,i #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #ebaj ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,november #ba1 #bjai,ms4 ,lofgren 7for herself1 ,mr4 ,nadler1 ,ms4 ,jayapal1 ,mr4 ,neguse1 ,mr4 ,castro of ,texas1 ,mr4 ,crow1 ,ms4 ,dean1 ,ms4 ,de,lauro1 ,mr4 ,de,saulnier1 ,mr4 ,engel1 ,ms4 ,escobar1 ,mr4 ,espaillat1 ,ms4 ,garcia of ,texas1 ,mr4 ,grijalva1 ,mr4 ,higgins of ,new ,york1 ,mr4 ,johnson of ,georgia1 ,mr4 ,khanna1 ,mr4 ,lowenthal1 ,mr4 ,mc,govern1 ,mrs4 ,napolitano1 ,ms4 ,norton1 ,mr4 ,pallone1 ,mr4 ,panetta1 ,mr4 ,quigley1 ,mr4 ,raskin1 ,mr4 ,sires1 ,mr4 ,smith of ,washington1 ,mr4 ,swalwell of ,california1 ,mrs4 ,watson ,coleman1 ,mr4 ,welch1 ,ms4 ,tlaib1 and ,mr4 ,visclosky7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on the ,judiciary1 and in addition to the ,committees on ,ways and ,means1 the ,budget1 and ,foreign ,affairs1 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 provide for the admission and protection of refugees1 asylum seekers1 and other vulnerable individuals1 to provide for the processing of refugees and asylum seekers in the ,western ,hemisphere1 and to modify certain special immigrant visa programs1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,refugee ,protection ,act of #bjai4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,findings4 ,sec4 #c4 ,definitions4 ,,title ,i--,admission and protection of refugees1 asylum seekers1 and other vulnerable individuals ,subtitle ,a--,refugees and asylum seekers ,sec4 #aja4 ,modification of definition of refugee4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,multiple forms of relief available to refugees and asylum seekers4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,elimination of time limits on asylum applications4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,consideration of asylum claims4 ,sec4 #aje4 ,transparency in refugee determinations4 ,sec4 #ajf4 ,employment authorization for asylum seekers and other individuals4 ,sec4 #ajg4 ,admission of refugees and asylees as lawful permanent residents4 ,subtitle ,b--,protections for children and families ,sec4 #aaa4 ,keeping families together4 ,sec4 #aab4 ,protections for minors seeking asylum4 ,sec4 #aac4 ,fair day in court for kids4 ,subtitle ,c--,protections for other vulnerable individuals ,sec4 #aba4 ,modification of physical presence requirements for aliens admitted in special immigrant status for persons who have served as translators for the ,armed ,forces4 ,sec4 #abb4 ,protection of stateless persons in the ,united ,states4 ,sec4 #abc4 ,protecting victims of terrorism from being defined as terrorists4 ,sec4 #abd4 ,protection for aliens interdicted at sea4 ,sec4 #abe4 ,enhanced protection for individuals seeking ,u visas1 ,t visas1 and protection under ,,vawa4 ,subtitle ,d--,protections relating to removal1 detention1 and prosecution ,sec4 #aca4 ,prevention of erroneous in absentia orders of removal4 ,sec4 #acb4 ,scope and standard for review of removal orders4 ,sec4 #acc4 ,presumption of liberty for asylum seekers4 ,sec4 #acd4 ,procedures for ensuring accuracy and verifiability of sworn statements taken pursuant to expedited removal authority4 ,sec4 #ace4 ,inspections by immigration officers4 ,sec4 #acf4 ,study on effect on asylum claims of expedited removal provisions1 practices1 and procedures4 ,sec4 #acg4 ,alignment with ,refugee ,convention obligations by prohibiting criminal prosecution of refugees4 ,subtitle ,e--,refugee resettlement ,sec4 #ada4 ,prioritization of family reunification in refugee resettlement process4 ,sec4 #adb4 ,numerical goals for annual refugee admissions4 ,sec4 #adc4 ,reform of refugee admissions consultation process4 ,sec4 #add4 ,designation of certain groups of refugees for resettlement and admission of refugees in emergency situations4 ,sec4 #ade4 ,refugee resettlement2 radius requirements4 ,sec4 #adf4 ,study and report on contributions by refugees to the ,united ,states4 ,sec4 #adg4 ,update of reception and placement grants4 ,sec4 #adh4 ,resettlement data4 ,sec4 #adi4 ,refugee assistance4 ,sec4 #aej4 ,extension of eligibility period for ,social ,security benefits for certain refugees4 ,sec4 #aea4 ,united ,states ,emergency ,refugee ,resettlement ,contingency ,fund4 ,subtitle ,f--,miscellaneous provision ,sec4 #afa4 ,authorization of appropriations4 ,,title ,,ii--,refugee and asylum seeker processing in ,western ,hemisphere ,sec4 #bja4 ,expansion of refugee and asylum seeker processing4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,strengthening regional humanitarian responses4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,information campaign on dangers of irregular migration4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,reporting requirement4 ,sec4 #bje4 ,identification1 screening1 and processing of refugees and other individuals eligible for lawful admission to the ,united ,states4 ,sec4 #bjf4 ,central ,american ,refugee ,program4 ,sec4 #bjg4 ,central ,american ,minors ,program4 ,sec4 #bjh4 ,central ,american ,family ,reunification ,parole ,program4 ,sec4 #bji4 ,informational campaign2 case status hotline4 ,,title ,,iii--,special immigrant visa programs ,sec4 #cja4 ,improvement of the direct access program for ,u4,s4-affiliated ,iraqis4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,conversion of certain petitions4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,special immigrant visa program reporting requirement4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,improvements to application process for ,afghan special immigrant visas4 ,sec4 #cje4 ,special immigrant status for certain surviving spouses and children4 ,sec4 #cjf4 ,inclusion of certain special immigrants in the annual refugee survey4 ,sec4 #cjg4 ,united ,states refugee program priorities4 ,sec4 #cjh4 ,special immigrant status for certain ,syrian who worked for the ,united ,states ,government in ,syria4 ,sec4 #cji4 ,special immigrant status reporting requirement4 ,sec4 #caj4 ,processing mechanisms4 ,,title ,,iv--,general provisions ,sec4 #dja4 ,authorization of appropriations4 ,sec4 #djb4 ,determination of budgetary effects4 #b4 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,in #bjai1 the world is in the midst of the worst global displacement crisis in history1 with more than #gj1hjj1jjj forcibly displaced persons1 including #be1ijj1jjj refugees worldwide1 over half of whom are children1 according to estimates from the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,refugees4 7#b7 ,in #bjah1 less than #e percent of global resettlement needs were met despite there being #a1djj1jjj refugees in need of third-country resettlement4 7#c7 ,the ,united ,states refugee admissions program is a life-saving solution that-- 7,a7 is critical to global humanitarian efforts2 7,b7 strengthens global security2 7,c7 leverages ,united ,states foreign policy interests1 including diplomatic and strategic interests of supporting allies who often host a significant and disproportionate share of refugees per capita2 7,d7 stabilizes sensitive regions impacted by forced migration by ensuring that the ,united ,states shares responsibility for global refugee protection2 7,e7 leverages refugee resettlement in the ,united ,states to encourage other countries to uphold the human rights of refugees1 including by ensuring that refugees-- 7i7 have the right to work1 the right to an education1 and freedom of movement2 and 7ii7 are not returned to a place in which their life or freedom is at risk2 7,f7 serves individuals and families in need of resettlement2 7,g7 provides economic and cultural benefits to cities1 ,states1 and the ,united ,states as a whole2 and 7,h7 aligns with the international obligations of the ,united ,states1 including under-- 7i7 the ,convention ,relating to the ,status of ,refugees1 done at ,geneva ,july #bh1 #aiea 7as made applicable by the ,protocol ,relating to the ,status of ,refugees1 done at ,new ,york ,january #ca1 #aifg 7#ai ,,ust #fbbc771 of which the ,united ,states is a party2 7ii7 the ,convention against ,torture and ,other ,cruel1 ,inhuman or ,degrading ,treatment or ,punishment1 done at ,new ,york ,december #aj1 #aihd1 of which the ,united ,states is a party2 7iii7 the ,convention relating to the ,status of ,stateless ,persons1 done at ,new ,york ,september #bh1 #aied2 and 7iv7 the ,convention on the ,reduction of ,statelessness1 done at ,new ,york ,august #cj1 #aifa4 7#d7 ,the ,united ,states has historically been1 and should continue to be1 a global leader in-- 7,a7 responding to displacement crises around the world1 including through the provision of robust humanitarian support2 7,b7 promoting the safety1 health1 and well-being of refugees and displaced persons2 7,c7 welcoming asylum seekers who seek safety and protecting other at-risk migrants1 including survivors of torture1 victims of trafficking1 and stateless people2 and 7,d7 working alongside other countries to strengthen protection systems and support4 7#e7 ,the ,united ,states has steadily reduced-- 7,a7 access to asylum protection through administrative policy and programmatic changes1 including policies and operational decisions aimed at reducing or stopping the ability of asylum seekers to access the ,united ,states border2 and 7,b7 the resettlement of refugees1 by way of two consecutive historically low annual refugee admissions goals after nearly #de years during which the average annual ,united ,states refugee admissions goal was over #ie1jjj individuals4 7#f7 ,refugees are-- 7,a7 the most vetted travelers to enter the ,united ,states2 and 7,b7 subject to extensive screening checks1 including in-person interviews1 biometric data checks1 and multiple interagency checks4 7#g7 ,for the sake of refugees1 asylum seekers1 other migrants1 ,united ,states national diplomatic and strategic interests1 and local communities that benefit from the presence of refugees1 asylees1 and other migrants1 it is crucial for the ,united ,states to better protect refugees and asylum seekers through reforms1 including-- 7,a7 asylum reforms that ensure due process2 7,b7 reforms to border migration enforcement1 management1 and adjudication systems that integrate stronger protection of1 and ensure due process for1 asylum seekers1 children1 victims of trafficking1 stateless people1 and other migrants1 including-- 7i7 community-based alternatives to detention for asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants2 7ii7 improved detention conditions2 7iii7 an emphasis on fairness in the arrest and adjudication process2 7iv7 increased access to legal information and representation2 and 7v7 a stronger commitment to child welfare in staffing and processes2 and 7,c7 refugee reforms that-- 7i7 ensure at least the historical average annual refugee admissions goal2 7ii7 prevent refugee policy that discriminates based on race or religion2 7iii7 improve opportunities for refugees to achieve family unity2 and 7iv7 update and strengthen support for refugees and the communities that welcome refugees4 7#h7 ,the people of the ,united ,states1 and communities across the ,united ,states1 overwhelmingly support refugees and asylum seekers1 including people of faith1 members of the ,armed ,forces1 veterans1 elected officials1 and retired high-ranking officials4 #c4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,asylum seeker 7,a7 ,in general ,the term asylum seeker means-- 7i7 any applicant for asylum under section #bjh of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeh72 7ii7 any alien who indicates-- 7,i7 an intention to apply for asylum under that section2 or 7,,ii7 a fear of persecution2 and 7iii7 any alien who indicates-- 7,i7 an intention to apply for withholding of removal pursuant to-- 7aa7 section #bda of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abca72 or 7bb7 the ,convention against ,torture and ,other ,cruel1 ,inhuman or ,degrading ,treatment or ,punishment1 done at ,new ,york ,december #aj1 #aihd2 or 7,,ii7 a fear that the alien's life or freedom would be threatened4 7,b7 ,inclusion ,the term asylum seeker includes any individual described in subparagraph 7,a7 whose application for asylum or withholding of removal is pending judicial review4 7,c7 ,exclusion ,the term asylum seeker does not include an individual with respect to whom a final order denying asylum and withholding of removal has been entered if such order is not pending judicial review4 7#b7 ,best interest determination ,the term best interest determination means a formal process with procedural safeguards designed to give primary consideration to a child's best interests in decision making4 7#c7 ,department ,the term ,department means the ,department of ,homeland ,security4 7#d7 ,internally displaced persons ,the term internally displaced persons means persons or a group 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 border4 7#e7 ,international protection ,the term international protection means asylum status1 refugee status1 protection under the ,convention against ,torture and ,other ,cruel1 ,inhuman or ,degrading ,treatment or ,punishment1 done at ,new ,york ,december #aj1 #aihd1 and other regional protection status available in the ,western ,hemisphere4 7#f7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security4 ,i ,admission and protection of refugees1 asylum seekers1 and other vulnerable individuals ,a ,refugees and asylum seekers #aja4 ,modification of definition of refugee 7a7 ,in general ,section #aja7;a77#db7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7;a77#db77 is amended to read as follows3 7#db7 7,a7 ,the term refugee means any person who-- 7i7 7,i7 is outside any country of such person's nationality or1 in the case of a person having no nationality1 is outside any country in which such person last habitually resided2 and 7,,ii7 is unable or unwilling to return to1 and is unable or unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of1 that country because of persecution1 or a well-founded fear of persecution1 on account of race1 religion1 nationality1 membership in a particular social group1 or political opinion2 or 7ii7 in such circumstances as the ,president may specify1 after appropriate consultation 7as defined in section #bjg7;e77-- 7,i7 is within the country of such person's nationality or1 in the case of a person having no nationality1 within the country in which such person is habitually residing2 and 7,,ii7 is persecuted1 or who has a well-founded fear of persecution1 on account of race1 religion1 nationality1 membership in a particular social group1 or political opinion4 7,b7 ,the term refugee does not include any person who ordered1 incited1 assisted1 or otherwise participated in the persecution of any person on account of race1 religion1 nationality1 membership in a particular social group1 or political opinion4 ,a person who establishes that his or her actions were committed under duress or while the person was younger than #ah years of age shall not be considered to have ordered1 incited1 assisted1 or otherwise participated in persecution under this subparagraph4 7,c7 ,for purposes of determinations under this ,act-- 7i7 a person who has been forced to abort a pregnancy or to undergo involuntary sterilization1 or who has been persecuted for failure or refusal to undergo such a procedure or for other resistance to a coercive population control program1 shall be deemed to have been persecuted on account of political opinion2 7ii7 a person who has a well-founded fear that he or she will be forced to undergo such a procedure or be subject to persecution for such failure1 refusal1 or resistance shall be deemed to have a well-founded fear of persecution on account of political opinion2 and 7iii7 the term particular social group means1 without any additional requirement not listed below1 any group whose members-- 7,i7 share-- 7aa7 a characteristic that is immutable or fundamental to identity1 conscience1 or the exercise of human rights2 or 7bb7 a past experience or voluntary association that1 due to its historical nature1 cannot be changed2 or 7,,ii7 are perceived as a group by society4 7,d7 7i7 ,the burden of proof shall be on the applicant to establish that the applicant is a refugee4 7ii7 ,to establish that the applicant is a refugee1 persecution-- 7,i7 shall be on account of race1 religion1 nationality1 membership in a particular social group1 or political opinion2 and 7,,ii7 may be established by demonstrating that-- 7aa7 a protected ground is at least one reason for the applicant's persecution or fear of persecution2 7bb7 the persecution or feared persecution would not have occurred or would not occur in the future but for a protected ground2 or 7cc7 the persecution or feared persecution had or will have the effect of harming the person because of a protected ground4 7,e7 ,where past or feared persecution by a nonstate actor is unrelated to a protected asylum ground1 the causal nexus link is established if the state's failure to protect the asylum applicant from the nonstate actor is on account of a protected asylum ground4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #bjh7;b77#a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeh7;b77#a77 is amended by striking section #aja7;a77#db77;,a7 each place it appears and inserting section #aja7;a77#db77;,a77i74 #ajb4 ,multiple forms of relief available to refugees and asylum seekers 7a7 ,in general ,an applicant for admission as a refugee may simultaneously pursue admission under any visa category for which the applicant may be eligible4 7b7 ,asylum applicants eligible for diversity visas ,section #bjd7;a77#a77;,i7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaed7;a77#a77;,i77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7iii7 7,i7 ,an asylum seeker in the ,united ,states who is notified that he or she is eligible for an immigrant visa pursuant to section #bjc7;c7 may file a petition with the district director that has jurisdiction over the district in which the asylum seeker resides 7or1 in the case of an asylum seeker who is or was in removal proceedings1 the immigration court in which the removal proceeding is pending or was adjudicated7 to adjust status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence4 7,,ii7 ,a petition under subclause 7,i7 shall-- 7aa7 be filed not later than #cj days before the end of the fiscal year for which the petitioner receives notice of eligibility for the visa2 and 7bb7 contain such information and be supported by such documentary evidence as the ,secretary of ,state may require4 7,,iii7 ,the district director or immigration court shall attempt to adjudicate each petition under this clause before the last day of the fiscal year for which the petitioner was selected4 ,notwithstanding clause 7ii77,,ii71 if the district director or immigration court is unable to complete such adjudication during such fiscal year1 the adjudication and adjustment of status of the petitioner may take place after the end of such fiscal year4 4 #ajc4 ,elimination of time limits on asylum applications ,section #bjh7;a77#b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeh7;a77#b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by inserting or the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security after ,attorney ,general each place such term appears2 7#b7 by striking subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,d72 7#c7 by redesignating subparagraph 7,c7 as subparagraph 7,b72 7#d7 in subparagraph 7,b71 as redesignated1 by striking subparagraph 7,d7 and inserting subparagraphs 7,c7 and 7,d72 and 7#e7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,b71 as redesignated1 the following3 7,c7 ,changed circumstances ,notwithstanding subparagraph 7,b71 an application for asylum of an alien may be considered if the alien demonstrates1 to the satisfaction of the ,attorney ,general or the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 the existence of changed circumstances that materially affect the applicant's eligibility for asylum4 7,d7 ,motion to reopen certain meritorious claims ,notwithstanding subparagraph 7,b7 or section #bdj7;c77#g71 an alien may file a motion to reopen an asylum claim during the #b-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the ,refugee ,protection ,act of #bjai if the alien-- 7i7 7,i7 was denied asylum based solely on a failure to meet the #a-year application filing deadline in effect on the date on which the application was filed2 7,,ii7 was granted withholding of removal to the alien's country of nationality 7or1 in the case of a person having no nationality1 to the country of last habitual residence7 under section #bda7;b77#c72 7,,iii7 has not obtained lawful permanent residence in the ,united ,states pursuant to any other provision of law2 and 7,,iv7 7aa7 is not subject to the safe third country exception under subparagraph 7,a7 or to a bar to asylum under subsection 7b77#b72 and 7bb7 was not denied asylum as a matter of discretion2 or 7ii7 was denied asylum based solely on the implementation of-- 7,i7 the policy memorandum of the ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services entitled ,guidance for ,processing ,reasonable ,fear1 ,credible ,fear1 ,asylum1 and ,refugee ,claims in ,accordance with ,matter of ,a-,b- 7,,pm-#fjb-jafb71 dated ,july #aa1 #bjah2 7,,ii7 the memorandum of the ,office of the ,principal ,legal ,advisor of ,u4,s4 ,immigration and ,customs ,enforcement entitled ,litigating ,domestic ,violence-,based ,persecution ,claims ,following ,matter of ,a-,b-1 dated ,july #aa1 #bjah2 7,,iii7 the interim final rule of the ,department of ,homeland ,security and the ,department of ,justice entitled ,aliens ,subject to a ,bar on ,entry ,under ,certain ,presidential ,proclamations2 ,procedures for ,protection ,claims 7#hc ,fed4 ,reg4 #eeicd 7,november #i1 #bjai772 7,,iv7 ,presidential ,proclamation #ihbb1 issued on ,november #i1 #bjah 7#hc ,fed4 ,reg4 #egffa72 7,v7 the migrant protection protocols announced by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security on ,december #bj1 #bjah 7or any successor protocols72 7,,vi7 the policy memorandum of the ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services entitled ,guidance for ,implementing ,section #bce7;b77#b77;,c7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act and the ,migrant ,protection ,protocols 7,,pm-#fjb-jafi71 dated ,january #bh1 #bjai2 or 7,,vii7 any other policy memorandum of the ,department of ,homeland ,security to implement the protocols described in subclause 7,v74 4 #ajd4 ,consideration of asylum claims 7a7 ,conditions for granting asylum 7#a7 ,in general ,section #bjh7;b77#a77;,b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeh7;b77#a77;,b77 is amended-- 7,a7 in clause 7ii71 by striking the last sentence and inserting the following3 ,if the trier of fact determines that the applicant should provide evidence that corroborates otherwise credible testimony1 the trier of fact shall provide notice and allow the applicant a reasonable opportunity to file such evidence4 ,the trier of fact may not require such evidence if the applicant does not have the evidence and demonstrates that he or she cannot reasonably obtain the evidence4 ,evidence shall not be considered reasonably obtainable if procurement of such evidence would reasonably endanger the life or safety of any person42 7,b7 by striking clause 7iii72 and 7,c7 by inserting after clause 7ii7 the following3 7iii7 ,supporting evidence accepted ,direct or circumstantial evidence1 including evidence that the government of the applicable country is unable or unwilling to protect individuals of the applicant's race1 religion1 nationality1 particular social group1 or political opinion1 or that the legal or social norms of the country tolerate persecution against individuals of the applicant's race1 religion1 nationality1 particular social group1 or political opinion1 may establish that persecution is on account of race1 religion1 nationality1 membership in a particular social group1 or political opinion4 7iv7 ,credibility determination 7,i7 ,in general ,subject to subclause 7,,ii71 a trier of fact may conduct a credibility assessment in the context of evaluating an applicant's claim for asylum4 7,,ii7 ,procedural and substantive requirements 7aa7 ,objectivity ,decisions regarding credibility shall be made objectively1 impartially1 and individually4 7bb7 ,material facts ,a credibility assessment under this clause may only be conducted on the material facts of the applicant's claim4 ,the perception of the trier of fact with respect to the applicant's general truthfulness or trustworthiness shall not be relevant to assessing credibility of material facts4 7cc7 ,detail and specificity ,in assessing credibility1 a trier of fact may consider the detail and specificity of information provided by the applicant1 the internal consistency of the applicant's statements1 and the consistency of the applicant's statements with available external information4 ,in considering such information and statements1 the trier of fact shall consider the applicant's contextual circumstances1 including-- 7,,aa7 exposure to trauma2 7,,bb7 age2 7,,cc7 gender1 sexual orientation1 or gender identity2 7,,dd7 educational background2 7,,ee7 physical or mental health issues2 7,,ff7 shame1 stigma1 or denial2 7,,gg7 communication difficulties2 7,,hh7 intercultural barriers2 and 7,,ii7 the circumstances under which such statements were made4 7dd7 ,duty to assist ,a trier of fact shall have an affirmative duty to assist the applicant in providing credible testimony4 7ee7 ,consistency with scientific literature ,a credibility assessment conducted under this clause1 and any credibility finding made1 shall be consistent with current scientific literature relating to behavioral indicators of truth-telling1 the nature of traumatic memories1 and the ability of trauma survivors to recall aspects of1 and surrounding1 a traumatic event4 7ff7 ,timing ,a credibility assessment under this clause may not be made until after-- 7,,aa7 an interview of the applicant2 and 7,,bb7 all relevant evidence has been collected and considered4 7gg7 ,opportunity to respond ,if a trier of fact doubts the credibility of the applicant1 the trier of fact shall specify any such doubt to the applicant and provide the applicant a meaningful opportunity to respond4 7hh7 ,clear findings ,the result of a credibility assessment under this clause shall include clear findings based on and supported by evidence1 after consideration of all of the relevant evidence consistent with items 7cc7 and 7dd71 that describes the material facts that are accepted as credible and the material facts that are rejected as not credible1 and the reason for such acceptance or rejection4 7ii7 ,rebuttable presumption ,if an adverse credibility determination is not explicitly made1 the applicant shall have a rebuttable presumption of credibility on appeal4 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #bda7;b77#c77;,c7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abca7;b77#c77;,c77 is amended by striking and 7iii7 and inserting through 7iv74 7b7 ,clarification on asylum eligibility ,section #bjh7;b77#b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeh7;b77#b77 is amended by striking subparagraph 7,c7 and inserting the following3 7,c7 ,clarification on asylum eligibility ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the eligibility of an alien for asylum shall be governed solely by this section4 4 7c7 ,third-,country transit ,section #bjh7;b77#b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeh7;b77#b7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7,e7 ,third-country transit ,a stay by an applicant in a third country that does not amount to firm resettlement shall not be grounds for discretionary denial of asylum4 4 7d7 ,initial jurisdiction over asylum applications ,section #bjh7;b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeh7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking subparagraph 7,c72 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 ,initial jurisdiction 7,a7 ,in general ,an asylum officer 7as defined in section #bce7;b77#a77;,e77 shall have initial jurisdiction over any asylum application regardless of whether filed in accordance with this section or section #bce7;b74 7,b7 ,final order of removal entered ,in the case of an alien with respect to whom a final order of removal was previously entered1 an asylum officer shall have initial jurisdiction over any application for withholding of removal under section #bda7;b77#c7 or protection under the ,convention against ,torture and ,other ,cruel1 ,inhuman or ,degrading ,treatment or ,punishment1 done at ,new ,york ,december #aj1 #aihd1 regardless of whether such an application is filed in accordance with this section or section #bce7;b74 4 7e7 ,modification of definition of asylum officer ,section #bce7;b77#a77;,e7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbe7;b77#a77;,e77 is amended to read as follows3 7,e7 ,asylum officer defined 7i7 ,in general ,in this paragraph1 the term asylum officer means an immigration officer who-- 7,i7 has had professional training in country conditions1 asylum law1 and nonadversarial interviewing techniques necessary for adjudication of applications under section #bjh2 7,,ii7 adjudicates applications under that section on a full-time basis2 and 7,,iii7 is supervised by an officer who-- 7aa7 meets the condition described in subclause 7,i72 and 7bb7 has had substantial experience adjudicating asylum applications4 7ii7 ,exceptional circumstances 7,i7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security may1 only in exceptional circumstances and to protect national security1 designate one or more individuals who do not meet the condition described in clause 7i77,,iii7 to act as temporary asylum officers4 7,,ii7 ,limitation ,an individual designated as a temporary asylum officer under subclause 7,i7 may not hold or have held in the preceding #c years a position the central function of which is immigration enforcement1 including ,border ,patrol agents1 ,customs and ,border ,protection officers1 and ,immigration and ,customs ,enforcement officers4 7,,iii7 ,annual report ,during any period in which the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security designates one or more temporary asylum officers1 not later than #cj days after such designation1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall submit to ,congress a report that includes-- 7aa7 a justification for the designation2 7bb7 the number of officers designated2 7cc7 the duration of service of such officers2 7dd7 the number of interviews conducted by such officers2 7ee7 with respect to applications for asylum1 withholding of removal under section #bda7;b77#c71 and protection under the ,convention against ,torture adjudicated by such officers1 the rate of grants1 denials1 referrals1 and otherwise closed applications2 and 7ff7 with respect to credible fear determinations carried out by such officers1 the rate of positive1 negative1 and otherwise closed determinations4 4 7f7 ,removal proceedings ,section #bdj7;c77#d7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbi;a7c77#d77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking the last sentence and inserting the following3 ,if the trier of fact determines that the applicant should provide evidence that corroborates otherwise credible testimony1 the trier of fact shall provide notice and allow the applicant a reasonable opportunity to file such evidence4 ,the trier of fact may not require such evidence if the applicant does not have the evidence and demonstrates that he or she cannot reasonably obtain the evidence4 ,evidence shall not be considered reasonably obtainable under this subparagraph if procurement of such evidence would reasonably endanger the life or safety of any person in the applicant's home country42 and 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,c71 in the first sentence1 by striking 1 without regard to whether an inconsistency1 inaccuracy1 or falsehood goes to the heart of the applicant's claim1 or any other relevant factor and inserting ,if the trier of fact determines that there are inconsistencies or omissions1 the alien shall be given an opportunity to explain and provide support or evidence to clarify such inconsistencies or omissions44 #aje4 ,transparency in refugee determinations ,section #bjg7;c7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg7;c77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#e7 ,the adjudicator of an application for refugee status under this section shall consider all relevant evidence and maintain a record of the evidence considered4 7#f7 ,an applicant for refugee status may be represented1 including at a refugee interview1 at no expense to the ,government1 by an attorney or accredited representative who-- 7,a7 was chosen by the applicant2 and 7,b7 is authorized by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security to be recognized as the representative of such applicant in an adjudication under this section4 7#g7 7,a7 ,a decision to deny an application for refugee status under this section-- 7i7 shall be in writing2 and 7ii7 shall cite the specific applicable provisions of this ,act upon which such denial was based1 including-- 7,i7 the facts underlying the determination2 and 7,,ii7 whether there is a waiver of inadmissibility available to the applicant4 7,b7 ,the basis of any negative credibility finding shall be part of the written decision4 7#h7 7,a7 ,an applicant who is denied refugee status under this section may file a request with the ,secretary for a review of his or her application not later than #abj days after such denial4 7,b7 ,a request filed under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be adjudicated by refugee officers who have received training on considering requests for review of refugee applications that have been denied4 7,c7 ,the ,secretary shall publish the standards applied to a request for review under this paragraph4 7,d7 ,a request for review under this paragraph may result in the decision being granted1 denied1 or reopened for a further interview4 7,e7 ,a decision on a request for review under this paragraph shall-- 7i7 be in writing2 and 7ii7 provide1 to the maximum extent practicable1 information relating to the reason for the denial4 4 #ajf4 ,employment authorization for asylum seekers and other individuals 7a7 ,asylum seekers ,paragraph 7#b7 of section #bjh7;d7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeh7;d77 is amended to read as follows3 7#b7 ,employment authorization 7,a7 ,eligibility ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall authorize employment for an applicant for asylum who is not in detention and the application for asylum of whom has not been determined frivolous4 7,b7 ,application ,an applicant for asylum who is not otherwise eligible for employment authorization shall not be granted such authorization before the date that is #cj days after the date of filing of the application for asylum4 7,c7 ,term ,employment authorization for an applicant for asylum shall be-- 7i7 for a period of #b years2 and 7ii7 renewable for additional #b-year periods for the entire continuous period necessary to adjudicate the asylum claim of the applicant1 including administrative or judicial review4 4 7b7 ,individuals granted withholding of removal ,section #bda7;b77#c7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abca7;b77#c77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7,d7 ,employment authorization 7i7 ,eligibility ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall authorize employment for an alien granted withholding of removal under this paragraph or deferral of removal under the ,convention against ,torture and ,other ,cruel1 ,inhuman or ,degrading ,treatment or ,punishment1 done at ,new ,york ,december #aj1 #aihd4 7ii7 ,term ,employment authorization for an alien described in clause 7i7 shall be-- 7,i7 for a period of #b years2 and 7,,ii7 renewable for additional #b-year periods for the duration of such withholding of removal or deferral of removal status4 4 #ajg4 ,admission of refugees and asylees as lawful permanent residents 7a7 ,asylees ,section #bjh7;b77#c7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeh7;b77#c771 as amended by section #ajd7;d71 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 ,petition ,an alien granted asylum under this subsection may petition for the same status to be conferred on his or her spouse or child at any time after such alien is granted asylum whether or not such alien has applied for1 or been granted1 adjustment to permanent resident status under section #bji4 7,d7 ,permanent resident status ,notwithstanding any numerical limitations under this ,act1 a spouse or child admitted to the ,united ,states as an asylee following to join a spouse or parent previously granted asylum may be regarded as lawfully admitted to the ,united ,states for permanent residence as of the date of the admission to the ,united ,states of such spouse or child admission to the ,united ,states1 if admissible under section #bji4 7,e7 ,application for adjustment of status ,a spouse or child who was not admitted to the ,united ,states pursuant to a grant of asylum1 but who was granted asylum under this subparagraph after his or her arrival as the spouse or child of an alien granted asylum under section #bjh1 may apply for adjustment of status to that of lawful permanent resident under section #bji at any time after being granted asylum4 4 7b7 ,refugees ,section #bji of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaei7 is amended to read as follows3 #bji4 ,treatment of aliens admitted as refugees and of aliens granted asylum 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,treatment of refugee families ,any alien may be lawfully admitted to the ,united ,states for permanent residence at the time of initial admission to the ,united ,states if the alien-- 7,a7 has been approved for admission to the ,united ,states-- 7i7 under section #bjg or #bjh2 or 7ii7 under section #bjh7;b77#c7 as the spouse or child of an alien granted asylum under section #bjh7;b77#a72 and 7,b7 is admissible under section #bab 7except as otherwise provided in subsections 7b7 and 7c774 7#b7 ,adjustment of status 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security or the ,attorney ,general1 in the discretion of the ,secretary or the ,attorney ,general1 and under such regulations as the ,secretary or the ,attorney ,general may prescribe1 may adjust1 to the status of an alien lawfully admitted to the ,united ,states for permanent residence1 the status of any alien who1 while in the ,united ,states-- 7i7 is granted-- 7,i7 asylum under section #bjh7;b7 7as a principal alien or as the spouse or child of an alien granted asylum72 or 7,,ii7 refugee status under section #bjg as the spouse or child of a refugee2 7ii7 applies for such adjustment of status at any time after being granted asylum or refugee status2 7iii7 is not firmly resettled in any foreign country2 and 7iv7 is admissible 7except as otherwise provided under subsections 7b7 and 7c77 as an immigrant under this ,act at the time of examination for adjustment of such alien4 7,b7 ,applicability ,this paragraph shall apply to any alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence under section #bjg or #bjh before the date of the enactment of the ,refugee ,protection ,act of #bjai4 7#c7 ,record ,upon approval of an application under this subsection1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security or the ,attorney ,general shall establish a record of the alien's admission for lawful permanent residence as of the date such alien was granted asylum or refugee status4 7b7 ,inapplicability of certain inadmissibility grounds to refugees1 aliens granted asylum1 and such aliens seeking adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident ,paragraphs 7#d71 7#e71 and 7#g77;,a7 of section #bab7;a7 shall not apply to-- 7#a7 any refugee under section #bjg2 7#b7 any alien granted asylum under section #bjh2 or 7#c7 any alien seeking admission as a lawful permanent resident pursuant to a grant of refugee or asylum status4 7c7 ,waiver of inadmissibility or deportability for refugees1 aliens granted asylum1 and such aliens seeking adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security or the ,attorney ,general may waive any ground under section #bab or #bcg for aliens admitted pursuant to section #bjg or #bjh1 or seeking admission as a lawful permanent resident pursuant to subsection 7a71 if such a waiver is justified by humanitarian purposes1 to ensure family unity1 or is otherwise in the public interest4 7#b7 ,ineligibility ,aliens admitted pursuant to section #bjg or #bjh1 or seeking admission as a lawful permanent resident pursuant to subsection 7a71 shall be ineligible for a waiver under paragraph 7#a7 if it has been established that the alien is-- 7,a7 inadmissible under section #bab7;a77#b77;,c7 or subparagraph 7,a71 7,b71 7,c71 or 7,e7 of section #bab7;a77#c72 7,b7 deportable under section #bcg7;a77#b77;,a77iii7 for an offense described in section #aja7;a77#dc77;,b72 or 7,c7 deportable under subparagraph 7,a71 7,b71 7,c71 or 7,d7 of section #bcg7;a77#d74 4 7c7 ,clarification ,aliens admitted for lawful permanent residence pursuant to paragraph 7#a7 of section #bji7;a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act1 as amended by subsection 7b71 or who adjust their status pursuant to paragraph 7#b7 of such section1 shall be considered to be refugees and aliens granted asylum in accordance with sections #djb1 #djc1 #dab1 and #dca of the ,personal ,responsibility and ,work ,opportunity ,reconciliation ,act of #aiif 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #afab1 #afac1 #afbb1 and #afda74 7d7 ,technical and conforming amendments 7#a7 ,aliens not subject to direct numerical limitations ,section #bja7;b77#a77;,b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaea7;b77#a77;,b77 is amended to read as follows3 7,b7 ,aliens who are admitted to the ,united ,states as permanent residents under section #bjg or #bjh or whose status is adjusted under section #bji4 4 7#b7 ,training ,section #bjg7;f77#a7 of such ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg7;f77#a77 is amended by striking ,attorney ,general and inserting ,secretary of ,homeland ,security4 7#c7 ,fees for adjustment ,section #bjh7;d77#c7 of such ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeh7;d77#c77 is amended by striking section #bji7;b7 and inserting section #bji7;a77#b74 7#d7 ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands ,section #bjh7;e7 of such ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeh7;e77 is amended by striking section #bji7;b7 and inserting section #bji7;a77#b74 7#e7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for such ,act is amended by striking the item relating to section #bji and inserting the following3 ,sec4 #bji4 ,treatment of aliens admitted as refugees and of aliens granted asylum4 4 ,b ,protections for children and families #aaa4 ,keeping families together 7a7 ,modification of definition of child ,section #aja7;b77#a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7;b77#a77 is amended by-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,e77ii71 by striking 2 or and inserting a semicolon2 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,f77ii71 by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon2 7#c7 in subparagraph 7,g77iii77,,iii71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 or2 and 7#d7 by adding at the end the following3 7,h7 7i7 a child under the age of #ah at the time an application is filed to accord a principal alien refugee status-- 7,i7 who is an orphan because of the death or disappearance of1 abandonment or desertion by1 or separation or loss from1 both parents2 or 7,,ii7 for whom the sole or surviving parent is incapable of providing the proper care and has1 in writing1 irrevocably released the child for emigration and adoption2 7ii7 who has been living in a country of asylum under the care of such principal alien2 and 7iii7 for whom the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security is satisfied that proper care will be furnished if the child is admitted to the ,united ,states4 4 7b7 ,admission of refugee families and timely adjudication ,paragraph 7#b7 of section #bjg7;c7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg7;c77 is amended to read as follows3 7#b7 7,a7 7i7 ,irrespective of the date on which such refugee was admitted to the ,united ,states1 the spouse or a child 7as defined in section #aja7;b77#a77 of any refugee1 or the parent or de facto guardian 7as determined by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security7 of such a child who qualifies for admission under paragraph 7#a71 if not otherwise entitled to admission under such paragraph and not described in section #aja7;a77#db77;,b71 shall be entitled to the same admission status as such refugee if-- 7,i7 accompanying1 or following to join1 such refugee2 and 7,,ii7 admissible 7except as otherwise provided under paragraph 7#c77 as an immigrant under this chapter4 7ii7 ,the admission to the ,united ,states of a spouse1 child1 parent1 or guardian described in clause 7i7 shall not be charged against the numerical limitation established in accordance with the appropriate subsection under which the refugee's admission is charged4 7,b7 ,a mother or father who seeks to accompany1 or follow to join1 an alien granted admission as a refugee under this subsection shall continue to be classified as a mother or father for purposes of this paragraph if the alien attained #ba years of age while such application was pending4 7,c7 ,the parent or de facto guardian 7as determined by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security7 of a refugee child admitted under this section and was admitted under the ,unaccompanied ,refugee ,minors program 7as described in subparagraph 7,d71 7,e71 or 7,h7 of section #aja7;b77#a7 shall be treated in accordance with subparagraph 7,a7 if such parent or guardian seeks to follow to join such refugee child and the minor consents to being joined by such individual4 7,d7 7i7 ,not later than #a year after the date on which an application for refugee status is filed under this paragraph-- 7,i7 required screenings and background checks shall be completed2 and 7,,ii7 the application shall be adjudicated4 7ii7 ,the adjudication of an application may exceed the timeframe under clause 7i7 only in exceptional circumstances in which additional time to process an application is necessary to satisfy national security concerns1 if the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security has-- 7,i7 made a determination that the applicant meets the requirements for refugee status under this section2 and 7,,ii7 notified the applicant of such determination4 4 7c7 ,treatment of asylee families and timely adjudication ,section #bjh7;b77#c7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeh7;b77#c771 as amended by sections #ajd7;d7 and #ajg7;a71 is further amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking or following to join1 such alien and inserting1 or following to join1 such alien1 irrespective of the date on which such alien was granted asylum2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7,f7 ,children of asylee spouses ,a child 7as defined in subparagraph 7,a71 7,b71 7,c71 7,d71 or 7,e7 of section #aja7;b77#a77 born to the asylee spouse who qualifies for admission under paragraph 7,a7 shall1 if not otherwise eligible for asylum under this section1 be granted the same status as such asylee spouse if accompanying1 or following to join1 such asylee spouse4 7,g7 ,application process 7i7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date on which an application for refugee status is filed under this paragraph-- 7,i7 required screenings and background checks shall be completed2 and 7,,ii7 the application shall be adjudicated4 7ii7 ,exception ,the adjudication of an application may exceed the timeframe under clause 7i7 only in exceptional circumstances in which additional time to process an application is necessary to satisfy national security concerns1 if the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security has-- 7,i7 made a determination that the applicant meets the requirements for refugee status under this section2 and 7,,ii7 notified the applicant of such determination4 7iii7 ,prohibition on denials due to processing delays ,an application for asylum under this paragraph shall not be denied1 in whole or in part1 on the basis that processing could not be completed within the timeframe under clause 7i74 4 #aab4 ,protections for minors seeking asylum 7a7 ,in general ,section #bjh of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeh7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a77#b71 as amended by section #ajc1 by amending subparagraph 7,e7 to read as follows3 7,e7 ,applicability to minors ,subparagraphs 7,a71 7,b71 and 7,c7 shall not apply to an applicant who is younger than #ah years of age on the earlier of-- 7i7 the date on which the asylum application is filed2 or 7ii7 the date on which any notice to appear is issued4 2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7b71 in paragraph 7#d71 as added by section #ajd7;d77#b71 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 ,applicants under #ah years ,an asylum officer 7as defined in section #bce7;b77#a77;,e77 shall have initial jurisdiction over any asylum application filed by an applicant who is younger than #ah years of age on the earlier of-- 7i7 the date on which the asylum application is filed2 or 7ii7 the date on which any notice to appear is issued4 4 7b7 ,treatment of spouse1 children1 mother1 and father seeking asylum ,section #bjh7;b77#c7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeh71 as amended by section #ajd7;d71 is further amended-- 7#a7 in the paragraph heading1 by striking and children and inserting 1 children1 mothers1 and fathers2 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking 7as defined in section #aja7;b77#a77;,a71 7,b71 7,c71 7,d71 or 7,e77 of an alien and inserting 7as defined in subparagraph 7,a71 7,b71 7,c71 7,d71 7,e71 or 7,h7 of section #aja7;b77#a77 of an alien1 or the mother or father of an alien who is such a child12 and 7#c7 by amending subparagraph 7,b7 to read as follows3 7,b7 ,continued classification of certain aliens as children 7i7 ,unmarried aliens ,an unmarried alien who seeks to accompany1 or follow to join1 a mother or father granted asylum under this subsection1 and any child of such unmarried alien1 shall continue to be classified as a child for purposes of this paragraph and shall be considered a refugee1 if-- 7,i7 the alien was younger than #ba years of age on the date on which such mother or father applied for asylum under this section2 and 7,,ii7 the alien attained #ba years of age while such application was pending4 7ii7 ,effect on mothers and fathers ,a mother or father who seeks to accompany1 or follow to join1 an alien granted asylum under this subsection shall continue to be classified as a mother or father for purposes of this paragraph1 and together with the spouse or child of such mother or father1 be considered a refugee1 if the alien attained #ba years of age while such application was pending4 4 7c7 ,reinstatement of removal ,section #bda7;a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abca7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#e71 by striking ,if the ,attorney ,general and inserting ,except as provided in paragraph 7#h71 if the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#h7 ,applicability of reinstatement of removal ,paragraph 7#e7 shall not apply to an alien who-- 7,a7 7i7 reentered the ,united ,states illegally after the alien was previously removed or departed voluntarily under an order of removal2 and 7ii7 was younger than #ah years of age on the date on which the alien was removed or departed voluntarily under an order of removal2 7,b7 demonstrates to the satisfaction of the adjudicator that the basis for seeking asylum developed or amplified after the alien was previously removed or departed voluntarily under an order of removal2 7,c7 7i7 was removed pursuant to expedited procedures under section #bce7;b72 and 7ii7 demonstrates to the satisfaction of an immigration judge that the expedited removal order was issued without the alien having been offered the opportunity to apply for asylum2 7,d7 was issued an order of removal after having been designated under the migrant protection protocols announced by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security on ,december #bj1 #bjah 7or any successor protocols72 7,e7 was deprived of or denied access to asylum procedures under section #bjh solely or primarily as a result of the implementation of the interim final rule of the ,department of ,homeland ,security and the ,department of ,justice entitled ,aliens ,subject to a ,bar on ,entry ,under ,certain ,presidential ,proclamations2 ,procedures for ,protection ,claims 7#hc ,fed4 ,reg4 #eeicd 7,november #i1 #bjai77 or ,asylum ,eligibility and ,procedural ,modifications 7#hd ,fed4 ,reg4 #cchbi72 or 7,f7 was ordered removed solely or primarily as a result of the implementation of-- 7i7 the policy memorandum of the ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services entitled ,guidance for ,processing ,reasonable ,fear1 ,credible ,fear1 ,asylum1 and ,refugee ,claims in ,accordance with ,matter of ,a-,b- 7,,pm-#fjb-jafb71 dated ,july #aa1 #bjah2 7ii7 the memorandum of the ,office of the ,principal ,legal ,advisor of ,u4,s4 ,immigration and ,customs ,enforcement entitled ,litigating ,domestic ,violence-,based ,persecution ,claims ,following ,matter of ,a-,b-1 dated ,july #aa1 #bjah2 7iii7 ,presidential ,proclamation #ihbb1 issued on ,november #i1 #bjah 7#hc ,fed4 ,reg4 #egffa72 or 7iv7 the policy memorandum of the ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services entitled ,guidance for ,implementing ,section #bce7;b77#b77;,c7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act and the ,migrant ,protection ,protocols 7,,pm-#fjb-jafi71 dated ,january #bh1 #bjai4 4 #aac4 ,fair day in court for kids 7a7 ,improving immigration court efficiency and reducing costs by increasing access to legal information 7#a7 ,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-- 7i7 in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7,i7 by striking 1 at no expense to the ,government12 and 7,,ii7 by striking the comma at the end and inserting a semicolon2 7ii7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c7 as subparagraphs 7,d7 and 7,e71 respectively2 7iii7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,a7 the following3 7,b7 the ,attorney ,general may appoint or provide counsel to aliens in immigration proceedings2 7,c7 at the beginning of the proceedings or as expeditiously as possible1 the alien shall automatically receive a complete copy of the alien's ,alien ,file 7commonly known as an ,a-file7 and ,form ,i-#hfb 7commonly known as a ,notice to ,appear7 in the possession of the ,department of ,homeland ,security 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 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 understands fluently2 2 and 7iv7 in subparagraph 7,d71 as so redesignated1 by striking 1 and and inserting 2 and2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#h7 ,failure to provide required documents to alien ,in the absence of a waiver under paragraph 7#d77;,c71 a removal proceeding may not proceed until the alien-- 7,a7 has received the documents required under such paragraph2 and 7,b7 has been provided meaningful time to review and assess such documents4 4 7#b7 ,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 2 7,b7 in subsection 7a71 as so designated-- 7i7 by striking 7at no expense to the ,government72 and 7ii7 by striking he shall and inserting the person shall2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7b7 ,appointment of counsel 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,attorney ,general may appoint or provide counsel to aliens in any proceeding conducted under section #bce7;b71 #bcf1 #bch1 #bdj1 or #bda or any other section of this ,act4 7#b7 ,access to counsel ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall facilitate access to counsel for aliens detained inside immigration detention and border facilities in any proceeding conducted under section #bce7;b71 #bcf1 #bch1 #bdj1 or #bda4 4 7#c7 ,appointment of counsel for children and vulnerable individuals 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 counsel1 at the expense of the ,government if necessary1 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 child2 7#b7 a particularly vulnerable individual1 such as-- 7,a7 a person with a disability2 or 7,b7 a victim of abuse1 torture1 or violence2 or 7#c7 an individual whose circumstances are such that the appointment of counsel is necessary to help ensure fair resolution and efficient adjudication of the proceedings4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review of the ,department of ,justice such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section4 4 7,b7 ,rulemaking ,the ,attorney ,general shall promulgate regulations to implement section #bib7;c7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act1 as added by subparagraph 7,a71 in accordance with the requirements set forth in section #cjjf;,a of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code4 7b7 ,access to counsel and legal orientation 7#a7 ,access to counsel at detention facilities ,the ,secretary shall provide access to counsel for all aliens held or detained in-- 7,a7 a facility under the supervision of ,u4,s4 ,immigration and ,customs ,enforcement1 ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection1 or the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services2 or 7,b7 any private facility that contracts with the ,federal ,government to house1 detain1 or hold aliens4 7#b7 ,access to legal orientation programs 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,attorney ,general1 shall establish procedures to ensure that legal orientation programs are available for all aliens detained by the ,department to inform such aliens of-- 7i7 the basic procedures of immigration hearings2 7ii7 the rights of aliens relating to such hearings under ,federal immigration law2 7iii7 information that may deter such aliens from filing frivolous legal claims2 and 7iv7 any other information that the ,attorney ,general considers appropriate1 such as a contact list of potential legal resources and providers4 7,b7 ,access ,access to legal orientation programs shall not be limited by the alien's current immigration status1 prior immigration history1 or potential for immigration relief4 7,c7 ,role of nongovernmental organizations ,the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,attorney ,general1 shall enter into #a or more contracts with #a or more nongovernmental community-based organizations for the provision of the legal orientation programs under this paragraph4 7#c7 ,immigration court information help desk ,the ,attorney ,general shall expand the existing ,immigration ,court ,helpdesk pilot program to all detained and nondetained immigration courts4 7#d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review of the ,department of ,justice such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subsection4 7c7 ,report on access to counsel 7#a7 ,report ,not later than ,december #ca of each year1 the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,attorney ,general1 shall prepare and submit a report to the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,senate and the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,house of ,representatives regarding the extent to which aliens described in section #bib7;c7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act1 as added by subsection 7a77#c77;,a71 have been provided access to counsel4 7#b7 ,contents ,each report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include1 for the immediately preceding #a-year period1 the number and percentage of aliens described in paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 and 7#c71 respectively1 of section #bib7;c7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act1 as added by subsection 7a77#c77;,a71 who were represented by counsel1 including information specifying-- 7,a7 the stage of the legal process at which the alien was represented2 7,b7 whether the alien was in government custody2 and 7,c7 the number and percentage of aliens who received legal orientation presentations4 ,c ,protections for other vulnerable individuals #aba4 ,modification of physical presence requirements for aliens admitted in special immigrant status for persons who have served as translators for the ,armed ,forces 7a7 ,in general ,section #ajei7;e77#a7 of the ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjjf 7,public ,law #aji-afc2 #h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja note7 is amended to read as follows3 7#a7 ,in general 7,a7 ,continuous residence ,a period of absence from the ,united ,states described in paragraph 7#b7 shall not be considered to break any period for which continuous residence in the ,united ,states is required for naturalization under title ,,iii of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #adja et seq474 7,b7 ,physical presence ,in the case of a lawful permanent resident1 for an absence from the ,united ,states described in paragraph 7#b71 the time spent outside of the ,united ,states in the capacity described in paragraph 7#b7 shall be counted towards the accumulation of the required physical presence in the ,united ,states4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall take effect as if included in the amendment made by section #a7;c77#b7 of the ,act entitled ,an ,act to increase the number of ,iraqi and ,afghani translators and interpreters who may be admitted to the ,united ,states as special immigrants1 and for other purposes1 approved ,june #ae1 #bjjg 7,public ,law #aaj-cf2 #aba ,stat4 #bbg74 #abb4 ,protection of stateless persons in the ,united ,states 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #a of title ,,ii of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaea et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #baj;,a4 ,protection of stateless persons in the ,united ,states 7a7 ,definition of stateless person ,in this section1 the term stateless person means an individual who is not a national of any state by operation of its law4 7b7 ,designation of specific stateless groups ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,state1 may1 in the discretion of the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 designate specific groups of individuals who are considered stateless persons1 for purposes of this section4 7c7 ,mechanisms for regularizing the status of stateless persons 7#a7 ,relief for certain individuals determined to be stateless persons ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security or the ,attorney ,general shall provide lawful conditional resident status to an alien who-- 7,a7 is a stateless person who is present in the ,united ,states2 7,b7 applies for such relief2 7,c7 has not lost his or her nationality as a result of voluntary action after arrival in the ,united ,states1 unless the loss was the result of duress1 coercion1 or a reasonable expectation that he or she had acquired or would acquire another nationality or citizenship2 and 7,d7 7i7 is not inadmissible under paragraph 7#b7 or 7#c7 of section #bab7;a7 based on criminal or national security grounds2 and 7ii7 is not described in section #bda7;b77#c77;,b77i74 7#b7 ,waivers ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security or the ,attorney ,general may waive any provisions under paragraph 7#b7 or 7#c7 of section #bab7;a7 7other than subparagraph 7,b71 7,d77ii71 7,e71 7,g71 7,h71 or 7,i7 of paragraph 7#b7 or subparagraph 7,a71 7,b71 7,c71 7,e71 or 7,f7 of paragraph 7#c77 with respect to such an alien for humanitarian purposes1 to assure family unity1 or if it is otherwise in the public interest4 7#c7 ,submission of passport or travel document ,any alien who seeks relief under this section shall submit to the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security or the ,attorney ,general-- 7,a7 any available passport or travel document issued at any time to the alien 7whether or not the passport or document has expired or been canceled1 rescinded1 or revoked72 or 7,b7 an affidavit1 sworn under penalty of perjury-- 7i7 stating that the alien has never been issued a passport or travel document2 or 7ii7 identifying with particularity any such passport or travel document and explaining why the alien cannot submit it4 7#d7 ,employment authorization ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security may authorize an alien who has applied for and is found prima facie eligible for or has been granted relief under paragraph 7#a7 to engage in employment in the ,united ,states4 7#e7 ,travel documents ,upon request1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall provide an alien who has been granted lawful conditional resident status under paragraph 7#a7 with a document that facilitates the alien's ability to travel abroad and be admitted to the ,united ,states upon return1 if otherwise admissible4 7#f7 ,treatment of spouse and children ,the spouse or child of an alien who has been granted lawful conditional resident status under paragraph 7#a7 shall1 if not otherwise eligible for admission under paragraph 7#a71 be granted lawful conditional resident status under this subsection if accompanying1 or following to join1 such alien if-- 7,a7 the spouse or child is admissible 7except as otherwise provided in paragraph 7#b77 and is not described in section #bda7;b77#c77;,b77i72 and 7,b7 the qualifying relationship to the principal beneficiary existed on the date on which such alien was granted conditional lawful status4 7d7 ,adjustment of status 7#a7 ,inspection and examination ,at the end of the #a-year period beginning on the date on which an alien has been granted conditional lawful status under subsection 7c71 the alien may apply for lawful permanent residence in the ,united ,states if-- 7,a7 the alien has been physically present in the ,united ,states for at least #a year2 7,b7 the alien's conditional lawful status has not been terminated by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security or the ,attorney ,general1 pursuant to such regulations as the ,secretary or the ,attorney ,general may prescribe2 and 7,c7 the alien has not otherwise acquired permanent resident status4 7#b7 ,requirements for adjustment of status ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security or the ,attorney ,general1 under such regulations as the ,secretary or the ,attorney ,general may prescribe1 shall adjust the status of an alien granted conditional lawful status under subsection 7c7 to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence if such alien-- 7,a7 is a stateless person2 7,b7 properly applies for such adjustment of status2 7,c7 has been physically present in the ,united ,states for at least #a year after being granted conditional lawful status under subsection 7c72 7,d7 has not acquired permanent foreign residence that is substantially likely to result in the acquisition of citizenship2 and 7,e7 is admissible 7except as otherwise provided under subsection 7c77#b77 as an immigrant under this chapter at the time of examination of such alien for adjustment of status4 7#c7 ,record ,upon approval of an application under this subsection1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security or the ,attorney ,general shall establish a record of the alien's admission for lawful permanent residence as of the date that is #a year before the date of such approval4 7e7 ,travel documents ,upon request1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall provide an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence under subsection 7d7 with a document that facilitates the alien's ability to travel abroad and be admitted to the ,united ,states upon return1 if otherwise admissible4 7f7 ,proving the claim 7#a7 ,in general ,in determining an alien's eligibility for lawful conditional resident status or lawful permanent resident status under this section1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security or the ,attorney ,general shall consider any credible evidence relevant to the application1 including information from the ,secretary of ,state1 especially the ,bureau of ,population1 ,refugees1 and ,migration and the ,bureau of ,democracy1 ,human ,rights1 and ,labor4 7#b7 ,burden of proof ,in determining an alien's eligibility for lawful conditional resident status or lawful permanent resident status under this section-- 7,a7 the applicant shall provide a full and truthful account of his or her legal status in any country in which the applicant was born or resided before entering the ,united ,states and submit all evidence reasonably available2 and 7,b7 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall obtain and submit to the immigration officer or immigration judge and the applicant or1 as applicable1 the applicant's counsel1 all available evidence regarding the applicant's legal status in the country of birth or prior residence4 7g7 ,review 7#a7 ,administrative review ,no appeal shall lie from the denial of an application by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 but such denial will be without prejudice to the alien's right to renew the application in proceedings under section #bdj4 7#b7 ,motions to reopen 7,a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any limitation imposed by law on motions to reopen removal1 deportation1 or exclusion proceedings1 any individual who is eligible for relief under this section may file a motion to reopen proceedings in order to apply for relief under this section4 7,b7 ,deadlines ,any motion under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be filed not later than the later of-- 7i7 #b years after the date of the enactment of the ,refugee ,protection ,act of #bjai2 or 7ii7 #ij days after the date of entry of a final administrative order of removal1 deportation1 or exclusion4 7,c7 ,effect of other limitations ,no time or numerical limitation may be construed to restrict the filing of a motion to reopen under this section if such limitation is based on previously unavailable or changed facts or circumstances that would undermine an applicant's access to nationality that was previously alleged by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security or the applicant4 7h7 ,limitations 7#a7 ,applicability ,except under paragraph 7#e7 of subsection 7c71 the provisions of this section shall only apply to aliens present in the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,savings provision ,nothing in this section may be construed to authorize or require-- 7,a7 except under paragraphs 7#e7 and 7#f7 of subsection 7c71 the admission of any alien to the ,united ,states2 or 7,b7 the parole of any alien into the ,united ,states4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #bjc7;b77#d7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaec7;b77#d77 is amended by inserting to aliens granted adjustment of status under section #baj;,a7c7 or after level14 7c7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents for the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #baj the following3 ,sec4 #baj;,a4 ,protection of stateless persons in the ,united ,states4 4 #abc4 ,protecting victims of terrorism from being defined as terrorists 7a7 ,security and related grounds ,section #bab7;a77#c77;,b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aahb7;a77#c77;,b77 is amended to read as follows3 7,b7 ,terrorist activities 7i7 ,in general ,any alien who-- 7,i7 has engaged in a terrorist activity2 7,,ii7 a consular officer1 the ,attorney ,general1 or the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security knows1 or has reasonable grounds to believe1 is engaged in or is likely to engage after entry in any terrorist activity 7as defined in clause 7iv772 7,,iii7 has1 under circumstances indicating an intention to cause death or serious bodily harm1 incited terrorist activity2 7,,iv7 is a representative 7as defined in clause 7v77 of-- 7aa7 a terrorist organization described in subclause 7,i7 or 7,,ii7 of clause 7vi72 7bb7 a terrorist organization described in subclause 7,,iii7 of such clause1 and there are reasonable grounds for regarding the alien as a danger to the security of the ,united ,states2 or 7cc7 a political1 social1 or other group that endorses or espouses terrorist activity2 7,v7 is a member of a terrorist organization described in subclause 7,i7 or 7,,ii7 of clause 7vi72 7,,vi7 is a member of a terrorist organization described in clause 7vi77,,iii71 unless the alien can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the alien did not know1 and should not reasonably have known1 that the organization was a terrorist organization1 and there are reasonable grounds for regarding the alien as a danger to the security of the ,united ,states2 7,,vii7 endorses or espouses terrorist activity or persuades others to endorse or espouse terrorist activity or to support a terrorist organization described in subclause 7,i7 or 7,,ii7 of clause 7vi72 7,,viii7 has received military-type training 7as defined in section #bcci;,d 7c77#a7 of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code7 from or on behalf of any organization that1 at the time the training was received1 was a terrorist organization described in subclause 7,i7 or 7,,ii7 of clause 7vi771 or was a terrorist organization described in subclause 7,,iii7 of such clause and there are reasonable grounds for regarding the alien as a danger to the security of the ,united ,states2 or 7,,ix7 is the spouse or child of an alien who is inadmissible under this subparagraph1 if the activity causing the alien to be found inadmissible occurred within the last #e years1 is inadmissible4 ,an alien who is an officer1 official1 representative1 or spokesman of the ,palestine ,liberation ,organization is considered1 for purposes of this ,act1 to be engaged in a terrorist activity4 7ii7 ,exception ,subclause 7,,ix7 of clause 7i7 does not apply to a spouse or child-- 7,i7 who did not know or should not reasonably have known of the activity causing the alien to be found inadmissible under this section2 or 7,,ii7 who the consular officer or ,attorney ,general has reasonable grounds to believe has renounced the activity causing the alien to be found inadmissible under this section4 7iii7 ,terrorist activity defined ,in this ,act1 the term terrorist activity means any activity that is unlawful under the laws of the place in which it is committed 7or which1 if it had been committed in the ,united ,states1 would be unlawful under the laws of the ,united ,states or any ,state7 and that involves any of the following3 7,i7 ,the highjacking or sabotage of any conveyance 7including an aircraft1 vessel1 or vehicle74 7,,ii7 ,the seizing or detaining1 and threatening to kill1 injure1 or continue to detain1 another individual in order to compel a third person 7including a governmental organization7 to carry out or abstain from carrying out any act as an explicit or implicit condition for the release of the individual seized or detained4 7,,iii7 ,a violent attack upon an internationally protected person 7as defined in section #aaaf7;b77#d7 of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code7 or upon the liberty of such person4 7,,iv7 ,an assassination4 7,v7 ,the use1 with the intent to endanger the safety of #a or more individuals or to cause substantial damage to property1 of any-- 7aa7 biological agent1 chemical agent1 or nuclear weapon or device2 or 7bb7 explosive1 firearm1 or other weapon or dangerous device 7other than for mere personal monetary gain71 with intent to endanger1 directly or indirectly1 the safety of one or more individuals or to cause substantial damage to property4 7,,vi7 ,a threat1 attempt1 or conspiracy to do any of the foregoing4 7iv7 ,engage in terrorist activity defined ,in this ,act1 the term engage in terrorist activity means1 in an individual capacity or as a member of an organization-- 7,i7 to commit or to incite to commit1 under circumstances indicating an intention to cause death or serious bodily injury1 a terrorist activity2 7,,ii7 to prepare or plan a terrorist activity2 7,,iii7 to gather information on potential targets for terrorist activity2 7,,iv7 to solicit funds or other things of value for-- 7aa7 a terrorist activity2 7bb7 a terrorist organization described in subclause 7,i7 or 7,,ii7 of clause 7vi77,,ii72 or 7cc7 a terrorist organization described in subclause 7,,iii7 of such clause 7unless the solicitor demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that he did not know1 and should not reasonably have known1 that the organization was a terrorist organization7 if there are reasonable grounds for regarding the solicitor as a danger to the security of the ,united ,states2 7,v7 to solicit any individual-- 7aa7 to engage in conduct otherwise described in this subsection2 7bb7 for membership in a terrorist organization described in subclause 7,i7 or 7,,ii7 of clause 7vi72 or 7cc7 for membership in a terrorist organization described in subclause 7,,iii7 of such clause 7unless the solicitor demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that he did not know1 and should not reasonably have known1 that the organization was a terrorist organization7 if there are reasonable grounds for regarding the solicitor as a danger to the security of the ,united ,states2 or 7,,vi7 to commit an act that the actor knows1 or reasonably should know1 affords material support1 including a safe house1 transportation1 communications1 funds1 transfer of funds or other material financial benefit1 false documentation or identification1 weapons 7including chemical1 biological1 or radiological weapons71 explosives1 or training-- 7aa7 for the commission of a terrorist activity2 7bb7 to any individual who the actor knows1 or reasonably should know1 has committed or plans to commit a terrorist activity2 7cc7 to a terrorist organization described in subclause 7,i7 or 7,,ii7 of clause 7vi7 or to any member of such an organization2 or 7dd7 to a terrorist organization described in subclause 7,,iii7 of such clause1 or to any member of such an organization1 unless the actor can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the actor did not know1 and should not reasonably have known1 that the organization was a terrorist organization1 if there are reasonable grounds for regarding the actor as a danger to the security of the ,united ,states4 7v7 ,representative defined ,in this paragraph1 the term representative includes an officer1 official1 or spokesman of an organization1 and any person who directs1 counsels1 commands1 or induces an organization or its members to engage in terrorist activity4 7vi7 ,terrorist organization defined ,in this section1 the term terrorist organization means an organization-- 7,i7 designated under section #bai2 7,,ii7 otherwise designated1 upon publication in the ,federal ,register1 by the ,secretary of ,state in consultation with or upon the request of the ,attorney ,general or the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 as a terrorist organization1 after finding that the organization engages in the activities described in subclauses 7,i7 through 7,,vi7 of clause 7iv72 or 7,,iii7 that is a group of two or more individuals1 whether organized or not1 that engages in1 or has a subgroup that engages in1 the activities described in subclauses 7,i7 through 7,,vi7 of clause 7iv74 4 7b7 ,child soldiers 7#a7 ,inadmissibility ,section #bab7;a77#c77;,g7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aahb7;a77#c77;,g77 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking ,any alien and inserting the following3 7i7 ,in general ,any alien 2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7ii7 ,applicability ,clause 7i7 shall not apply to an alien who establishes that the actions giving rise to inadmissibility under such clause were committed under duress or carried out while the alien was younger than #ah years of age4 4 7#b7 ,deportability ,section #bcg7;a77#d77;,f7 of such ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbg7;a77#d77;,f77 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking ,any alien and inserting the following3 7i7 ,in general ,any alien 2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7ii7 ,applicability ,clause 7i7 shall not apply to an alien who establishes that the actions giving rise to deportability under such clause were committed under duress or carried out while the alien was younger than #ah years of age4 4 7c7 ,temporary admission of nonimmigrants ,section #bab7;d77#c77;,b77i7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aahb7;d77#c77;,b77i77 is amended to read as follows3 7,b7 7i7 ,the ,secretary of ,state1 after consultation with the ,attorney ,general and the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 or the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 after consultation with the ,secretary of ,state and the ,attorney ,general1 may conclude1 in such ,secretary's sole1 unreviewable discretion1 that subsection 7a77#c77;,b7 shall not apply to an alien or that subsection 7a77#c77;,b77iii77,v77cc7 shall not apply to a group4 ,the ,secretary of ,state may not exercise discretion under this clause with respect to an alien after removal proceedings against the alien have commenced under section #bdj4 4 #abd4 ,protection for aliens interdicted at sea 7a7 ,in general ,section #bda7;b77#c7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abca7;b77#c771 as amended by section #ajf1 is amended-- 7#a7 in the paragraph heading1 by striking to a country where alien's life or freedom would be threatened and inserting or return if refugee's life or freedom would be threatened or alien would be subjected to torture2 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7,a7 by striking ,notwithstanding and inserting the following3 7i7 ,life or freedom threatened ,notwithstanding 2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7ii7 ,asylum interview ,notwithstanding paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b71 a ,united ,states officer may not return any alien interdicted or otherwise encountered in international waters or ,united ,states waters who has expressed a fear of return to his or her country of departure1 origin1 or last habitual residence-- 7,i7 until such alien has been granted a confidential interview by an asylum officer1 in a language the alien claims to understand1 to determine whether that alien has a well-founded fear of persecution because of the alien's race1 religion1 nationality1 membership in a particular social group1 or political opinion1 or because the alien would be subject to torture in that country2 or 7,,ii7 if an asylum officer has determined that the alien has such a well-founded fear of persecution or would be subject to torture in his or her country of departure1 origin1 or last habitual residence4 2 7#c7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,b71 7,c71 and 7,d7 as subparagraphs 7,c71 7,d71 and 7,e71 respectively2 and 7#d7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,a7 the following3 7,b7 ,protections for aliens interdicted in international or ,united ,states waters ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall issue regulations establishing a uniform procedure applicable to all aliens interdicted in international or ,united ,states waters that-- 7i7 provides each alien-- 7,i7 a meaningful opportunity to express1 through a translator who is fluent in a language the alien claims to understand1 a fear of return to his or her country of departure1 origin1 or last habitual residence2 and 7,,ii7 in a confidential interview and in a language the alien claims to understand1 information concerning the alien's interdiction1 including the ability of the alien to inform ,united ,states officers about any fears relating to the alien's return or repatriation2 7ii7 provides each alien expressing such a fear of return or repatriation a confidential interview conducted by an asylum officer1 in a language the alien claims to understand1 to determine whether the alien's return to his or her country of departure1 origin1 or last habitual residence is prohibited because the alien has a well-founded fear of persecution-- 7,i7 because of the alien's race1 religion1 nationality1 membership in a particular social group1 or political opinion2 or 7,,ii7 because the alien would be subject to torture in that country2 7iii7 ensures that each alien can effectively communicate with ,united ,states officers through the use of a translator fluent in a language the alien claims to understand2 and 7iv7 provides each alien who1 according to the determination of an asylum officer1 has a well-founded fear of persecution for the reasons specified in clause 7ii71 or who would be subject to torture1 an opportunity to seek protection in-- 7,i7 a country other than the alien's country of departure1 origin1 or last habitual residence in which the alien has family or other ties that will facilitate resettlement2 or 7,,ii7 if the alien has no such ties1 a country that will best facilitate the alien's resettlement1 which may include the ,united ,states4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,section #bdj;,a7c77#e7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbi;b7c77#e77 is amended by striking section #bda7;b77#c77;,b77i7 and inserting section #bda7;b77#c77;,c77i74 7#b7 ,section #bdb7;b77#d7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abeb7;b77#d77 is amended1 in the undesignated matter following subparagraph 7,d71 by striking #bda7;b77#c77;,c7 and inserting #bda7;b77#c77;,d74 #abe4 ,enhanced protection for individuals seeking ,u visas1 ,t visas1 and protection under ,,vawa 7a7 ,employment authorization for ,t visa applicants ,section #bad7o7 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aahd7o77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#h7 ,notwithstanding any provision of this ,act granting eligibility for employment in the ,united ,states1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall grant employment authorization to an alien who has filed a petition for nonimmigrant status under section #aja7;a77#ae77,t7 on the date that is the earlier of-- 7,a7 the date on which the alien's petition for such status is approved2 or 7,b7 a date determined by the ,secretary that is not later than #ahj days after the date on which such alien filed such petition4 4 7b7 ,increased accessibility and employment authorization for ,u visa applicants ,section #bad7p7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aahd7p77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#b77;,a71 by striking #aj1jjj and inserting #bj1jjj2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#f71 by striking the last sentence2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#h7 ,employment authorization ,notwithstanding any provision of this ,act granting eligibility for employment in the ,united ,states1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall grant employment authorization to an alien who has filed an application for nonimmigrant status under section #aja7;a77#ae77,u7 on the date that is the earlier of-- 7,a7 the date on which the alien's application for such status is approved2 or 7,b7 a date determined by the ,secretary that is not later than #ahj days after the date on which such alien filed such application4 4 7c7 ,prohibition on removal of certain victims with pending petitions and applications 7#a7 ,in general ,section #bdj of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbi;a7 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating subsection 7e7 as subsection 7f72 and 7,b7 by inserting after subsection 7d7 the following3 7e7 ,prohibition on removal of certain victims with pending petitions and applications 7#a7 ,in general ,an alien described in paragraph 7#b7 shall not be removed from the ,united ,states under this section or any other provision of law until there is a final denial of the alien's application for status after the exhaustion of administrative and judicial review4 7#b7 ,aliens described ,an alien described in this paragraph is an alien who-- 7,a7 has a pending application or petition under-- 7i7 subparagraph 7,t7 or 7,u7 of section #aja7;a77#ae72 7ii7 section #ajf2 7iii7 section #bdj;,a7b77#b72 or 7iv7 section #bdd7;a77#c7 7as in effect on ,march #ca1 #aiig72 or 7,b7 is a ,,vawa self-petitioner1 as defined in section #aja7;a77#ea71 and has a pending application for relief under a provision referred to in any of subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,g7 of such section4 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #bdj7;b77#g7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbi;a7b77#g77 is amended by striking subsection 7e77#a7 and inserting subsection 7f74 7d7 ,prohibition on detention of certain victims with pending petitions and applications ,section #bcf of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbf7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7f7 ,prohibition on detention of certain victims with pending petitions and applications 7#a7 ,presumption of release 7,a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of this ,act1 there shall be a presumption that an alien described in paragraph 7#b7 should be released from detention4 7,b7 ,rebuttal ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security may rebut the presumption of release based on clear and convincing evidence1 including credible and individualized information1 that-- 7i7 the use of alternatives to detention will not reasonably ensure the appearance of the alien at removal proceedings2 or 7ii7 the alien is a threat to another person or the community4 7,c7 ,pending criminal charge ,a pending criminal charge against an alien may not be the sole factor to justify the continued detention of the alien4 7#b7 ,alien described ,an alien described in this paragraph is an alien who-- 7,a7 has a pending application under-- 7i7 subparagraph 7,t7 or 7,u7 of section #aja7;a77#ae72 7ii7 section #ajf2 7iii7 section #bdj;,a7b77#b72 or 7iv7 section #bdd7;a77#c7 7as in effect on ,march #ca1 #aiig72 or 7,b7 is a ,,vawa self-petitioner1 as defined in section #aja7;a77#ea71 and has a pending petition for relief under a provision referred to in any of subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,g7 of such section4 4 ,d ,protections relating to removal1 detention1 and prosecution #aca4 ,prevention of erroneous in absentia orders of removal 7a7 ,written record of address ,section #bci7;a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbi7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a77;,f71 by inserting the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security or before the ,attorney ,general each place such term appears2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b77;,a7 by striking the alien or to the alien's counsel of record and inserting the alien and to the alien's counsel of record44 7b7 ,removal in absentia and rescission of removal orders ,section #bdj7;b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbi;a7b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#e7-- 7,a7 by amending subparagraph 7,a7 to read as follows-- 7,a7 ,removal in absentia 7i7 ,in general ,any alien who1 after a proceeding under this section is rescheduled by an immigration judge due to the alien's failure to attend such proceeding1 and written notice required under paragraph 7#a7 or 7#b7 of section #bci7;a7 has been provided to the alien and the alien's counsel of record1 does not attend a proceeding under this section1 may be ordered removed in absentia if the ,department of ,homeland ,security establishes by clear1 unequivocal1 and convincing evidence that-- 7,i7 sufficient written notice was so provided2 7,,ii7 the alien is removable2 and 7,,iii7 in the case of an alien required to periodically report to the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 the alien has demonstrated a pattern of failing to report4 7ii7 ,sufficient notice ,the written notice by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security or the ,attorney ,general shall be considered sufficient for purposes of this subparagraph if-- 7,i7 the notice includes-- 7aa7 the accurate date1 time1 and court location at which the alien is required to appear2 and 7bb7 the date on which the notice was issued2 7,,ii7 the notice is provided at the most recent complete physical address provided under section #bci7;a72 and 7,,iii7 the certificate of service for the notice indicates that oral notice and a recitation of the consequences of failure to appear were provided-- 7aa7 in the native language of the alien2 or 7bb7 in a language the alien understands4 2 and 7,b7 by amending paragraph 7,c7 to read as follows3 7,c7 ,rescission of order 7i7 ,in general ,such an order may be rescinded only-- 7,i7 upon a motion to reopen filed at any time after the date of the order of removal if the alien demonstrates that the failure to appear was because of exceptional circumstances2 7,,ii7 upon a motion to reopen filed at any time if the alien demonstrates that the alien did not receive notice in accordance with paragraph 7#a7 or 7#b7 of section #bci7;a7 or the alien demonstrates that the alien was in ,federal or ,state custody and the failure to appear was through no fault of the alien2 7,,iii7 in the case of an alien who is a minor child1 upon a motion to reopen filed at any time2 or 7,,iv7 upon a motion to reopen filed at any time if the alien has a pending application for asylum1 withholding of removal1 or protection under the ,convention against ,torture and ,other ,cruel1 ,inhuman or ,degrading ,treatment or ,punishment1 done at ,new ,york ,december #aj1 #aihd1 or demonstrates that he or she has a credible claim to any such protection4 7ii7 ,stay of removal ,the filing of the motion to reopen described in clause 7i7 shall stay the removal of the alien pending disposition of the motion by the immigration judge4 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#h7 ,check-in history ,before an immigration judge conducts a proceeding under this section1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall report to the immigration judge the extent to which the alien has complied with any requirement to report periodically the whereabouts of the alien to the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security4 4 #acb4 ,scope and standard for review of removal orders ,section #bdb7;b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abeb7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 by striking ,the petition and inserting the following3 7,a7 ,in general ,the petition 2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7,b7 ,prohibition on removal ,an alien shall not be removed during such #cj-;day period unless the alien indicates in writing that he or she wishes to be removed before the expiration of such period4 4 7#b7 by striking paragraph 7#d7 and inserting the following3 7#d7 ,scope and standard for review 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#e77;,b71 the court of appeals shall sustain a final decision ordering removal unless it is contrary to law1 an abuse of discretion1 or not supported by substantial evidence4 7,b7 ,decision based on administrative record ,the court of appeals shall decide the petition based solely on the administrative record on which the order of removal is based4 7,c7 ,availability of review 7i7 ,in general ,the court of appeals shall maintain jurisdiction to review discretionary determinations arising in a claim for asylum4 7ii7 ,jurisdiction over denials ,notwithstanding section #bdb7;a77#b77;,c71 the court of appeals shall maintain jurisdiction to review all denials of requests for withholding of removal under to section #bda7;b77#c7 or protection under the ,convention against ,torture and ,other ,cruel1 ,inhuman or ,degrading ,treatment or ,punishment1 done at ,new ,york ,december #aj1 #aihd4 4 #acc4 ,presumption of liberty for asylum seekers 7a7 ,custody determination 7#a7 ,initial determination 7,a7 ,in general ,with respect to an alien who has expressed fear of returning to his or her home country or an intent to apply for asylum in the ,united ,states1 the ,secretary shall make an initial written custody determination with respect to the alien and provide the determination to the alien not later than #dh hours after1 as applicable-- 7i7 the ,secretary takes the alien into custody2 or 7ii7 in the case of an alien already in the custody of the ,secretary1 the alien expresses such fear or intent4 7,b7 ,least restrictive conditions ,a custody determination under this paragraph shall impose the least restrictive conditions if the ,secretary determines that the release of an alien-- 7i7 will not reasonably ensure the appearance of the alien as required2 or 7ii7 will endanger the safety of any other person or the community4 7,c7 ,applicability ,this paragraph shall not apply to unaccompanied alien children 7as defined in section #dfb7;g7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #bgi;g774 7#b7 ,presumption of release 7,a7 ,in general ,in a hearing under this subsection1 there shall be a presumption that the alien should be released4 7,b7 ,rebuttal ,the ,secretary may rebut the presumption of release based on clear and convincing evidence1 including credible and individualized information1 that-- 7i7 the use of alternatives to detention1 including release on recognizance or on a reasonable bond1 will not reasonably ensure the appearance of the alien at removal proceedings2 or 7ii7 the alien is a threat to another person or the community4 7,c7 ,pending criminal charge ,a pending criminal charge against an alien may not be the sole factor to justify the continued detention of the alien4 7,d7 ,evidence of identity ,the inability of an alien to reasonably provide government-issued evidence of identity1 including the inability of the alien to contact the government of the country of nationality of the alien so as not to alert such government of the whereabouts of the alien1 may not be the sole factor to justify the continued detention of the alien4 7,e7 ,pre-existing community ties ,a lack of pre-existing community ties in the ,united ,states shall not preclude the release of an alien4 7b7 ,least restrictive conditions required 7#a7 ,in general ,if the ,secretary or an immigration judge determines1 pursuant to a hearing under this section1 that the release of an alien will not reasonably ensure the appearance of the alien as required or will endanger the safety of any other person or the community1 the ,secretary or the immigration judge shall order the least restrictive conditions or combination of conditions that the ,secretary or judge determines will reasonably ensure the appearance of the alien and the safety of any other person and the community1 which may include-- 7,a7 release on recognizance2 7,b7 secured or unsecured release on bond2 or 7,c7 participation in a program described in subsection 7d74 7#b7 ,monthly review ,any condition assigned to an alien under paragraph 7#a7 shall be reviewed by an immigration judge on a monthly basis4 7c7 ,special rule for vulnerable persons and primary caregivers 7#a7 ,in general ,in the case that the alien who is the subject of a custody determination under this section is a vulnerable person or a primary caregiver1 the alien may not be detained unless the ,secretary demonstrates1 in addition to the requirements under subsection 7a77#b71 that it is unreasonable or not practicable to place the individual in a community-based supervision program4 7#b7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,material witness ,the term material witness means an individual who presents a declaration to an attorney investigating1 prosecuting1 or defending the workplace claim or from the presiding officer overseeing the workplace claim attesting that1 to the best of the declarant's knowledge and belief1 reasonable cause exists to believe that the testimony of the individual will be relevant to the outcome of the workplace claim4 7,b7 ,primary caregiver ,the term primary caregiver means a person who is established to be a caregiver1 parent1 or close relative caring for or traveling with a child4 7,c7 ,vulnerable person ,the term vulnerable person means an individual who-- 7i7 is under #ba years of age or over #fj years of age2 7ii7 is pregnant2 7iii7 identifies as lesbian1 gay1 bisexual1 transgender1 or intersex2 7iv7 is a victim or witness of a crime2 7v7 has filed a nonfrivolous civil rights claim in ,federal or ,state court2 7vi7 has filed1 or is a material witness to1 a bonafide workplace claim2 7vii7 has a serious mental or physical illness or disability2 7viii7 has been determined by an asylum officer in an interview conducted under section #bce7;b77#a77;,b7 to have a credible fear of persecution or torture2 7ix7 has limited ,english language proficiency and is not provided access to appropriate and meaningful language services in a timely fashion2 or 7x7 has been determined by an immigration judge or the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security to be experiencing severe trauma or to be a survivor of torture or gender-based violence1 based on information obtained during intake1 from the alien's attorney or legal service provider1 or through credible self-reporting4 7,d7 ,workplace claim ,the term workplace claim means any written or oral claim1 charge1 complaint1 or grievance filed with1 communicated to1 or submitted to the employer1 a ,federal1 ,state1 or local agency or court1 or an employee representative related to the violation of applicable ,federal1 ,state1 and local labor laws1 including laws concerning wages and hours1 labor relations1 family and medical leave1 occupational health and safety1 civil rights1 or nondiscrimination4 7d7 ,alternatives to detention 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish programs that provide alternatives to detaining aliens1 which shall offer a continuum of supervision mechanisms and options1 including community-based supervision programs and community support4 7#b7 ,contracts with nongovernmental organizations ,the ,secretary shall contract with nongovernmental community-based organizations to provide services for programs under paragraph 7#a71 including case management services1 appearance assistance services1 and screenings of detained aliens4 7#c7 ,individualized determination required 7,a7 ,in general ,in determining whether to order an alien to participate in a program under this subsection1 the ,secretary or an immigration judge1 as applicable1 shall make an individualized determination with respect to the appropriate level of supervision for the alien4 7,b7 ,limitation ,participation in a program under this subsection may not be ordered for an alien for whom it is determined that release on reasonable bond or recognizance-- 7i7 will reasonably ensure the appearance of the alien as required2 and 7ii7 will not pose a threat to any other person or the community4 7e7 ,regular review of custody determinations and conditions of release 7#a7 ,timing ,in the case of an alien who seeks to challenge the initial custody determination under subsection 7a77#a71 not later than #gb hours after the initial custody determination1 the alien shall be provided with the opportunity for a hearing before an immigration judge to determine whether the alien should be detained4 7#b7 ,subsequent determinations ,an alien who is detained under this section shall be provided with a de novo custody determination hearing under this subsection-- 7,a7 every #fj days2 and 7,b7 on a showing of-- 7i7 changed circumstances2 or 7ii7 good cause for such a hearing4 #acd4 ,procedures for ensuring accuracy and verifiability of sworn statements taken pursuant to expedited removal authority 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish quality assurance procedures to ensure the accuracy and verifiability of signed or sworn statements taken by employees of the ,department exercising expedited removal authority under section #bce7;b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbe7;b774 7b7 ,recording of interviews 7#a7 ,in general ,any sworn or signed written statement taken from an alien as part of the record of a proceeding under section #bce7;b77#a77;,a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbe7;b77#a77;,a77 shall be accompanied by a recording of the interview that served as the basis for such sworn statement4 7#b7 ,content ,the recording shall include-- 7,a7 a reading of the entire written statement to the alien in a language that the alien claims to understand2 and 7,b7 the verbal affirmation by the alien of the accuracy of-- 7i7 the written statement2 or 7ii7 a corrected version of the written statement4 7#c7 ,format ,the recording shall be made in video1 audio1 or other equally reliable format4 7#d7 ,evidence ,recordings of interviews under this subsection may be considered as evidence in any further proceedings involving the alien4 7c7 ,exemption authority 7#a7 ,exempted facilities ,subsection 7b7 shall not apply to interviews that occur at detention facilities exempted by the ,secretary under this subsection4 7#b7 ,criteria ,the ,secretary1 or a designee of the ,secretary1 may exempt any detention facility if compliance with subsection 7b7 at that facility would impair operations or impose undue burdens or costs4 7#c7 ,report ,the ,secretary shall annually submit to ,congress a report that identifies the facilities that have been exempted under this subsection4 7#d7 ,no private cause of action ,nothing in this subsection may be construed to create a private cause of action for damages or injunctive relief4 7d7 ,interpreters ,the ,secretary shall ensure that a professional fluent interpreter is used if-- 7#a7 the interviewing officer is not certified by the ,department to speak a language understood by the alien2 and 7#b7 there is no other ,federal ,government employee available who is able to interpret effectively1 accurately1 and impartially4 #ace4 ,inspections by immigration officers ,section #bce7;a77#c7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbe7;a77#c77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,all aliens and inserting the following3 7,a7 ,in general ,all aliens2 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7,b7 ,prohibition ,an immigration officer may not turn back1 instruct to return at a later time1 refuse to inspect1 or otherwise reject in any manner whatsoever an applicant for admission at a port of entry who indicates-- 7i7 an intent to apply for asylum under section #bjh2 or 7ii7 a fear of persecution4 4 #acf4 ,study on effect on asylum claims of expedited removal provisions1 practices1 and procedures 7a7 ,study 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,commission shall conduct a study to determine whether immigration officers are engaging in conduct described in paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,conduct described ,the conduct described in this paragraph is the following3 7,a7 ,improperly encouraging an alien to withdraw or retract an asylum claim4 7,b7 ,incorrectly failing to refer an alien for an interview by an asylum officer to determine whether the alien has a credible fear of persecution1 including failing to record the expression of an alien of fear of persecution or torture4 7,c7 ,incorrectly removing an alien to a country in which the alien may be persecuted4 7,d7 ,detaining an alien improperly or under inappropriate conditions4 7,e7 ,improperly separating a family unit after a member of the family unit has expressed a credible fear of persecution4 7,f7 ,improperly referring an alien for processing under an enforcement or deterrence program1 such as the consequence delivery system4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #b years after the date on which the ,commission initiates the study under subsection 7a71 the ,commission shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report describing the results of the study4 7c7 ,staffing 7#a7 ,agency employees 7,a7 ,identification ,the ,commission may identify employees of the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 the ,department of ,justice1 and the ,government ,accountability ,office who have significant expertise and knowledge of refugee and asylum issues4 7,b7 ,designation ,at the request of the ,commission1 the ,secretary1 the ,attorney ,general1 and the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall authorize the employees identified under subparagraph 7,a7 to assist the ,commission in conducting the study under subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,additional staff ,the ,commission may hire additional staff and consultants to conduct the study under subsection 7a74 7#c7 ,access to proceedings 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary and the ,attorney ,general shall provide staff designated under paragraph 7#a77;,b7 or hired under paragraph 7#b7 with unrestricted access to all stages of all proceedings conducted under section #bce7;b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbe7;b774 7,b7 ,exceptions ,the ,secretary and the ,attorney ,general may not permit unrestricted access under subparagraph 7,a7 if-- 7i7 the alien subject to a proceeding under such section #bce7;b7 objects to such access2 or 7ii7 the ,secretary or ,attorney ,general determines that the security of a particular proceeding would be threatened by such access4 7d7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,appropriate committees of ,congress ,the term appropriate committees of ,congress means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs1 the ,committee on the ,judiciary1 and the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 and 7,b7 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security1 the ,committee on the ,judiciary1 and the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#b7 ,commission ,the term ,commission means the ,united ,states ,commission on ,international ,religious ,freedom4 7#c7 ,credible fear of persecution ,the term credible fear of persecution has the meaning given the term in section #bce7;b77#a77;,b77v7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbe7;b77#a77;,b77v774 7#d7 ,immigration officer ,the term immigration officer means an immigration officer performing duties under section #bce7;b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbe7;b77 with respect to aliens who-- 7,a7 are apprehended after entering the ,united ,states2 7,b7 may be eligible to apply for asylum under section #bjh of that ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeh72 or 7,c7 may have a credible fear of persecution4 #acg4 ,alignment with ,refugee ,convention obligations by prohibiting criminal prosecution of refugees 7a7 ,in general ,an alien who has expressed a credible or reasonable fear of persecution1 filed an application for asylum1 withholding of removal1 or protection under the ,convention against ,torture and ,other ,cruel1 ,inhumane or ,degrading ,treatment or ,punishment1 done at ,new ,york ,december #aj1 #aihd1 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 of such denial2 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 with an application being filed4 7b7 ,affirmative defense ,if an alien is prosecuted under section #bge7;a7 or #bgf7;a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #acbe7;a7 and #acbf7;a77 in violation of subsection 7a71 it shall be a defense that the alien has expressed a credible or reasonable fear of persecution1 has filed an application for asylum or another form of protection1 and such application has not been finally adjudicated and denied1 including any appeals of such denial4 7c7 ,treaty obligations ,in accordance with the treaty obligations of the ,united ,states under ,article #ca of the ,convention ,relating to the ,status of ,refugees1 done at ,geneva ,july #bh1 #aiea 7as made applicable by the ,protocol ,relating to the ,status of ,refugees1 done at ,new ,york ,january #ca1 #aifg 7#ai ,,ust #fbbc771 an alien who has been granted asylum or withholding of removal under the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,,us4,c4 #aaja et seq47 may not be prosecuted under section #bge7;a7 or #bgf7;a7 of that ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #acbe7;a7 and #acbf7;a774 ,e ,refugee resettlement #ada4 ,prioritization of family reunification in refugee resettlement process 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state shall prioritize the cases of persons referred by the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,refugees1 groups of special humanitarian concern to the ,united ,states under subsection 7a77#a7 of section #bjg of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg71 and refugees seeking reunification with relatives living in the ,united ,states1 regardless of the nationality of such refugees4 7b7 ,regulations 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 shall promulgate regulations to ensure that an individual seeking admission to the ,united ,states as a refugee shall not be excluded from being interviewed for refugee status based on-- 7,a7 a close family relationship to a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the ,united ,states2 7,b7 a potential qualification of the individual for an immigrant visa2 or 7,c7 a pending application by the individual for admission to the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,simultaneous consideration ,the regulations promulgated under paragraph 7#a7 shall ensure that an applicant for admission as a refugee is permitted to pursue simultaneously admission to the ,united ,states-- 7,a7 as a refugee2 and 7,b7 under any visa category for which the applicant may be eligible4 7c7 ,notice of separate travel ,in the case of an applicant for admission under section #bjg of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg7 the application of whom is placed on hold for more than three months and one or more members of the family of the applicant have separate pending applications for admission under such section1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall-- 7#a7 notify any individual on that case who is eligible to travel separately of the option to separate the case of the individual from the family unit2 and 7#b7 permit the individual to travel based on the satisfaction by the individual of all security and other requirements for a refugee application4 7d7 ,use of embassy referrals 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state shall set forth a plan to ensure that each ,united ,states embassy and consulate is equipped and enabled to refer individuals in need of resettlement to the ,united ,states refugee admissions program4 7#b7 ,training ,the ,secretary of ,state shall undertake training for embassy personnel to ensure that each embassy and consulate has sufficient knowledge and expertise to carry out this paragraph4 #adb4 ,numerical goals for annual refugee admissions ,section #bjg of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 by striking paragraph 7#a72 7,b7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#d7 as paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#f71 respectively2 7,c7 in paragraph 7#a71 as so redesignated-- 7i7 by inserting 7,a7 before ,except as provided2 7ii7 by striking after fiscal year #aihb2 7iii7 by striking is justified and all that follows through interest4 and inserting 8is-- 7i7 justified by humanitarian concerns or otherwise in the national interest2 and 7ii7 not less than #ie1jjj4 2 and 7iv7 by adding at the end the following-- 7,b7 ,if the ,president does not issue a determination under this paragraph before the beginning of a fiscal year1 the number of refugees who may be admitted under this section shall be #ie1jjj4 7#b7 ,each officer of the ,federal ,government responsible for refugee admissions or refugee resettlement shall treat a determination under paragraph 7#a7 and subsection 7b7 as the numerical goals for refugee admissions under this section for the applicable fiscal year4 2 7,d7 by inserting after paragraph 7#c7 the following3 7#d7 ,in making a determination under paragraph 7#a71 the ,president shall consider the number of refugees who1 during the calendar year beginning immediately after the beginning of the applicable fiscal year1 are in need of resettlement in a third country1 as determined by the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,refugees in the most recently published projected global resettlement needs report4 7#e7 ,the ,president shall determine regional allocations for admissions under this subsection1 that-- 7,a7 shall consider the projected needs identified by the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,refugees in the projected global resettlement needs report for the calendar year beginning immediately after the beginning of the applicable fiscal year2 and 7,b7 shall include an unallocated reserve that the ,secretary of ,state1 after notifying the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,senate and the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,house of ,representatives1 may use for #a or more regions in which the need for additional refugee admissions arises4 2 7,e7 in paragraph 7#f71 as so redesignated1 by striking 7beginning with fiscal year #aiib72 and 7,f7 by adding at the end the following3 7#g7 ,all officers of the ,federal ,government responsible for refugee admissions or refugee resettlement shall treat the determinations made under this subsection and subsection 7b7 as the refugee admissions goal for the applicable fiscal year4 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7g7 ,quarterly reports on admissions ,not later than #ae days after the last day of each quarter1 the ,president shall submit to the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,senate and the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,house of ,representatives a report that includes the following3 7#a7 ,refugees admitted 7,a7 ,the number of refugees admitted to the ,united ,states during the preceding quarter4 7,b7 ,the number of refugees admitted to the ,united ,states during the preceding quarter1 expressed as a percentage of the number of refugees authorized to be admitted in accordance with the determinations under subsections 7a7 and 7b7 for the applicable fiscal year4 7,c7 ,the cumulative number of refugees admitted to the ,united ,states during the applicable fiscal year1 as of the last day of the preceding quarter4 7,d7 ,the number of refugees to be admitted to the ,united ,states during the remainder of the applicable fiscal year so as to achieve the numerical goals set forth in the determinations under subsections 7a7 and 7b7 for such fiscal year4 7,e7 ,the number of refugees from each region admitted to the ,united ,states during the preceding quarter1 expressed as a percentage of the allocation for each region under subsection 7a77#e7 for the applicable fiscal year4 7#b7 ,aliens with security advisory opinions 7,a7 ,the number of aliens1 by nationality1 for whom a ,security ,advisory ,opinion has been requested who were security-cleared during the preceding quarter1 expressed as a percentage of all cases successfully adjudicated by the ,director of ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services in the applicable fiscal year4 7,b7 ,the number of aliens1 by nationality1 for whom a ,security ,advisory ,opinion has been requested who were admitted to the ,united ,states during the preceding quarter4 7#c7 ,circuit rides 7,a7 ,for the preceding quarter-- 7i7 the number of ,refugee ,corps officers deployed on circuit rides1 expressed as a percentage of the overall number of ,refugee ,corps officers2 7ii7 the number of individuals interviewed-- 7,i7 on each circuit ride2 and 7,,ii7 at each circuit ride location2 7iii7 the number of circuit rides2 and 7iv7 for each circuit ride-- 7,i7 the duration of the circuit ride2 7,,ii7 the average number of interviews conducted daily on the circuit ride2 and 7,,iii7 the percentages of interviews conducted for-- 7aa7 individuals who require ,security ,advisory ,opinions2 and 7bb7 individuals who do not require ,security ,advisory ,opinions4 7,b7 ,for the subsequent quarter-- 7i7 the number of circuit rides scheduled2 and 7ii7 the number of circuit rides planned4 7#d7 ,processing ,for the preceding quarter-- 7,a7 the average number of days between-- 7i7 the date on which an individual is identified by the ,united ,states ,government as a refugee2 and 7ii7 the date on which such individual is interviewed by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security2 7,b7 the average number of days between-- 7i7 the date on which an individual identified by the ,united ,states ,government as a refugee is interviewed by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security2 and 7ii7 the date on which such individual is admitted to the ,united ,states2 and 7,c7 with respect to individuals identified by the ,united ,states ,government as refugees who have been interviewed by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 the approval1 denial1 and hold rates for the applications for admission of such individuals1 by nationality4 7#e7 ,plan and additional information 7,a7 ,a plan that describes the procedural or personnel changes necessary to ensure the admission of the number of refugees authorized to be admitted to the ,united ,states in accordance with determinations under subsections 7a7 and 7b71 including a projection of the number of refugees to be admitted to the ,united ,states each month so as to achieve the numerical goals set forth in such determinations4 7,b7 ,additional information relating to the pace of refugee admissions1 as determined by the ,president4 7h7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section may be construed-- 7#a7 to inhibit the expeditious processing of refugee and asylum applications2 7#b7 to restrict the authority of the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security to admit aliens to the ,united ,states under any other ,act2 or 7#c7 to prevent the executive branch from increasing the numerical goal of refugee admissions or regional allocations based on emerging or identified resettlement needs during and throughout the fiscal year4 4 #adc4 ,reform of refugee admissions consultation process ,section #bjg7;e7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg7;e77 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#g7 as subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,g71 respectively2 7#b7 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a71 as so redesignated-- 7,a7 by inserting 7#a7 after 7e72 and 7,b7 by inserting 1 which shall be commenced not later than ,may #a of each year and continue periodically throughout the remainder of the year1 if necessary1 after discussions in person2 7#c7 in the undesignated matter following subparagraph 7,g71 as so redesignated1 by striking ,to the extent possible1 and inserting the following3 7#b7 ,to the extent possible 2 and 7#d7 by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 7,a7 ,the plans referred to in paragraph 7#a77;,c7 shall include estimates of-- 7i7 the number of refugees the ,president expects to have ready to travel to the ,united ,states at the beginning of the fiscal year2 7ii7 the number of refugees and the stipulated populations the ,president expects to admit to the ,united ,states in each quarter of the fiscal year2 and 7iii7 the number of refugees the ,president expects to have ready to travel to the ,united ,states at the end of the fiscal year4 7,b7 ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall ensure that an adequate number of refugees are processed during the fiscal year to fulfill the refugee admissions goals under subsections 7a7 and 7b74 7,c7 ,in fulfilling the requirements of this subsection1 the ,president shall-- 7i7 establish specific objectives or measurements for the integration of refugees admitted to the ,united ,states2 and 7ii7 submit an annual report to ,congress on the integration of resettled refugees on the basis of such objectives or measurements4 4 #add4 ,designation of certain groups of refugees for resettlement and admission of refugees in emergency situations 7a7 ,admission of emergency situation refugees ,section #bjg7;c7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg7;c771 as amended by section #aaa7;b71 is further amended-- 7#a7 by striking the subsection designation and all that follows through immigrant under this ,act4 in paragraph 7#a7 and inserting the following3 7c7 7#a7 7,a7 ,subject to the numerical established pursuant to subsections 7a7 and 7b71 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security may1 in the ,secretary's discretion and pursuant to such regulations as the ,secretary may prescribe1 admit any refugee who is not firmly resettled in any foreign country1 is determined to be of special humanitarian concern to the ,united ,states1 and is admissible 7except as provided under subsection 7b7 and 7c7 of section #bji7 as an immigrant under this ,act4 ,notwithstanding any numerical limitations specified in this ,act1 any alien admitted under this paragraph shall be regarded as lawfully admitted to the ,united ,states for permanent residence as of the date of such alien's admission to the ,united ,states4 7,b7 7i7 ,the ,president1 upon a recommendation of the ,secretary of ,state made in consultation with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 and after appropriate consultation1 may designate specifically defined groups of aliens-- 7,i7 whose resettlement in the ,united ,states is justified by humanitarian concerns or is otherwise in the national interest2 and 7,,ii7 who-- 7aa7 share common characteristics that identify them as targets of-- 7,,aa7 persecution on account of race1 religion1 nationality1 membership in a particular social group1 or political opinion2 or 7,,bb7 other serious harm2 or 7bb7 having been identified as targets as described in item 7aa71 share a common need for resettlement due to a specific vulnerability4 7ii7 ,an alien who establishes membership in a group designated under clause 7i7 to the satisfaction of the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall be considered a refugee for purposes of admission as a refugee under this section unless the ,secretary determines that such alien ordered1 incited1 assisted1 or otherwise participated in the persecution of any person on account of race1 religion1 nationality1 membership in a particular social group1 or political opinion4 7iii7 ,a designation under clause 7i7 is for purposes of adjudicatory efficiency and may be revoked by the ,president at any time after notification to ,congress4 7iv7 ,categories of aliens established under section #eii;,d of the ,foreign ,operations1 ,export ,financing1 and ,related ,programs ,appropriations ,act1 #aiij 7,public ,law #aja-afg2 #h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg note7-- 7,i7 shall be designated under clause 7i7 until the end of the first fiscal year commencing after the date of the enactment of the ,refugee ,protection ,act of #bjai2 and 7,,ii7 shall be eligible for designation thereafter at the discretion of the ,president4 7v7 ,the admission of an alien under this subparagraph shall count against the refugee admissions goal under subsection 7a74 7vi7 ,a designation under clause 7i7 shall not influence decisions to grant to any alien asylum under section #bjh1 protection under section #bda7;b77#c71 or protection under the ,convention against ,torture and ,other ,cruel1 ,inhuman or ,degrading ,treatment or ,punishment1 done at ,new ,york ,december #aj1 #aihd4 7vii7 ,a decision to deny admission under this section to an alien who establishes to the satisfaction of the ,secretary that the alien is a member of a group designated under clause 7i7-- 7,i7 shall be in writing2 and 7,,ii7 shall cite the specific applicable provision of this ,act upon which such denial is based1 including-- 7aa7 the facts underlying the determination2 and 7bb7 whether there is a waiver of inadmissibility available to the alien4 2 7#b7 by striking paragraph 7#c72 and 7#c7 by redesignating paragraph 7#d7 as paragraph 7#c74 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by subsection 7a7 shall take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #ade4 ,refugee resettlement2 radius requirements ,the ,bureau of ,population1 ,refugees1 and ,migration shall not require a refugee to be resettled within a prescribed radius of a refugee resettlement office4 #adf4 ,study and report on contributions by refugees to the ,united ,states 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #b years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and not less frequently than every #e years thereafter1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a study on the economic1 social1 and other contributions that refugees make to the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,matters ,to be included ,the study conducted under subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,an assessment of economic contributions made by refugees1 including-- 7,a7 during the first year1 #e years1 #aj years1 and #bj years following the arrival of a refugee in the ,united ,states-- 7i7 a description of industries in which the most refugees work2 7ii7 an analysis of the economic and spending power of refugees2 7iii7 the rate of home ownership of refugees2 7iv7 the estimated net amount of revenue refugees contribute to the ,united ,states1 as compared to the cost of government benefits accessed by refugees2 and 7v7 the estimated gross amount of taxes refugees contribute2 7,b7 the estimated rate of entrepreneurship of refugees during the first year1 #e years1 #aj years1 and #bj years after the arrival of a refugee2 7,c7 the number of jobs created by refugee businesses2 and 7,d7 the labor markets for which refugees fill critical gaps4 7#b7 ,an assessment of the rate of refugee self-sufficiency and a description of unmet needs and outcomes1 including-- 7,a7 the manner in which the ,office of ,refugee ,resettlement defines self-sufficiency2 7,b7 an assessment as to whether such definition is adequate in addressing refugee needs in the ,united ,states2 7,c7 an analysis of the unmet needs and outcomes of refugees2 and 7,d7 an evaluation of the budgetary resources of the ,office of ,refugee ,resettlement and a projection of the amount of additional resources necessary to fully address the unmet needs of refugees and all other populations within the mandate of the ,office of ,refugee ,resettlement1 with respect to self-sufficiency4 7#c7 ,recommendations on ways in which the ,office of ,refugee ,resettlement may improve the rate of self-sufficiency1 outcomes1 and the domestic refugee program with respect to the matters assessed under paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b74 7c7 ,report ,not later than #cj days after date on which a study under subsection 7a7 is completed1 the ,comptroller ,general shall submit to ,congress a report that describes the results of the study4 #adg4 ,update of reception and placement grants 7a7 ,in general ,beginning with fiscal year #bjbj1 not later than #cj days before the beginning of each fiscal year1 the ,secretary of ,state shall notify ,congress of the amount of funds that the ,secretary of ,state plans to provide to national resettlement agencies in reception and placement grants during the following fiscal year4 7b7 ,requirements ,in setting the amount of such grants1 the ,secretary of ,state shall ensure that-- 7#a7 the grant amount for each fiscal year is adjusted to provide adequately for the anticipated initial resettlement needs of refugees1 including adjusting the amount for inflation and the cost of living2 7#b7 a sufficient portion of such amount is provided at the beginning of the fiscal year to each national resettlement agency to ensure adequate local and national capacity to serve the initial resettlement needs of the number of refugees the ,secretary of ,state anticipates each such resettlement agency will resettle during the fiscal year2 and 7#c7 additional amounts are provided to each national resettlement agency promptly on the arrival of refugees that1 exclusive of the amounts provided under paragraph 7#b71 are sufficient to meet the anticipated initial resettlement needs of such refugees and support local and national operational costs in excess of the estimates described in paragraph 7#a74 #adh4 ,resettlement data ,section #dab7;a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aebb7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#b77;,a71 by inserting 1 and shall consider data collected under paragraph 7#aa7 before the period at the end2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#aa7 7,a7 ,the ,assistant ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services for ,refugee and ,asylee ,resettlement 7referred to in this section as the ,assistant ,secretary7 shall expand the data analysis1 collection1 and sharing activities of the ,office of ,refugee ,resettlement4 7,b7 ,the ,assistant ,secretary shall coordinate with the ,centers for ,disease ,control1 national resettlement agencies1 community-based organizations1 and ,state refugee health programs to track national and ,state trends with respect to refugees arriving with ,class ,a medical conditions and other urgent medical needs4 ,in collecting information under this paragraph1 the ,assistant ,secretary shall use initial refugee health screening data 7including any history of severe trauma1 torture1 mental health symptoms1 depression1 anxiety1 and post traumatic stress disorder7 recorded during domestic and international health screenings1 and data on the rate of use of refugee medical assistance4 7,c7 ,the ,assistant ,secretary shall partner with ,state refugee programs1 community-based organizations1 and national resettlement agencies to collect data relating to the housing needs of refugees1 including-- 7i7 the number of refugees who rent apartments or houses and who own condominiums or houses2 and 7ii7 the number of refugees who have become homeless and the number at severe risk of becoming homeless4 7,d7 7i7 ,beginning on the fifth year after arrival of a refugee and every #e years thereafter until the end of the #bjth year after arrival1 the ,assistant ,secretary shall1 to the extent practicable1 gather longitudinal information relating to refugee self-sufficiency and economic contributions to the ,united ,states including employment status1 earnings and advancement4 7ii7 ,the longitudinal study shall consider additional factors related to self-sufficiency and integration1 including family self-sufficiency and caretaking1 barriers to and opportunities for integration of the children of refugees and their descendants1 and elderly resettled refugees4 7,e7 ,not less frequently than annually1 the ,assistant ,secretary shall-- 7i7 update the data collected under this paragraph2 7ii7 submit to ,congress a report on such data2 and 7iii7 not later than #bgj days after the end of the fiscal year following the year for which the data was collected1 make the data available to the public on the website of the ,office of ,refugee ,resettlement4 4 #adi4 ,refugee assistance 7a7 ,amendments to social services funding ,section #dab7;c77#a77;,b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aebb7;c77#a77;,b77 is amended to read as follows3 7,b7 ,the funds available for a fiscal year for grants and contracts under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be allocated among the ,states based on a combination of-- 7i7 the total number or refugees 7including children and adults7 who arrived in the ,united ,states not more than #cf months before the beginning of such fiscal year and are actually residing in each ,state 7taking into account secondary migration7 as of the beginning of the fiscal year2 7ii7 the total number of all other eligible populations served by the ,office during the period described who are residing in the ,state as of the beginning of the fiscal year2 and 7iii7 projections on the number1 projections on regional allocations1 and information on the nature of incoming refugees and other populations1 such as demographics1 case management or medical needs1 served by the ,office during the subsequent fiscal year4 4 7b7 ,report on secondary migration ,section #dab7;a77#c7 of such ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aebb7;a77#c77 is amended-- 7#a7 in the first sentence1 by striking a periodic and inserting an annual2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 ,at the end of each fiscal year1 the ,director shall submit to ,congress a report that describes the findings of the assessment1 including a list of ,states and localities experiencing departures and arrivals due to secondary migration1 likely reasons for migration1 the impact of secondary migration on ,states receiving secondary migrants1 availability of social services for secondary migrants in such ,states1 and unmet needs of those secondary migrants44 7c7 ,assistance made available to secondary migrants ,section #dab7;a77#a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aebb7;a77#a77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 ,in providing assistance under this section1 the ,director shall ensure that such assistance is also provided to refugees who are secondary migrants and meet all other eligibility requirements for such services4 4 7d7 ,refugees needing specialized medical care or preparation ,section #dab7;b77#d77;,b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aebb7;b77#d77;,b77 is amended by inserting requiring specialized care or preparation before the arrival of such refugees in the ,united ,states1 or after medical conditions4 7e7 ,legal assistance for refugees and asylees ,section #dab7;c77#a77;,a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aebb7;c77#a77;,a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in clause 7ii71 by striking and at the end2 7#b7 by redesignating clause 7iii7 as clause 7iv72 and 7#c7 by inserting after clause 7ii7 the following3 7iii7 to provide legal services for refugees to assist the refugees in obtaining immigration benefits for which the refugees are eligible2 and 4 7f7 ,notice and rulemaking ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 but in no event later than #cj days before the effective date of the amendments made by this section1 the ,assistant ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 issue a proposed rule of the new formula by which grants and contracts are to be allocated pursuant to the amendments made by subsection 7c72 and 7#b7 solicit public comment4 7g7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #aej4 ,extension of eligibility period for ,social ,security benefits for certain refugees 7a7 ,extension of eligibility period 7#a7 ,in general ,section #djb7;a77#b77,m77i7 of the ,personal ,responsibility and ,work ,opportunity ,reconciliation ,act of #aiif 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #afab7;a77#b77,m77i77 is amended-- 7,a7 in subclause 7,i71 by striking #i-year and inserting #aj-year2 and 7,b7 in subclause 7,,ii71 by striking #b-year and inserting #c-year4 7#b7 ,conforming amendment ,the heading for clause 7i7 of section #djb7;a77#b77,m7 of such ,act is amended by striking ,two-year extension and inserting ,extension4 7#c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this subsection shall take effect as of ,october #a1 #bjbj4 #aea4 ,united ,states ,emergency ,refugee ,resettlement ,contingency ,fund 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established in the ,treasury of the ,united ,states a fund1 to be known as the ,domestic ,emergency ,refugee ,resettlement ,contingency ,fund 7referred to in this section as the ,fund71 to be administered by the ,director of the ,office of ,refugee ,resettlement 7referred to in this section as the ,director7 for the purpose described in subsection 7b7 and to remain available until expended4 7b7 ,purpose ,amounts from the ,fund shall be used to enable the ,director to operate programs and carry out efforts and initiatives to respond to urgent1 unanticipated1 or underfunded refugee and entrant assistance activities under-- 7#a7 the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja et seq472 7#b7 section #fjb7;b7 of the ,afghan ,allies ,protection ,act of #bjji 7,public ,law #aaa-h2 #h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja note72 7#c7 section #eja of the ,refugee ,education ,assistance ,act of #aihj 7,public ,law #if-dbb2 #h ,u4,s4,c4 #aebb note72 7#d7 the ,torture ,victims ,relief ,act of #aiih 7,public ,law #aje-cbj2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb note72 7#e7 the ,trafficking ,victims ,protection ,act of #bjjj 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #gaja et seq472 or 7#f7 section #abdd of the ,refugee ,crisis in ,iraq ,act of #bjjg 7,public ,law #aaj-aha2 #abb ,stat4 #cif74 7c7 ,use of funds ,amounts from the ,fund-- 7#a7 shall be subject to the same limitations set forth in title ,v of division ,b of the ,department of ,defense and ,labor1 ,health and ,human ,services1 and ,education ,appropriations ,act1 #bjai 7,public ,law #aae-bde7 as are applicable to funds appropriated for the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services under such ,act2 and 7#b7 may only be used for initiatives that-- 7,a7 replenish any previously appropriated funds that have been reprogrammed1 transferred1 or withheld from programs1 projects1 or activities that serve refugees and entrants under the authorities described in subsection 7b72 7,b7 stabilize existing programs1 projects1 and activities that serve such refugees and entrants by augmenting funds previously appropriated to serve such refugees and entrants2 7,c7 identify unmet resettlement or integration needs of such refugees and entrants and implement solutions for such needs2 and 7,d7 meet such other needs as the ,director considers appropriate1 consistent with the purpose under subsection 7b74 7#c7 ,protection from reprogramming ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 none of the amounts deposited into or made available from the ,fund may be transferred1 reprogrammed1 or otherwise made available for any purpose or use not specified in this section4 7d7 ,availability of funds ,amounts in the ,fund shall be available to the ,director of the ,office of ,refugee ,resettlement to meet the purpose described in subsection 7b7 in the national interest of the ,united ,states1 as determined by the ,director4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,director from time to time such amounts as may be necessary for the ,fund to carry out the purpose described in subsection 7b74 7#b7 ,limitation ,no amount of funds may be appropriated that1 when added to amounts previously appropriated but not yet obligated1 would cause such amount to exceed #bjj1jjj1jjj4 7#c7 ,justification to ,congress ,the ,president shall provide to the appropriate committees of ,congress a justification for each request for appropriations under this section4 ,f ,miscellaneous provision #afa4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this title1 including1 in addition to annual funds derived from fee accounts of ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services1 such sums as may be necessary to reduce the backlog of asylum applications to the ,refugee1 ,asylum and ,international ,operations ,directorate4 ,,ii ,refugee and asylum seeker processing in ,western ,hemisphere #bja4 ,expansion of refugee and asylum seeker processing 7a7 ,strengthening processing and adjudication capacity 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary1 shall collaborate with international partners1 including the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,refugees1 to support and strengthen the domestic capacity of countries in the ,western ,hemisphere-- 7,a7 to process and accept refugees for resettlement2 and 7,b7 to adjudicate asylum claims4 7#b7 ,support and technical assistance ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary1 shall provide support and technical assistance to countries in the ,western ,hemisphere to help such countries-- 7,a7 expand and improve their 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 7as defined in section #bce7;b77#a77;,e7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbe7;b77#a77;,e777 who are trained in the relevant legal standards for adjudicating claims for protection2 7,b7 establish and expand safe and secure refugee reception centers to facilitate the safe and orderly movement of individuals and families seeking international protection2 7,c7 improve national refugee and asylum registration systems to ensure that any person seeking refugee status1 asylum1 or other humanitarian protections-- 7i7 receives due process and meaningful access to existing humanitarian protections2 7ii7 is provided with adequate information about his or her rights1 including the right to seek protection2 7iii7 is properly screened for security1 including biographic and biometric capture2 and 7iv7 receives appropriate documents to prevent fraud and ensure freedom of movement and access to basic social services2 and 7,d7 develop the capacity to conduct best interest determinations for unaccompanied children with international protection needs to ensure that-- 7i7 such children are properly registered2 and 7ii7 their claims are appropriately considered4 7b7 ,diplomatic engagement and coordination ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,secretary1 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 ,strengthening regional humanitarian responses ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary1 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-- 7#a7 to 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 to deliver to refugees and asylum seekers humanitarian assistance that-- 7,a7 is sensitive to gender identity and sexual orientation1 trauma1 and age2 and 7,b7 includes access to accurate information1 legal representation1 education1 livelihood opportunities1 cash assistance1 mental and physical health care1 and other services2 7#c7 to establish and expand sexual1 gender-based1 intimate partner1 and intra-family violence prevention1 recovery1 and humanitarian programming2 7#d7 to fund national and community humanitarian organizations in humanitarian response2 and 7#e7 to 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 ,secretary1 shall design and implement public information campaigns in ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras-- 7#a7 to disseminate information about the potential dangers of travel to the ,united ,states2 7#b7 to provide accurate information about ,united ,states immigration law and policy2 and 7#c7 to provide accurate information about the availability of asylum and other humanitarian protections in countries in the ,western ,hemisphere4 7b7 ,elements ,to the greatest extent possible1 the information campaigns implemented pursuant to subsection 7a7-- 7#a7 shall be targeted at regions with high rates of violence1 high levels of out-bound migration1 or significant populations of internally displaced persons2 7#b7 shall use local languages2 7#c7 shall employ a variety of communications media2 and 7#d7 shall 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 ,reporting requirement ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary1 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 ,senate2 7#b7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 7#c7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate2 7#d7 the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,house of ,representatives2 7#e7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7#f7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives4 #bje4 ,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 ,secretary1 shall enter into agreements for the ,secretary to establish designated processing centers for-- 7,a7 registering1 screening1 and processing refugees and other eligible individuals in ,north ,america and ,central ,america2 and 7,b7 resettling or relocating such individuals to the ,united ,states or to other countries4 7#b7 ,locations ,not fewer than #a designated processing center 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 that the ,secretary of ,state determines can accept and process requests and applications under this title1 including any country in ,north ,america or ,central ,america that is hosting significant numbers of refugees or other displaced individuals4 7b7 ,assistant ,director of ,regional ,processing 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,director of ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services shall appoint an ,assistant ,director of ,regional ,processing1 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 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 the procedures established pursuant to subparagraph 7,b72 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 ,secretary1 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 under this title4 7#b7 ,support personnel ,the ,secretary and the ,attorney ,general shall hire and assign sufficient personnel to ensure that all security and law enforcement background checks required under this title are completed not later than #ahj days after a relevant application is submitted1 absent exceptional circumstances4 7d7 ,operations 7#a7 ,in general ,each designated processing center established pursuant to subsection 7a77#b7 shall commence operations not later than #bgj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 absent extraordinary circumstances4 7#b7 ,productivity ,the ,secretary1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,state1 shall-- 7,a7 monitor the activities of each designated processing center2 and 7,b7 establish metrics and criteria for evaluating the productivity of each designated processing center4 7#c7 ,continuing operations ,each designated processing center-- 7,a7 shall remain in operation for not less than #e fiscal years2 and 7,b7 shall continue operating until the ,secretary determines1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,state1 and using the metrics and criteria established pursuant to paragraph 7#b77;,b71 that the designated processing center has failed to maintain sufficient productivity for at least #d consecutive calendar quarters4 7#d7 ,registration ,each designated processing center shall receive and register individuals seeking to apply for benefits under this title4 7#e7 ,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 #bjf2 7,b7 the ,central ,american ,minors ,program described in section #bjg2 and 7,c7 the ,central ,american ,family ,reunification ,parole ,program described in section #bjh4 7#f7 ,expedited processing ,the ,secretary may grant expedited processing of applications and requests under this title in emergency situations1 for humanitarian reasons1 or if other circumstances warrant expedited treatment4 7e7 ,congressional reports ,not later than ,january #ca of the first fiscal year immediately following the conclusion of the fiscal year during which the first designated processing center commences operations1 and every ,january #ca thereafter1 the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,state1 shall submit a report to the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate1 the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives that identifies1 with respect to each designated processing center during the previous fiscal year-- 7#a7 the number of individuals who were registered1 screened1 and processed for benefits under this title2 7#b7 the number of benefits requests that were approved2 and 7#c7 the number of benefits requests that were denied4 #bjf4 ,central ,american ,refugee ,program 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,minimum annual number of central american refugees ,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 fewer than #ajj1jjj nationals of ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 or ,honduras shall be admitted into the ,united ,states under this section4 7#b7 ,eligibility ,any alien described in paragraph 7#a7 shall be admitted under this section if-- 7,a7 the alien registers at a designated processing center on or before ,september #cj1 #bjbd2 and 7,b7 the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary1 determines that the alien is admissible as a refugee of special humanitarian concern to the ,united ,states in accordance with this section4 7b7 ,initial processing 7#a7 ,in general ,any alien who1 while registering at a designated processing center1 expresses a fear of persecution or an intention to apply for refugee status may apply for refugee resettlement under this section4 ,each applicant who files a completed application shall be referred to a refugee officer for further processing in accordance with this section4 7#b7 ,submission of biographic and biometric data ,an applicant described in paragraph 7#a7 shall submit biographic and biometric data in accordance with procedures established by the ,assistant ,director of ,regional ,processing appointed pursuant to section #bje7;b71 who 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 made available in ,english and ,spanish4 7#e7 ,international organizations ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary1 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 for further processing pursuant to subsection 7b77#a71 the applicant shall be interviewed by a refugee officer1 who shall determine whether the applicant is a refugee of special humanitarian concern to the ,united ,states 7as defined in paragraph 7#e774 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 regarding the application4 7#c7 ,approval of application ,if a refugee officer approves an application under this section1 the applicant shall be processed for resettlement to the ,united ,states as a refugee in accordance with section #bjg of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg74 ,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 title in accordance with section #bje7;d77#e74 ,an applicant who has been denied status as a refugee of special humanitarian concern under this section may request review of such decision by a supervisory refugee officer not later than #cj days after the date of such denial4 ,the supervisory refugee officer shall issue a final written decision not later than #cj days after such request for review4 7#e7 ,refugee of special humanitarian concern ,in this section1 the term refugee of special humanitarian concern to the ,united ,states means any individual who1 in his or her country of nationality has suffered 7or in the case of an individual who remains in his or her country of nationality1 has a well-founded fear of suffering7-- 7,a7 domestic1 sexual1 or other forms of gender-based violence1 including forced marriage and 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 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg7;c77 shall be granted the same status as the applicant if accompanying or following to join such applicant1 in accordance with such section4 7#g7 ,refugee status ,an individual who is admitted to the ,united ,states as a refugee of special humanitarian concern to the ,united ,states under this section shall enjoy the same rights and privileges1 and shall be subject to the same grounds for termination of refugee status1 as provided in sections #bjg and #bji of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg and #aaei74 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 ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary1 shall enter into bilateral agreements with other countries for the referral1 processing1 and resettlement of individuals who-- 7i7 register at a designated processing center2 and 7ii7 seek to apply for refugee resettlement under this section4 7,b7 ,limitation ,agreements required under subparagraph 7,a7 may only be entered into with countries that have the demonstrated capacity-- 7i7 to accept and adjudicate applications for refugee status and other forms of international protection2 and 7ii7 to resettle refugees consistent with obligations under the ,united ,nations ,convention ,relating to the ,status of ,refugees1 done at ,geneva ,july #bh1 #aiea1 as made applicable by the ,protocol ,relating to the ,status of ,refugees1 done at ,new ,york ,january #ca1 #aifg 7#ai ,,ust #fbbc74 7,c7 ,international organizations ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary1 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 ,defined term ,in this subsection1 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 ,states1 as defined by the ,secretary4 7e7 ,emergency relocation coordination 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary1 shall enter into bilateral or multilateral agreements with other countries in the ,western ,hemisphere to establish safe and secure emergency transit centers for individuals who-- 7,a7 register at a designated processing center2 7,b7 face an imminent risk of harm2 and 7,c7 require temporary placement in a safe location1 pending a final decision on an application under this section4 7#b7 ,consultation requirement ,agreements required under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 shall be developed in consultation with the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,refugees2 and 7,b7 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 shall appoint such additional refugee officers as may be necessary to carry out this section4 #bjg4 ,central ,american ,minors ,program 7a7 ,special immigrants ,section #aja7;a77#bg7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7;a77#bg77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,l77iii71 by inserting a semicolon at the end2 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,m71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 or2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,n7 an immigrant 7and any of his or her children who are accompanying or following to join such immigrant7 who is-- 7i7 a national of ,el ,salvador1 ,honduras1 or ,guatemala2 7ii7 an unmarried child of an individual who is lawfully present in the ,united ,states2 7iii7 otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa2 and 7iv7 otherwise admissible to the ,united ,states 7excluding the grounds of inadmissibility specified in section #bab7;a77#d774 4 7b7 ,numerical limitations 7#a7 ,in general ,the total number of aliens described in section #aja7;a77#bg77,n7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act1 as added by subsection 7a77#c71 who may be granted special immigrant status under this section may not exceed #aj1jjj during any of the #e consecutive fiscal years beginning with the fiscal year during which the first designated processing center commences operations4 7#b7 ,exclusion from numerical limitations ,aliens granted 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 ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaea et seq474 7#c7 ,carry forward ,if the numerical limitation described in paragraph 7#a7 is not reached during any 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 who may be granted special immigrant status under this section during the first fiscal year2 and 7,b7 the number of aliens who were granted such special immigrant status during the first fiscal year4 7c7 ,petitions ,if an alien is determined to be eligible for special immigrant status pursuant to an assessment under section #bje7;d77#e71 the alien1 or a parent or legal guardian of the alien1 may submit a petition for special immigrant status under this section at a designated processing center4 7d7 ,adjudication 7#a7 ,in general ,if an alien who submits a completed petition under subsection 7c7 is determined to be eligible for special immigrant status under section #aja7;a77#bg77,n7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act1 as added by subsection 7a77#c71 the ,secretary1 shall grant such status to such alien4 7#b7 ,deadline ,absent exceptional circumstances1 petitions submitted under this section shall be adjudicated not later than #ahj days after the date on which they are submitted at a designated processing center4 7#c7 ,applicants under prior program 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall deem an application filed under the ,central ,american ,minors ,refugee ,program1 established on ,december #a1 #bjad1 and terminated on ,august #af1 #bjag1 and which was not the subject of a final disposition before ,january #ca1 #bjah1 to be a petition filed under this section4 7,b7 ,notification ,the ,secretary shall-- 7i7 promptly notify all relevant parties of the conversion of applications described in subparagraph 7,a7 into special immigrant petitions under this section2 and 7ii7 provide instructions for withdrawing such petitions to such parties if the alien no longer desires the requested relief4 7,c7 ,deadline ,absent exceptional circumstances1 the ,secretary shall make a final determination on each petition described in subparagraph 7,a7 that is not withdrawn pursuant to subparagraph 7,b77ii7 not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7#d7 ,biometrics and background checks 7,a7 ,submission of biometric and biographic data ,petitioners for special immigrant status under this section shall 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 of the required biometric data due to a physical or mental impairment4 7,b7 ,background checks ,the ,assistant ,director 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 ,director1 before the date on which a petition for special immigrant status under this section may be approved4 #bjh4 ,central ,american ,family ,reunification ,parole ,program 7a7 ,in general ,if an alien is determined to be eligible for parole under subsection 7b7 pursuant to an assessment under section #bje7;d77#e7-- 7#a7 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 guardian of the alien2 and 7#b7 the ,secretary shall grant parole to the alien1 in accordance with section #bab7;d77#e7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aahb7;d77#e774 7b7 ,eligibility ,an alien shall be eligible for parole 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 ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaec7;a772 7#c7 does not have an immigrant visa2 and 7#d7 expects to obtain an immigrant visa not later than #e years after the date on which the alien registers with a designated processing center4 7c7 ,application and adjudication 7#a7 ,in general ,an alien described in subsection 7b7 may submit an application for parole under this section during the #ij-;day period beginning on the date on which the alien is determined to be eligible for parole pursuant to an assessment under section #bje7;d77#e74 7#b7 ,adjudication deadlines ,absent exceptional circumstances1 applications submitted under this section shall be adjudicated not later than #ahj days after the date of submission4 7#c7 ,biometrics and background checks 7,a7 ,submission of biometric and biographic data ,applicants for parole under this section shall 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 before the date on which an application for parole may be approved4 7#d7 ,approval ,each designated processing center shall issue appropriate travel documentation to aliens granted parole under this section4 ,such aliens shall present such documentation to ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection personnel at a port of entry for parole into the ,united ,states not later than #abj days after such documentation is issued4 #bji4 ,informational campaign2 case status hotline 7a7 ,informational campaign ,the ,secretary shall implement an informational campaign1 in ,english and ,spanish1 in the ,united ,states1 ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras to increase awareness of the provisions set forth in this title4 7b7 ,case status hotline ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall establish a case status hotline providing confidential processing information on pending cases4 ,,iii ,special immigrant visa programs #cja4 ,improvement of the direct access program for ,u4,s4-affiliated ,iraqis 7a7 ,in general ,section #abdc of the ,refugee ,crisis in ,iraq ,act of #bjjg 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg note7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7g7 ,improved application process 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of the ,refugee ,protection ,act of #bjai1 the ,secretary of ,state and the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall improve the efficiency by which applications for status as a refugee of special humanitarian concern under this section are processed to ensure that all steps under the control of the ,united ,states ,government incidental to the approval of such applications1 including required screenings and background checks1 are completed not later than #e years after the date on which an eligible applicant submits an application under subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,exception ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#a71 the ,united ,states ,refugee ,admission ,program may take additional time to process applications described in paragraph 7#a7 if satisfaction of national security concerns requires such additional time1 provided that the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 or his or her designee1 has determined that the applicant meets the requirements for status as a refugee of special humanitarian concern under this section and has notified the applicant of such fact4 7#c7 ,reporting requirements 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of the ,refugee ,protection ,act of #bjai1 and every #ij days thereafter1 the ,secretary of ,state and the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall submit a report1 with a classified annex1 if necessary1 to-- 7i7 the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,senate2 7ii7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 7iii7 the ,committee on ,armed ,services of the ,senate2 7iv7 the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,house of ,representatives2 7v7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7vi7 the ,committee on ,armed ,services of the ,house of ,representatives4 7,b7 ,public reports ,the ,secretary of ,state shall publish each report submitted pursuant to subparagraph 7,a7 on the website of the ,department of ,state4 7,c7 ,contents ,each report submitted pursuant to subparagraph 7,a7 shall describe the implementation of improvements to the processing of applications for refugee status required under paragraph 7#a71 including information relating to-- 7i7 enhancing existing systems for conducting background and security checks of persons applying for refugee status under this section1 which shall-- 7,i7 support immigration security2 and 7,,ii7 provide for the orderly processing of such applications without significant delay2 7ii7 the number of aliens who have applied for refugee status under this section during each month of the preceding fiscal year2 7iii7 the reasons for the failure to process any applications that have been pending for longer than #e years2 7iv7 the total number of applications that are pending at the end of the reporting period2 7v7 the average wait times for all applicants who are currently pending-- 7,i7 employment verification2 7,,ii7 a prescreening interview with a resettlement support center2 7,,iii7 an interview with ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services2 and 7,,iv7 the completion of security checks2 7vi7 the number of denials or rejections of applicants for refugee status1 disaggregated by the reason for denial2 and 7vii7 the reasons for denials by ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services based on the categories already made available to denied applicants for refugee status in the notification of ineligibility issued to them by ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services4 4 7b7 ,savings provisions ,refugee admissions granted pursuant to section #abdc of the ,refugee ,crisis in ,iraq ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg note7 shall not count against the numerical limitation set forth in section #bjg of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg74 #cjb4 ,conversion of certain petitions ,section #b of ,public ,law #aaj-bdb 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja note7 is amended by striking subsection 7b7 and inserting the following3 7b7 ,duration ,the authority under subsection 7a7 shall expire on the date on which the numerical limitation specified under section #abdd of the ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjjh 7,public ,law #aaj-aha2 #h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg note7 is reached4 4 #cjc4 ,special immigrant visa program reporting requirement 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,state1 in consultation with the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,defense1 shall submit a report1 with a classified annex if necessary1 to-- 7#a7 the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,senate2 7#b7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 7#c7 the ,committee on ,armed ,services of the ,senate2 7#d7 the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,house of ,representatives2 7#e7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7#f7 the ,committee on ,armed ,services of the ,house of ,representatives4 7b7 ,publication ,the ,department of ,state shall publish the report submitted under subsection 7a7 on the website of the ,department of ,state4 7c7 ,contents ,the report submitted under subsection 7a7 shall evaluate-- 7#a7 the obstacles to effective protection of ,afghan and ,iraqi allies through the special immigrant visa program between #bjji and the present2 7#b7 measures to improve efficient processing in the special immigrant visa programs2 and 7#c7 suggestions for improvements in future programs1 including information relating to-- 7,a7 the hiring of locally employed staff and contractors2 7,b7 documenting the identity and employment of locally employed staff and contractors of the ,united ,states ,government1 including the possibility of establishing a central database of employees of the ,united ,states ,government and its contractors2 7,c7 the protection in and safety of employees of locally employed staff and contractors2 7,d7 means of expediting processing at all stages of the process for applicants1 including consideration of reducing required forms2 7,e7 appropriate staffing levels for expedited processing domestically and abroad2 7,f7 the effect of uncertainty of visa availability on visa processing2 7,g7 the cost and availability of medical examinations2 and 7,h7 means to reduce delays in interagency processing and security checks4 7d7 ,consultation ,in preparing the report under subsection 7a71 the ,inspector ,general shall consult with-- 7#a7 the ,visa ,office of the ,bureau of ,consular ,affairs ,visa ,office of the ,department of ,state2 7#b7 the ,executive ,office of the ,bureau of ,near ,eastern ,affairs and ,south and ,central ,asian ,affairs of the ,department of ,state2 7#c7 the ,consular ,section of the ,united ,states ,embassy in ,kabul1 ,afghanistan2 7#d7 the ,consular ,section of the ,united ,states ,embassy in ,baghdad1 ,iraq2 7#e7 ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services of the ,department of ,homeland ,security2 7#f7 the ,department of ,defense2 7#g7 nongovernmental organizations providing legal aid in the special immigrant visa application process2 and 7#h7 wherever possible1 current and former employees of the offices referred to in paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#f74 #cjd4 ,improvements to application process for ,afghan special immigrant visas ,section #fjb7;b7 of the ,afghan ,allies ,protection ,act of #bjji 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja note7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#b77;,a77ii7-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding subclause 7,i71 by inserting for the first time after ,september #cj1 #bjae2 and 7,b7 in subclause 7,i7-- 7i7 in item 7aa7 by inserting for the first time after subparagraph 7,d72 and 7ii7 in item 7bb7 by inserting for the first time after subparagraph 7,d72 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#d77;,a7 by inserting1 1 including ,chief of ,mission approval1 after so that all steps4 #cje4 ,special immigrant status for certain surviving spouses and children 7a7 ,in general ,section #aja7;a77#bg77;,d7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7;a77#bg77;,d77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking an immigrant who is an employee and inserting the following3 8an immigrant who-- 7i7 is an employee 2 and 7#b7 by striking status2 and inserting the following3 8status2 or 7ii7 an immigrant who is the surviving spouse or child of an employee of the ,united ,states ,government abroad3 ,provided1 ,that the employee performed faithful service for a total of not less than #ae years or was killed in the line of duty2 4 7b7 ,special immigrant status for surviving spouses and children ,section #fjb7;b77#b77;,c7 of the ,afghan ,allies ,protection ,act of #bjji1 as amended by section #cjd1 is further amended-- 7#a7 in clause 7ii71 by redesignating subclauses 7,i7 and 7,,ii7 as items 7aa7 and 7bb71 respectively and moving such items #b ems to the right2 7#b7 by redesignating clauses 7i7 and 7ii7 as subclauses 7,i7 and 7,,ii71 respectively and moving such subclauses #b ems to the right2 7#c7 in the matter preceding subclause 7,i71 as redesignated1 by striking ,an alien is described and inserting the following3 7i7 ,in general ,an alien is described 2 7#d7 in clause 7i77,i71 as redesignated1 by striking who had a petition for classification approved and inserting who had submitted an application to the ,chief of ,mission2 and 7#e7 by adding at the end the following3 7ii7 ,employment requirements ,an application by a surviving spouse or child of a principal alien shall be subject to employment requirements set forth in subparagraph 7,a7 as of the date of the principal alien's filing of an application for the first time1 or if no application has been filed1 the employment requirements as of the date of the principal alien's death4 4 7c7 ,special immigrant status for certain ,iraqis ,section #abdd7;b77#c7 of the ,refugee ,crisis in ,iraq ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg note7-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by redesignating clauses 7i7 and 7ii7 as subclauses 7,i7 and 7,,ii71 respectively and moving such subclauses #b ems to the right2 7#b7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 as clauses 7i7 and 7ii71 respectively and moving such clauses #b ems to the right2 7#c7 in the matter preceding clause 7i71 as redesignated1 by striking ,an alien is described and inserting the following3 7,a7 ,in general ,an alien is described 2 7#d7 in subparagraph 7,a77i71 as redesignated1 by striking who had a petition for classification approved and inserting who submitted an application to the ,chief of ,mission2 and 7#e7 by adding at the end the following3 7,b7 ,employment requirements ,an application by a surviving spouse or child of a principal alien shall be subject to employment requirements set forth in paragraph 7#a7 as of the date of the principal alien's filing of an application for the first time1 or if the principal alien do not file an application1 the employment requirements as of the date of the principal alien's death4 4 7d7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this subsection shall be effective on ,june #cj1 #bjai1 and shall have retroactive effect4 #cjf4 ,inclusion of certain special immigrants in the annual refugee survey ,section #dac7;b77#a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aebc7;b77#a77 is amended by inserting and individuals who have opted to receive refugee benefits and who were admitted pursuant to section #ajei of the ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjjf 7,public ,law #aji-afc2 #h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja note71 section #abdd of the ,refugee ,crisis in ,iraq ,act of #bjjg 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg note71 section #fjb of the ,afghan ,allies ,protection ,act of #bjji 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja note71 or section #cjh of the ,refugee ,protection ,act of #bjai after who have entered the ,united ,states14 #cjg4 ,united ,states refugee program priorities 7a7 ,in ,general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 shall designate as ,priority #b refugees of special humanitarian concern-- 7#a7 ,syrian ,kurds1 stateless persons who habitually resided in ,syria1 and other ,syrians who partnered with1 or worked for or directly with1 the ,united ,states ,government in ,syria2 7#b7 ,syrian ,kurds1 stateless persons who habitually resided in ,syria1 and other ,syrians who were employed in ,syria by-- 7,a7 a media or nongovernmental organization based in the ,united ,states2 7,b7 an organization or entity that has received a grant from1 or entered into a cooperative agreement or contract with1 the ,united ,states ,government2 or 7,c7 an organization that-- 7i7 was continuously physically present in ,northeast ,syria between #bjaa and the date of the enactment of this ,act2 and 7ii7 has partnered with an organization described in subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,b72 7#c7 the spouses1 children1 sons1 daughters1 siblings1 and parents of aliens described in paragraph 7#a7 or section #cjh7;b72 7#d7 ,syrian ,kurds1 stateless persons who habitually resided in ,syria1 and other ,syrians who have an immediate relative 7as defined in section #bja7;b77#b77;,a77i7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaea7;b77#b77;,a77i777 or a family member described in section #bjc7;a7 of such ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #bjc7;a77 who is physically present in the ,united ,states2 7#e7 ,syrian ,kurds1 stateless persons who habitually resided in ,syria1 and other ,syrians who were or are employed by the ,united ,states ,government in ,syria1 for an aggregate period of at least #a year2 and 7#f7 citizens or nationals of ,syria or ,iraq1 or stateless persons who habitually resided in ,syria or ,iraq1 who provided service to ,united ,states counter-,,isis efforts for an aggregate period of at least #a year4 7b7 ,eligibility for admission as a refugee ,an alien may not be denied the opportunity to apply for admission as a refugee under this section solely because such alien qualifies as an immediate relative of a national of the ,united ,states or is eligible for admission to the ,united ,states under any other immigrant classification4 7c7 ,membership in certain ,syrian organizations ,an applicant for admission to the ,united ,states may not be deemed inadmissible based solely on membership in1 participation in1 or support provided to1 the ,syrian ,democratic ,forces or other partner organizations as determined by the ,secretary of ,defense4 7d7 ,exclusion ,from ,numerical ,limitations ,aliens provided refugee status under this section shall not be counted against any numerical limitation under section #bja1 #bjb1 #bjc1 or #bjg of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaea1 #aaeb1 #aaec1 and #aaeg74 7e7 ,timeline for processing applications 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state and the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall ensure that all steps under the control of the ,united ,states ,government incidental to the approval of such applications1 including required screenings and background checks1 are completed not later than #e years after the date on which an eligible applicant submits an application under subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,exception ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#a71 the ,united ,states ,refugee ,admission ,program may take additional time to process applications described in paragraph 7#a7 if satisfaction of national security concerns requires such additional time1 provided that the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 or the designee of the ,secretary1 has determined that the applicant meets the requirements for status as a refugee of special humanitarian concern under this section and has so notified the applicant4 7f7 ,reporting requirements 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of the ,refugee ,protection ,act of #bjai1 and every #ij days thereafter1 the ,secretary of ,state and the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall submit a report to-- 7,a7 the ,committee on the ,judiciary1 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations1 and the ,committee on ,armed ,services of the ,senate2 and 7,b7 the ,committee on the ,judiciary1 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs1 and the ,committee on ,armed ,services of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#b7 ,matters to be included ,each report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall describe the processing of applications for refugee status required under subsection 7e71 including information relating to-- 7,a7 the number of aliens who have applied for refugee status under this section during each month of the preceding fiscal year2 7,b7 the total number of applications that are pending at the end of the reporting period2 7,c7 the average wait-times for all applicants who are currently pending-- 7i7 employment verification2 7ii7 a prescreening interview with a resettlement support center2 7iii7 an interview with ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services2 and 7iv7 the completion of security checks2 7,d7 the number of denials or rejections of applicants for refugee status1 disaggregated by the reason for denial2 and 7,e7 the reasons for denials by ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services based on the categories already made available to denied applicants for refugee status in the notification of ineligibility issued to such denied applicants by ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services4 7#c7 ,form ,each report under paragraph 7#a7 shall be submitted in unclassified form1 but may include a classified annex4 7#d7 ,public reports ,the ,secretary of ,state shall make each report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 available to the public on the internet website of the ,department of ,state4 7g7 ,identification of ,other ,persecuted ,groups ,the ,secretary of ,state1 or the designee of the ,secretary1 is authorized to classify other groups of ,syrians1 including vulnerable populations1 as ,priority #b refugees of special humanitarian concern4 7h7 ,satisfaction of ,other ,requirements ,aliens granted status under this section as ,priority #b refugees of special humanitarian concern under the refugee resettlement priority system shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements under section #bjg of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg7 for admission to the ,united ,states4 #cjh4 ,special immigrant status for certain ,syrian who worked for the ,united ,states ,government in ,syria 7a7 ,in general ,subject to subsection 7c77#a71 for purposes of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja et seq471 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security may provide any alien described in subsection 7b7 with the status of a special immigrant under section #aja7;a77#bg7 of such ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7;a77#bg77 if-- 7#a7 the alien1 or an agent acting on behalf of the alien1 submits a petition to the ,secretary under section #bjd of such ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaed7 for classification under section #bjc7;b77#d7 of such ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaec7;b77#d772 7#b7 the alien is otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa2 7#c7 the alien is otherwise admissible to the ,united ,states for permanent residence 7excluding the grounds for inadmissibility specified in section #bab7;a77#d7 of such ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aahb7;a77#d7771 except that an applicant for admission to the ,united ,states under this section may not be deemed inadmissible based solely on membership in1 participation in1 or support provided to1 the ,syrian ,democratic ,forces or other partner organizations as determined by the ,secretary of ,defense2 and 7#d7 clears a background check and appropriate screening1 as determined by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security4 7b7 ,aliens described ,an alien described in this subsection-- 7#a7 7,a7 is a citizen or national of ,syria or a stateless person who has habitually resided in ,syria2 7,b7 was employed by or on behalf of 7including under a contract1 cooperative agreement or grant7 with the ,united ,states ,government in ,syria1 for a period of at least #a year beginning on ,january #a1 #bjad2 and 7,c7 obtained a favorable written recommendation from a ,u4,s4 citizen supervisor who was in the chain of command of the ,united ,states ,armed ,forces unit or ,u4,s4 ,government entity that was supported by the alien2 or 7#b7 7,a7 is the spouse or a child of a principal alien described in paragraph 7#a72 and 7,b7 7i7 is following or accompanying to join the principal alien in the ,united ,states2 or 7ii7 due to the death of the principal alien1 a petition to follow or accompany to join the principal alien in the ,united ,states-- 7,i7 was or would be revoked1 terminated1 or otherwise rendered null2 and 7,,ii7 would have been approved if the principal alien had survived4 7c7 ,numerical limitations 7#a7 ,in general ,except as otherwise provided under this subsection1 the total number of principal aliens who may be provided special immigrant status under this section may not exceed #e1jjj in any of the first #e fiscal years beginning after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7#b7 ,exclusion from numerical limitations ,aliens provided special immigrant status under this section shall not be counted against any numerical limitation under section #bja7;d71 #bjb7;a71 or #bjc7;b77#d7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaea7;d71 #aaeb7;a71 and #aaec7;b77#d774 7#c7 ,carry forward ,if the numerical limitation set forth in paragraph 7#a7 is not reached during a 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 number of visas authorized under paragraph 7#a7 for such fiscal year2 and 7,b7 the number of principal aliens provided special immigrant status under this section during such fiscal year4 7d7 ,visa and passport issuance and fees ,an alien described in subsection 7b7 may not be charged any fee in connection with an application for1 or the issuance of1 a special immigrant visa under this section4 ,the ,secretary of ,state shall ensure that aliens who are issued a special immigrant visa under this section are provided with an appropriate passport necessary for admission to the ,united ,states4 7e7 ,protection of aliens ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the heads of other appropriate ,federal agencies1 shall make a reasonable effort to provide protection to each alien described in subsection 7b7 who is seeking special immigrant status under this section or to immediately remove such alien from ,syria1 if possible1 if the ,secretary determines1 after consultation1 that such alien is in imminent danger4 7f7 ,application process 7#a7 ,representation ,an alien applying for admission to the ,united ,states as a special immigrant under this section may be represented during the application process1 including at relevant interviews and examinations1 by an attorney or other accredited representative4 ,such representation shall not be at the expense of the ,united ,states ,government4 7#b7 ,completion 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state and the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,defense1 shall ensure that applications for special immigrant visas under this section are processed in such a manner to ensure that all steps under the control of the respective departments incidental to the issuance of such visas1 including required screenings and background checks1 are completed not later than #i months after the date on which an eligible alien submits all required materials to apply for such visa4 7,b7 ,rule of construction ,notwithstanding subparagraph 7,a71 any ,secretary referred to in such subparagraph may take longer than #bgj days to complete the steps incidental to issuing a visa under this section if the ,secretary1 or the designee of the ,secretary-- 7i7 determines that the satisfaction of national security concerns requires additional time2 and 7ii7 notifies the applicant of such determination4 7#c7 ,appeal ,an alien whose petition for status as a special immigrant is rejected or revoked-- 7,a7 shall receive a written decision that provides1 to the maximum extent feasible1 information describing the basis for the denial1 including the facts and inferences underlying the individual determination2 and 7,b7 shall be provided not more than #a written appeal per rejection or denial1 which-- 7i7 shall be submitted not more than #abj days after the date on which the applicant receives a decision pursuant to subparagraph 7,a72 7ii7 may request the reopening of such decision2 and 7iii7 shall provide additional information1 clarify existing information1 or explain any unfavorable information4 7g7 ,eligibility for other immigrant classification ,an alien may not be denied the opportunity to apply for admission under this section solely because such alien-- 7#a7 qualifies as an immediate relative of a national of the ,united ,states2 or 7#b7 is eligible for admission to the ,united ,states under any other immigrant classification4 7h7 ,resettlement support ,an alien who is granted special immigrant status under this section shall be eligible for the same resettlement assistance1 entitlement programs1 and other benefits as is available to refugees admitted under section #bjg of the ,immigration and ,naturalization ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeg74 7i7 ,authority ,to carry out administrative measures ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 the ,secretary of ,state1 and the ,secretary of ,defense shall implement any additional administrative measures as they consider necessary and appropriate-- 7#a7 to ensure the prompt processing of applications under this section2 7#b7 to preserve the integrity of the program established under this section2 and 7#c7 to protect the national security interests of the ,united ,states related to such program4 7j7 ,rulemaking ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,defense1 shall promulgate regulations to carry out this section1 including establishing requirements for background checks4 7k7 ,savings provision ,nothing in this section may be construed to affect the authority of the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security under section #ajei of the ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjjf 7,public ,law #aji-afc2 #h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja note74 #cji4 ,special immigrant status reporting requirement 7a7 ,in general ,not later than ,january #cj each year1 the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,state shall submit an report on the implementation of the ,syrian special immigrant status program under section #cjh for the preceding calendar year to-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,judiciary1 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations1 and the ,committee on ,armed ,services of the ,senate2 and 7#b7 the ,committee on ,judiciary1 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations1 and the ,committee on ,armed ,services of the ,house of ,representatives4 7b7 ,matters ,to be included ,each report submitted under subsection 7a7 shall include1 for the applicable calendar year1 the following3 7#a7 ,the number of petitions filed under such program4 7#b7 ,the number of such petitions pending adjudication4 7#c7 ,the number of such petitions pending visa interview4 7#d7 ,the number of such petitions pending security checks4 7#e7 ,the number of such petitions that were denied4 7#f7 ,the number of cases under such program that have exceeded the mandated processing time and relevant case numbers4 7#g7 ,a description of any obstacle discovered that would hinder effective implementation of such program4 7c7 ,consultation ,in preparing a report under subsection 7a71 the ,inspector ,general shall consult with-- 7#a7 the ,department of ,state1 ,bureau of ,consular ,affairs1 ,visa ,office2 7#b7 the ,department of ,state1 ,bureau of ,near ,eastern ,affairs and ,south and ,central ,asian ,affairs1 ,executive ,office2 7#c7 the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services2 7#d7 the ,department of ,defense2 and 7#e7 nongovernmental organizations providing legal aid in the special immigrant visa application process4 7d7 ,form ,each report submitted under subsection 7a7 shall be submitted in unclassified form1 but may include a classified annex4 7e7 ,publication ,each report submitted under this section shall be made available to the public on the internet website of the ,department of ,state4 #caj4 ,processing mechanisms ,the ,secretary of ,state shall use existing refugee processing mechanisms in ,iraq and in other countries1 as appropriate1 in the region in which-- 7#a7 aliens described in section #cjg7;a7 may apply and interview for admission to the ,united ,states as refugees2 and 7#b7 aliens described in section #cjh7;b7 may apply and interview for admission to the ,united ,states as special immigrants4 ,,iv ,general provisions #dja4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this ,act1 and the amendments made by this ,act4 #djb4 ,determination of budgetary effects ,the budgetary effects of this ,act1 for the purpose of complying with the ,statutory ,pay-,as-,you-,go ,act of #bjaj 7,public ,law #aaa-aci71 shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled ,budgetary ,effects of ,,paygo ,legislation for this ,act1 jointly submitted for printing in the ,congressional ,record by the ,chairmen of the ,senate ,budget ,committee1 provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage4