border ,the term southern border means the international border between the ,united ,states and ,mexico4 ,a ,infrastructure and ,equipment #baa4 ,strengthening the requirements for border security technology along the southern border ,section #ajb of the ,illegal ,immigration ,reform and ,immigrant ,responsibility ,act of #aiif 7,division ,c of ,public ,law #ajd-bjh2 #h ,u4,s4,c4 #aajc note7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 by inserting and border technology before in the vicinity of2 and 7,b7 by striking illegal crossings in areas of high illegal entry into the ,united ,sates and inserting 1 impede1 and detect illegal activity in high traffic areas2 7#b7 in subsection 7c77#a71 by inserting and1 pursuant to subsection 7d71 the installation1 operation1 and maintenance of technology after barriers and roads2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7d7 ,installation1 operation1 and maintenance of technology ,not later than ,january #bj1 #bjba1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 in carrying out subsection 7a71 shall deploy the most practical and effective technology available along the ,united ,states border for achieving situational awareness and operational control of the border4 7e7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,high traffic areas ,the term high traffic areas means sectors along the northern1 southern1 or coastal border that-- 7,a7 are within the responsibility of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection2 and 7,b7 have significant unlawful cross-border activity4 7#b7 ,operational control ,the term operational control has the meaning given such term in section #b7;b7 of the ,secure ,fence ,act of #bjjf 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #agja note2 ,public ,law #aji-cfg74 7#c7 ,situational awareness defined ,the term situational awareness has the meaning given such term in section #ajib7;a77#g7 of the ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjag 7,public ,law #aad-cbh74 7#d7 ,technology ,the term technology includes border surveillance and detection technology1 including-- 7,a7 radar surveillance systems2 7,b7 ,vehicle and ,dismount ,exploitation ,radars 7,,vader72 7,c7 #c-;dimensional1 seismic acoustic detection and ranging border tunneling detection technology2 7,d7 sensors2 7,e7 unmanned cameras2 7,f7 man-portable and mobile vehicle-mounted unmanned aerial vehicles2 and 7,g7 any other devices1 tools1 or systems found to be more effective or advanced than those specified in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,f74 4 #bab4 ,comprehensive southern border strategy 7a7 ,requirement ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit a comprehensive southern border strategy to the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives4 7b7 ,contents ,the strategy submitted under subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 a list of known physical barriers1 levees1 technologies1 tools1 and other devices that can be used to achieve and maintain situational awareness and operational control along the southern border2 7#b7 a projected per mile cost estimate for each physical barrier1 levee1 technology1 tool1 and other device included on the list required under paragraph 7#a72 7#c7 a detailed account of which type of physical barrier1 levee1 technology1 tool1 or other device the ,secretary believes is necessary to achieve and maintain situational awareness and operational control for each linear mile of the southern border2 7#d7 an explanation for why such physical barrier1 levee1 technology1 tool1 or other device was chosen to achieve and maintain situational awareness and operational control for each linear mile of the southern border1 including-- 7,a7 the methodology used to determine which type of physical barrier1 levee1 technology1 tool1 or other device was chosen for such linear mile2 7,b7 an examination of existing manmade and natural barriers for each linear mile of the southern border2 7,c7 the information collected and evaluated from-- 7i7 the appropriate ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection ,sector ,chief2 7ii7 the ,joint ,task ,force ,commander2 7iii7 the appropriate ,state ,governor2 7iv7 tribal government officials2 7v7 border county and city elected officials2 7vi7 local law enforcement officials2 7vii7 private property owners2 7viii7 local community groups1 including human rights organizations2 and 7ix7 other affected stakeholders2 and 7,d7 a privacy evaluation conducted by the ,privacy ,officer of the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 in accordance with the responsibilities and authorities under section #bbb of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #adb71 for each such physical barrier1 levee1 technology1 tool1 or other device2 7#e7 a per mile cost calculation for each linear mile of the southern border given the type of physical barrier1 levee1 technology1 tool1 or other device chosen to achieve and maintain situational awareness and operational control for each linear mile2 and 7#f7 a cost justification for each time a more expensive physical barrier1 levee1 technology1 tool1 or other device is chosen over a less expensive option1 as established by the per mile cost estimates required in paragraph 7#b74 #bac4 ,control or eradication of carrizo cane and salt cedar ,not later than ,january #bj1 #bjai1 the ,secretary1 after coordinating with the heads of relevant ,federal1 ,state1 and local agencies1 shall begin controlling or eradicating1 as appropriate1 the carrizo cane plant and any salt cedar along the ,rio ,grande ,river and the ,lower ,colorado ,river4 #bad4 ,air and ,marine ,operations flight hours 7a7 ,increased flight hours ,the ,secretary shall ensure that not fewer than #ie1jjj annual flight hours are executed by ,air and ,marine ,operations of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection1 with adequate accountability and oversight1 including strong privacy protections4 7b7 ,unmanned aerial system ,the ,secretary shall ensure that ,air and ,marine ,operations operate unmanned aerial systems for not less than #bd hours per day for not fewer than #e days per week4 7c7 ,study and report 7#a7 ,study ,not later than #fj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall commence a comprehensive study-- 7,a7 to identify deficiencies and opportunities for improvement in the capability of ,air and ,marine ,operations to fulfill air and marine support requirements for the ,u4,s4 ,border ,patrol and other components of the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 including support in critical source and transit zones2 7,b7 to assess whether such requirements could better be fulfilled through the realignment of ,air and ,marine ,operations as a directorate of the ,u4,s4 ,border ,patrol2 and 7,c7 to identify deficiencies and opportunities for improvement in the capabilities of the ,u4,s4 ,border ,patrol and other departmental components to develop rigorous estimates of such requirements4 7#b7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit a report to the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives that contains the results of the study required under paragraph 7#a71 including recommendations and timeframes for implementing the recommendations contained in such study4 #bae4 ,ports of entry infrastructure 7a7 ,additional ports of entry 7#a7 ,authority ,the ,secretary may construct new ports of entry along the northern border and the southern border and determine the location of any such new ports of entry4 7#b7 ,consultation 7,a7 ,requirement to consult ,the ,secretary shall consult with the ,secretary of the ,interior1 the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 the ,administrator of ,general ,services1 and appropriate representatives of ,state and local governments1 tribal governments1 community groups1 and property owners in the ,united ,states prior to selecting a location for any new port constructed pursuant to paragraph 7#a74 7,b7 ,considerations ,the purpose of the consultations required by subparagraph 7,a7 shall be to minimize any negative impacts of any proposed new port on the environment1 culture1 commerce1 and quality of life of the communities and residents located near such new port4 7b7 ,expansion and modernization of high-,volume southern border ports of entry ,not later than ,september #cj1 #bjah1 the ,secretary shall submit a plan to the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives for expanding the primary and secondary inspection lanes for vehicle1 cargo1 and pedestrian inbound and outbound inspection lanes at the top ten high-volume ports of entry on the southern border1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7c7 ,estimates of inspection processing goals and wait-,time standards ,the plan required under subsection 7b7 shall be based on estimates by the ,secretary of the number of such inspection lanes required to meet inspection processing goals and wait-time standards established by the ,secretary4 7d7 ,port of entry prioritization ,the ,secretary shall complete the expansion and modernization of ports of entry pursuant to subsection 7b71 to the extent practicable1 before constructing any new ports of entry pursuant to subsection 7a74 ,b ,grants #bba4 ,operation ,stonegarden 7a7 ,in general ,subtitle ,a of title ,,xx of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #fja et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bjji4 ,operation ,stonegarden 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established in the ,department a program1 which shall be known as ,operation ,stonegarden1 under which the ,secretary1 acting through the ,administrator1 shall make grants to eligible law enforcement agencies1 through the ,state administrative agency1 to enhance border security in accordance with this section4 7b7 ,eligible recipients ,to be eligible to receive a grant under this section1 a law enforcement agency-- 7#a7 shall be located in-- 7,a7 a ,state bordering ,canada or ,mexico2 or 7,b7 a ,state or territory with a maritime border2 and 7#b7 shall be involved in an active1 ongoing1 ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection operation coordinated through a sector or field office4 7c7 ,permitted uses ,the recipient of a grant under this section may use such grant for-- 7#a7 equipment1 including maintenance and sustainment costs2 7#b7 any cost or activity permitted for ,operation ,stonegarden under the ,department of ,homeland ,security's ,fiscal ,year #bjag ,homeland ,security ,grant ,program ,notice of ,funding ,opportunity2 and 7#c7 any other appropriate border security activity1 as determined by the ,administrator1 in consultation with the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection4 7d7 ,period of performance ,the ,secretary shall award grants under this section to grant recipients for a period of not less than #c years4 7e7 ,report ,the ,administrator shall submit an annual report1 for each of the fiscal years #bjah through #bjbb1 to the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives that contains information on the expenditure of grants made under this section by each grant recipient4 7f7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated #aaj1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjah through #bjbb for grants under this section4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #bjjb7;a7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #fjc7 is amended to read as follows3 7a7 ,grants authorized ,the ,secretary1 through the ,administrator1 may award grants under sections #bjjc1 #bjjd1 and #bjji to ,state1 local1 and tribal governments1 as appropriate4 4 7c7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents in section #a7;b7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #bjjh the following3 ,sec4 #bjji4 ,operation ,stonegarden4 4 #bbb4 ,southern border region emergency communications grant 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,governors of the ,states that are adjacent to the southern border1 shall establish a #b-year grant program to improve emergency communications in the southern border region4 7b7 ,eligibility for grants ,an individual is eligible for a grant under this section if the individual-- 7#a7 regularly resides or works in a ,state that is adjacent to the southern border2 and 7#b7 is at greater risk of border violence due to a lack of cellular and ,,lte network service at the individual's residence or business and the individual's proximity to the southern border4 7c7 ,use of grants ,grants awarded under this section may be used to purchase satellite telephone communications systems and services that-- 7#a7 can provide access to #i-a-a service2 and 7#b7 are equipped with receivers for the ,global ,positioning ,system4 ,,iii ,reducing ,significant ,delays in ,immigration ,court #cja4 ,eliminate immigration court backlogs 7a7 ,annual increases in immigration judges ,the ,attorney ,general of the ,united ,states shall increase the total number of immigration judges to adjudicate pending cases and efficiently process future cases by not fewer than-- 7#a7 #ee judges during fiscal year #bjah2 7#b7 an additional #ee judges during fiscal year #bjai2 and 7#c7 an additional #ee judges during fiscal year #bjbj4 7b7 ,qualifications of ,immigration ,judges ,the ,attorney ,general shall ensure that all newly hired immigration judges-- 7#a7 are highly qualified and trained to conduct fair1 impartial hearings consistent with due process2 and 7#b7 represent a diverse pool of individuals that includes a balance of individuals with nongovernmental1 private bar1 or academic experience in addition to government experience4 7c7 ,necessary support staff for immigration judges ,to address the shortage of support staff for immigration judges1 the ,attorney ,general shall ensure that each immigration judge has sufficient support staff1 adequate technological and security resources1 and appropriate courtroom facilities4 7d7 ,annual increases in ,board of ,immigration ,appeals personnel ,the ,attorney ,general shall increase the number of ,board of ,immigration ,appeals staff attorneys 7including necessary additional support staff7 to efficiently process cases by at least-- 7#a7 #bc attorneys during fiscal year #bjah2 7#b7 an additional #bc attorneys during fiscal year #bjai2 and 7#c7 an additional #bc attorneys during fiscal year #bjbj4 7e7 ,,gao report ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall-- 7#a7 conduct a study of the hurdles to efficient hiring of immigration court judges within the ,department of ,justice2 and 7#b7 propose solutions to ,congress for improving the efficiency of the hiring process4 #cjb4 ,improved training for immigration judges and members of the ,board of ,immigration ,appeals 7a7 ,in general ,to ensure efficient and fair proceedings1 the ,director of the ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review shall facilitate robust training programs for immigration judges and members of the ,board of ,immigration ,appeals4 7b7 ,mandatory training ,training facilitated under subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 an expansion of the training program for new immigration judges and ,board members2 7#b7 continuing education regarding current developments in immigration law through regularly available training resources and an annual conference2 7#c7 methods to ensure that immigration judges are trained on properly crafting and dictating decisions and standards of review1 including improved on-bench reference materials and decision templates2 7#d7 specialized training to handle cases involving other vulnerable populations including survivors of domestic violence1 sexual assault1 or trafficking and individuals with mental disabilities in partnership with the ,national ,council of ,juvenile and ,family ,court ,judges2 and 7#e7 specialized training in child interviewing1 child psychology1 and child trauma in partnership with the ,national ,council of ,juvenile and ,family ,court ,judges for ,immigration ,judges4 #cjc4 ,new technology to improve court efficiency ,the ,director of the ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review shall modernize its case management and related electronic systems1 including allowing for electronic filing1 to improve efficiency in the processing of immigration proceedings4 ,,iv ,advancing ,reforms in ,central ,america to ,address the ,factors ,driving ,migration #dja4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,northern ,triangle ,the term ,northern ,triangle means the countries of ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras4 7#b7 ,plan ,the term ,plan means the ,plan of the ,alliance for ,prosperity in the ,northern ,triangle1 developed by the ,governments of ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras1 with the technical assistance of the ,inter-,american ,development ,bank1 and representing a comprehensive approach to address the complex situation in the ,northern ,triangle4 ,a ,effectively ,coordinating ,united ,states ,engagement in ,central ,america #daa4 ,united ,states ,coordinator for ,engagement in ,central ,america 7a7 ,designation ,not later than #cj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,president shall designate a senior official 7referred to in this section as the ,coordinator7-- 7#a7 to coordinate the efforts of the ,federal ,government under this title2 and 7#b7 to coordinate the efforts of international partners-- 7,a7 to strengthen citizen security1 the rule of law1 and economic prosperity in ,central ,america2 and 7,b7 to protect vulnerable populations in the region4 7b7 ,supervision ,the ,coordinator shall report directly to the ,president4 7c7 ,duties ,the ,coordinator shall coordinate the efforts1 activities1 and programs related to ,united ,states engagement in ,central ,america under this title1 including-- 7#a7 coordinating with the ,department of ,state1 the ,department of ,justice 7including the ,federal ,bureau of ,investigation71 the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 the intelligence community1 and international partners regarding ,united ,states efforts to confront armed criminal gangs1 illicit trafficking networks1 and organized crime responsible for high levels of violence1 extortion1 and corruption in ,central ,america2 7#b7 coordinating with the ,department of ,state1 the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 and international partners regarding ,united ,states efforts to prevent and mitigate the effects of violent criminal gangs and transnational criminal organizations on vulnerable ,central ,american populations1 including women and children2 7#c7 coordinating with the ,department of ,state1 the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 and international partners regarding ,united ,states efforts to counter human smugglers illegally transporting ,central ,american migrants to the ,united ,states2 7#d7 coordinating with the ,department of ,state1 the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 and international partners1 including the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,refugees1 to increase protections for vulnerable ,central ,american populations1 improve refugee processing1 and strengthen asylum systems throughout the region2 7#e7 coordinating with the ,department of ,state1 the ,department of ,defense1 the ,department of ,justice 7including the ,drug ,enforcement ,administration71 the ,department of the ,treasury1 the intelligence community1 and international partners regarding ,united ,states efforts to combat illicit narcotics traffickers1 interdict transshipments of illicit narcotics1 and disrupt the financing of the illicit narcotics trade2 7#f7 coordinating with the ,department of ,state1 the ,department of the ,treasury1 the ,department of ,justice1 the intelligence community1 the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 and international partners regarding ,united ,states efforts to combat corruption1 money laundering1 and illicit financial networks2 7#g7 coordinating with the ,department of ,state1 the ,department of ,justice1 the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 and international partners regarding ,united ,states efforts to strengthen the rule of law1 democratic governance1 and human rights protections2 and 7#h7 coordinating with the ,department of ,state1 the ,department of ,agriculture1 the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the ,overseas ,private ,investment ,corporation1 the ,united ,states ,trade and ,development ,agency1 the ,department of ,labor1 and international partners1 including the ,inter-,american ,development ,bank1 to strengthen the foundation for inclusive economic growth and improve food security1 investment climate1 and protections for labor rights4 7d7 ,consultation ,the ,coordinator shall consult with ,congress1 multilateral organizations and institutions1 foreign governments1 and domestic and international civil society organizations in carrying out this section4 ,b ,targeting ,assistance to ,appropriate ,communities in the ,northern ,triangle #dba4 ,targeting assistance to appropriate communities ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act and annually thereafter for each of the #e succeeding years1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit a report to the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives that contains-- 7#a7 raw data on the number of children migrating to the ,united ,states from each community or geographic area in the ,northern ,triangle2 7#b7 an assessment of whether ,united ,states foreign assistance to the ,northern ,triangle is effectively reaching the communities and geographic areas from which children are migrating2 and 7#c7 an assessment of the extent to which the ,department of ,state and the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development are adjusting programming in the ,northern ,triangle as migration patterns shift4 ,c ,regional ,millennium ,challenge ,corporation ,compacts #dca4 ,millennium ,challenge ,corporation compacts 7a7 ,concurrent compacts ,section #fji of the ,millennium ,challenge ,act of #bjjc 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #ggjh7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a71 by adding at the end the following3 ,the ,board may enter into a ,compact with more than #a eligible country in a region if the ,board determines that a regional development strategy would further regional development objectives42 7#b7 in subsection 7k7-- 7,a7 by striking the first sentence2 and 7,b7 by striking the existing and inserting an existing2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7l7 ,concurrent compacts ,in accordance with the requirements under this ,act1 an eligible country and the ,united ,states may enter into and have in effect more than #a ,compact at any given time1 including a concurrent ,compact for purposes of regional economic integration or cross-border collaborations1 only if the ,board determines that such country is making considerable and demonstrable progress in implementing the terms of the existing ,compact and any supplementary agreements to such ,compact4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendments ,the ,millennium ,challenge ,act of #bjjc 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #ggja et seq42 title ,,vi of ,public ,law #ajh-aii7 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #fji7;b7 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #ggjh7;b77-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7i7 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a71 by striking the national development strategy of the eligible country and inserting the national or regional development strategy of the country or countries2 and 7ii7 in subparagraphs 7,a71 7,b71 7,e71 and 7,j71 by inserting or countries after country each place such term appears2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#c7-- 7i7 by inserting or regional development strategy after national development strategy2 and 7ii7 by inserting or governments of the countries in the case of regional investments after government of the country2 and 7#b7 in section #fac7;b77#b77;,a7 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #ggab7;b77#b77;,a77 by striking the ,compact and inserting any ,compact4 ,d ,united ,states ,leadership for ,engaging ,international ,donors and ,partners #dda4 ,requirement for strategy to secure support of international donors and partners 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit a #c-year strategy to the appropriate congressional committees that-- 7#a7 describes how the ,united ,states will secure support from international donors and regional partners 7including ,colombia and ,mexico7 for the implementation of the ,plan2 7#b7 identifies governments that are willing to provide financial and technical assistance for the implementation of the ,plan and a description of such assistance2 and 7#c7 identifies the financial and technical assistance to be provided by multilateral institutions1 including the ,inter-,american ,development ,bank1 the ,world ,bank1 the ,international ,monetary ,fund1 the ,andean ,development ,corporation-,development ,bank of ,latin ,america1 and the ,organization of ,american ,states1 and a description of such assistance4 7b7 ,diplomatic engagement and coordination ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 as appropriate1 shall-- 7#a7 carry out diplomatic engagement to secure contributions of financial and technical assistance from international donors and partners in support of the ,plan2 and 7#b7 take all necessary steps to ensure effective cooperation among international donors and partners supporting the ,plan4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #a year after submitting the strategy required under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that describes-- 7#a7 the progress made in implementing the strategy2 and 7#b7 the financial and technical assistance provided by international donors and partners1 including the multilateral institutions specified in subsection 7a77#c74 7d7 ,briefings ,upon a request from any of the appropriate congressional committees1 the ,secretary of ,state shall provide a briefing to such committee that describes the progress made in implementing the strategy required under subsection 7a74 7e7 ,defined term ,in this section1 the term appropriate congressional committees means-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 7#b7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate2 7#c7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7#d7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives4