,i #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #cebd ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,june #bg1 #bjai ,ms4 ,lofgren 7for herself1 ,mr4 ,cohen1 ,mr4 ,correa1 ,mr4 ,cox of ,california1 ,ms4 ,dean1 ,mr4 ,de,saulnier1 ,ms4 ,escobar1 ,ms4 ,eshoo1 ,mr4 ,espaillat1 ,mr4 ,garamendi1 ,ms4 ,garcia of ,texas1 ,mr4 ,horsford1 ,ms4 ,jayapal1 ,mr4 ,johnson of ,georgia1 ,mr4 ,kennedy1 ,mr4 ,khanna1 ,mr4 ,mc,govern1 ,ms4 ,meng1 ,mr4 ,nadler1 ,ms4 ,norton1 ,mr4 ,raskin1 ,ms4 ,roybal-,allard1 ,ms4 ,scanlon1 ,mr4 ,smith of ,washington1 ,mr4 ,tonko1 ,mr4 ,welch1 ,mr4 ,peters1 and ,ms4 ,judy ,chu of ,california7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs1 and in addition to the ,committees on the ,judiciary1 ,education and ,labor1 ,armed ,services1 ,intelligence 7,permanent ,select71 ,financial ,services1 ,homeland ,security1 ,ways and ,means1 and ,agriculture1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to support the people of ,central ,america and strengthen ,united ,states national security by addressing the root causes of migration from ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala and ,honduras1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,northern ,triangle and ,border ,stabilization ,act4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,title ,i--,addressing the ,root ,causes of ,migration and ,promoting ,rule of ,law1 ,security1 and ,economic ,development in ,central ,america ,sec4 #aja4 ,united ,states strategy for engagement in ,central ,america4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,united ,states coordinator on the strategy for engagement in ,central ,america4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,requirement for strategy to secure support of international donors and partners4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,strengthening the rule of law and combating corruption4 ,sec4 #aje4 ,combating criminal violence and improving citizen security4 ,sec4 #ajf4 ,combating sexual1 gender-based1 and domestic violence4 ,sec4 #ajg4 ,tackling extreme poverty and advancing economic development4 ,sec4 #ajh4 ,conditions1 limitations1 and certifications on ,united ,states assistance4 ,sec4 #aji4 ,limitations on funding4 ,title ,,ii--,,addressing ,,migration ,,needs ,,by ,,strengthening ,,regional ,,humanitarian ,,responses ,,for ,,refugees ,,and ,,asylum ,,seekers ,,in ,,the ,,western ,,hemisphere ,sec4 #bja4 ,expanding refugee and asylum processing in the western hemisphere4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,further strengthening regional humanitarian responses in the western hemisphere4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,information campaign on dangers of irregular migration4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #bje4 ,reporting requirement4 ,title ,,iii--,,managing ,,migration ,,through ,,refugee ,,resettlement1 ,,complementary ,,pathways1 ,,and ,,strengthening ,,repatriation ,,initiatives4 ,sec4 #cja4 ,identification1 screening1 and processing of refugees and other individuals eligible for lawful admission to the ,united ,states4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,registration and intake4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,central ,american refugee program4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,central ,american minors program4 ,sec4 #cje4 ,central ,american family reunification parole program4 ,sec4 #cjf4 ,central ,american worker referral program4 ,sec4 #cjg4 ,informational campaign2 case status hotline4 ,title ,,iv--,,improving ,,border ,,infrastructure ,,for ,,families ,,and ,,children2 ,,cracking ,,down ,,on ,,criminal ,,organizations4 ,sec4 #dja4 ,additional ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection personnel4 ,sec4 #djb4 ,ports of entry infrastructure enhancement report4 ,sec4 #djc4 ,general short-term custody standards in ,customs and ,border ,protection facilities4 ,sec4 #djd4 ,standards for children in the short-term custody of ,customs and ,border ,protection4 ,sec4 #dje4 ,child welfare at the border4 ,sec4 #djf4 ,enhanced investigation and prosecution of human smuggling networks and trafficking organizations4 ,sec4 #djg4 ,enhanced penalties for organized smuggling schemes4 ,sec4 #djh4 ,expanding financial sanctions on narcotics trafficking and money laundering4 ,sec4 #dji4 ,support for ,,fbi ,transnational ,anti-,gang ,task ,forces for countering criminal gangs4 ,sec4 #daj4 ,hindering immigration1 border1 and customs controls4 ,sec4 #daa4 ,office of ,inspector ,general ,oversight4 ,sec4 #dab4 ,fatality reporting4 ,sec4 #dac4 ,establishment of the ,office of ,ombudsman for ,border and ,immigration ,related ,concerns4 ,title ,v--,,promoting ,,efficient ,,processing ,,of ,,asylum ,,seekers2 ,,addressing ,,immigration ,,court ,,backlogs2 ,,efficient ,,repatriation ,,of ,,migrants ,,ordered ,,removed4 ,sec4 #eja4 ,joint ,task ,force to address rise in migrants4 ,sec4 #ejb4 ,incentivizing applications at ports of entry4 ,sec4 #ejc4 ,streamlining intake of asylum seekers4 ,sec4 #ejd4 ,prioritizing prosecution resources for illegal entry4 ,sec4 #eje4 ,expanding alternatives to detention4 ,sec4 #ejf4 ,eliminating immigration court backlogs4 ,sec4 #ejg4 ,improved training for immigration judges and members of the ,board of ,immigration ,appeals4 ,sec4 #ejh4 ,new technology to improve court efficiency4 ,sec4 #eji4 ,court appearance compliance and legal orientation4 ,sec4 #eaj4 ,improving court efficiency and reducing costs by increasing access to legal information4 ,sec4 #eaa4 ,facilitating safe and efficient repatriation4 ,title ,,vi--,,protecting ,,family ,,values ,,and ,,monitoring ,,and ,,caring ,,for ,,unaccompanied ,,alien ,,children ,,after ,,arrival4 ,sec4 #fja4 ,limitation on the separation of families4 ,sec4 #fjb4 ,family reunification4 ,sec4 #fjc4 ,prohibiting use of certain information4 ,sec4 #fjd4 ,responsibility of sponsor for immigration court compliance and child well-being4 ,sec4 #fje4 ,monitoring unaccompanied alien children4 ,sec4 #fjf4 ,funding to school districts for unaccompanied alien children4 ,sec4 #fjg4 ,school enrollment4 ,sec4 #fjh4 ,definitions4 ,i ,addressing the ,root ,causes of ,migration and ,promoting ,rule of ,law1 ,security1 and ,economic ,development in ,central ,america #aja4 ,united ,states strategy for engagement in ,central ,america 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit to ,congress a #e-year1 interagency strategy1 to be known as the ,united ,states ,strategy for ,engagement in ,central ,america 7hereinafter referred to as the ,strategy71 to advance reforms in ,central ,american countries and address the key factors contributing to the flight of families1 unaccompanied alien children1 and other individuals to the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,elements ,the ,strategy under subsection 7a7 shall include efforts to-- 7#a7 strengthen the rule of law1 improve access to justice1 bolster the effectiveness and independence of judicial systems and public prosecutors' offices1 and improve the effectiveness of civilian police forces2 7#b7 combat corruption and improve public sector transparency2 7#c7 confront and counter the violence1 extortion and other crimes perpetrated by armed criminal gangs1 illicit trafficking organizations1 and organized crime1 and disrupt recruitment efforts by such organizations2 7#d7 disrupt money laundering and other illicit financial operations of criminal networks1 armed gangs1 illicit trafficking organizations1 and human smuggling networks2 7#e7 strengthen democratic governance and promote greater respect for internationally recognized human rights1 labor rights1 fundamental freedoms1 and the media1 including through the protection of human rights and environmental defenders1 other civil society activists1 and journalists2 7#f7 enhance accountability for government officials1 including police and security force personnel1 credibly alleged to have committed serious violations of human rights or other crimes2 7#g7 enhance the capability of ,central ,american governments to protect and provide for vulnerable and at-risk populations2 7#h7 address the underlying causes of poverty and inequality1 and the constraints to inclusive economic growth in ,central ,america2 and 7#i7 prevent and respond to endemic levels of sexual1 gender-based1 and domestic violence4 7c7 ,coordination and consultation ,in formulating the ,strategy required under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary of ,state shall-- 7#a7 coordinate with the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 the ,secretary of ,defense1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 the ,attorney ,general1 and the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development2 7#b7 consult with the ,director of ,national ,intelligence2 and 7#c7 consult with national and local civil society organizations in ,central ,america and the ,united ,states4 7d7 ,support for central ,american efforts ,to the degree feasible1 the ,strategy shall support or complement efforts being carried out by the ,governments of ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras under the ,plan of the ,alliance for ,prosperity in the ,northern ,triangle 7hereinafter referred to as the ,plan71 in coordination with the ,inter-,american ,development ,bank and other bilateral and multilateral donors4 7e7 ,definitions ,in this section-- 7#a7 the term the ,plan of the ,alliance for ,prosperity in the ,northern ,triangle means the plan developed by the ,governments of ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras1 with the technical assistance of the ,inter-,american ,development ,bank1 to address national security priorities1 including rule of law and anti-corruption initiatives2 and 7#b7 the term unaccompanied alien child has the meaning given such term in section #bfi7;g77#b7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb4 #ajb4 ,united ,states coordinator on the strategy 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 to coordinate the ,strategy4 ,the official shall report directly to the ,secretary of ,state4 7b7 ,duties ,the official designated under subsection 7a7 shall coordinate all efforts1 activities1 and programs related to the ,united ,states ,strategy for ,engagement in ,central ,america1 including the following3 7#a7 ,coordinating with the ,department of ,state1 the ,department of ,justice1 the ,department of ,defense1 the ,department of the ,treasury1 the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 the intelligence community 7as such term is defined in section #c7d7 of the ,national ,security ,act of #aidg 7#ej ,u4,s4,c4 #cjjc7d7771 the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 and international partners on efforts to-- 7,a7 dismantle and disrupt criminal gangs1 illicit trafficking networks1 illicit financial networks1 human smuggling networks1 and organized crime2 7,b7 combat corruption1 and strengthen the rule of law1 democratic governance1 and human rights protections2 and 7,c7 prevent and mitigate the effects of criminal gangs and other criminal organizations on vulnerable ,central ,american populations4 7#b7 ,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 and migration systems throughout the region4 7#c7 ,coordinating with the ,department of ,state1 the ,department of ,agriculture1 the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the ,department of ,labor1 the ,overseas ,private ,investment ,corporation1 the ,united ,states ,trade and ,development ,agency1 and international partners1 including the ,inter-,american ,development ,bank1 to strengthen the foundation for inclusive economic growth and improve food security1 the investment climate1 and protections for labor rights4 7#d7 ,coordinating with the ,ambassador-at-,large for ,global ,women's ,issues1 the ,senior ,coordinator for ,gender ,equality and ,women's ,empowerment at the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the ,president and ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,inter-,american ,foundation1 and international partners to develop and implement new community-based interventions to combat sexual1 gender-based1 and domestic violence4 7c7 ,consultation ,the official designated under subsection 7a7 shall consult multilateral organizations and institutions1 and domestic and international civil society organizations1 in strategy development and implementation4 #ajc4 ,requirement for strategy to secure support of international donors and partners 7a7 ,strategy ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a #c-year strategy that-- 7#a7 describes how the ,united ,states will secure support from international donors and regional partners to enhance the implementation of the ,strategy2 7#b7 identifies governments that are willing to provide financial and technical assistance for the implementation of the ,strategy 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 ,strategy2 and 7#b7 take all necessary steps to ensure effective cooperation among international donors and partners supporting the ,strategy4 7c7 ,report ,not later than one year after submitting the strategy under subsection 7a7 and annually thereafter1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report 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 ,definition ,in this section1 the term appropriate congressional committees means-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives2 7#b7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives2 7#c7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 and 7#d7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate4 #ajd4 ,strengthening the rule of law and combating corruption ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to the ,secretary of ,state and the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development to strengthen the rule of law1 combat corruption1 consolidate democratic governance1 and defend human rights in ,central ,american countries through the following activities3 7#a7 ,strengthening the rule of law in ,central ,american countries by providing support for3 7,a7 ,attorney general offices1 public prosecutors1 and the judiciary1 including the enhancement of investigative and forensics capabilities4 7,b7 ,the promotion of independent1 merit-based selection processes for judges and prosecutors1 independent internal controls1 and relevant ethics and professional training1 including training on sexual1 gender-based1 and domestic violence4 7,c7 ,the improvement of victim1 witness1 and whistleblower protection and access to justice4 7,d7 ,the reform and improvement of prison facilities and management4 7#b7 ,combating corruption by providing support for3 7,a7 ,inspectors general and oversight institutions1 including relevant training for inspectors and auditors4 7,b7 ,international commissions against impunity1 including the ,international ,commission against ,impunity in ,guatemala and the ,support ,mission against ,corruption and ,impunity in ,honduras4 7,c7 ,civil society organizations conducting oversight of executive branch officials and functions1 police and security forces1 and judicial officials and public prosecutors4 7,d7 ,the enhancement of freedom of information mechanisms4 7#c7 ,consolidating democratic governance by providing support for3 7,a7 ,the reform of civil services1 related training programs1 and relevant laws and processes that lead to independent1 merit-based selection processes4 7,b7 ,national legislatures and their capacity to conduct oversight of executive branch functions4 7,c7 ,the reform and strengthening of political party and campaign finance laws and electoral tribunals4 7,d7 ,local governments and their capacity to provide critical safety1 education1 health1 and sanitation services to citizens4 7#d7 ,defending human rights by providing support for3 7,a7 ,human rights ombudsman offices4 7,b7 ,government protection programs that provide physical protection and security to human rights defenders1 journalists1 trade unionists1 whistleblowers1 and civil society activists at risk4 7,c7 ,civil society organizations that promote and defend human rights1 freedom of expression1 freedom of the press1 labor rights1 environmental protection1 and the rights of individuals with diverse sexual orientations or gender identities4 7,d7 ,civil society organizations that address sexual1 gender-based1 and domestic violence1 and that protect victims of such violence4 #aje4 ,combating criminal violence and improving citizen security ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to the ,secretary of ,state and the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development to counter the violence and crime perpetrated by armed criminal gangs1 illicit trafficking organizations1 and human smuggling networks in ,central ,american countries through the following activities3 7#a7 ,countering criminal activity by providing assistance to civilian law enforcement1 including support for-- 7,a7 the execution and management of complex1 multi-actor criminal cases2 7,b7 the enhancement of intelligence collection capacity1 and training on civilian intelligence collection 7including safeguards for privacy and basic civil liberties71 investigative techniques1 forensic analysis1 and evidence preservation2 7,c7 community policing policies and programs2 7,d7 the enhancement of capacity to identify1 investigate1 and prosecute crimes involving sexual1 gender-based1 and domestic violence2 and 7,e7 port1 airport1 and border security systems1 including--computer infrastructure and data management systems1 secure communications technologies1 nonintrusive inspection equipment1 radar and aerial surveillance equipment1 and canine units4 7#b7 ,disrupting illicit financial networks1 including by providing support for-- 7,a7 finance ministries1 including for the imposition of financial sanctions to block the assets of individuals and organizations involved in money laundering and the financing of armed criminal gangs1 illicit trafficking networks1 human smuggling networks1 and organized crime2 7,b7 financial intelligence units1 including the establishment and enhancement of anti-money laundering programs2 and 7,c7 the reform of bank secrecy laws4 7#c7 ,professionalizing civilian police forces by providing support for-- 7,a7 the reform of personnel recruitment1 vetting and dismissal processes1 including the enhancement of polygraph capability for use in such processes2 7,b7 inspectors general and oversight offices1 including relevant training for inspectors and auditors1 and independent oversight mechanisms1 as appropriate2 and 7,c7 training and the development of protocols regarding the appropriate use of force and human rights4 7#d7 ,improving crime prevention1 and reducing violence1 extortion1 child recruitment into gangs1 and sexual slavery by providing support for-- 7,a7 the improvement of child protection systems2 7,b7 the enhancement of programs for at-risk youth1 including the improvement of community centers and programs aimed at successfully reinserting former gang members2 7,c7 livelihood programming that provides youth and other at-risk individuals with legal and sustainable alternatives to gang membership2 7,d7 safe shelter and humanitarian responses for victims of crime and internal displacement2 and 7,e7 programs to receive and effectively re-integrate repatriated migrants in ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras4 #ajf4 ,combating sexual1 gender-based1 and domestic violence ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the ,secretary of ,state and the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development to counter sexual1 gender-based1 and domestic violence in ,central ,american countries through the following activities3 7#a7 ,broadening engagement among national and local institutions to address sexual1 gender-based1 and domestic violence4 7#b7 ,supporting educational initiatives to reduce sexual1 gender-based1 and domestic violence4 7#c7 ,supporting outreach efforts tailored to meet the needs of women1 girls1 individuals of diverse sexual orientations or gender identities1 and other vulnerable individuals at risk of violence and exploitation4 7#d7 ,formalizing standards of care and confidentiality at police1 health facilities1 and other government facilities4 7#e7 ,establishing accountability mechanisms for perpetrators of violence4 #ajg4 ,tackling extreme poverty and advancing economic development ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the ,secretary of ,state and the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development to tackle extreme poverty and the underlying causes of poverty in ,central ,american countries through the following activities3 7#a7 ,strengthening human capital1 including by providing support for-- 7,a7 workforce development and entrepreneurship training programs that are driven by market demand1 including programs that prioritize women1 at-risk youth1 and indigenous communities2 7,b7 improving early-grade literacy1 and primary and secondary school curricula2 7,c7 relevant professional training for teachers and educational administrators2 7,d7 educational policy reform and improvement of education sector budgeting2 and 7,e7 establishment and expansion of safe schools and related facilities for children4 7#b7 ,enhancing economic competitiveness and investment climate by providing support for-- 7,a7 small business development centers and programs that strengthen supply chain integration2 7,b7 the improvement of protections for investors1 including dispute resolution and arbitration mechanisms2 7,c7 trade facilitation and customs harmonization programs2 and 7,d7 reducing energy costs through investments in clean technologies and the reform of energy policies and regulations4 7#c7 ,strengthening food security1 including by providing support for3 7,a7 ,small and medium-scale sustainable agriculture1 including by providing technical training1 improving access to credit1 and promoting policies and programs that incentivize government agencies and private institutions to buy from local producers4 7,b7 ,agricultural value chain development for farming communities4 7,c7 ,nutrition programs to reduce childhood malnutrition and stunting rates4 7,d7 ,mitigation1 adaptation1 and recovery programs in response to natural disasters and other external shocks4 7#d7 ,improving fiscal and financial affairs1 including by providing support for-- 7,a7 domestic revenue generation1 including programs to improve tax administration1 collection1 and enforcement2 7,b7 strengthening public sector financial management1 including strategic budgeting and expenditure tracking2 and 7,c7 reform of customs and procurement policies and processes4 #ajh4 ,conditions1 limitations1 and certifications on ,united ,states assistance 7a7 ,assistance funding without condition ,the ,secretary of ,state or the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 as appropriate1 may obligate up to #be percent of the funds made available for the ,governments of ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras to carry out the ,united ,states ,strategy for ,engagement in ,central ,america4 7b7 ,conditions related ,to combatting smuggling and providing for screening and safety of migrants ,in addition1 #be percent of the funds that are made available for assistance for the ,governments of ,el ,salvador1 of ,guatemala1 and of ,honduras to carry out the ,united ,states ,strategy for ,engagement in ,central ,america may only be made available after the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 consults with1 and subsequently certifies and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that such governments are taking effective steps1 in addition to steps taken during previous years1 to-- 7#a7 combat human smuggling networks and trafficking organizations1 including investigating1 prosecuting1 and increasing penalties for individuals responsible for such crimes2 7#b7 improve border security and border screening to detect and deter illicit smuggling and trafficking1 while respecting the rights of individuals fleeing violence and seeking asylum or other forms of protection1 in accordance with regional and international law2 7#c7 cooperate with ,united ,states ,government agencies and other governments in the region to facilitate the safe and timely repatriation of migrants who are not found to have a well-founded fear of persecution or other serious harm1 in accordance with international law2 7#d7 improve reintegration services1 in open partnership with civil society organizations1 for repatriated migrants in a manner that ensures the safety and well-being of the individual and reduces the likelihood of repeated migration to the ,united ,states2 and 7#e7 cooperate with the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,refugees to improve protections for1 and the processing of1 vulnerable populations fleeing violence4 7c7 ,conditions related to progress on specific issues 7#a7 ,effective implementation ,in addition1 #ej percent of the funds that are made available for assistance for the ,governments of ,el ,salvador1 of ,guatemala1 and of ,honduras to carry out the ,united ,states ,strategy for ,engagement in ,central ,america may only be made available after the ,secretary consults with1 and subsequently certifies and reports to1 the appropriate congressional committees that such governments are meeting these conditions in their respective countries1 in addition to steps taken during the previous calendar year1 to-- 7,a7 combat corruption1 including investigating and prosecuting government officials1 military personnel1 and civilian police officers credibly alleged to be corrupt2 7,b7 implement reforms and strengthen the rule of law1 including increasing the capacity and independence of the judiciary and public prosecutors2 7,c7 counter the activities of armed criminal gangs1 illicit trafficking networks1 and organized crime2 7,d7 establish and implement a plan to create a professional1 accountable civilian police force and curtail the role of the military in internal policing2 7,e7 investigate and prosecute1 through the civilian justice system1 military and police personnel who are credibly alleged to have violated human rights1 and to ensure that the military and the police are cooperating in such cases2 7,f7 counter and prevent domestic1 sexual1 and gender-based violence2 7,g7 cooperate1 as appropriate1 with international human rights entities and international commissions against impunity1 including the ,united ,nations' ,commission against ,impunity in ,guatemala 7,,cicig71 the ,organization of ,american ,states' ,mission to ,support the ,fight against ,corruption and ,impunity in ,honduras 7,,maccih71 and any other similar entities that may be established2 7,h7 implement electoral and political reforms1 including reforms related to improving the transparency of financing political campaigns and political parties2 7,i7 protect the right of political opposition parties1 journalists1 trade unionists1 human rights defenders1 whistleblowers1 and other civil society activists to operate without interference2 7,j7 increase government revenues1 including by enhancing tax collection1 strengthening customs agencies1 and reforming procurement processes2 7,k7 implement reforms to strengthen educational systems1 vocational training programs1 and programs for at-risk youth2 7,l7 resolve commercial disputes1 including the confiscation of real property1 between ,united ,states entities and the respective governments2 and 7,m7 implement a policy by which local communities1 civil society organizations 7including indigenous and marginalized groups71 and local governments are consulted in the design1 implementation1 and evaluation of the activities of the ,plan that affect such communities1 organizations1 or governments4 7#b7 ,additional elements ,the ,secretary of ,state may not certify that the ,government of ,guatemala is taking effective steps to address the issues listed in paragraph 7#a7 until after the ,government of ,guatemala-- 7,a7 extends the mandate of the ,international ,commission against ,impunity in ,guatemala 7,,cicig7 beyond #bjai2 and 7,b7 permits the ,,cicig ,commissioner and ,,cicig staff to carry out their work with government obstruction4 7#c7 ,exception ,the certification and reporting requirements under paragraph 7#a7 shall not apply to assistance provided to the ,international ,commission against ,impunity in ,guatemala and the ,mission to ,support the ,fight against ,corruption and ,impunity in ,honduras4 7d7 ,reprogramming 7#a7 ,in general ,funds withheld pursuant to the limitations described in subsections 7b7 and 7c7 shall be made available for programs in ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras that do not directly support the central governments of such countries4 7#b7 ,exception ,the limitations described in subsections 7b7 and 7c7 do not apply to funds authorized to be appropriated by this ,act for humanitarian assistance or global good security programs4 #aji4 ,limitations on funding ,none of the amounts authorized to be appropriated pursuant to this title may be used or transferred to another agency to assist in the removal or repatriation of any individual from a third country to his or her country of origin or to another country4 ,,ii ,,addressing ,,migration ,,needs ,,by ,,strengthening ,,regional ,,humanitarian ,,responses ,,for ,,refugees ,,and ,,asylum ,,seekers ,,in ,,the ,,western ,,hemisphere #bja4 ,expanding refugee and asylum processing in the western hemisphere 7a7 ,refugee processing ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 shall work with international partners1 including the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,refugees1 to support and strengthen the domestic capacity of countries in the ,western ,hemisphere to process and accept refugees for resettlement and adjudicate asylum claims1 including by-- 7#a7 providing support and technical assistance to expand and improve the capacity to identify1 process1 and adjudicate refugee claims1 adjudicate applications for asylum1 or otherwise accept refugees referred for resettlement by the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,refugees or host nations1 including by increasing the number of refugee and asylum officers who are trained in the relevant legal standards for adjudicating claims for protection2 7#b7 establishing and expanding safe and secure refugee reception centers to facilitate the safe and orderly movement of individuals and families seeking international protection2 7#c7 improving national refugee and asylum registration systems to ensure that any person seeking refugee status1 asylum1 or other humanitarian protections-- 7,a7 receives due process and meaningful access to existing humanitarian protections2 7,b7 is provided with adequate information about his or her rights1 including the right to seek protection2 7,c7 is properly screened for security1 including biographic and biometric capture2 and 7,d7 receives appropriate documents to prevent fraud and ensure freedom of movement and access to basic social services2 and 7#d7 developing the capacity to conduct best interest determinations for unaccompanied children with international protection needs to ensure that such children are properly registered and that their claims are appropriately considered4 7b7 ,diplomatic engagement and coordination ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 as appropriate1 shall-- 7#a7 carry out diplomatic engagement to secure commitments from governments to resettle refugees from ,central ,america2 and 7#b7 take all necessary steps to ensure effective cooperation among governments resettling refugees from ,central ,america4 #bjb4 ,further strengthening regional humanitarian responses in the western hemisphere ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 and in coordination with international partners1 including the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,refugees1 shall support and coordinate with the government of each country hosting a significant population of refugees and asylum seekers from ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras to-- 7#a7 establish and expand temporary shelter and shelter network capacity to meet the immediate protection and humanitarian needs of refugees and asylum seekers1 including shelters for families1 women1 unaccompanied children1 and other vulnerable populations2 7#b7 deliver gender-1 trauma-1 and age-sensitive humanitarian assistance to refugees and asylum seekers1 including access to accurate information1 legal representation1 education1 livelihood opportunities1 cash assistance1 and health care2 7#c7 establish and expand sexual1 gender-based1 and domestic violence prevention1 recovery1 and humanitarian programming2 7#d7 fund national- and community-led humanitarian organizations in humanitarian response2 and 7#e7 support local integration initiatives to help refugees and asylum seekers rebuild their lives and contribute in a meaningful way to the local economy in their host country4 #bjc4 ,information campaign on dangers of irregular migration 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 shall design and implement public information campaigns in ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras to-- 7#a7 disseminate information about the potential dangers of travel to the ,united ,states2 7#b7 provide accurate information about ,united ,states immigration law and policy2 and 7#c7 provide accurate information about the availability of asylum and other humanitarian protections in countries in the ,western ,hemisphere4 7b7 ,elements ,the information campaigns implemented pursuant to subsection 7a7 shall1 to the greatest extent possible-- 7#a7 be targeted at regions with high rates of violence1 high levels of out-bound migration1 or significant populations of internally displaced persons2 7#b7 be in local languages2 7#c7 employ a variety of communications media2 and 7#d7 be developed in consultation with program officials at the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 the ,department of ,state1 and other government1 nonprofit1 or academic entities in close contact with migrant populations from ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras1 including repatriated migrants4 #bjd4 ,definitions ,in this title-- 7#a7 the term internally displaced persons means persons or groups of persons who have been forced to leave their homes or places of habitual residence1 in particular due to armed conflict1 generalized violence1 violations of human rights1 or natural or human-made disasters1 and who have not crossed an internationally recognized state border2 7#b7 the term international protection means asylum status1 refugee status1 protection under the ,convention ,against ,torture1 and other regional protection status available in the ,western ,hemisphere2 and 7#c7 the term best interest determination means a formal process with procedural safeguards designed to give primary consideration to the child's best interests in decisionmaking4 #bje4 ,reporting requirement ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 shall submit a report describing the plans of the ,secretary of ,state to assist in developing the refugee and asylum processing capabilities described in this title to-- 7#a7 the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,house of ,representatives2 7#b7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives2 7#c7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives2 7#d7 the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,senate2 7#e7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 and 7#f7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate4 ,,iii ,,managing ,,migration ,,through ,,refugee ,,resettlement1 ,,complementary ,,pathways1 ,,and ,,strengthening ,,repatriation ,,initiatives4 #cja4 ,identification1 screening1 and processing of refugees and other individuals eligible for lawful admission to the ,united ,states 7a7 ,designated processing centers 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 shall enter into agreements for the establishment by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security of ,designated ,processing ,centers for the registration1 screening1 and processing of refugees and other eligible individuals in ,north and ,central ,america1 and the resettlement or relocation of these individuals to the ,united ,states or other countries4 7#b7 ,locations ,one or more ,designated ,processing ,centers shall be established in a safe and secure location identified by the ,united ,states and the host government in-- 7,a7 ,el ,salvador2 7,b7 ,guatemala2 7,c7 ,honduras2 7,d7 ,mexico2 7,e7 ,costa ,rica2 and 7,f7 any other country deemed appropriate by the ,secretary of ,state to accept and process requests and applications under this title1 including any country in ,north or ,central ,america hosting significant numbers of refugees or other displaced individuals4 7b7 ,assistant director of regional processing 7#a7 ,in general ,there shall be an ,assistant ,director of ,regional ,processing1 who shall report to the ,director of ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services1 and who shall oversee the establishment and operation of all ,designated ,processing ,centers4 7#b7 ,duties ,the ,assistant ,director of ,regional ,processing1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security and the ,director of ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services1 shall-- 7,a7 coordinate with the ,secretary of ,state and the host country to ensure that each ,designated ,processing ,center is safe1 secure1 and reasonably accessible to the public to facilitate the registration1 screening1 and processing of individuals under this title2 7,b7 establish standard operating procedures for the registration1 screening1 and processing of individuals under this title2 7,c7 oversee the administration of such procedures2 and 7,d7 carry out other duties and powers prescribed by the ,director of ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services4 7c7 ,personnel 7#a7 ,refugee officers and related personnel ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 in consultation with the ,director of ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services and the ,assistant ,director of ,regional ,processing1 shall ensure that sufficient numbers of refugee officers and other personnel are assigned to each ,designated ,processing ,center to fulfill the requirements of this title4 7#b7 ,support personnel ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security and the ,attorney ,general shall hire and assign sufficient personnel to ensure that absent exceptional circumstances1 all security and law enforcement background checks required under this title are completed in #ahj days or less4 7d7 ,operations 7#a7 ,in general ,absent extraordinary circumstances1 each ,designated ,processing ,center shall commence operations not later than #bgj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7#b7 ,productivity ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,state1 shall monitor the activities of each ,designated ,processing ,center and establish metrics and criteria for evaluating the productivity of each ,designated ,processing ,center4 7#c7 ,continuing operations ,each ,designated ,processing ,center shall remain in operation for at least five fiscal years1 and shall continue in operation until such time as the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,state1 determines1 under the metrics and criteria established under paragraph 7#b71 that for at least #d consecutive calendar quarters the ,designated ,processing ,center has failed to maintain sufficient productivity4 7e7 ,congressional reports ,not later than ,january #ca following the end of each fiscal year1 and beginning with the first fiscal year that at least one ,designated ,processing ,center commences operations1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,state1 shall submit a report to the ,committee on the ,judiciary and the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives and to the ,committee on the ,judiciary and the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate on the number of individuals who have been registered1 screened1 and processed for benefits under this title at each ,designated ,processing ,center1 including the number of benefits requests that have been approved and the number of benefits requests that have been denied4 #cjb4 ,registration and intake 7a7 ,registration ,each ,designated ,processing ,center shall receive and register individuals seeking to apply for benefits under this title4 7b7 ,intake ,consistent with this title1 registered individuals shall be assessed to determine the benefits for which they may be eligible1 including-- 7#a7 refugee resettlement pursuant to the ,central ,american ,refugee ,program described in section #cjc2 7#b7 the ,central ,american ,minors ,program described in section #cjd2 7#c7 the ,central ,american ,family ,reunification ,parole ,program described in section #cje2 and 7#d7 referral for suitable temporary worker programs under the ,central ,american ,worker ,referral ,program described in section #cjf4 7c7 ,expedited processing ,expedited processing of applications and requests under this title shall be granted in emergency situations1 for humanitarian reasons1 or if other circumstances warrant expedited treatment in the exercise of discretion4 #cjc4 ,central ,american refugee program 7a7 ,in general ,in addition to any refugees designated for admission under section #bjg of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg71 in each of fiscal years #bjbj1 #bjba1 #bjbb1 #bjbc1 and #bjbd1 not less than #ajj1jjj nationals of ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras combined shall be admitted into the ,united ,states under this section4 ,admission under this subsection shall be available to any such national who registers at a ,designated ,processing ,center and is determined to be admissible as a refugee of special humanitarian concern to the ,united ,states consistent with this section4 7b7 ,initial processing 7#a7 ,in general ,any individual who registers at a ,designated ,processing ,center and who expresses a fear of persecution or an intention to apply for refugee status may make an application for refugee resettlement under this section4 ,upon filing of a completed application1 the applicant shall be referred to a refugee officer for further processing consistent with this section4 7#b7 ,submission of biographic and biometric data ,an applicant described in paragraph 7#a7 shall be required to submit biographic and biometric data in accordance with procedures established by the ,assistant ,director of ,regional ,processing4 ,the ,assistant ,director shall provide an alternative procedure for applicants who are unable to provide all required biographic and biometric data due to a physical or mental impairment4 7#c7 ,background checks ,the ,assistant ,director of ,regional ,processing shall utilize biometric1 biographic1 and other appropriate data to conduct security and law enforcement background checks of applicants to determine whether there is any criminal1 national security1 or other ground that would render the applicant ineligible for admission as a refugee under section #bjg of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg74 7#d7 ,orientation ,the ,assistant ,director of ,regional ,processing shall provide prospective applicants for refugee resettlement with information on applicable requirements and legal standards4 ,all orientation materials1 including application forms and instructions1 shall be provided in ,english and ,spanish4 7#e7 ,international organizations ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 shall enter into agreements with international organizations1 including the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,refugees1 to facilitate the processing and preparation of case files for applicants under this section4 7c7 ,adjudication of applications 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #fj days after the date on which an applicant is referred under subsection 7b77#a71 the applicant shall be interviewed by a refugee officer for a determination of whether the applicant is a refugee of special humanitarian concern1 as described in paragraph 7#e74 7#b7 ,decision ,not later than #ad days after the date on which an applicant is interviewed under paragraph 7#a71 the refugee officer shall issue a written decision on the application4 7#c7 ,approval of application ,if the refugee officer approves an application under this section1 the applicant shall be processed for resettlement to the ,united ,states as a refugee under section #bjg of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act4 ,the security and law enforcement background checks required under subsection 7b77#c7 shall be completed1 to the satisfaction of the ,assistant ,director of ,regional ,processing1 before the date on which an approved applicant may be admitted to the ,united ,states4 7#d7 ,denial of application ,if the refugee officer denies an application under this section1 the officer shall include a reasoned1 written explanation for the denial and refer the applicant for a determination of eligibility for other benefits under this title1 consistent with section #cjb7;b74 ,a denied applicant may request review of the decision by a supervisory refugee officer not later than #cj days after the date of the denial4 ,the supervisory refugee officer shall issue a final written decision within #cj days of the request for review4 7#e7 ,refugees of special humanitarian concern ,for the purposes of this section1 refugees of special humanitarian concern to the ,united ,states shall include individuals who have suffered1 or have a well-founded fear of suffering-- 7,a7 domestic1 sexual1 or other forms of gender-based violence1 including persecution based on sexual orientation or gender identity2 7,b7 violence1 extortion1 or other forms of persecution 7including forced recruitment7 committed by gangs or other organized criminal organizations2 7,c7 a severe form of trafficking in persons2 or 7,d7 other serious human rights abuses4 7#f7 ,spouses and minor children ,the spouse or child of any applicant who qualifies for admission under section #bjg7;c7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act shall be granted the same status as the applicant if accompanying or following to join such applicant1 consistent with such section4 7#g7 ,refugee status ,an individual who is admitted to the ,united ,states as a refugee under this section shall enjoy the same rights and privileges and shall be subject to the same grounds for termination of refugee status as provided in sections #bjg and #bji of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act4 7#h7 ,fees ,no fee shall be imposed for the filing1 processing1 or adjudication of an application under this section4 7d7 ,optional referral to other countries 7#a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding subsection 7b71 an applicant for refugee resettlement under this section may be referred to another country for the processing of the applicant's refugee claim if-- 7,a7 another country agrees to immediately process the applicant's refugee claim in accordance with the terms and procedures of a bilateral agreement under paragraph 7#b72 and 7,b7 the applicant lacks substantial ties to the ,united ,states as defined in paragraph 7#c7 or requests resettlement to a country other than the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,bilateral agreements for referral of refugees 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 shall enter into bilateral agreements with other countries for the referral1 processing1 and resettlement of individuals who register with a ,designated ,processing ,center and seek to apply for refugee resettlement under this section4 ,such agreements shall be limited to countries with the demonstrated capacity to accept and adjudicate applications for refugee status1 and other forms of international protection1 and resettle refugees consistent with obligations under the #aiea ,united ,nations ,convention ,relating to the ,status of ,refugees and the #aifg ,united ,nations ,protocol ,relating to the ,status of ,refugees4 7,b7 ,international organizations ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 shall enter into agreements with international organizations1 including the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,refugees1 to facilitate the referral1 processing1 and resettlement of individuals covered under this paragraph4 7#c7 ,substantial ties defined ,an individual has substantial ties to the ,united ,states if the individual-- 7,a7 has a spouse1 parent1 son1 daughter1 sibling1 grandparent1 aunt1 or uncle who resides in the ,united ,states2 7,b7 can demonstrate previous residence in the ,united ,states for not less than #b years2 or 7,c7 can otherwise demonstrate substantial ties to the ,united ,states as defined by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security4 7e7 ,emergency relocation coordination ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 shall enter into bilateral or multilateral agreements with other ,western ,hemisphere countries to establish safe and secure emergency transit centers for individuals who register at a ,designated ,processing ,center1 are deemed to face an imminent risk of harm1 and require temporary placement in a safe location pending a final decision on an application under this section4 ,such agreements shall be developed in consultation with the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,refugees and shall conform to international humanitarian standards4 7f7 ,expansion of refugee corps ,not later than #fj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and subject to the availability of amounts provided in advance in appropriation ,acts1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall appoint additional refugee officers as may be necessary to carry out this section4 #cjd4 ,central ,american minors program 7a7 ,eligibility ,if it is determined as a result of the assessment under section #cjb7;b7 that an alien is eligible for special immigrant status in accordance with this subsection1 the ,designated ,processing ,center shall accept a petition for such status filed by the alien1 or on behalf of the alien by a parent or legal guardian1 and1 subject to subsection 7d7 and notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall provide the alien with status as a special immigrant under section #aja7;a77#bg7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act4 ,an alien shall be eligible under this subsection if the alien-- 7#a7 is a national of ,el ,salvador1 ,honduras1 or ,guatemala2 7#b7 is an unmarried child 7as defined in section #aja7;b77#a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act7 of an individual who is lawfully present in the ,united ,states2 7#c7 is otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa2 and 7#d7 is otherwise admissible to the ,united ,states 7excluding the grounds of inadmissibility specified in section #bab7;a77#d7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act74 7b7 ,minor children ,any child 7as defined in section #aja7;b77#a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act7 of an alien described in subsection 7b7 is entitled to the same special immigrant status if accompanying or following to join the alien4 7c7 ,numerical limitations 7#a7 ,in general ,the total number of aliens who may be provided special immigrant status under this section may not exceed #aj1jjj per year for the fiscal year during which at least one ,designated ,processing ,center commences operations1 and for each of the four fiscal years that immediately follow4 7#b7 ,exclusion from numerical limitations ,aliens provided special immigrant status under this section shall not be counted against any numerical limitation under section #bja1 #bjb1 or #bjc of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act4 7#c7 ,carry forward ,if the numerical limitation under paragraph 7#a7 is not reached during a given fiscal year1 the numerical limitation under such paragraph for the following fiscal year shall be increased by a number equal to the difference between-- 7,a7 the total number of aliens provided special immigrant status under paragraph 7#a7 for the given fiscal year2 and 7,b7 the number of aliens provided special immigrant status under this section during the given fiscal year4 7d7 ,petition and adjudication 7#a7 ,in general ,absent exceptional circumstances1 an eligible alien shall be permitted to submit a petition for special immigrant status under this section up to #ij days after the date the alien was determined to be eligible for such status4 7#b7 ,adjudication deadlines ,absent exceptional circumstances1 petitions submitted under this section shall be adjudicated not later than #ahj days after submission4 7#c7 ,applicants under prior cam program ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall deem an application filed under the ,central ,american ,minors ,refugee ,program1 established on ,december #a1 #bjad and terminated on ,august #af1 #bjag1 and which was not the subject of a final disposition prior to ,january #ca1 #bjah1 to be a petition filed under this section4 ,absent exceptional circumstances1 the ,secretary shall make a final determination on such petitions not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act4 ,the ,secretary shall promptly notify all relevant parties of the conversion of a ,,cam application into a special immigrant petition1 and shall provide instructions for withdrawal of the petition if the alien no longer wishes to proceed with the requested relief4 7#d7 ,biometrics and background checks 7,a7 ,submission of biometric and biographic data ,petitioners for special immigrant status under this section shall be required to submit biometric and biographic data in accordance with procedures established by the ,assistant ,director of ,regional ,processing4 ,the ,assistant ,director shall provide an alternative procedure for applicants who are unable to provide all required biometric data due to a physical or mental impairment4 7,b7 ,background checks ,the ,assistant ,director of ,regional ,processing shall utilize biometric1 biographic1 and other appropriate data to conduct security and law enforcement background checks of petitioners to determine whether there is any criminal1 national security1 or other ground that would render the applicant ineligible for special immigrant status under this section4 7,c7 ,completion of background checks ,the security and law enforcement background checks required under subparagraph 7,b7 shall be completed1 to the satisfaction of the ,assistant ,director of ,regional ,processing1 before the date on which a petition for special immigrant status under this section may be approved4 #cje4 ,central ,american family reunification parole program 7a7 ,in general ,if it is determined as a result of the assessment under section #cjb7;b7 that an alien is eligible for parole in accordance with this subsection1 the ,designated ,processing ,center shall accept a completed application for parole filed by the alien1 or on behalf of the alien by a parent or legal guardian1 and the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall grant parole1 as provided under section #bab7;d77#e71 to that alien4 ,an alien shall be eligible under this subsection if the alien-- 7#a7 is a national of ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 or ,honduras2 7#b7 is the beneficiary of an approved immigrant visa petition under section #bjc7;a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act2 and 7#c7 does not have an immigrant visa that is immediately available but the visa is expected to be available within #e years of the date the alien registers with a ,designated ,processing ,center4 7b7 ,application and adjudication 7#a7 ,in general ,absent exceptional circumstances1 an eligible alien shall be permitted to submit an application for parole under this section up to #ij days after the date the alien is determined to be eligible for parole4 7#b7 ,adjudication deadlines ,absent exceptional circumstances1 applications submitted under this section shall be adjudicated not later than #ahj days after submission4 7#c7 ,biometrics and background checks 7,a7 ,submission of biometric and biographic data ,applicants for parole under this section shall be required to submit biometric and biographic data in accordance with procedures established by the ,assistant ,director of ,regional ,processing4 ,the ,assistant ,director shall provide an alternative procedure for applicants who are unable to provide all required biometric data due to a physical or mental impairment4 7,b7 ,background checks ,the ,assistant ,director of ,regional ,processing shall utilize biometric1 biographic1 and other appropriate data to conduct security and law enforcement background checks of applicants to determine whether there is any criminal1 national security1 or other ground that would render the applicant ineligible for parole under this section4 7,c7 ,completion of background checks ,the security and law enforcement background checks required under subparagraph 7,b7 shall be completed to the satisfaction of the ,assistant ,director of ,regional ,processing before the date on which an application for parole may be approved4 7#d7 ,approval ,designated ,processing ,centers shall issue appropriate travel documentation to aliens granted parole4 ,such documentation must be presented to ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection at a port of entry for parole into the ,united ,states within #abj days of issuance4 #cjf4 ,central ,american worker referral program 7a7 ,in general ,an alien who registers with a ,designated ,processing ,center shall be screened for referral for suitable temporary worker programs as provided in this section4 7b7 ,qualifying temporary worker programs ,in accordance with the standard operating procedures described in section #cja7;b77#b77;,b7 of this title1 and using tools and resources developed by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security in consultation with the ,secretary of ,labor1 ,designated ,processing ,centers shall-- 7#a7 connect prospective workers to ,u4,s4 employers or recruiters seeking temporary workers to perform agricultural labor or services as described in section #aja7;a77#ae77;,h77ii77a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act1 or other temporary or seasonal work as described in section #aja7;a77#ae77;,h77ii77b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act2 and 7#b7 connect prospective workers to an organization1 approved by the ,department of ,state to sponsor exchange visitors as described under section #aja7;a77#ae77;,j7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act1 for placement as an au pair with a qualified host family in the ,united ,states4 7c7 ,other temporary work programs ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,labor1 may1 as a matter of discretion1 develop tools and resources and establish procedures to allow ,designated ,processing ,centers to connect prospective workers to other temporary employment1 training1 or exchange visitor opportunities in the ,united ,states that require nonimmigrant visa sponsorship4 7d7 ,eligibility ,eligibility for referral under this section shall be limited to nationals of ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 or ,honduras who-- 7#a7 have registered with a ,designated ,processing ,center2 and 7#b7 have agreed in writing to participate in the referral program4 ,eligible individuals shall only be referred to prospective employers or designated organizations for possible visa sponsorship and employment in an area or areas in which the individual has indicated a willingness and desire to work4 7e7 ,limitations ,nothing in this section shall be construed-- 7#a7 to limit the obligations of an employer1 recruiter1 designated organization1 or other entity to fulfill all requirements for nonimmigrant visa sponsorship as required under the relevant provisions of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act and regulations issued by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security or the ,attorney ,general2 7#b7 to guarantee employment or visa sponsorship for any prospective worker who registers with a ,designated ,processing ,center2 or 7#c7 to allow a ,designated ,processing ,center1 employer1 recruiter1 or designated organization to charge or collect any placement or referral fee for services rendered under this section4 #cjg4 ,informational campaign2 case status hotline 7a7 ,informational campaign ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall implement an informational campaign1 in ,english and ,spanish1 in the ,united ,states1 ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras to increase awareness of the provisions of this title4 7b7 ,case status hotline ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall establish a case status hotline providing confidential processing information on pending cases4 ,,iv ,,improving ,,border ,,infrastructure ,,for ,,families ,,and ,,children2 ,,cracking ,,down ,,on ,,criminal ,,organizations4 #dja4 ,additional ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection personnel 7a7 ,officers ,the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection shall1 every fiscal year1 hire1 train1 and assign not fewer than #bjj new officers above the level as of ,september #cj of the immediately preceding fiscal year until the total number of officers equals the requirements identified each year in the ,workload ,staffing ,model issued by the ,commissioner pursuant to the ,department of ,homeland ,security ,appropriations ,act1 #bjab 7hereinafter in this title referred to as the ,workload ,staffing ,model74 7b7 ,protection of human rights and child welfare 7#a7 ,humanitarian specialists and child welfare professionals ,not later than the last day of the first fiscal year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection shall hire1 train1 and assign not fewer than #ajj new humanitarian specialists and not fewer than #ajj new child welfare professionals4 ,the ,commissioner shall thereafter annually hire1 train1 and assign an additional #ajj specialists and #ajj professionals under this section until the ,commissioner determines that a sufficient number of such specialists and professionals are available to adequately provide for the protection of the health and welfare of aliens arriving at the border or in the custody of the ,commissioner1 including the requirements of sections #djd and #dje4 ,the total number of such specialists and professionals may not be less than the requirements identified in the ,workload ,staffing ,model4 ,the ,commissioner is authorized to enter into such contracts as may be necessary to carry out this subsection1 including with independent child welfare professionals4 7#b7 ,qualified experts in pediatric medicine ,the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection shall1 every fiscal year1 hire1 train1 and assign qualified experts in pediatric medicine in such numbers as the ,commissioner determines appropriate to adequately provide for the health needs of children arriving at the border or in the custody of the ,commissioner1 including the requirements of sections #djd and #dje4 7c7 ,agricultural specialists ,the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection shall1 every fiscal year1 hire1 train1 and assign not fewer than #ajj new agricultural specialists above the level as of ,september #cj of the immediately preceding fiscal year until the total number of such specialists equals the requirements identified each year in the ,agriculture ,resource ,allocation ,model developed by the ,commissioner4 ,the ,commissioner is authorized to enter into such contracts as may be necessary to carry out this subsection4 7d7 ,support staff ,the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection is authorized to hire1 train1 and assign support staff1 including technicians and interpreters1 to perform non-law enforcement administrative functions to support all personnel of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection4 ,the ,commissioner is authorized to enter into such contracts as may be necessary to carry out this subsection4 7e7 ,office of professional responsibility ,the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection shall hire1 train1 and assign sufficient ,office of ,professional ,responsibility special agents to ensure that there is one such special agent for every #cj officers to investigate criminal and administrative matters and misconduct by officers and other employees of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection4 ,the ,commissioner is authorized to enter into such contracts as may be necessary to carry out this subsection4 7f7 ,traffic forecasts ,in calculating the number of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection officers needed at each land1 air1 and maritime port of entry through the ,workload ,staffing ,model1 the ,office of ,field ,operations of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection shall-- 7#a7 rely on data collected regarding the inspections and other activities conducted at each such port of entry2 and 7#b7 consider volume due to regional humanitarian conditions1 seasonal increases1 other projected changes in commercial and passenger volumes1 the most current commercial forecasts1 and other relevant information4 7g7 ,staffing updates ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection shall report to ,congress on the status of efforts to implement subsections 7a7 through 7e74 7h7 ,amendment ,subparagraph 7,a7 of section #daa7;g77#e7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #baa7;g77#e77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking model and inserting models2 7#b7 by inserting humanitarian and agricultural specialists1 child welfare professionals1 before and support personnel2 and 7#c7 by inserting before the period at the end the following3 1 and shall also provide information concerning the progress made toward meeting officer1 humanitarian and agriculture specialists1 child welfare professionals1 and support staff hiring targets1 while accounting for attrition4 7i7 ,,gao report ,if by ,march #ca1 #bjbj1 the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection has not hired at least #ajj additional humanitarian specialists and #ajj child welfare professionals in accordance with subsection 7b7 or at least #bjj additional ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection officers in accordance with subsection 7a71 and in any subsequent fiscal year in which the staffing levels specified in the applicable ,workload ,staffing ,model have not been achieved1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall-- 7#a7 conduct a review of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection hiring policies and processes to identify factors contributing to such levels not being achieved and any other issues related to hiring by ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection2 7#b7 consider attrition levels within the ,office of ,field ,operations to identify associated factors contributing to attrition within the workforce of such ,office2 and 7#c7 submit to the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate a report that describes the results of the review and consideration under paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b71 respectively1 and that contains recommendations to enhance the likelihood of achieving such staffing levels4 #djb4 ,ports of entry infrastructure enhancement report ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection shall submit to the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate a report that identifies-- 7#a7 infrastructure improvements at ports of entry that would enhance the ability of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection officers to process and protect refugees and asylum seekers1 facilitate daily pedestrian and vehicular trade and traffic1 and detect1 interdict1 disrupt1 and prevent fentanyl1 other synthetic opioids1 and other narcotics and psychoactive substances and associated contraband from entering the ,united ,states1 including a description of circumstances in which effective technology in use at certain ports of entry cannot be implemented at other ports of entry2 7#b7 detection equipment that would improve the ability of such officers to identify such drugs and other dangers that are being illegally transported into the ,united ,states2 and 7#c7 safety equipment that would protect such officers from accidental exposure to such drugs or other dangers associated with the inspection of potential drug traffickers4 #djc4 ,general short-term custody standards in ,customs and ,border ,protection facilities 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 acting through the head of the ,office of ,civil ,rights and ,civil ,liberties of the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 in consultation with the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection1 shall establish short-term custody standards providing for basic minimum standards of care1 intake procedures1 and capacity guidelines at all ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection facilities holding individuals in the agency's custody1 including the following3 7#a7 ,u4,s4 ,border ,patrol stations4 7#b7 ,ports of entry4 7#c7 ,checkpoints4 7#d7 ,forward operating bases4 7#e7 ,secondary inspection areas4 7#f7 ,short-term custody facilities4 7b7 ,requirements ,all ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection and subcontracted or cooperating entity personnel shall undergo mandatory training on all standards established in accordance with subsection 7a71 shall ensure that detention space capacity will not be exceeded except in emergency circumstances1 and shall ensure that all individuals in agency custody receive the following3 7#a7 ,potable water and a snack1 and1 if detained for more than five hours1 a nutritious meal with regular meals and snacks1 thereafter4 7#b7 ,medically appropriate meals and snacks for pregnant women and individuals with identifiable medical needs4 7#c7 ,adequate bathroom and shower facilities1 as well as basic toiletries and hygiene items1 including soap1 a toothbrush1 toilet paper1 and other items appropriate for the age and gender identification of such individuals1 including diapers and feminine hygiene products4 7#d7 ,a cot1 clean linens1 and blankets1 if detained for more than five hours4 7#e7 ,adequate lighting and climate control that achieves a reasonable indoor temperature4 7#f7 ,adequate protection from the elements1 including sun shades1 for outside holding areas4 7#g7 ,a physical and mental health screening conducted promptly upon arrival in a manner that complies with the requirements for such screenings specified in the ,national ,commission for ,correctional ,health ,care ,jails ,standards1 as well as information about the availability of1 and access to1 health care services that is communicated in a form and language such individuals are known to understand4 7#h7 ,immediate physical and mental health needs addressed by a qualified health care professional as soon as possible4 7#i7 ,prompt notice of the ability to make telephone calls and the procedures therefore4 7#aj7 ,prompt notice of phone numbers to file a complaint with the ,office of the ,inspector ,general of the ,department and the ,office for ,civil ,rights and ,civil ,liberties of the ,department4 7#aa7 ,a reasonable accommodation for religious practices4 7#ab7 ,applicable protections under the ,prison ,rape ,elimination ,act of #bjjc 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aefja et seq42 ,public ,law #ajh-gi74 7#ac7 ,safe transport1 including prevention of sexual assault during transfer1 including in subcontracted transportation services1 while such individuals are transported from a ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection facility4 7c7 ,further provisions ,the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection shall ensure that all individuals in agency custody-- 7#a7 have regular access to consular officials and legal service providers through confidential in-person visits or telephonic communications2 7#b7 receive copies of all signed documents2 and 7#c7 are transferred1 together with records1 including medical screening records1 to an appropriate ,u4,s4 ,immigration and ,customs ,enforcement or ,department of ,health and ,human ,services ,office of ,refugee ,resettlement facility or are safely released from short-term custody within #gb hours of apprehension4 7d7 ,surveillance of certain individuals in ,,cbp custody ,the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection shall ensure constant surveillance of an individual in agency custody who exhibits signs of hostility1 depression1 or similar behaviors1 or who is reasonably known to pose an elevated suicide risk4 7e7 ,physical and mental health assessment ,the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection shall ensure that individuals in agency custody for more than #bd hours receive1 in addition to the physical and mental health screening specified in subsection 7b77#g71 a physical and mental health assessment by a qualified healthcare professional4 ,to the extent practicable1 such individuals with known or readily apparent disabilities1 including temporary disabilities1 shall be housed in a manner that accommodates their mental or physical condition1 or both1 and provides for the safety1 comfort1 and security of such individuals4 7f7 ,return of certain belongings ,any lawful1 nonperishable belongings of an individual in ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection custody that are confiscated by personnel operating under ,federal authority shall be returned to such individual prior to the release or repatriation of such individual4 7g7 ,inspection of short-,term custody facilities ,short-term custody facilities shall be inspected at least once every year by the ,office of the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 with the results made public without the need to submit a request under section #eeb of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7h7 ,consultation ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall seek input from nongovernmental organizations regarding their independent opinion of specific ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection facilities and permit regular access to such facilities by nongovernmental organizations for human rights monitoring4 7i7 ,regulations ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall promulgate regulations to-- 7#a7 establish a publicly accessible online system allowing any person with the alien number of an individual to track the location of that individual in ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection custody held in short-term custody1 and provide an online list of all locations with phone numbers routinely used to hold individuals in short-term custody2 7#b7 improve the education of individuals in ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection custody regarding administrative procedures and legal rights under ,united ,states immigration law1 in consultation with the ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review2 and 7#c7 ensure notification to ,congress and the ,office of the ,inspector ,general and the ,office for ,civil ,rights and ,civil ,liberties of the ,department of ,homeland ,security within #dh hours of each instance in which-- 7,a7 an individual in ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection custody has died1 including during transfer to another facility or while being released2 or 7,b7 an individual has died as the result of an encounter with ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection4 7j7 ,annual reports ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act and annually thereafter1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall submit to ,congress a report that details all instances in which an individual in ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection custody has died in the prior fiscal year1 including during transfer to another facility or while being released1 as well as all instances in which an individual has died as the result of an encounter with ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection1 and the result of any subsequent investigation4 ,such reports shall also detail all instances in which an individual1 including an individual in the custody of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection1 has suffered serious injuries requiring hospitalization as a result of the use of force by ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection4 #djd4 ,standards for children in the short-term custody of ,customs and ,border ,protection 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 acting through the head of the ,office for ,civil ,rights and ,civil ,liberties of the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 in consultation with the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection1 shall establish basic standards of care for the short-term custody of children by the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection4 7b7 ,requirements ,the standards required pursuant to subsection 7a7 shall include and apply the general short term custody standards described in section #djc1 as well as ensure that all children in the custody of the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection are placed in a safe and sanitary location1 and while in such custody-- 7#a7 have available to them at all times diapers1 diapering supplies1 infant formula1 and infant feeding supplies1 as necessary2 7#b7 in the case of any child in such custody for more than #bd hours1 have access to-- 7,a7 a parent or other member of the family group1 including siblings1 grandparents1 aunts1 and uncles in ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection custody2 and 7,b7 daily recreational programs and activities1 including recreational time outdoors2 and 7#c7 are permitted to make supervised video conference calls1 if available1 and telephone calls to family members 7or legal guardians74 7c7 ,ensuring children have access to legal rights ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall ensure that on apprehension each child is provided-- 7#a7 an interview and screening with a child welfare professional2 and 7#b7 a video orientation and oral and written notice1 in a language understood by the child1 of the rights of the child under the immigration laws 7as such term is defined in section #aja of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act71 including-- 7,a7 communication with counsel pursuant to section #bib of such ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #acfb72 and 7,b7 an applicable complaint mechanism to report any abuse1 mistreatment1 or misconduct4 #dje4 ,child welfare at the border 7a7 ,guidelines ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 experts in child development1 child welfare1 and pediatric medicine1 and other relevant experts as appropriate1 shall1 by rule1 develop and establish guidelines for the intake and treatment of children and families in the custody of the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection4 7b7 ,mandatory training ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall-- 7#a7 require all ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection and subcontracted or cooperating entity personnel1 who may have contact with a child at a port of entry or ,u4,s4 ,border ,patrol station to undergo appropriate training1 which shall include in-person training1 on-- 7,a7 the applicable legal authorities1 policies1 practices1 and procedures relating to children in the custody of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection2 and 7,b7 child development1 trauma1 and the manner in which trauma affects the health and behavior of children2 and 7#b7 require ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection personnel to annually undertake continuing training on-- 7,a7 identifying and responding to common signs and symptoms of medical distress in children2 7,b7 best practices with respect to the guidelines developed in accordance with subsection 7a72 and 7,c7 changes in the legal authorities1 policies1 and procedures described in paragraph 7#a77;,a74 7c7 ,sufficient staffing ,the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection shall ensure that sufficient qualified child welfare professionals and qualified experts in pediatric medicine are stationed at each port of entry and each ,u4,s4 ,border ,patrol station with a high volume of arriving children to accomplish the duties described in this section without creating an undue delay in the length of time children and apprehended parents and legal guardians remain in the custody of the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection4 7d7 ,family unit tracking number 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall submit to ,congress notification that the ,secretary has established a system for use by ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection to assign a family unit tracking number to each member of a family unit that is apprehended1 including each of the following3 7,a7 ,an apprehended spouse4 7,b7 ,an apprehended parent or legal guardian4 7,c7 ,a child accompanying an apprehended parent or legal guardian4 7,d7 ,each accompanying member of the family group1 including siblings1 grandparents1 aunts1 and uncles4 7#b7 ,requirements ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall ensure that a family unit tracking number under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 may be shared among the data systems of-- 7i7 ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection2 7ii7 ,u4,s4 ,immigration and ,customs ,enforcement2 and 7iii7 the ,office of ,refugee ,resettlement of the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services2 7,b7 is included on any document pertaining to any member of an apprehended family unit2 and 7,c7 is not deleted or altered1 except in the case of an error4 7e7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,child ,the term child has the meaning given such term in section #aja7;b77#a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7;b77#a774 7#b7 ,child welfare professional ,the term child welfare professional means an individual who-- 7,a7 is licensed in social work by the relevant ,state welfare agency1 and1 if applicable1 county welfare agency1 of a ,state and county in which the port of entry or ,u4,s4 ,border ,patrol station is located2 7,b7 has direct experience working with children2 and 7,c7 is proficient in one or more of the most common languages spoken by children apprehended at the applicable port of entry or ,u4,s4 ,border ,patrol station4 7#c7 ,cooperating entity ,the term cooperating entity means a ,state or local entity acting pursuant to an agreement with the ,secretary4 #djf4 ,enhanced investigation and prosecution of human smuggling networks and trafficking organizations ,the ,attorney ,general and the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall expand collaboration on the investigation and prosecution of human smuggling networks and trafficking organizations targeting ,central ,american families and unaccompanied children and operating at the southwestern border of the ,united ,states1 including the continuation and expansion of anti-trafficking coordination teams4 #djg4 ,enhanced penalties for organized smuggling schemes 7a7 ,in general ,section #bgd7;a77#a77;,b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #acbd7;a77#a77;,b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating clauses 7iii7 and 7iv7 as clauses 7iv7 and 7v71 respectively2 7#b7 by inserting after clause 7ii7 the following3 7iii7 in the case of a violation of subparagraph 7,a77i7 during and in relation to which the person1 while acting for profit or other financial gain1 knowingly directs or participates in a scheme to cause #aj or more persons 7other than a parent1 spouse1 sibling1 child1 grandparent1 or grandchild of the offender7 to enter or to attempt to enter the ,united ,states at the same time at a place other than a designated port of entry or place other than designated by the ,secretary1 be fined under title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 imprisoned not more than #ae years1 or both2 2 and 7#c7 in clause 7iv71 as redesignated1 by inserting commits or attempts to commit sexual assault of1 after section #acfe of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code7 to14 7b7 ,bulk cash smuggling ,section #eccb7;b77#a7 of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in the paragraph heading1 by striking ,term of imprisonment and inserting ,in general2 and 7#b7 by inserting 1 fined under title #ah1 or both after #e years4 #djh4 ,expanding financial sanctions on narcotics trafficking and money laundering 7a7 ,financial sanctions expansion ,the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 the ,attorney ,general1 the ,secretary of ,state1 the ,secretary of ,defense1 and the ,director of ,central ,intelligence shall expand investigations1 intelligence collection1 and analysis pursuant to the ,foreign ,narcotics ,kingpin ,designation ,act to increase the identification and application of sanctions against-- 7#a7 significant foreign narcotics traffickers1 their organizations1 and networks2 and 7#b7 foreign persons who provide material1 financial1 or technological support to such traffickers1 organizations1 and networks4 7b7 ,targets ,the activities described in subsection 7a7 shall specifically target foreign narcotics traffickers1 their organizations and networks1 and the foreign persons who provide material1 financial1 or technological support to such traffickers1 organizations1 and networks that are present and operating in ,central ,america4 #dji4 ,support for ,,fbi ,transnational ,anti-,gang ,task ,forces for countering criminal gangs ,the ,director of the ,federal ,bureau of ,investigation1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,state1 shall expand the efforts of the ,transnational ,anti-,gang ,task ,forces in ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras1 including by-- 7#a7 expanding transnational criminal investigations focused on criminal gangs in ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras1 such as the ,,ms-#ac and #ahth ,street organizations2 7#b7 expanding training and partnership efforts with ,salvadoran1 ,guatemalan1 and ,honduran law enforcement entities to disrupt and dismantle criminal gangs1 both internationally and in their respective countries2 7#c7 establishing or expanding gang-related investigative units2 7#d7 collecting and disseminating intelligence to support related ,united ,states-based investigations2 and 7#e7 expanding programming related to gang intervention and prevention for at-risk youth4 #daj4 ,hindering immigration1 border1 and customs controls 7a7 ,immigration and nationality act ,the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #bgd;,d the following3 #bgd;,e4 ,hindering immigration1 border1 and customs controls 7a7 ,illicit spotting 7#a7 ,in general ,it shall be unlawful to knowingly surveil1 track1 monitor1 or transmit the location1 movement1 or activities of any officer or employee of a ,federal1 ,state1 or tribal law enforcement agency with the intent to-- 7,a7 gain financially2 and 7,b7 violate the immigration laws1 the customs and trade laws of the ,united ,states 7as defined in section #b of the ,trade ,facilitation and ,trade ,enforcement ,act of #bjae 7,public ,law #aad-abe771 any other ,federal law relating to transporting controlled substances1 agriculture1 or monetary instruments into the ,united ,states1 or any ,federal law relating to border controls measures of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,penalty ,any person who violates paragraph 7#a7 shall be fined under title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 imprisoned for not more than #e years1 or both4 7b7 ,destruction of ,united ,states border controls 7#a7 ,in general ,it shall be unlawful to knowingly and without lawful authorization-- 7,a7 destroy or significantly damage any fence1 barrier1 sensor1 camera1 or other physical or electronic device deployed by the ,federal ,government to control an international border of1 or a port of entry to1 the ,united ,states2 or 7,b7 otherwise construct1 excavate1 or make any structure intended to defeat1 circumvent or evade such a fence1 barrier1 sensor camera1 or other physical or electronic device deployed by the ,federal ,government to control an international border of1 or a port of entry to1 the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,penalty ,any person who violates paragraph 7#a7 shall be fined under title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 imprisoned for not more than #e years1 or both4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja et seq47 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #bgd;,d the following3 ,sec4 #bgd;,e4 ,hindering immigration1 border1 and customs controls4 4 #daa4 ,office of ,inspector ,general ,oversight ,not later than six months after enactment of this ,act and every six months thereafter1 the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,homeland ,security shall report to ,congress on the status of efforts to implement sections #djc1 #djd1 and #dje of this ,act and findings made after announced and unannounced inspections to ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection facilities4 #dab4 ,fatality reporting 7a7 ,quarterly reporting ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall publish information on a quarterly basis regarding each death of a person in the custody of the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection or the ,director of ,immigration and ,customs ,enforcement4 7b7 ,annual reports ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act and annually thereafter1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall submit to ,congress a report that details all instances in which an individual in ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection custody has died in the prior fiscal year1 including during transfer to another facility or while being released1 as well as all instances in which an individual has died as the result of an encounter with ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection1 and the result of any subsequent investigation4 ,such reports shall also detail all instances in which an individual1 including an individual in the custody of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection1 has suffered serious injuries requiring hospitalization as a result of the use of force by ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection4 #dac4 ,establishment of the ,office of ,ombudsman for ,border ,and ,immigration ,related ,concerns 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall appoint an ,ombudsman for ,border and ,immigration ,related ,concerns 7hereinafter referred to as the ,ombudsman7 who will be independent of ,department agencies and officers1 and report directly to the ,secretary4 ,the ,ombudsman shall have a background in immigration1 civil rights1 and law enforcement4 7b7 ,functions ,the functions of the ,ombudsman shall be to-- 7#a7 establish an independent1 neutral1 and confidential process to receive1 investigate1 resolve1 and provide redress1 including referral for investigation to the ,office of the ,inspector ,general1 referral to ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services for immigration relief1 or any other action determined appropriate1 in cases in which ,department officers or employees1 or subcontracted or cooperating entity personnel1 are alleged to have engaged in misconduct or violated the rights of individuals1 associations1 or employers2 7#b7 establish an accessible and standardized complaint process regarding complaints against any officer or employee of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection or ,u4,s4 ,immigration and ,customs ,enforcement1 or any subcontracted or cooperating entity personnel1 for violations of law or violations of standards of professional conduct pertaining to interaction with an alien in course of carrying out any duty under law2 and 7#c7 identify and thereafter review1 examine1 and make recommendations to address chronic concerns in border security and enforcement activities of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection and ,u4,s4 ,immigration and ,customs ,enforcement4 7c7 ,report on the impact of border enforcement technologies and operations on border communities ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this subsection1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs and the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,senate a report prepared by the ,ombudsman that assesses current technologies used at ,united ,states borders1 and the impact on border communities of such technologies on civil rights1 property rights1 privacy rights1 and civil liberties4 ,v ,,promoting ,,efficient ,,processing ,,of ,,asylum ,,seekers2 ,,addressing ,,immigration ,,court ,,backlogs2 ,,efficient ,,repatriation ,,of ,,migrants ,,ordered ,,removed4 #eja4 ,joint ,task ,force to address rise in migrants ,pursuant to section #gjh of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #cdh71 not later than #fj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall establish and operate a departmental ,joint ,task ,force to coordinate border security operations on the southern border of the ,united ,states to address the rise in asylum seekers and migrants1 including unaccompanied children1 seeking asylum pursuant to section #bjh of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeh7 or other forms of humanitarian protection4 #ejb4 ,incentivizing applications at ports of entry 7a7 ,access to ports of entry ,the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection shall ensure that individuals seeking to apply for asylum or other forms of relief under the immigration laws are able to make such applications at designated ports of arrival along the ,united ,states border4 ,the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection may not engage in any practice to deny or restrict access to such ports of arrival by such individuals4 7b7 ,migrant protection protocols ,an alien in proceedings under section #bdj of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act may not be removed1 returned1 or otherwise physically moved outside the ,united ,states until the conclusion of those proceedings4 #ejc4 ,streamlining intake of asylum seekers ,not later than six months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection shall implement a plan to improve the efficiency and accuracy of initial intake processes for all individuals in the custody of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection to ensure that those individuals are transferred to the appropriate agency1 or released with complete and accurate documents1 within #gb hours of apprehension4 #ejd4 ,prioritizing prosecution resources for illegal entry 7a7 ,in general ,an individual who has expressed a credible or reasonable fear of persecution filed an application for asylum1 withholding of removal1 or protection under the ,convention ,against ,torture1 or expressed an intent to file such an application1 may not be prosecuted under section #bge7;a7 or #bgf7;a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #acbe7;a71 #acbf7;a77 until the earlier of-- 7#a7 the date on which any such application has been finally adjudicated and denied1 including any appeals thereto2 or 7#b7 in the case of an alien who expresses an intent to file such an application1 the date on which any applicable time limitation for the filing of such an application under section #bjh of such ,act has ended and no application has been filed4 7b7 ,affirmative defense ,in a case in which an individual is prosecuted under section #bge7;a7 or #bgf7;a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #acbe7;a71 #acbf7;a77 in violation of subsection 7a71 it shall be a defense that the alien has expressed a credible or reasonable fear of persecution1 filed an application for asylum or another form of protection as described in subsection 7a71 or expressed an intent to file such an application1 and that such application has not been finally adjudicated and denied1 including any appeals thereto4 #eje4 ,expanding alternatives to detention 7a7 ,family case management program ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall expand use of the ,family ,case ,management ,program 7described in section #bbf of ,public ,law #aaf-f7 for apprehended aliens who are members of family units arriving in the ,united ,states1 and develop additional community-based programs to increase the number of enrollees in the ,alternatives to ,detention program4 7b7 ,nonprofit entity contracting partner ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall contract with qualified nonprofit entities for the operation of the ,alternatives to ,detention program1 including the ,family ,case ,management ,program and other community-based programs described in subsection 7a74 7c7 ,legal orientation ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall ensure that enrollees in the ,alternatives to ,detention program1 including the ,family ,case ,management ,program and other community-based programs described in subsection 7a71 are provided a legal orientation consistent with program elements described in section #fjd7;a77#b74 #ejf4 ,eliminating immigration court backlogs 7a7 ,addressing immigration judge shortages ,the ,attorney ,general shall increase the total number of immigration judges by at least #ee judges per year for each of fiscal years #bjbj1 #bjba1 #bjbb1 #bjbc1 and #bjbd4 7b7 ,qualification2 selection ,the ,attorney ,general-- 7#a7 shall ensure that all newly hired immigration judges and ,board of ,immigration ,appeals members are highly qualified experts on immigration law and who are trained to conduct fair1 impartial adjudications in accordance with applicable due process requirements2 and 7#b7 may not give any preference1 in selecting immigration judges1 to candidates with prior government experience compared to equivalent subject-matter expertise resulting from nonprofit1 private bar1 or academic experience4 7c7 ,addressing support staff shortages ,subject to the availability of amounts made available in advance appropriation ,acts1 the ,attorney ,general shall ensure that each immigration judge has sufficient support staff1 adequate technological and security resources1 and appropriate courtroom facilities4 7d7 ,additional 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 #bc attorneys per year for each of fiscal years #bjbj1 #bjba1 and #bjbb4 7e7 ,,gao report ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall-- 7#a7 conduct a study of the impediments 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 #ejg4 ,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 establish or expand 7as appropriate7 training programs for immigration judges and members of the ,board of ,immigration ,appeals4 7b7 ,mandatory training ,training referred to under subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 expansion of the training program for new immigration judges and ,board members to include age-1 gender-1 and trauma-sensitivity2 7#b7 continuing education regarding current developments in immigration law1 including through regularly available training resources and an annual conference2 and 7#c7 training on properly crafting and dictating decisions and standards of review1 including improved on-bench reference materials and decision templates4 #ejh4 ,new technology to improve court efficiency ,the ,director of the ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review shall modernize its case management1 video-teleconferencing1 digital audio recording1 and related electronic and computer-based systems1 including by allowing for electronic filing1 to improve efficiency in the processing of immigration proceedings4 #eji4 ,court appearance compliance and legal orientation 7a7 ,access to legal orientation programs ,to ensure court appearance compliance 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 in consultation with the ,attorney ,general1 shall establish procedures to ensure that legal orientation programs are available for all aliens detained by the ,department of ,homeland ,security4 7#b7 ,program elements ,programs under paragraph 7#a7 shall provide information to aliens regarding-- 7,a7 the basic procedures of immigration hearings2 7,b7 the rights and obligations of aliens relating to immigration hearings1 including the consequences of filing frivolous legal claims and of failing to appear for proceedings2 7,c7 legal protections available to aliens1 and the procedures for requesting such protections2 7,d7 legal resources available to aliens1 and lists of potential legal providers2 and 7,e7 other subjects determined to be appropriate and necessary by the ,attorney ,general4 7#c7 ,eligibility ,an alien shall be given access to legal orientation programs under this subsection regardless of the alien's current immigration status1 prior immigration history1 or potential for immigration relief4 7b7 ,expansion of the information help desk program for non-,detained aliens in removal proceedings ,the ,attorney ,general shall expand the information help desk program to all immigration courts to provide aliens who are not detained and who have pending asylum claims access to information related to that alien's immigration status4 #eaj4 ,improving court efficiency and reducing costs by increasing access to legal information 7a7 ,appointment of counsel in certain cases2 right ,to review certain documents in removal proceedings ,section #bdj7;b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbi;a7b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#d7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 by striking 1 at no expense to the ,government12 and 7ii7 by striking the comma at the end and inserting a semicolon2 7,b7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c7 as subparagraphs 7,d7 and 7,e71 respectively2 7,c7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,a7 the following3 7,b7 the ,attorney ,general may appoint or provide counsel1 at ,government expense1 to aliens in immigration proceedings2 7,c7 the alien shall1 at the beginning of the proceedings or as expeditiously as possible thereafter1 receive a complete copy of all relevant documents in the possession of the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 including all documents 7other than documents protected from disclosure by privilege1 including national security information referred to in subparagraph 7,d71 law enforcement sensitive information1 and information prohibited from disclosure pursuant to any other provision of law7 contained in the file maintained by the ,government that includes information with respect to all transactions involving the alien during the immigration process 7commonly referred to as an ,a-file71 and all documents pertaining to the alien that the ,department of ,homeland ,security has obtained or received from other government agencies1 unless the alien waives the right to receive such documents by executing a knowing and voluntary written waiver in a language that he or she understands2 2 and 7,d7 in subparagraph 7,d71 as redesignated1 by striking 1 and and inserting 2 and2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#h7 ,failure to provide alien required documents ,in the absence of a written waiver under paragraph 7#d77;,c71 a removal proceeding may not proceed until the alien-- 7,a7 has received the documents as required under such paragraph2 and 7,b7 has been provided meaningful time to review and assess such documents4 4 7b7 ,clarification regarding the authority of the attorney general ,to appoint counsel to aliens in immigration proceedings ,section #bib of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #acfb7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,in any and inserting the following3 7a7 ,in general ,in any proceeding conducted under section #bce1 #bcf1 #bch1 #bdj1 #bda1 or any other section of this ,act1 in any 2 7#b7 in subsection 7a71 as redesignated-- 7,a7 by striking 7at no expense to the ,government72 and 7,b7 by striking he shall and inserting the person shall2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7b7 ,access to counsel ,the ,attorney ,general may appoint or provide counsel to aliens in any proceeding conducted under section #bce1 #bcf1 #bch1 #bdj1 or #bda or any other section of this ,act4 ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall ensure that aliens have access to counsel inside all immigration detention and border facilities4 4 7c7 ,appointment of counsel for children and vulnerable aliens 7#a7 ,in general ,section #bib of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #acfb71 as amended by paragraph 7#b71 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 7c7 ,children and vulnerable individuals ,notwithstanding subsection 7b71 the ,attorney ,general shall appoint counsel at the expense of the ,government to any person financially unable to obtain adequate representation at the beginning of the proceedings or as expeditiously as possible1 to represent in such proceedings any alien who has been determined by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security or the ,attorney ,general to be-- 7#a7 a child 7as defined in section #aja7;b77#a7 of this ,act72 7#b7 a particularly vulnerable individual1 including-- 7,a7 a person with a disability2 7,b7 a victim of abuse1 torture1 or violence2 or 7,c7 a pregnant or lactating woman2 or 7#c7 the parent of a ,united ,states citizen minor4 7d7 ,extension to consolidated cases ,if the ,attorney ,general has consolidated the case of any alien for whom counsel was appointed under subsection 7c7 with that of any other alien1 and that other alien does not have counsel1 then the counsel appointed under subsection 7c7 shall be appointed to represent such other alien unless there is a demonstrated conflict of interest4 4 7#b7 ,rulemaking ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this title1 the ,attorney ,general shall promulgate regulations to implement section #bib7;c7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act1 as added by paragraph 7#a74 7d7 ,in general ,chapter #i of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bie4 ,supplementary surcharge 7a7 ,in general ,there is established in the general fund of the ,treasury a separate account which shall be known as the ,immigration ,counsel ,account4 ,notwithstanding any other section of this title1 there shall be deposited as offsetting receipts into the ,immigration ,counsel ,account all fees collected under subsection 7c7 of this section1 to remain available until expended for purposes of providing access to counsel when required or authorized under this ,act4 7b7 ,report ,at the end of each #b-year period1 beginning with the creation of this account1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 following a public rulemaking with opportunity for notice and comment1 shall submit a report to the ,congress concerning the status of the account1 including any balances therein1 and recommend any adjustment in the prescribed fee that may be required to ensure that the receipts collected from the fee charged for the succeeding two years equal1 as closely as possible1 the cost of providing access to counsel when required or authorized under this ,act4 7c7 ,receipts ,in any case in which a fee is charged pursuant to this ,act or any of the other immigration laws1 an additional surcharge of #be shall also be imposed and collected4 4 7e7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for such ,act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #bid the following3 ,sec4 #bie4 ,supplementary surcharge4 4 7f7 ,motions ,to reopen ,section #bdj7;c77#g77;,c7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbi;a7c77#g77;,c77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7v7 ,special rule for children and other vulnerable aliens ,if the ,attorney ,general fails to appoint counsel for an alien in violation of section #bib7;c7-- 7,i7 no limitation under this paragraph pertaining to the filing of any motion under this paragraph by such alien shall apply2 and 7,,ii7 the filing of such a motion shall stay the removal of the alien4 4 #eaa4 ,facilitating safe and efficient repatriation 7a7 ,united ,states support for reintegration ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security and the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 shall coordinate with the governments of ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras to develop and fund programs for the successful reintegration of families1 unaccompanied children1 and other aliens repatriated to their countries of origin by-- 7#a7 providing comprehensive reintegration services at the municipal level for repatriated aliens1 including family reunification and access to medical and psychosocial services2 7#b7 supporting the establishment of educational and vocational centers for repatriated aliens that provide skills training relevant to national and local economic needs2 7#c7 promoting the hiring of repatriated aliens in the private sector1 including strategic partnerships with specific industries and businesses2 7#d7 supporting the issuance of appropriate documents to repatriated aliens1 including identification documents1 documents related to educational attainment1 and documents certifying skill attainment2 and 7#e7 monitoring repatriated unaccompanied children to ensure they have been adequately screened and processed in the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,consultation with nongovernmental organizations ,in developing reintegration programs in countries of repatriation1 the ,secretary of ,state shall consult with nongovernmental organizations in such countries and the ,united ,states with experience in integrating repatriated individuals and families1 protecting and ensuring the welfare of unaccompanied alien children1 and promoting economic development and skills acquisition4 ,,vi ,,protecting ,,family ,,values ,,and ,,monitoring ,,and ,,caring ,,for ,,unaccompanied ,,alien ,,children ,,after ,,arrival4 #fja4 ,limitation on the separation of families 7a7 ,in general ,an agent or officer of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection may not remove a child from his or her parent or legal guardian1 at the port of entry or within #ajj miles of a border of the ,united ,states1 unless one of the following has occurred3 7#a7 ,a ,state court1 authorized under ,state law1 terminates the rights of the parent or legal guardian1 determines that it is in the best interests of the child to be removed from the parent or legal guardian1 in accordance with the ,adoption and ,safe ,families ,act of #aiig 7,public ,law #aje-hi71 or makes any similar determination that is legally authorized under ,state law4 7#b7 ,an official from a ,state or county child welfare agency with expertise in child trauma and development makes a best interests determination that the child be removed from the parent or legal guardian because the child is in danger of abuse or neglect at the hands of the parent or legal guardian1 or is a danger to herself or others4 7#c7 ,the ,chief ,patrol ,agent or the ,area ,port ,director in their official and undelegated capacity1 authorizes separation upon the recommendation by an agent or officer1 based on a finding that-- 7,a7 the child is a victim of trafficking or is at significant risk of becoming a victim of trafficking2 7,b7 there is a strong likelihood that the adult is not the parent or legal guardian of the child2 or 7,c7 the child is in danger of abuse or neglect at the hands of the parent or legal guardian1 or is a danger to themselves or others4 7b7 ,exception ,if a child is removed from his or her parent or legal guardian under this section1 an independent child welfare expert licensed by the ,state or county in which the child was so removed1 must authorize the separation not later than #dh hours after such removal1 and if such expert does not authorize such separation1 the child shall be reunited with his or her parent or legal guardian not later than #dh hours after such determination4 7c7 ,prohibition on separation 7#a7 ,in general ,a designated agency may not remove a child from a parent or legal guardian solely for the policy goal of deterring individuals from migrating to the ,united ,states or for the policy goal of promoting compliance with civil immigration laws4 7#b7 ,penalty for family separation ,any person who knowingly separates a child from his or her parent or legal guardian in violation of this section1 shall be fined not more than #aj1jjj4 7d7 ,documentation required ,the ,secretary shall ensure that a separation under subsection 7a77#c7 is documented in writing and includes1 at a minimum1 the reason for such separation1 together with the stated evidence for such separation4 ,the ,secretary shall take such actions as may be feasible to acquire written documentation pertaining to any separation under subsection 7a77#a7 or 7a77#b74 #fjb4 ,family reunification 7a7 ,family reunification ,the ,secretary shall reallocate resources to expedite the immediate reunification of each child separated from a parent or legal guardian at or near a port of entry or within #ajj miles of the border1 or otherwise removed from a parent or legal guardian by the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 the ,attorney ,general1 the ,director of the ,bureau of ,prisons1 or any agent or agency thereof1 if the prior removal was not in conformity with section #fja1 regardless of when the separation took place4 7b7 ,parental rights ,consistent with the laws of the ,state in which the child is located1 only an order from a court of competent jurisdiction may terminate the rights of a parent or legal guardian1 including the rights of a parent or legal guardian separated from a child in the custody of the ,department of ,homeland ,security4 #fjc4 ,prohibiting use of certain information ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security may not use information initially obtained by the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 including information used to make a suitability determination1 a home study determination1 or a secure facility determination1 for the purpose of apprehending1 detaining1 or removing from the ,united ,states-- 7#a7 an unaccompanied alien child2 7#b7 the proposed sponsor or current sponsor2 or 7#c7 a resident of the home in which the proposed sponsor or current sponsor resides4 #fjd4 ,responsibility of sponsor for immigration court compliance and child well-being 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 in consultation with the ,attorney ,general1 shall establish procedures to ensure that a legal orientation program is provided to all sponsors of unaccompanied alien children prior to the placement with a sponsor4 7b7 ,program elements ,programs under subsection 7a7 shall provide information to sponsors regarding-- 7#a7 the basic procedures of immigration hearings2 7#b7 the rights and obligations of the unaccompanied alien child relating to immigration hearings1 including the consequences of filing frivolous legal claims and of failing to appear for proceedings2 7#c7 the obligation of the sponsor to ensure the unaccompanied alien child appears at immigration court proceedings1 and notify the court of the child's change of address and other relevant information2 7#d7 legal protections available to unaccompanied alien children1 and the procedures for requesting such protections2 7#e7 legal resources available to unaccompanied alien children1 and lists of potential legal providers2 7#f7 the sponsor's obligation to address the needs of the unaccompanied alien child1 including providing access to health care and enrolling the child in an educational institution2 7#g7 the importance of reporting potential child traffickers and other persons seeking to victimize or exploit unaccompanied alien children1 or otherwise engage such children in criminal1 harmful1 or dangerous activity2 and 7#h7 other subjects determined to be appropriate and necessary by the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services or the ,attorney ,general4 #fje4 ,monitoring unaccompanied alien children 7a7 ,risk-,based post-,placement services 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall1 to assist an unaccompanied alien child in a placement with a sponsor-- 7,a7 complete an individualized assessment of the need for services to be provided after placement2 7,b7 provide such post-placement services to the child during the pendency of removal proceedings or until no longer necessary2 and 7,c7 assess whether a child's separation from a detained parent is causing hardship such that the parent should be recommended for humanitarian parole in the best interests of the child4 7#b7 ,minimum services ,for purposes of paragraph 7#a71 the services shall1 at a minimum1 include-- 7,a7 for the unaccompanied alien child1 at least one in-person post-placement case management services visit within #cj days after placement with a sponsor1 the referral of unaccompanied alien children to service providers in the community1 and support on enrollment in an educational institution2 and 7,b7 for the family of the child's sponsor1 orientation and other functional family support services1 as determined to be necessary in the individualized assessment4 7#c7 ,identifying new areas of vulnerability ,within #ij days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,director of the ,office for ,refugee ,resettlement shall consult with family reunification service providers on the emergence of new or additional risk factors for children that would necessitate mandatory family reunification services4 7b7 ,effective use of child advocates for the most vulnerable unaccompanied alien children 7#a7 ,the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall instruct the ,director of the ,office of ,refugee ,resettlement to-- 7,a7 identify and track the referral rates of unaccompanied alien children to child advocates by care providers and investigate instances in which such a rate is low2 7,b7 ensure that the referral criteria established by the ,director are appropriately applied when a care provider determines that a child is eligible for referral to a child advocate2 7,c7 provide technical assistance to care providers to ensure compliance with such criteria2 and 7,d7 establish a process for stakeholders and the public to refer unaccompanied alien children1 including those placed with a sponsor1 to the ,office for ,refugee ,resettlement to determine if such child meets the referral criteria for appointment of a child advocate2 and 7#b7 ensure that each child advocate for an unaccompanied alien child is-- 7,a7 provided access to materials necessary to advocate effectively for the best interest of the child1 including direct access to significant incident reports1 home studies1 and similar materials and information2 and 7,b7 notified when new materials and information described in subparagraph 7,a7 relating to the child are created or become available4 #fjf4 ,funding to school districts for unaccompanied alien children 7a7 ,grants authorized ,the ,secretary of ,education shall award grants1 on a competitive basis1 to eligible local educational agencies1 or consortia of neighboring local educational agencies1 described in subsection 7b7 to enable the local educational agencies or consortia to enhance opportunities for1 and provide services to1 immigrant children including unaccompanied alien children1 in the area served by the local educational agencies or consortia4 7b7 ,eligible local educational agencies 7#a7 ,in general ,a local educational agency1 or a consortium of neighboring local educational agencies1 is eligible for a grant under subsection 7a7 if1 during the fiscal year for which a grant is awarded under this section1 there are #ej or more unaccompanied alien children enrolled in the public schools served by the local educational agency or the consortium1 respectively4 7#b7 ,determinations of number of unaccompanied alien children ,the ,secretary of ,education shall determine the number of unaccompanied alien children for purposes of paragraph 7#a7 based on the most accurate data available that is provided to the ,secretary of ,education by the ,director or the ,department of ,homeland ,security4 7c7 ,applications ,a local educational agency1 or a consortia of neighboring local educational agencies1 desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the ,secretary of ,education at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information1 as the ,secretary of ,education may require1 including a description of how the grant will be used to enhance opportunities for1 and provide services to1 immigrant children and youth 7including unaccompanied alien children7 and their families4 #fjg4 ,school enrollment ,to be eligible for funding under the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #fcja et seq471 a local educational agency shall take measures to-- 7#a7 ensure that an unaccompanied alien child in the area served by the local educational agency is enrolled in school within #g days following a request for enrollment2 and 7#b7 remove barriers to enrollment and full participation in educational programs and services offered by the local educational agency for unaccompanied alien children 7including barriers related to documentation1 age1 and language71 which shall include reviewing and revising policies that may have a negative effect on such children4 #fjh4 ,definitions 7a7 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,agent or officer ,the term agent or officer includes contractors of the ,federal ,government4 7#b7 ,child ,the term child means an individual who-- 7,a7 has not reached the age of #ah2 and 7,b7 has no permanent immigration status4 7#c7 ,designated agency ,the term designated agency means-- 7,a7 the ,department of ,homeland ,security2 7,b7 the ,department of ,justice2 and 7,c7 the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services4 7#d7 ,finding ,the term finding means an individualized written assessment or screening formalized as required under subsection 7d74 7#e7 ,in danger of abuse or neglect at the hand of the parent or legal guardian ,the term in danger of abuse or neglect at the hands of the parent or legal guardian does not include migrating to or crossing of a border of the ,united ,states4 7#f7 ,local educational agency ,the term local educational agency has the meaning given the term in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja74 7#g7 ,resident adult ,the term resident adult means any individual who is at least #ah years of age and regularly lives1 shares common areas1 and sleeps in a sponsor or prospective sponsor's home4 7#h7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security4