,,ii #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #adde ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,may #ad1 #bjai ,mr4 ,schumer 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,durbin1 ,mrs4 ,feinstein1 ,mr4 ,menendez1 ,mr4 ,leahy1 ,ms4 ,hirono1 ,mr4 ,carper1 ,ms4 ,baldwin1 ,mr4 ,schatz1 ,ms4 ,smith1 ,mr4 ,cardin1 ,mr4 ,wyden1 ,mr4 ,murphy1 ,mr4 ,bennet1 ,ms4 ,klobuchar1 ,mr4 ,reed1 ,ms4 ,warren1 ,ms4 ,duckworth1 ,ms4 ,rosen1 ,ms4 ,cortez ,masto1 ,mr4 ,kaine1 ,mrs4 ,murray1 ,mr4 ,booker1 ,ms4 ,hassan1 ,mr4 ,whitehouse1 ,mr4 ,udall1 ,mr4 ,blumenthal1 ,mr4 ,van ,hollen1 ,mr4 ,warner1 ,mrs4 ,gillibrand1 ,mr4 ,sanders1 ,ms4 ,harris1 ,mr4 ,markey1 ,mr4 ,merkley1 ,mr4 ,heinrich1 and ,mr4 ,king7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on the ,judiciary ,a ,,bill ,to provide a coordinated regional response to manage effectively the endemic violence and humanitarian crisis in ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,central ,america ,reform and ,enforcement ,act4 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 ,sense of ,congress4 ,sec4 #d4 ,definitions4 ,,title ,i--,advancing reforms in ,central ,america to address the factors driving migration ,subtitle ,a--,strengthening the capacity of ,central ,american governments ,to protect and provide for their own people ,sec4 #aaa4 ,united ,states ,strategy for ,engagement in ,central ,america4 ,sec4 #aab4 ,authorization of appropriations for ,united ,states ,strategy for ,engagement in ,central ,america4 ,sec4 #aac4 ,strengthening the rule of law and combating corruption4 ,sec4 #aad4 ,combating criminal violence and improving citizen security4 ,sec4 #aae4 ,tackling extreme poverty and advancing economic development4 ,subtitle ,b--,conditions1 limitations1 and certifications on ,united ,states assistance ,sec4 #aba4 ,assistance funding available without condition4 ,sec4 #abb4 ,conditions on assistance related to combating1 smuggling1 and providing for screening and safety of migrants4 ,sec4 #abc4 ,conditions on assistance related to progress on specific issues4 ,sec4 #abd4 ,additional limitations4 ,sec4 #abe4 ,restrictions on reprogramming4 ,subtitle ,c--,effectively coordinating ,united ,states engagement in ,central ,america ,sec4 #aca4 ,united ,states ,coordinator for ,engagement in ,central ,america4 ,subtitle ,d--,united ,states leadership for engaging international donors and partners ,sec4 #ada4 ,requirement for strategy to secure support of international donors and partners4 ,,title ,,ii--,cracking down on criminal gangs1 cartels1 and complicit officials ,subtitle ,a--,strengthening cooperation among law enforcement agencies ,to target smugglers and traffickers ,sec4 #baa4 ,enhanced international cooperation to combat human smuggling and trafficking4 ,sec4 #bab4 ,enhanced investigation and prosecution of human smuggling and trafficking4 ,sec4 #bac4 ,information campaign on dangers of irregular migration4 ,subtitle ,b--,strengthening the ability of the ,united ,states ,government ,to crack down on smugglers1 traffickers1 and drug cartels ,sec4 #bba4 ,enhanced penalties for organized smuggling schemes4 ,sec4 #bbb4 ,expanding financial sanctions on narcotics trafficking and money laundering4 ,sec4 #bbc4 ,support for ,,fbi transnational anti-gang task forces for countering criminal gangs4 ,sec4 #bbd4 ,sense of ,congress regarding the expansion of targeted sanctions related to corruption and human rights abuses4 ,subtitle ,c--,creating new penalties for hindering immigration1 border1 and customs controls ,sec4 #bca4 ,hindering immigration1 border1 and customs controls4 ,,title ,,iii--,minimizing border crossings by expanding processing of refugee children and families in-country and in the region and by strengthening repatriation initiatives ,subtitle ,a--,providing alternative safe havens in ,mexico and the region ,sec4 #caa4 ,strengthening internal asylum systems in ,mexico and other countries4 ,subtitle ,b--,expanding refugee processing in ,mexico and ,central ,america for third country resettlement ,sec4 #cba4 ,expanding refugee processing in ,mexico and ,central ,america for third country resettlement4 ,subtitle ,c--,establishing legal channels to the ,united ,states ,sec4 #cca4 ,program to adjust the status of certain vulnerable refugees from ,central ,america4 ,,title ,,iv--,monitoring and supporting unaccompanied alien children after processing at the border ,sec4 #dja4 ,definitions2 authorization of appropriations4 ,sec4 #djb4 ,family reunification4 ,sec4 #djc4 ,authorization of appropriations4 ,subtitle ,a--,strengthening the government's ability ,to oversee the safety and well-being of children and support children forcibly separated from their families ,sec4 #daa4 ,health care in shelters for unaccompanied alien children4 ,sec4 #dab4 ,services to unaccompanied alien children after placement4 ,sec4 #dac4 ,background checks to ensure the safe placement of unaccompanied alien children4 ,sec4 #dad4 ,responsibility of sponsor for immigration court compliance and child well-being4 ,sec4 #dae4 ,monitoring unaccompanied alien children4 ,subtitle ,b--,funding to ,states and school districts2 supporting education and safety ,sec4 #dba4 ,funding to ,states to conduct ,state criminal checks and child abuse and neglect checks4 ,sec4 #dbb4 ,unaccompanied alien children in schools4 ,,title ,v--,ensuring orderly and humane management of children and families seeking protection ,subtitle ,a--,providing a fair and efficient legal process for children and vulnerable families seeking asylum ,sec4 #eaa4 ,court appearance compliance and legal orientation4 ,sec4 #eab4 ,fair day in court for kids4 ,sec4 #eac4 ,access to counsel and legal orientation at detention facilities4 ,sec4 #ead4 ,report on access to counsel4 ,sec4 #eae4 ,authorization of appropriations4 ,subtitle ,b--,reducing significant delays in immigration court ,sec4 #eba4 ,eliminate immigration court backlogs4 ,sec4 #ebb4 ,improved training for immigration judges and members of the ,board of ,immigration ,appeals4 ,sec4 #ebc4 ,new technology to improve court efficiency4 ,subtitle ,c--,reducing the likelihood of repeated migration to the ,united ,states ,sec4 #eca4 ,establishing reintegration and monitoring services for repatriating children4 #b4 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,since #bjjh1 incidents of murder1 other violent crime1 and corruption perpetrated by criminal networks1 armed gangs and groups1 and illicit trafficking organizations have remained at alarming levels in ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras4 7#b7 ,in #bjag1 ,el ,salvador and ,honduras-- 7,a7 continued to be among the most violent countries in ,latin ,america and the world1 with #fj and #db murders for every #ajj1jjj people1 respectively2 and 7,b7 were characterized by a high prevalence of gang-related violence and crimes involving sexual and gender-based violence4 7#c7 ,el ,salvador and ,honduras are both among the top #c countries in the world with the highest child homicide rates1 with more than #bb and #cb deaths per #ajj1jjj children respectively1 according to the nongovernmental organization ,save the ,children4 7#d7 ,a ,november #bjag report by the ,united ,nations ,development ,programme and ,,un ,women stated that femicide is taking on a devastating magnitude and trend in ,central ,america1 where #b in every #c women murdered1 are killed because of their gender44 7#e7 ,since #bjad1 elevated numbers of unaccompanied minors1 women1 and other vulnerable individuals have fled violence in ,central ,america's ,northern ,triangle and left for the ,united ,states in search of protection4 7#f7 ,unaccompanied minors emigrating from ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras cite violence1 forced gang recruitment1 extortion1 poverty1 and lack of opportunity as reasons for leaving their home countries4 7#g7 ,challenges to the rule of law in the ,northern ,triangle continue to be exacerbated by high levels of impunity related to murders and violent crime4 ,in #bjae1 approximately #ie percent of murders taking place in ,honduras and ,el ,salvador remained unresolved4 7#h7 ,the presence of major drug trafficking organizations in the ,northern ,triangle contributes to violence1 corruption1 and criminality4 ,according to the ,department of ,state's #bjag ,international ,narcotics ,control ,strategy ,report1 ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras continue to be transit countries for illicit drugs originating from countries in ,south ,america that are destined for the ,united ,states4 7#i7 ,in ,june #bjah1 the ,office of the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,human ,rights found that in ,el ,salvador1 a pattern of behavior among security personnel and weak institutional responses may have resulted in extrajudicial executions and excessive use of force1 with official figures indicating an alarming increase in the number of persons 7alleged gang-members7 who have been killed by security personnel4 7#aj7 ,widespread public sector corruption in the ,northern ,triangle undermines economic and social development and directly affects regional political stability4 7#aa7 ,human rights defenders1 journalists1 trade unionists1 social leaders1 and ,,lgbt activists in the ,northern ,triangle face dire conditions1 as evidenced by-- 7,a7 the ,march #bjaf murder of the prominent ,honduran environmental activist1 ,berta ,caceres2 and 7,b7 the ongoing targeted killing of civil society leaders in all #c countries in the ,northern ,triangle4 7#ab7 ,the ,northern ,triangle struggles with high levels of economic insecurity4 ,in #bjaf1 #fj4i percent of ,hondurans and #ch percent of ,salvadorans lived below the poverty line4 ,in #bjad1 #ei4c percent of ,guatemalans lived below the poverty line4 7#ac7 ,weak investment climates1 low levels of tax collection1 and low levels of educational opportunity are barriers to inclusive economic growth and social development in the ,northern ,triangle4 7#ad7 ,in ,january #bjah and ,may #bjah1 the ,trump ,administration announced the termination of ,temporary ,protected ,status designations for ,honduras and ,el ,salvador1 respectively1 which would affect more than #ejj1jjj individuals and their ,united ,states citizen children who may have to return to dangerous conditions in those countries4 7#ae7 ,in a ,november #bjag letter to the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 then ,secretary of ,state ,rex ,tillerson warned that as a result of ending ,temporary ,protected ,status1 the ,governments of ,el ,salvador and ,honduras may take retaliatory actions counter to our long-standing national security and economic interests like withdrawing their counternarcotics and anti-gang cooperation with the ,united ,states1 reducing their willingness to accept the return of their deported citizens1 or refraining from efforts to control illegal migration44 #c4 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 ,united ,states support is necessary to address irregular migration by addressing the violence and humanitarian crisis in the ,northern ,triangle1 which has resulted in the elevated numbers of ,central ,american unaccompanied children1 women1 and other refugees and migrants arriving at the ,southwestern border of the ,united ,states2 7#b7 the violence and humanitarian crisis is linked to the severe challenges posed by-- 7,a7 high rates of homicide1 sexual and gender-based violence1 and violent crime perpetrated by armed criminal actors1 including drug trafficking organizations and criminal gangs1 such as the ,,ms-#ac and #ahth ,street gangs2 7,b7 endemic corruption carried out by organized networks and the weak rule of law1 including the limited institutional capacity of national police forces1 public prosecutors1 and court systems2 and 7,c7 the limited capabilities and lack of political will on the part of ,northern ,triangle governments to establish the rule of law1 guarantee security1 and ensure the well-being of their citizens2 7#c7 the ,united ,states must work with international partners-- 7,a7 to address the complicated conditions in the ,northern ,triangle that contribute to the violence and humanitarian crisis2 and 7,b7 to guarantee protections for vulnerable populations1 particularly women and children1 fleeing violence in the region2 7#d7 the ,plan of the ,alliance for ,prosperity in the ,northern ,triangle1 which was developed by the ,governments of ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras1 with the technical assistance of the ,inter-,american ,development ,bank1 represents a comprehensive approach to address the complex situation in the ,northern ,triangle2 7#e7 the ,united ,states ,strategy for ,engagement in ,central ,america1 as first developed by ,president ,obama and ,vice ,president ,biden1 provides important support for the ,alliance for ,prosperity and other ,united ,states national security priorities1 including rule of law and anti-corruption initiatives2 7#f7 ,president ,trump's decision to reduce ,united ,states foreign assistance to ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras from funding levels set in fiscal years #bjag and #bjah-- 7,a7 poses a serious risk to ,united ,states national security2 and 7,b7 will damage the efforts of the ,united ,states to address the underlying conditions causing citizens of ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras to flee their homelands and migrate to the ,united ,states2 7#g7 the ,trump ,administration's proposed cuts in ,united ,states foreign assistance for ,central ,america for fiscal year #bjbj1 if implemented1 would undermine the ,united ,states ability to work with the ,governments of ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras to address critical ,united ,states national security priorities and the factors driving migration to the ,united ,states2 7#h7 the ,trump ,administration must reverse its decision to terminate the ,temporary ,protected ,status designations for ,el ,salvador and ,honduras in order to prevent negative consequences to ,united ,states foreign policy objectives2 7#i7 the ,united ,states should partner with the ,government of ,mexico-- 7,a7 to strengthen ,mexico's internal asylum system2 and 7,b7 ensure that ,mexico upholds international and humanitarian standards2 7#aj7 combating corruption in the ,northern ,triangle must remain a critical priority and the ,united ,states must continue its public and financial support for the ,united ,nation's ,commission ,against ,impunity in ,guatemala 7,,cicig7 and the ,organization of ,american ,states' ,mission to ,support the ,fight ,against ,corruption and ,impunity in ,honduras 7,,maccih7 as part of this effort2 7#aa7 the ,government of ,guatemala should reverse its efforts-- 7,a7 to terminate ,,cicig's mandate2 and 7,b7 to undermine the effectiveness of ,,cicig's ongoing operations1 including prohibiting the current ,,cicig ,commissioner from entering the country2 and 7#ab7 it is imperative for the ,united ,states to implement a multi-year strategy and sustain a long-term commitment to addressing the underlying factors causing ,central ,americans to flee their countries by strengthening citizen security1 the rule of law1 democratic governance1 the protection of human rights1 and inclusive economic growth in the ,northern ,triangle4 #d4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,intelligence community ,the term intelligence community has the meaning given the term in section #c7d7 of the ,national ,security ,act of #aidg 7#ej ,u4,s4,c4 #cjjc7d774 7#b7 ,northern triangle ,the term ,northern ,triangle means ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras4 7#c7 ,placement ,the term placement means the placement of an unaccompanied alien child with a sponsor4 7#d7 ,plan ,the term ,plan means the ,plan of the ,alliance for ,prosperity in the ,northern ,triangle4 7#e7 ,sponsor ,the term sponsor means a sponsor referred to in section #dfb7;b77#d7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #bgi7;b77#d774 7#f7 ,unaccompanied alien child ,the term unaccompanied alien child has the meaning given the term in section #dfb7;g7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #bgi7;g774 ,i ,advancing reforms in ,central ,america to address the factors driving migration ,a ,strengthening the capacity of ,central ,american governments ,to protect and provide for their own people #aaa4 ,united ,states ,strategy for ,engagement in ,central ,america 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit to ,congress a #e-year1 interagency strategy1 titled the ,united ,states ,strategy for ,engagement in ,central ,america1 to advance reforms in ,central ,american countries that address the factors driving migration4 7b7 ,elements ,the strategy under subsection 7a7 shall include efforts to-- 7#a7 strengthen the rule of law1 improve access to justice1 and bolster the effectiveness and independence of judicial systems and public prosecutors' offices1 and the effectiveness of civilian police forces2 7#b7 combat corruption and improve public sector transparency2 7#c7 confront and counter the violence and crime perpetrated by armed criminal gangs1 illicit trafficking organizations1 and organized crime2 7#d7 disrupt money laundering operations and the illicit financial operations of criminal networks1 armed gangs1 illicit trafficking organizations1 and human smugglers2 7#e7 strengthen democratic governance and promote greater respect for internationally recognized human rights1 labor rights1 fundamental freedoms1 and the media1 including through the protection of human rights and environmental defenders1 other civil society activists1 and journalists2 7#f7 enhance the capability of ,central ,american governments to protect and provide for vulnerable and at-risk populations2 7#g7 address the underlying causes of poverty and inequality2 7#h7 address the constraints to inclusive economic growth in ,central ,america2 7#i7 prevent and respond to endemic levels of sexual and gender-based violence2 and 7#aj7 enhance accountability for government officials1 including security force personnel1 credibly alleged to have committed gross violations of human rights or other crimes4 7c7 ,coordination and consultation ,in formulating the strategy under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary of ,state shall-- 7#a7 coordinate with the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 the ,secretary of ,defense1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 the ,attorney ,general1 and the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development2 and 7#b7 consult with the ,director of ,national ,intelligence4 7d7 ,support for ,central ,american efforts ,to the degree feasible1 the strategy under subsection 7a7 shall support or complement efforts being carried out by the ,governments of ,el ,salvador1 of ,guatemala1 and of ,honduras under the ,plan1 in coordination with the ,inter-,american ,development ,bank and other bilateral and multilateral donors4 7e7 ,prioritization ,the strategy under subsection 7a7 shall prioritize programs and initiatives to address the key factors in ,central ,american countries that contribute to the flight of unaccompanied alien children and other individuals to the ,united ,states4 #aab4 ,authorization of appropriations for ,united ,states ,strategy for ,engagement in ,central ,america ,there are authorized to be appropriated #a1ejj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj to carry out the strategy described in section #aaa4 #aac4 ,strengthening the rule of law and combating corruption 7a7 ,in general ,in advancing the strategy described in section #aaa1 of the amounts authorized to be appropriated pursuant to section #aab1 #eej1jjj1jjj are authorized to be made available to the ,secretary of ,state and the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development to strengthen the rule of law1 combat corruption1 consolidate democratic governance1 and defend human rights4 7b7 ,assistance for ,central ,america ,the ,secretary and the ,administrator may use the amounts made available under subsection 7a7 to provide assistance for ,central ,american countries through the activities described in subsection 7c74 7c7 ,authorized activities ,activities described in this section include-- 7#a7 strengthening the rule of law in ,central ,american countries by providing support for-- 7,a7 the ,office of the ,attorney ,general1 public prosecutors1 judges1 and courts in each such country1 including the enhancement of their forensics capabilities and services2 7,b7 reforms leading to independent1 merit-based1 selection processes for judges and prosecutors1 independent internal controls1 and relevant ethics and professional training1 including training on sexual and gender-based violence2 7,c7 the improvement of victim and witness protection and access to justice2 and 7,d7 the reform and improvement of prison facilities and management2 7#b7 combating corruption by providing support for-- 7,a7 inspectors general and oversight institutions1 including relevant training for inspectors and auditors2 7,b7 international commissions against impunity1 including the ,international ,commission ,against ,impunity in ,guatemala and the ,support ,mission ,against ,corruption and ,impunity in ,honduras2 7,c7 civil society watchdogs conducting oversight of executive branch officials and functions1 police and security forces1 and judicial officials and public prosecutors2 and 7,d7 the enhancement of freedom of information mechanisms2 7#c7 consolidating democratic governance by providing support for-- 7,a7 the reform of civil services1 related training programs1 and relevant career laws and processes that lead to independent1 merit-based1 selection processes2 7,b7 national legislatures and their capacity to conduct oversight of executive branch functions2 7,c7 the reform and strengthening of political party and campaign finance laws and electoral tribunals2 and 7,d7 local governments and their capacity to provide critical safety1 education1 health1 and sanitation services to citizens2 and 7#d7 defending human rights by providing support for-- 7,a7 human rights ombudsman offices2 7,b7 government protection programs that provide physical protection to human rights defenders1 journalists1 trade unionists1 and civil society activists at risk2 7,c7 civil society organizations that promote and defend human rights1 freedom of expression1 freedom of the press1 labor rights1 environmental protection1 and ,,lgbt rights2 and 7,d7 civil society organizations that address sexual1 domestic1 and inter-partner violence against women and protect victims of such violence4 #aad4 ,combating criminal violence and improving citizen security 7a7 ,in general ,in advancing the strategy described in section #aaa1 of the amounts authorized to be appropriated pursuant to section #aab1 #eej1jjj1jjj are authorized to be made available to the ,secretary of ,state and the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development to counter the violence and crime perpetrated by armed criminal gangs1 illicit trafficking organizations1 and human smugglers4 7b7 ,assistance for ,central ,america ,the ,secretary and the ,administrator may use the amounts made available under subsection 7a7 to provide assistance for ,central ,american countries through the activities described in subsection 7c74 7c7 ,authorized activities ,activities described in this section include-- 7#a7 professionalizing civilian police forces by providing support for-- 7,a7 the reform of personnel recruitment1 vetting and dismissal processes1 including the enhancement of polygraph capability for use in such processes2 7,b7 inspectors general and oversight offices1 including relevant training for inspectors and auditors1 and independent oversight mechanisms1 as appropriate2 7,c7 community policing policies and programs2 7,d7 the establishment of special vetted units2 7,e7 training and the development of protocols regarding the appropriate use of force and human rights2 7,f7 training on civilian intelligence collection 7including safeguards for privacy and basic civil liberties71 investigative techniques1 forensic analysis1 and evidence preservation2 7,g7 training on the management of complex1 multi-actor criminal cases2 and 7,h7 equipment1 such as nonintrusive inspection equipment2 7#b7 countering illicit trafficking by providing assistance to the civilian law enforcement and armed forces of ,central ,american countries1 including support for-- 7,a7 the establishment of special vetted units2 7,b7 the enhancement of intelligence collection capacity 7including safeguards for privacy and basic civil liberties72 7,c7 the reform of personnel recruitment1 vetting1 and dismissal processes1 including the enhancement of polygraph capability for use in such processes2 and 7,d7 port1 airport1 and border security systems1 including-- 7i7 computer infrastructure and data management systems2 7ii7 secure communications technologies2 7iii7 nonintrusive inspection equipment2 7iv7 radar and aerial surveillance equipment2 7v7 canine units2 and 7vi7 training on the equipment1 technologies1 and systems listed in clauses 7i7 through 7v72 7#c7 disrupting illicit financial networks1 including by providing support for-- 7,a7 finance ministries1 including the enhancement of the capacity to use financial sanctions to block the assets of individuals and organizations involved in money laundering and the financing of armed criminal gangs1 illicit trafficking networks1 human smugglers1 and organized crime2 7,b7 financial intelligence units1 including the establishment and enhancement of anti-money laundering programs2 and 7,c7 the reform of bank secrecy laws2 and 7#d7 improving crime prevention by providing support for-- 7,a7 educational initiatives to reduce sexual and gender-based violence2 7,b7 the enhancement of police and judicial capacity to identify1 investigate1 and prosecute sexual and gender-based violence2 7,c7 the enhancement of programs for at-risk and criminal-involved youth1 including the improvement of community centers throughout ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras2 and 7,d7 alternative livelihood programs4 7d7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 operational technology transferred to governments in ,central ,america for intelligence or law enforcement purposes should be used solely for the purposes for which the technology was intended2 7#b7 the ,united ,states should take all necessary steps to ensure that the use of operation technology described in paragraph 7#a7 is consistent with ,united ,states law1 including protections of freedom of expression1 freedom of movement1 and freedom of association2 and 7#c7 the assistance to ,central ,american armed forces described in subsection 7c77#b7 should be limited to assistance that relates to-- 7,a7 the armed forces activities to combat illicit maritime and riverine trafficking2 and 7,b7 illicit trafficking occurring at national borders4 #aae4 ,tackling extreme poverty and advancing economic development 7a7 ,in general ,of the amounts authorized to be appropriated pursuant to section #aab1 #djj1jjj1jjj are authorized to be made available to the ,secretary of ,state and the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development to improve economic development and the underlying causes of poverty4 7b7 ,assistance for ,central ,america ,the ,secretary and the ,administrator may use the amounts made available under subsection 7a7 to provide assistance for ,central ,american countries through the activities described in subsection 7c74 7c7 ,authorized activities ,activities described in this section include-- 7#a7 strengthening human capital1 including by providing support for-- 7,a7 workforce development and entrepreneurship training programs that are driven by market demand1 specifically programs that prioritize women1 at-risk youth1 and minorities2 7,b7 improving early-grade literacy and the improvement of primary and secondary school curricula2 7,c7 relevant professional training for teachers and educational administrators2 and 7,d7 educational policy reform and improvement of education sector budgeting2 7#b7 enhancing economic competitiveness and investment climate by providing support for-- 7,a7 small business development centers and programs that strengthen supply chain integration2 7,b7 trade facilitation and customs harmonization programs2 7,c7 reducing energy costs through investments in clean technologies and the reform of energy policies and regulations2 7,d7 the improvement of protections for investors1 including dispute resolution and arbitration mechanisms2 and 7,e7 the improvement of labor and environmental standards1 in accordance with the ,dominican ,republic-,central ,america ,free ,trade ,agreement2 7#c7 strengthening food security1 including by providing support for-- 7,a7 small-scale agriculture1 including-- 7i7 technical training2 7ii7 initiatives that facilitate access to credit2 and 7iii7 policies and programs that incentivize government agencies and private institutions to buy from local producers2 7,b7 agricultural value chain development for farming communities2 7,c7 nutrition programs to reduce childhood stunting rates2 and 7,d7 investment in scientific research on climate change and climate resiliency2 and 7#d7 improving the state of fiscal and financial affairs1 including by providing support for-- 7,a7 domestic revenue generation1 including programs to improve tax administration1 collection1 and enforcement2 7,b7 strengthening public sector financial management1 including strategic budgeting and expenditure tracking2 and 7,c7 reform of customs and procurement policies and processes4 ,b ,conditions1 limitations1 and certifications on ,united ,states assistance #aba4 ,assistance funding available without condition ,the ,secretary of ,state or the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 as appropriate1 may obligate up to #be percent of the amounts appropriated pursuant to section #aab that are made available for the ,governments of ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras to carry out the ,united ,states ,strategy for ,engagement in ,central ,america4 #abb4 ,conditions on assistance related to combating1 smuggling1 and providing for screening and safety of migrants 7a7 ,notification and cooperation ,in addition to the amounts authorized to be made available under sections #aba and #abc1 #be percent of the amounts appropriated pursuant to section #aab that are made available for assistance for the ,governments of ,el ,salvador1 of ,guatemala1 and of ,honduras may only be made available after the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 consults with1 and subsequently certifies and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that such governments are taking effective steps1 in addition to steps taken during previous years1 to-- 7#a7 combat human smuggling and trafficking1 including investigating1 prosecuting1 and increasing penalties for individuals responsible for such crimes2 7#b7 improve border security and border screening to detect and deter illicit smuggling and trafficking1 while respecting the rights of individuals fleeing violence and seeking humanitarian protection asylum1 in accordance with international law2 7#c7 cooperate with ,united ,states ,government agencies and other governments in the region to facilitate the safe and timely repatriation of migrants who do not qualify for refugee or other protected status1 in accordance with international law2 7#d7 improve reintegration services1 in open partnership with civil society organizations1 for repatriated migrants in a manner that ensures the safety and well-being of the individual and reduces the likelihood of repeated migration to the ,united ,states2 and 7#e7 cooperate with the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,refugees to improve protections for1 and the processing of1 vulnerable populations1 particularly women and children fleeing violence4 #abc4 ,conditions on assistance related to progress on specific issues 7a7 ,effective implementation ,in addition to the amounts authorized to be obligated under sections #aba and #abb1 #ej percent of the amounts appropriated pursuant to section #aab that are made available for assistance for the ,governments of ,el ,salvador1 of ,guatemala1 and of ,honduras may only be made available after the ,secretary consults with1 and subsequently certifies and reports to1 the appropriate congressional committees that such governments are taking effective steps in their respective countries1 in addition to steps taken during the previous calendar year1 to-- 7#a7 combat corruption1 including investigating and prosecuting government officials1 military personnel1 and civilian police officers credibly alleged to be corrupt2 7#b7 implement reforms and strengthen the rule of law1 including increasing the capacity and independence of the judiciary and public prosecutors2 7#c7 counter the activities of armed criminal gangs1 illicit trafficking networks1 and organized crime2 7#d7 establish and implement a plan to create a professional1 accountable civilian police force and curtail the role of the military in internal policing2 7#e7 investigate and prosecute1 through the civilian justice system1 military and police personnel who are credibly alleged to have violated human rights1 and to ensure that the military and the police are cooperating in such cases2 7#f7 counter and prevent sexual and gender-based violence2 7#g7 cooperate1 as appropriate1 with international human rights entities and international commissions against impunity1 including the ,united ,nation's ,commission ,against ,impunity in ,guatemala 7,,cicig71 the ,organization of ,american ,states' ,mission to ,support the ,fight ,against ,corruption and ,impunity in ,honduras 7,,maccih71 and any other similar entities that may be established2 7#h7 implement electoral and political reforms1 including reforms related to improving the transparency of financing political campaigns and political parties2 7#i7 protect the right of political opposition parties1 journalists1 trade unionists1 human rights defenders1 and other civil society activists to operate without interference2 7#aj7 increase government revenues1 including by enhancing tax collection1 strengthening customs agencies1 and reforming procurement processes2 7#aa7 implement reforms to strengthen educational systems1 vocational training programs1 and programs for at-risk youth2 7#ab7 resolve commercial disputes1 including the confiscation of real property1 between ,united ,states entities and the respective governments2 and 7#ac7 implement a policy by which local communities1 civil society organizations 7including indigenous and marginalized groups71 and local governments are consulted in the design1 implementation1 and evaluation of the activities of the ,plan that affect such communities1 organizations1 or governments4 7b7 ,additional elements ,the ,secretary of ,state may not certify that the ,government of ,guatemala is taking effective steps to address the issues listed in subsection 7a7 until after the ,government of ,guatemala-- 7#a7 extends the mandate of the ,international ,commission against ,impunity in ,guatemala 7,,cicig7 beyond #bjai2 and 7#b7 permits the ,,cicig ,commissioner and ,,cicig staff to carry out their work with government obstruction4 7c7 ,exception ,the certification and reporting requirements under subsection 7a7 and section #abb7;a7 shall not apply to the amounts appropriated pursuant to section #aab for assistance to the ,international ,commission against ,impunity in ,guatemala and the ,mission to ,support the ,fight against ,corruption and ,impunity in ,honduras4 #abd4 ,additional limitations 7a7 ,deportations and repatriations ,none of the amounts authorized to be appropriated pursuant to this title may be used or transferred to any other ,federal agency to assist in the removal or repatriation of any individual from a third country to his or her country of origin or to another country4 7b7 ,fund transfers ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,secretary of ,state may not transfer amounts appropriated for the ,department of ,state to any account managed by the ,department of ,homeland ,security for the purpose of assisting in the deportation or repatriation of any foreign person from a third country to his or her country of origin or to another country1 absent a specific authorization from ,congress for such transfer4 #abe4 ,restrictions on reprogramming 7a7 ,united ,states strategy for engagement in ,central ,america ,amounts appropriated pursuant to section #aab may not be reprogrammed for any activities other than those authorized under this title4 7b7 ,bilateral economic assistance and international security assistance for ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras ,the ,secretary of ,state and the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development may not reprogram amounts made available for assistance for ,el ,salvador1 of ,guatemala1 and of ,honduras under-- 7#a7 titles ,,iii and ,,iv of the ,department of ,state1 ,foreign ,operations1 and ,related ,programs ,appropriations ,act1 #bjai 7division ,f of ,public ,law #aaf-f72 7#b7 titles ,,iii and ,,iv of the ,department of ,state1 ,foreign ,operations1 and ,related ,programs ,appropriations ,act1 #bjah 7division ,k of ,public ,law #aae-ada72 7#c7 titles ,,iii and ,,iv of the ,department of ,state1 ,foreign ,operations1 and ,related ,programs ,appropriations ,act1 #bjag 7division ,j of ,public ,law #aae-ca72 or 7#d7 titles ,,iii and ,,iv of the ,department of ,state1 ,foreign ,operations1 and ,related ,programs ,appropriations ,act1 #bjaf 7division ,k of ,public ,law #aad-aac74 ,c ,effectively coordinating ,united ,states engagement in ,central ,america #aca4 ,united ,states ,coordinator for ,engagement in ,central ,america 7a7 ,designation ,not later than #cj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,president shall designate a senior official to coordinate all of the ,federal ,government's efforts1 including coordination with international partners-- 7#a7 to strengthen citizen security1 the rule of law1 and economic prosperity in ,central ,america2 and 7#b7 to protect vulnerable populations in the region4 7b7 ,supervision ,the official designated under subsection 7a7 shall report directly to the ,president4 7c7 ,duties ,the official designated under subsection 7a7 shall coordinate all of the efforts1 activities1 and programs related to ,united ,states ,strategy for ,engagement in ,central ,america1 including-- 7#a7 coordinating with the ,department of ,state1 the ,department of ,justice 7including the ,federal ,bureau of ,investigation71 the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 the intelligence community1 and international partners regarding ,united ,states efforts to dismantle and disrupt armed criminal gangs1 illicit trafficking networks1 and organized crime responsible for high levels of violence1 extortion1 and corruption in ,central ,america2 7#b7 coordinating with the ,department of ,state1 the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 and international partners regarding ,united ,states efforts to prevent and mitigate the effects of violent criminal gangs and transnational criminal organizations on vulnerable ,central ,american populations1 including women and children2 7#c7 coordinating with the ,department of ,state1 the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 and international partners regarding ,united ,states efforts to counter human smugglers illegally transporting ,central ,american migrants to the ,united ,states2 7#d7 coordinating with the ,department of ,state1 the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 and international partners1 including the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,refugees1 to increase protections for vulnerable ,central ,american populations1 improve refugee processing1 and strengthen asylum and migration systems throughout the region2 7#e7 coordinating with the ,department of ,state1 the ,department of ,defense1 the ,department of ,justice 7including the ,drug ,enforcement ,administration71 the ,department of the ,treasury1 the intelligence community1 and international partners regarding ,united ,states efforts to combat illicit narcotics traffickers1 interdict transshipments of illicit narcotics1 and disrupt the financing of the illicit narcotics trade2 7#f7 coordinating with the ,department of ,state1 the ,department of the ,treasury1 the ,department of ,justice1 the intelligence community1 the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 and international partners regarding ,united ,states efforts to combat corruption1 money laundering1 and illicit financial networks2 7#g7 coordinating with the ,department of ,state1 the ,department of ,justice1 the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 and international partners regarding ,united ,states efforts to strengthen the rule of law1 democratic governance1 and human rights protections2 and 7#h7 coordinating with the ,department of ,state1 the ,department of ,agriculture1 the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the ,overseas ,private ,investment ,corporation1 the ,united ,states ,trade and ,development ,agency1 the ,department of ,labor1 and international partners1 including the ,inter-,american ,development ,bank1 to strengthen the foundation for inclusive economic growth and improve food security1 investment climate1 and protections for labor rights4 7d7 ,consultation ,the official designated under subsection 7a7 shall consult with ,congress1 multilateral organizations and institutions1 foreign governments1 and domestic and international civil society organizations4 ,d ,united ,states leadership for engaging international donors and partners #ada4 ,requirement for strategy to secure support of international donors and partners 7a7 ,defined term ,in this section1 the term appropriate congressional committees means-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 7#b7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate2 7#c7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7#d7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives4 7b7 ,strategy ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit a #c-year strategy to the appropriate congressional committees that-- 7#a7 describes how the ,united ,states will secure support from international donors and regional partners 7including ,colombia and ,mexico7 for the implementation of the ,plan2 7#b7 identifies governments that are willing to provide financial and technical assistance for the implementation of the ,plan and a description of such assistance2 and 7#c7 identifies the financial and technical assistance to be provided by multilateral institutions1 including the ,inter-,american ,development ,bank1 the ,world ,bank1 the ,international ,monetary ,fund1 the ,andean ,development ,corporation--,development ,bank of ,latin ,america1 and the ,organization of ,american ,states1 and a description of such assistance4 7c7 ,diplomatic engagement and coordination ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 as appropriate1 shall-- 7#a7 carry out diplomatic engagement to secure contributions of financial and technical assistance from international donors and partners in support of the ,plan2 and 7#b7 take all necessary steps to ensure effective cooperation among international donors and partners supporting the ,plan4 7d7 ,report ,not later than #a year after submitting the strategy under subsection 7b71 and annually thereafter1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that describes-- 7#a7 the progress made in implementing the strategy2 and 7#b7 the financial and technical assistance provided by international donors and partners1 including the multilateral institutions listed in subsection 7b77#c74 7e7 ,briefings ,upon a request from #a of the appropriate congressional committees1 the ,secretary of ,state shall provide a briefing to such committee that describes the progress made in implementing the strategy submitted under subsection 7b74 ,,ii ,cracking down on criminal gangs1 cartels1 and complicit officials ,a ,strengthening cooperation among law enforcement agencies ,to target smugglers and traffickers #baa4 ,enhanced international cooperation to combat human smuggling and trafficking ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the heads of relevant ,federal agencies1 shall expand partnership efforts with law enforcement entities in ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 ,honduras1 and ,mexico seeking to combat human smuggling and trafficking in those countries1 including-- 7#a7 the creation or expansion of transnational criminal investigative units to identify1 disrupt1 and prosecute human smuggling and trafficking operations2 7#b7 participation by ,u4,s4 ,immigration and ,customs ,enforcement and the ,department of ,justice in the ,bilateral ,human ,trafficking ,enforcement ,initiative with their ,mexican law enforcement counterparts2 and 7#c7 advanced training programs for investigators and prosecutors from ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 ,honduras1 and ,mexico4 #bab4 ,enhanced investigation and prosecution of human smuggling and trafficking 7a7 ,in general ,the ,attorney ,general and the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall expand collaborative programs aimed at investigating and prosecuting human smugglers and traffickers targeting ,central ,american children and families and operating at the southwestern border of the ,united ,states1 including the continuation and expansion of anti-trafficking coordination teams4 7b7 ,homeland ,security ,investigations ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 in consultation with the ,director of ,u4,s4 ,immigration and ,customs ,enforcement1 shall increase the resources available to ,homeland ,security ,investigations to facilitate the expansion of its smuggling and trafficking investigations4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out subsections 7a7 and 7b74 #bac4 ,information campaign on dangers of irregular migration 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the heads of relevant ,federal agencies1 shall design and implement public information campaigns in ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras-- 7#a7 to disseminate information about the dangers of travel across ,mexico to the ,united ,states2 7#b7 to combat misinformation about ,united ,states immigration law or policy2 and 7#c7 to provide accurate information about the right to seek asylum4 7b7 ,elements ,the information campaigns implemented pursuant to subsection 7a7 shall1 to the greatest extent possible-- 7#a7 be targeted at populations and localities with high migration rates2 7#b7 be in local languages2 7#c7 employ a variety of communications media2 and 7#d7 be developed in consultation with program officials at the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 the ,department of ,state1 and other government1 nonprofit1 or academic entities in close contact with migrant populations from ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras1 including repatriated migrants4 ,b ,strengthening the ability of the ,united ,states ,government ,to crack down on smugglers1 traffickers1 and drug cartels #bba4 ,enhanced penalties for organized smuggling schemes 7a7 ,in general ,section #bgd7;a77#a77;,b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #acbd7;a77#a77;,b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating clauses 7iii7 and 7iv7 as clauses 7iv7 and 7v71 respectively2 7#b7 by inserting after clause 7ii7 the following3 7iii7 in the case of a violation of subparagraph 7,a77i7 during and in relation to which the person1 while acting for profit or other financial gain1 knowingly directs or participates in an effort or scheme to assist or cause #aj or more persons 7other than a parent1 spouse1 sibling1 or child of the offender7 to enter or to attempt to enter the ,united ,states at the same time at a place other than a designated port of entry or place other than designated by the ,secretary1 be fined under title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 imprisoned not more than #ae years1 or both2 2 and 7#c7 in clause 7iv71 as redesignated1 by inserting commits or attempts to commit sexual assault of1 after section #acfe of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code7 to14 7b7 ,bulk cash smuggling ,section #eccb7;b77#a7 of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in the paragraph heading1 by striking ,term of imprisonment and inserting ,in general2 and 7#b7 by inserting 1 fined under title #ah1 or both after #e years4 #bbb4 ,expanding financial sanctions on narcotics trafficking and money laundering 7a7 ,financial sanctions expansion 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 the ,attorney ,general1 the ,secretary of ,state1 the ,secretary of ,defense1 and the ,director of ,central ,intelligence shall expand investigations1 intelligence collection1 and analysis pursuant to the ,foreign ,narcotics ,kingpin ,designation ,act to increase the identification and application of sanctions against-- 7,a7 significant foreign narcotics traffickers1 their organizations and networks2 and 7,b7 foreign persons who provide material1 financial1 or technological support to such traffickers1 organizations1 and networks4 7#b7 ,targets ,the activities described in paragraph 7#a7 shall specifically target foreign narcotics traffickers1 their organizations and networks1 and the foreign persons who provide material1 financial1 or technological support to such traffickers1 organizations1 and networks that are present and operating in ,central ,america4 7b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out subsection 7a74 #bbc4 ,support for ,,fbi transnational anti-gang task forces for countering criminal gangs 7a7 ,task force expansion ,the ,director of the ,federal ,bureau of ,investigation1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,state1 shall expand the efforts of the ,transnational ,anti-,gang ,task ,forces in ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras1 including by-- 7#a7 expanding transnational criminal investigations focused on criminal gangs in ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras1 such as ,,ms-#ac and #ahth ,street2 7#b7 expanding training and partnership efforts with ,salvadoran1 ,guatemalan1 and ,honduran law enforcement entities in order to disrupt and dismantle criminal gangs1 both internationally and in their respective countries2 7#c7 establishing or expanding special vetted investigative units2 and 7#d7 collecting and disseminating intelligence to support related ,united ,states-based investigations4 7b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated1 to the ,bureau of ,international ,narcotics and ,law ,enforcement ,affairs1 such sums as may be necessary to carry out subsection 7a74 #bbd4 ,sense of ,congress regarding the expansion of targeted sanctions related to corruption and human rights abuses ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,president should intensify targeting of and impose sanctions regularly on a range of foreign persons from or in ,central ,america determined to be responsible for human rights abuses1 corruption-related misconduct1 and other misconduct identified pursuant to the ,global ,magnitsky ,human ,rights ,accountability ,act 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #bfef note72 7#b7 the ,director of ,national ,intelligence1 in coordination with the ,director of the ,central ,intelligence ,agency and other ,united ,states intelligence agencies1 as appropriate1 should expand intelligence collection and analysis in support of the efforts described in paragraph 7#a72 and 7#c7 the efforts described in paragraph 7#a7 should specifically target foreign persons1 including foreign government officials1 complicit in acts that weaken1 run counter to1 or undermine the strategy described in section #aaa4 ,c ,creating new penalties for hindering immigration1 border1 and customs controls #bca4 ,hindering immigration1 border1 and customs controls 7a7 ,immigration and ,nationality ,act ,the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #bgd;,d the following3 #bgd;,e4 ,hindering immigration1 border1 and customs controls 7a7 ,illicit spotting 7#a7 ,in general ,it shall be unlawful to knowingly surveil1 track1 monitor1 or transmit the location1 movement1 or activities of any officer or employee of a ,federal1 ,state1 or tribal law enforcement agency-- 7,a7 with the intent to gain financially2 and 7,b7 in furtherance of any violation of the immigration laws1 the customs and trade laws of the ,united ,states 7as defined in section #b of the ,trade ,facilitation and ,trade ,enforcement ,act of #bjae 7,public ,law #aad-abe771 any other ,federal law relating to transporting controlled substances1 agriculture1 or monetary instruments into the ,united ,states1 or any ,federal law relating to border controls measures of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,penalty ,any person who violates paragraph 7#a7 shall be fined under title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 imprisoned for not more than #e years1 or both4 7b7 ,destruction of ,united ,states border controls 7#a7 ,in general ,it shall be unlawful to knowingly and without lawful authorization-- 7,a7 destroy or significantly damage any fence1 barrier1 sensor1 camera1 or other physical or electronic device deployed by the ,federal ,government to control an international border of1 or a port of entry to1 the ,united ,states2 or 7,b7 otherwise seek to construct1 excavate1 or make any structure intended to defeat1 circumvent or evade such a fence1 barrier1 sensor camera1 or other physical or electronic device deployed by the ,federal ,government to control an international border of1 or a port of entry to1 the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,penalty ,any person who violates paragraph 7#a7 shall be fined under title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 imprisoned for not more than #e years1 or both4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja et seq47 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #bgd;,d the following3 ,sec4 #bgd;,e4 ,hindering immigration1 border1 and customs controls4 4 ,,iii ,minimizing border crossings by expanding processing of refugee children and families in-country and in the region and by strengthening repatriation initiatives ,a ,providing alternative safe havens in ,mexico and the region #caa4 ,strengthening internal asylum systems in ,mexico and other countries 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 shall work with international partners1 including the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,refugees1 to support and provide technical assistance to strengthen the domestic capacity of ,mexico and other countries in the region to provide asylum to eligible children and families1 in accordance with international law and best practices1 by-- 7#a7 establishing and expanding temporary and long-term in-country reception centers and shelter capacity to meet the humanitarian needs of those seeking asylum or other forms of international protection2 7#b7 improving the asylum registration system to ensure that all individuals seeking asylum or other humanitarian protection-- 7,a7 are provided with adequate information about their rights1 including their right to seek protection2 7,b7 are properly screened for security1 including biographic and biometric capture2 7,c7 receive due process and meaningful access to existing legal protections2 and 7,d7 receive proper documents in order to prevent fraud and ensure freedom of movement and access to basic social services2 7#c7 creating or expanding a corps of trained asylum officers capable of evaluating and deciding individual asylum claims consistent with international law and obligations2 and 7#d7 developing the capacity to conduct best interest determinations for unaccompanied alien children to ensure that their needs are properly met1 which may include family reunification or resettlement in the ,united ,states or another country based on international protection needs and the best interests of the child4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #fj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 shall submit a report that describes the plans of the ,secretary of ,state to assist in developing the asylum processing capabilities described in subsection 7a7 to-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 7#b7 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate2 7#c7 the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,senate2 7#d7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate2 7#e7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives2 7#f7 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives2 7#g7 the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7#h7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section4 ,b ,expanding refugee processing in ,mexico and ,central ,america for third country resettlement #cba4 ,expanding refugee processing in ,mexico and ,central ,america for third country resettlement 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 shall coordinate with the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,refugees to support and provide technical assistance to the ,government of ,mexico and the governments of other countries in the region to increase access to global resettlement for eligible children and families with protection needs1 in accordance with international law and best practices1 by-- 7#a7 establishing and expanding in-country refugee reception centers to meet the humanitarian needs of those seeking international protection2 7#b7 improving the refugee registration system to ensure that all refugees-- 7,a7 are provided with adequate information about their rights1 including their right to seek protection2 7,b7 are properly screened for security1 including biographic and biometric capture2 7,c7 receive due process and meaningful access to existing legal protections2 and 7,d7 receive proper documents in order to prevent fraud and ensure freedom of movement and access to basic social services2 7#c7 creating or expanding a corps of trained refugee officers capable of evaluating and deciding individual claims for protection1 consistent with international law and obligations2 and 7#d7 developing the capacity to conduct best interest determinations for unaccompanied alien children to ensure that-- 7,a7 such children with international protection needs are properly registered2 and 7,b7 their needs are properly met1 which may include family reunification or resettlement in the ,united ,states or another country based on international protection needs and the best interests of the child4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #fj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 shall submit a report to the committees listed in section #caa7;b7 that describes the plans of the ,secretary of ,state to assist in developing the refugee processing capabilities described in subsection 7a74 7c7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the conditions in ,mexico1 as of the date of the enactment of this ,act1 do not meet the necessary threshold for the ,united ,states ,government to sign a safe third country agreement with the ,government of ,mexico2 and 7#b7 individuals of any nationality1 who enter the ,united ,states from ,mexico and request humanitarian protection1 such as asylum1 in the ,united ,states-- 7,a7 are not subject to section #bce7;b77#b77;,c7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbe7;b77#b77;,c772 and 7,b7 cannot be returned to ,mexico while their request for humanitarian protection is pending4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out subsection 7a74 ,c ,establishing legal channels to the ,united ,states #cca4 ,program to adjust the status of certain vulnerable refugees from ,central ,america 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,refugee status ,the term refugee status has the meaning given the term in section #aja7;a77#db7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7;a77#db771 except that the alien may apply inside his or her country of nationality if there is a designated application processing center present4 7#b7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security4 7b7 ,purpose ,the purpose of this section is to establish a refugee processing program for nationals of ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 and ,honduras to respond to country conditions and the growing need to provide an alternative to the dangerous journey to the ,united ,states of ,america4 7c7 ,admission of eligible ,central ,american aliens as refugees ,notwithstanding the numerical limitations set forth in sections #bja1 #bjb1 and #bjg of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaea1 #aaeb1 and #aaeg71 the ,secretary shall adjust the status of an alien who is a national of ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 or ,honduras to that of an alien admitted as a refugee if the alien-- 7#a7 applies for such refugee status at a ,designated ,application ,processing ,center 7as defined in subsection 7e772 and 7#b7 is eligible under subsection 7d74 7d7 ,central ,americans eligible for refugee admission 7#a7 ,in general ,admission as a refugee or adjustment of status to that of a refugee shall be available to any alien1 or members of the alien's family1 if-- 7,a7 the alien is a national of ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 or ,honduras2 7,b7 the alien otherwise meets the definition of a refugee1 except that the alien may apply from inside his or her country of nationality2 7,c7 7i7 the alien presents himself or herself at a ,designated ,application ,processing ,center for consideration of refugee status under this section2 or 7ii7 in the case of an alien who is a minor1 a parent or legal guardian of the alien presents an application for the alien2 and 7,d7 the alien passes all relevant medical1 national security1 and background checks4 7#b7 ,effect of denial of refugee status ,the denial of refugee status under the ,central ,american ,minors ,program-- 7,a7 shall not be held determinative with respect to an adjudication under this section2 and 7,b7 shall not prejudice the results of an adjudication under this section4 7e7 ,designated ,application ,processing ,centers 7#a7 ,establishment ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state shall establish a minimum of #d ,designated ,application ,processing ,centers in #d different physical locations in the countries referred to in paragraph 7#b71 with the consent of the host country1 if necessary4 7#b7 ,locations ,the ,secretary of ,state shall ensure that at least #a ,designated ,application ,processing ,center is established in-- 7,a7 ,el ,salvador1 ,guatemala1 ,honduras1 and ,mexico2 and 7,b7 any other country in ,central ,america selected by the ,secretary of ,state4 7#c7 ,application for refugee status ,the ,secretary of ,state shall ensure that any alien who is physically present at a ,designated ,application ,processing ,center is permitted-- 7,a7 to apply for refugee status under this section2 7,b7 to include his or her family in the application for refugee status1 regardless of such alien's status2 and 7,c7 if the alien applying for refugee status is an unaccompanied minor1 to have legal counsel present at all interviews4 7#d7 ,adjudication ,applications submitted at a ,designated ,application ,processing ,center under this section shall be adjudicated by refugee officers from the ,refugee1 ,asylum and ,international ,operations ,directorate of ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services4 7#e7 ,adjudication deadlines 7,a7 ,first year ,applications submitted under this section during the #a-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act shall be adjudicated not later than #a year after submission4 7,b7 ,subsequent applications ,applications submitted under this section after the period described in subparagraph 7,a7 shall be adjudicated not later than #f months after submission4 7f7 ,exceptions ,subsections 7c77#a7 and 7d77#a77;,c7 shall be waived by the ,secretary if the alien1 or his or her family-- 7#a7 is a national of ,el ,salvador or ,honduras2 7#b7 was in temporary protected status under section #bdd of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abed;a7 on the date on which his or her country of nationality's designation under subsection 7b7 of such section was terminated2 7#c7 has maintained physical presence in the ,united ,states since the effectiveness date of the most recent designation1 extension1 or termination2 and 7#d7 would be eligible to reapply1 under such section #bdd1 if his or her country of nationality's designation had not been terminated4 7g7 ,application fees 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary shall ensure that applicants for refugee status are not charged fees in order to apply for humanitarian relief under this section4 7#b7 ,previous denial ,the ,secretary may charge a reasonable fee to an alien who applies for refugee status under this section after having previously been denied refugee status unless such denial occurred before the alien attained #ba years of age4 7h7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section4 ,,iv ,monitoring and supporting unaccompanied alien children after processing at the border #dja4 ,definitions2 authorization of appropriations 7a7 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,department ,the term ,department means the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services4 7#b7 ,director ,the term ,director means the ,director of the ,office of ,refugee ,resettlement of the ,department4 7#c7 ,flores settlement agreement ,the term ,flores settlement agreement means the ,stipulated ,settlement ,agreement filed in the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,central ,district of ,california on ,january #ag1 #aiig 7,,cv #he-dedd-,,rjk74 7#d7 ,local educational agency ,the term local educational agency has the meaning given the term in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja74 7#e7 ,resident adult ,the term resident adult means any individual who is at least #ah years of age and regularly lives1 shares common areas1 and sleeps in a sponsor or prospective sponsor's home4 7#f7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services4 7#g7 ,specialized instructional support personnel2 specialized instructional support services ,the terms specialized instructional support personnel and specialized instructional support services have the meanings given such terms in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja74 7#h7 ,zero tolerance policy ,the term zero tolerance policy means the policy described in the memorandum of the ,attorney ,general entitled ,zero-,tolerance for ,offenses ,under #h ,u4,s4,c4 #acbe7;a71 issued on ,april #f1 #bjah4 #djb4 ,family reunification 7a7 ,directives to ,federal agencies 7#a7 ,family reunification ,consistent with section #bce of the ,william ,wilberforce ,trafficking ,victims ,protection ,reauthorization ,act of #bjjh 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abcb7 and other applicable ,federal law1 the ,secretary shall reallocate resources to facilitate the immediate family reunification of each child separated from his or her parent or guardian at or near a port of entry or within #ajj miles of the border or otherwise removed from her or her parent or legal guardian by the ,secretary1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 the ,attorney ,general1 the ,director of the ,bureau of ,prisons1 or any agent or agency thereof1 if such reunification is in the best interest of the child4 7#b7 ,compliance with ,federal law ,the ,secretary1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 the ,attorney ,general1 the ,director of the ,bureau of ,prisons1 and any other head of a ,federal agency involved in the proceedings against a parent or guardian separated from the parent or guardian's child 7as described in paragraph 7#a7 shall immediately change policies1 procedures1 and practices-- 7,a7 to reunify the child separated from his or her parent or guardian2 and 7,b7 to comply with section #bce of the ,william ,wilberforce ,trafficking ,victims ,protection ,reauthorization ,act of #bjjh 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abcb71 the ,flores settlement agreement1 and other applicable ,federal law4 7b7 ,parental rights ,consistent with the laws of the ,state in which the child is located1 only an order from a court of competent jurisdiction may terminate the rights of a parent or guardian over an unaccompanied alien child1 including any such child separated from the parent or guardian at such a border4 #djc4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this title4 ,a ,strengthening the government's ability ,to oversee the safety and well-being of children and support children forcibly separated from their families #daa4 ,health care in shelters for unaccompanied alien children 7a7 ,access to services ,the ,secretary shall direct the ,director1 in carrying out the functions transferred to the ,director under section #dfb7;a7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #bgi7;a77-- 7#a7 to ensure that unaccompanied alien children who have not been placed with a sponsor have access to comprehensive1 age-appropriate medical1 behavioral1 and mental health care services1 including evidence-based and trauma-informed treatments1 provided by qualified health care professionals with the appropriate certifications1 licensure1 training1 and expertise in treating children1 including infants1 toddlers1 and other children who are younger than #ac years of age2 and 7#b7 to issue guidance to grantees1 not later than #fj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 on the procedures for prescribing1 reporting1 and administration of psychotropic medication4 7b7 ,national child traumatic stress initiative 7#a7 ,grants authorized ,out of amounts appropriated pursuant to section #djc to carry out this section1 the ,secretary shall award grants1 contracts1 or cooperative agreements to public and nonprofit private entities and ,indian tribes and tribal organizations 7as defined in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,educational ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd771 for the purpose of developing and maintaining programs that respond to the needs of unaccompanied alien children in the care of the ,office of ,refugee ,resettlement4 7#b7 ,best practices for traumatized children ,the ,national ,child ,traumatic ,stress ,initiative coordinating center described in section #ehb7;a77#a7 of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bij;hh-#a7;a77#a77 shall develop1 and make publically available1 best practices for providing evidence-based and trauma-informed health care treatment to unaccompanied alien children in the care of the ,office of ,refugee ,resettlement 7including such children who are traumatized by separation from parents or guardians by the ,federal ,government to facilitate enforcement of the zero tolerance policy and other infants1 toddlers1 and children who are younger than #ac years of age7-- 7,a7 to carry out programs under paragraph 7#a72 7,b7 to provide services under section #dab7;a72 and 7,c7 to conduct assessments under section #dab7;a77#a77;,a74 7c7 ,oversight on access to quality health care 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and every #c years thereafter1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct an evaluation of the medical1 behavioral1 and mental health services provided to unaccompanied alien children in the care of the ,office of ,refugee ,resettlement and submit a report and recommendations to the ,department1 the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions of the ,senate1 the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#b7 ,content ,each report under paragraph 7#a7 shall address-- 7,a7 the extent to which entities with which the ,office of ,refugee ,resettlement contracts meet established standards for ensuring the safety and well-being of alien children in their care2 7,b7 the quality and appropriateness of the health care services provided to such children1 including the administration of medications and treatment2 7,c7 the extent to which medical1 behavioral1 and mental health services address the needs of traumatized children and mitigate the long-term health consequences of trauma exposure2 7,d7 the adequacy of practices to assess the qualifications1 including training and licensure1 of the professionals administering care1 including the expertise of such professionals in providing trauma-informed care2 7,e7 the adequacy of appropriately-trained health care staff at the ,office of ,refugee ,resettlement tasked with assessing the adequacy of care provided to children in their care2 and 7,f7 oversight1 investigations1 and actions taken to address allegations against contracted entities of mistreatment1 abuse1 or neglect of children under any program under ,federal or ,state law4 #dab4 ,services to unaccompanied alien children after placement 7a7 ,trauma-,informed1 risk-,based1 post-,placement services 7#a7 ,in general ,using amounts appropriated pursuant to section #djc to carry out this section1 the ,secretary shall assist each unaccompanied alien child in a placement with a sponsor by-- 7,a7 completing an individualized assessment of the need for services to be provided after placement2 and 7,b7 providing such post-placement services during the pendency of all immigration proceedings or until no longer necessary1 whichever is later4 7#b7 ,minimum services ,the services referred to in paragraph 7#a77;,b7 shall include-- 7,a7 for the unaccompanied alien child1 at least #a post-placement case management services visit not later than #cj days after placement with a sponsor and the referral of the child to service providers in the community2 7,b7 for the family of the child's sponsor1 orientation and other functional family support services1 as determined to be necessary in the individualized assessment2 and 7,c7 for each unaccompanied alien child traumatized by separation of such child from the child's parent or guardian by the ,federal ,government1 comprehensive1 trauma-informed services to assist such child4 7b7 ,effective use of child advocates for the most vulnerable unaccompanied alien children ,the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 direct the ,director-- 7,a7 to identify and track the referral rates of unaccompanied alien children to child advocates by care providers and investigate instances in which such a rate is low2 7,b7 to ensure that the referral criteria established by the ,director are appropriately applied when a care provider determines if such a child is eligible for referral to a child advocate2 7,c7 to provide technical assistance to care providers to ensure compliance with such criteria2 7,d7 to establish a process for stakeholders and the public to refer unaccompanied alien children1 including those placed with a sponsor1 to the child advocate program to determine if such child meets the referral criteria for appointment of a child advocate2 and 7,e7 to refer to a child advocate each unaccompanied alien child described in subsection 7a77#b77;,c72 and 7#b7 ensure that each child advocate for an unaccompanied alien child-- 7,a7 is provided access to materials necessary to advocate effectively for the best interest of the child1 including direct access to significant incident reports1 home studies1 and similar materials and information2 and 7,b7 is notified when new materials and information described in subparagraph 7,a7 relating to the child are created or become available4 #dac4 ,background checks to ensure the safe placement of unaccompanied alien children 7a7 ,criminal and civil record checks 7#a7 ,requirement ,in carrying out the functions transferred to the ,director under section #dfb7;a7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #bgi7;a771 from amounts appropriated pursuant to section #djc to carry out this section1 the ,director shall perform1 consistent with best practices in the field of child welfare1 and a prospective sponsor and all resident adults in the home of the prospective sponsor shall submit to the following record checks 7which shall be completed as expeditiously as possible73 7,a7 ,fingerprint-based checks 7except as described in paragraph 7#b77 in national crime information databases1 as defined in section #ecd7;e77#c7 of title #bh1 ,united ,states ,code4 7,b7 ,a search of the ,state criminal registry or repository for any ,state 7except as described in paragraph 7#c77 in which the prospective sponsor or resident adult has resided during the #e years preceding the search4 7,c7 ,a search of the ,national ,sex ,offender ,registry established under section #aai of the ,adam ,walsh ,child ,protection and ,safety ,act of #bjjf 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afiai74 7,d7 ,a search 7except as described in paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c77 of ,state-based child abuse and neglect registries and databases for any ,state in which the prospective sponsor or resident adult has resided during the #e years preceding the search4 7#b7 ,parents and guardians ,for purposes of paragraph 7#a71 if the prospective sponsor is the parent or guardian of the child involved1 the ,director shall have discretion to determine whether the ,director shall perform1 and the prospective sponsor and resident adults described in paragraph 7#a7 shall submit to1 a check described in subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,d7 of paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,waivers 7,a7 ,in general ,if the ,secretary determines that it is not feasible to conduct the check described in subparagraph 7,b7 or 7,d7 of paragraph 7#a7 for a ,state1 including infeasibility due to a ,state's refusal or nonresponse in response to a request for related information1 or that the average time to receive results from a ,state for such a check is more than #aj business days1 the ,secretary may waive the requirements of that subparagraph with respect to the ,state involved for a period of not more than #a year4 ,the ,secretary may renew the waiver in accordance with this subparagraph4 7,b7 ,prohibition on delegation ,the ,secretary may not delegate the responsibility under subparagraph 7,a7 to another officer or employee of the ,department4 7,c7 ,states where waivers apply ,the ,secretary shall make available1 on a website of the ,department1 the list of ,states for which the requirements of subparagraph 7,b7 or 7,d7 of paragraph 7#a7 are waived under this paragraph4 7#d7 ,use of record checks ,the information revealed by a record check performed pursuant to this section shall be used only by the ,director for the purpose of determining whether a potential sponsor is a suitable sponsor for a placement for an unaccompanied alien child4 7b7 ,placement determinations generally 7#a7 ,denials required for certain crimes ,the ,director shall deny any placement for a prospective sponsor 7other than the parent or guardian of the child involved71 and may deny any placement for a prospective sponsor who is the parent or guardian of the child involved subject to subsection 7c71 if the record checks performed pursuant to this section reveal that the prospective sponsor or a resident adult in the home of the prospective sponsor was convicted at age #ah or older of a crime that is a felony consisting of any of the following3 7,a7 ,domestic violence1 stalking1 child abuse1 child neglect1 or child abandonment1 if the prospective sponsor or resident adult served at least #a year imprisonment for a crime specified in this subparagraph1 or if the prospective sponsor or resident adult was convicted of #b or more crimes specified in this subparagraph1 not arising out of a single scheme of criminal misconduct4 7,b7 ,a crime against a child involving pornography4 7,c7 ,human trafficking4 7,d7 ,rape or sexual assault4 7,e7 ,homicide4 7#b7 ,denials considered for certain offenses ,the ,director may deny a placement for a prospective sponsor if the record checks performed pursuant to this section reveal that the prospective sponsor or a resident adult in the home of a prospective sponsor was adjudged guilty of a civil offense or was convicted of a crime not covered by paragraph 7#a74 ,the ,director1 in making a determination about whether to approve or deny the placement1 shall consider all of the following factors3 7,a7 ,the type of offense4 7,b7 ,the number of offenses the sponsor or resident adult has been adjudged guilty or convicted of4 7,c7 ,the length of time that has elapsed since the adjudication or conviction4 7,d7 ,the nature of the offense4 7,e7 ,the age of the individual at the time of the adjudication or conviction4 7,f7 ,the relationship between the offense and the capacity to care for a child4 7,g7 ,evidence of rehabilitation of the individual4 7,h7 ,opinions of community and family members concerning the individual4 7c7 ,placement determinations concerning parents or guardians ,the ,director may deny a placement for a prospective sponsor who is the parent or guardian of the child involved if the record checks performed pursuant to this section reveal that the prospective sponsor or a resident adult in the home of a prospective sponsor was adjudged guilty of a civil offense or was convicted of a crime4 ,the ,director1 in making a determination about whether to approve or deny the placement1 shall consider all of the factors described in subsection 7b77#b74 7d7 ,appeals process 7#a7 ,information ,the ,secretary shall provide information to each prospective sponsor on how such sponsor may appeal-- 7,a7 a placement determination under this section1 including-- 7i7 prompt notice of the opportunity to so appeal2 and 7ii7 instructions about how to participate in the appeals process2 and 7,b7 the results of a record check performed pursuant to this section or the accuracy or completeness of the information yielded by the record check1 as provided in paragraph 7#b71 including-- 7i7 prompt notice of the opportunity to so appeal2 and 7ii7 instructions about how to participate in the appeals process4 7#b7 ,appeal ,each ,federal agency responsible for administering or maintaining the information in a database1 registry1 or repository used in a record check performed pursuant to this section or responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information yielded by the record check shall-- 7,a7 establish a process for an appeal concerning the results of that record check1 or that accuracy or completeness2 and 7,b7 complete such process not later than #cj days after the date on which such an appeal is filed4 7e7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit the ,director from establishing additional checks or procedures 7besides the checks required in this section7 for sponsors1 to enable the ,director-- 7#a7 to oversee and promote the health1 safety1 and well-being of unaccompanied alien children2 or 7#b7 to prevent the exploitation1 neglect1 or abuse of unaccompanied alien children4 #dad4 ,responsibility of sponsor for immigration court compliance and child well-being 7a7 ,in general ,using amounts appropriated pursuant to section #djc to carry out this section1 the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,attorney ,general1 shall establish procedures to ensure that legal orientation programs regarding immigration court and rights and responsibilities for the well-being of unaccompanied alien children are provided to all prospective sponsors of unaccompanied alien children prior to an unaccompanied alien child's placement with such a sponsor4 7b7 ,program elements ,the procedures described in subsection 7a7 shall include a requirement that each legal orientation program described in such subsection shall provide information on the sponsor's rights and responsibilities to-- 7#a7 ensure the unaccompanied alien child appears at immigration proceedings and communicate with the court involved regarding the child's change of address and other relevant information2 7#b7 immediately enroll the child in school1 and shall provide information and resources if the sponsor encounters difficulty enrolling such child in school2 7#c7 provide access to health care1 including mental health care as needed1 and any necessary age-appropriate health screening to the child2 7#d7 report potential child traffickers and other persons seeking to victimize or exploit unaccompanied alien children1 or otherwise engage such children in criminal1 harmful1 or dangerous activity2 7#e7 seek assistance from the ,department regarding the health1 safety1 and well-being of the child placed with the sponsor2 and 7#f7 file a complaint1 if necessary1 with the ,secretary or the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security regarding treatment of unaccompanied alien children while under the care of the ,office of ,refugee ,resettlement or the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 respectively4 #dae4 ,monitoring unaccompanied alien children 7a7 ,risk-,based post-,placement services 7#a7 ,in general ,using amounts appropriated pursuant to section #djc to carry out this section1 the ,secretary shall assist each unaccompanied alien child in a placement with a sponsor by-- 7,a7 completing an individualized assessment of the need for services to be provided after placement2 and 7,b7 providing such post-placement services during the pendency of removal proceedings or until no longer necessary4 7#b7 ,minimum services ,for the purposes of paragraph 7#a71 the services shall1 at a minimum1 include-- 7,a7 for the unaccompanied alien child1 at least one post-placement case management services visit within #cj days after placement with a sponsor and the referral of unaccompanied alien children to service providers in the community2 and 7,b7 for the family of the child's sponsor1 orientation and other functional family support services1 as determined to be necessary in the individualized assessment4 7b7 ,effective use of child advocates for the most vulnerable unaccompanied alien children ,the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 direct the ,director-- 7,a7 to identify and track the referral rates of unaccompanied alien children to child advocates by care providers and investigate instances in which such a rate is low2 7,b7 to ensure that the referral criteria established by the ,director are appropriately applied when a care provider determines if such a child is eligible for referral to a child advocate2 7,c7 to provide technical assistance to care providers to ensure compliance with such criteria2 and 7,d7 to establish a process for stakeholders and the public to refer unaccompanied alien children1 including those placed with a sponsor1 to the child advocate program to determine if such child meets the referral criteria for appointment of a child advocate2 and 7#b7 ensure that each child advocate for an unaccompanied alien child shall-- 7,a7 be provided access to materials necessary to advocate effectively for the best interest of the child1 including direct access to significant incident reports1 home studies1 and similar materials and information2 and 7,b7 be notified when new materials and information described in subparagraph 7,a7 relating to the child are created or become available4 ,b ,funding to ,states and school districts2 supporting education and safety #dba4 ,funding to ,states to conduct ,state criminal checks and child abuse and neglect checks 7a7 ,defined term ,in this section1 the term ,state means each of the #ej ,states of the ,united ,states and the ,district of ,columbia4 7b7 ,payments to ,states ,to conduct ,state criminal registry or repository searches and ,to conduct child abuse and neglect checks 7#a7 ,in general ,using amounts appropriated pursuant to section #djc to carry out this section1 the ,secretary shall1 in accordance with this subsection1 make payments to ,states1 through each agency in each ,state tasked with administering the ,state criminal registry or repository required under section #dac7;a77#a77;,b7 or the ,state child abuse and neglect registry required under section #dac7;a77#a77;,d71 to assist with searches of such registries1 repositories1 or databases for prospective sponsors of unaccompanied alien children and resident adults in the home of such prospective sponsors1 in accordance with section #dac4 7#b7 ,allotments 7,a7 ,state criminal registry and repository searches ,in each fiscal year1 using amounts appropriated pursuant to section #djc to carry out this section with respect to the program providing payments to ,states to assist with criminal registry or repository searches1 the ,secretary shall allot to each ,state participating in such program1 through the agency in each such ,state tasked with administering the ,state criminal registry or repository described in section #dac7;a77#a77;,b71 an amount that bears the same relationship to such funds as the number of searches of such ,state criminal registry or repository conducted in accordance with section #dac7;a77#a77;,b7 in the ,state bears to the total number of such searches in all ,states participating in the program4 7,b7 ,child abuse and neglect checks ,in each fiscal year1 using amounts appropriated pursuant to section #djc to carry out this section with respect to the program providing payments to ,states to assist with child abuse and neglect registry and database searches1 the ,secretary shall allot to each ,state participating in such program1 through the agency in each such ,state tasked with administering the ,state child abuse and neglect registries and databases described in section #dac7;a77#a77;,d71 an amount that bears the same relationship to such funds as the number of searches of such child abuse and neglect registries and databases conducted in accordance with such section in the ,state bears to the total number of such searches in all ,states participating in the program4 7,c7 ,transition rule ,in the first fiscal year in which funds are made available under this title to carry out this section1 the ,secretary shall make allotments to each ,state participating in the programs under this section in accordance with subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b71 based on the ,secretary's estimate of the number of the searches described in each such subparagraph1 respectively1 that each of the ,states are expected to conduct in such fiscal year4 7#c7 ,state applications ,each ,state agency described in paragraph 7#a7 desiring an allotment under subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,b7 of paragraph 7#b7 shall submit an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require1 which shall include an assurance that the ,state agency will respond promptly to all requests from the ,director1 within a reasonable time period determined by the ,director1 to conduct a search required under section #dac in a timely manner1 and a description of how funds will be used to meet such assurance4 #dbb4 ,unaccompanied alien children in schools 7a7 ,immediate enrollment ,to be eligible for funding under the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #fcja et seq471 a local educational agency shall-- 7#a7 ensure that unaccompanied alien children in the area served by the local educational agency are immediately enrolled in school following placement with a sponsor1 and any available academic or other records are transferred to such school2 and 7#b7 remove barriers to enrollment and full participation in educational programs and services offered by the local educational agency for unaccompanied alien children 7including barriers related to documentation1 age1 language1 and lack of a parent or guardian71 which shall include reviewing and revising policies that may have a negative effect on such children4 7b7 ,grants authorized ,using amounts appropriated pursuant to section #djc to carry out this section1 the ,secretary of ,education shall award grants1 on a competitive basis1 to eligible local educational agencies1 or consortia of neighboring local educational agencies1 described in subsection 7c7 to enable the local educational agencies or consortia to enhance opportunities for1 and provide services to1 immigrant children and youth1 including unaccompanied alien children1 in the area served by the local educational agencies or consortia4 7c7 ,eligible local educational agencies 7#a7 ,in general ,a local educational agency1 or a consortium of neighboring local educational agencies1 is eligible for a grant under subsection 7b7 if1 during the fiscal year for which a grant is awarded under this section1 there are #be or more unaccompanied alien children enrolled in the public schools served by the local educational agency or the consortium1 respectively4 7#b7 ,determinations of number of unaccompanied alien children ,the ,secretary of ,education shall determine the number of unaccompanied alien children for purposes of paragraph 7#a7 based on the most accurate data available that is provided to the ,secretary of ,education by the ,director or the ,department of ,homeland ,security4 7d7 ,applications ,a local educational agency1 or a consortia of neighboring local educational agencies1 desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the ,secretary of ,education1 which shall include a description of how the grant will be used to enhance opportunities for1 and provide services to1 immigrant children and youth 7including unaccompanied alien children7 and their families1 provide trauma-informed services and supports 7including mental health care services for such children and youth71 improve engagement with the sponsors of such children or youth1 and provide specialized instructional support services 7which may include hiring specialized instructional support personnel with expertise in providing services to such children and youth74 ,v ,ensuring orderly and humane management of children and families seeking protection ,a ,providing a fair and efficient legal process for children and vulnerable families seeking asylum #eaa4 ,court appearance compliance and legal orientation 7a7 ,access to legal orientation programs ,to ensure court appearance compliance 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 in consultation with the ,attorney ,general1 shall establish procedures1 consistent with the procedures established pursuant to section #dad1 to ensure that legal orientation programs are available for all aliens detained by the ,department of ,homeland ,security4 7#b7 ,program elements ,programs under paragraph 7#a7 shall inform aliens described in such paragraph regarding-- 7,a7 the basic procedures of immigration hearings2 7,b7 their rights and obligations relating to such hearings under ,federal immigration laws to ensure appearance at all immigration proceedings2 7,c7 their rights under ,federal immigration laws1 including available legal protections and the procedure for requesting such protection2 7,d7 the consequences of filing frivolous legal claims and of failing to appear for proceedings2 and 7,e7 any other subject that the ,attorney ,general considers appropriate1 such as a contact list of potential legal resources and providers4 7#c7 ,eligibility ,an alien shall be given access to legal orientation programs under this subsection regardless of the alien's current immigration status1 prior immigration history1 or potential for immigration relief4 7b7 ,pilot project for nondetained aliens in removal proceedings 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,attorney ,general shall develop and administer a #b-year pilot program at not fewer than #b immigration courts to provide nondetained aliens with pending asylum claims access to legal information4 7#b7 ,report ,at the conclusion of the pilot program under this subsection1 the ,attorney ,general shall submit a report to the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,senate and the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,house of ,representatives that describes the extent to which nondetained aliens are provided with access to counsel4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,executive ,office of ,immigration ,review of the ,department of ,justice such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section4 #eab4 ,fair day in court for kids 7a7 ,appointment of counsel in removal proceedings2 right ,to review certain documents in removal proceedings ,section #bdj7;b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbi;a7b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#d7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 by striking 1 at no expense to the ,government12 and 7ii7 by striking the comma at the end and inserting a semicolon2 7,b7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c7 as subparagraphs 7,d7 and 7,e71 respectively2 7,c7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,a7 the following3 7,b7 the ,attorney ,general may appoint or provide counsel1 at ,government expense1 to aliens in immigration proceedings2 7,c7 the alien1 or the alien's counsel1 not later than #g days after receiving a notice to appear under section #bci7;a71 shall receive a complete copy of the alien's immigration file 7commonly known as an ,a-file7 in the possession of the ,department of ,homeland ,security 7other than documents protected from disclosure under section #eeb7;b7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code72 2 and 7,d7 in subparagraph 7,d71 as redesignated1 by striking 1 and and inserting 2 and2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#h7 ,failure to provide alien required documents ,a removal proceeding may not proceed until the alien1 or the alien's counsel1 if the alien is represented-- 7,a7 has received the documents required under paragraph 7#d77;,c72 and 7,b7 has been provided at least #aj days to review and assess such documents4 4 7b7 ,clarification regarding the authority of the attorney general ,to appoint counsel to aliens in immigration proceedings 7#a7 ,in general ,section #bib of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #acfb7 is amended to read as follows3 #bib4 ,right to counsel 7a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subsections 7b7 and 7c71 in any removal proceeding and in any appeal proceeding before the ,attorney ,general from any such removal proceeding1 the subject of the proceeding shall have the privilege of being represented by such counsel as may be authorized to practice in such proceeding as he or she may choose4 ,this subsection shall not apply to screening proceedings described in section #bce7;b77#a77;,a74 7b7 ,access to counsel for unaccompanied alien children 7#a7 ,in general ,in any removal proceeding and in any appeal proceeding before the ,attorney ,general from any such removal proceeding1 an unaccompanied alien child 7as defined in section #dfb7;g7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act on #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #bgi7;g777 shall be represented by ,government-appointed counsel1 at ,government expense4 7#b7 ,length of representation ,once a child is designated as an unaccompanied alien child under paragraph 7#a71 the child shall be represented by counsel at every stage of the proceedings from the child's initial appearance through the termination of immigration proceedings1 and any ancillary matters appropriate to such proceedings even if the child attains #ah years of age or is reunified with a parent or legal guardian while the proceedings are pending4 7#c7 ,notice ,not later than #gb hours after an unaccompanied alien child is taken into ,federal custody1 the alien shall be notified that he or she will be provided with legal counsel in accordance with this subsection4 7#d7 ,within detention facilities ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall ensure that unaccompanied alien children have access to counsel inside all detention1 holding1 and border facilities4 7c7 ,pro bono representation 7#a7 ,in general ,to the maximum extent practicable1 the ,attorney ,general should make every effort to utilize the services of competent counsel who agree to provide representation to such children under subsection 7b7 without charge4 7#b7 ,development of necessary infrastructures and systems ,the ,attorney ,general shall develop the necessary mechanisms to identify counsel available to provide pro bono legal assistance and representation to children under subsection 7b7 and to recruit such counsel4 7d7 ,contracts2 grants ,the ,attorney ,general may enter into contracts with1 or award grants to1 nonprofit agencies with relevant expertise in the delivery of immigration-related legal services to children to carry out the responsibilities under this section1 including providing legal orientation1 screening cases for referral1 recruiting1 training1 and overseeing pro bono attorneys4 ,nonprofit agencies may enter into subcontracts with1 or award grants to1 private voluntary agencies with relevant expertise in the delivery of immigration related legal services to children in order to carry out this section4 7e7 ,model guidelines on legal representation of children 7#a7 ,development of guidelines ,the ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review1 in consultation with voluntary agencies and national experts1 shall develop model guidelines for the legal representation of alien children in immigration proceedings1 which shall be based on the children's asylum guidelines1 the ,american ,bar ,association ,model ,rules of ,professional ,conduct1 and other relevant domestic or international sources4 7#b7 ,purpose of guidelines ,the guidelines developed under paragraph 7#a7 shall be designed to help protect each child from any individual suspected of involvement in any criminal1 harmful1 or exploitative activity associated with the smuggling or trafficking of children1 while ensuring the fairness of the removal proceeding in which the child is involved4 7f7 ,duties of ,counsel ,counsel provided under this section shall-- 7#a7 represent the unaccompanied alien child in all proceedings and matters relating to the immigration status of the child or other actions involving the ,department of ,homeland ,security2 7#b7 appear in person for all individual merits hearings before the ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review and interviews involving the ,department of ,homeland ,security2 7#c7 owe the same duties of undivided loyalty1 confidentiality1 and competent representation to the child as is due to an adult client2 and 7#d7 carry out other such duties as may be proscribed by the ,attorney ,general or the ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review4 7g7 ,savings provision ,nothing in this section may be construed to supersede-- 7#a7 any duties1 responsibilities1 disciplinary1 or ethical responsibilities an attorney may have to his or her client under ,state law2 7#b7 the admission requirements under ,state law2 or 7#c7 any other ,state law pertaining to the admission to the practice of law in a particular jurisdiction4 4 7#b7 ,rulemaking ,the ,attorney ,general shall promulgate regulations to implement section #bib of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act1 as added by paragraph 7#a71 in accordance with the requirements set forth in section #cjjf;,a of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code4 #eac4 ,access to counsel and legal orientation at detention facilities ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall provide access to counsel for all aliens detained in 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 ,services1 or in any private facility that contracts with the ,federal ,government to house1 detain1 or hold aliens4 #ead4 ,report on access to counsel 7a7 ,report ,not later than ,december #ca of each year1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 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;b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act1 as added by section #eab7;b71 have been provided access to counsel4 7b7 ,contents ,each report submitted under paragraph 7a7 shall include1 for the immediately preceding #a-year period-- 7#a7 the number and percentage of aliens described in section #bib7;b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act1 as added by section #eab7;b71 who were represented by counsel1 including information specifying-- 7,a7 the stage of the legal process at which each such alien was represented2 7,b7 whether the alien was in government custody2 and 7,c7 the nationality and ages of such aliens2 and 7#b7 the number and percentage of aliens who received legal orientation presentations1 including the nationality and ages of such aliens4 #eae4 ,authorization of appropriations 7a7 ,in general ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,executive ,office of ,immigration ,review of the ,department of ,justice such sums as may be necessary to carry out sections #eab through #ead4 7b7 ,budgetary effects ,the budgetary effects of this ,act1 for the purpose of complying with the ,statutory ,pay-,as-,you-,go-,act of #bjaj1 shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled ,budgetary ,effects of ,,paygo ,legislation for this ,act1 submitted for printing in the ,congressional ,record by the ,chairman of the ,senate ,budget ,committee1 provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage4 ,b ,reducing significant delays in immigration court #eba4 ,eliminate immigration court backlogs 7a7 ,annual increases in immigration judges ,the ,attorney ,general shall increase the total number of immigration judges to adjudicate pending cases and efficiently process future cases by at least #ge judges during each of the fiscal years #bjai1 #bjbj1 #bjba1 and #bjbb4 7b7 ,qualification2 selection ,the ,attorney ,general shall-- 7#a7 ensure that all newly hired immigration judges and ,board of ,immigration ,appeals members are highly qualified and trained to conduct fair1 impartial adjudications in accordance with applicable due process requirements2 and 7#b7 in selecting immigration judges1 may not give any preference to candidates with prior government experience compared to equivalent subject-matter expertise resulting from nonprofit1 private bar1 or academic experience4 7c7 ,necessary support staff for immigration judges ,to address the shortage of support staff for immigration judges1 the ,attorney ,general shall ensure that each immigration judge has sufficient support staff1 adequate technological and security resources1 and appropriate courtroom facilities4 7d7 ,annual increases in ,board of ,immigration ,appeals personnel ,the ,attorney ,general shall increase the number of ,board of ,immigration ,appeals staff attorneys 7including necessary additional support staff7 to efficiently process cases by at least-- 7#a7 #bc attorneys during fiscal year #bjai2 7#b7 an additional #bc attorneys during fiscal year #bjbj2 and 7#c7 an additional #bc attorneys during fiscal year #bjba4 7e7 ,,gao report ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall-- 7#a7 conduct a study of the hurdles to efficient hiring of immigration court judges within the ,department of ,justice2 and 7#b7 propose solutions to ,congress for improving the efficiency of the hiring process4 #ebb4 ,improved training for immigration judges and members of the ,board of ,immigration ,appeals 7a7 ,in general ,to ensure efficient and fair proceedings1 the ,director of the ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review shall facilitate robust training programs for immigration judges and members of the ,board of ,immigration ,appeals4 7b7 ,mandatory training ,training facilitated under subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 expanding the training program for new immigration judges and ,board members2 7#b7 continuing education regarding current developments in immigration law through regularly available training resources and an annual conference2 and 7#c7 methods to ensure that immigration judges are trained on properly crafting and dictating decisions and standards of review1 including improved on-bench reference materials and decision templates4 #ebc4 ,new technology to improve court efficiency ,the ,director of the ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review will modernize its case management and related electronic systems1 including allowing for electronic filing1 to improve efficiency in the processing of immigration proceedings4 ,c ,reducing the likelihood of repeated migration to the ,united ,states #eca4 ,establishing reintegration and monitoring services for repatriating children 7a7 ,consultation with ,,unhcr ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 and the ,secretary of ,state shall consult with the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,refugees 7referred to in this section as the ,,unhcr71 ,central ,american governments1 and nongovernmental organizations with expertise in child welfare and unaccompanied migrant children to develop a child-centered repatriation process for unaccompanied children being returned to their country of origin that requires a determination of the best interest of the child before the child is repatriated to his or her country of origin4 7b7 ,collaboration with regional governments and nongovernmental organizations ,the ,secretary of ,state and the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 shall collaborate with regional governments and international and domestic nongovernmental organizations to reduce children's need to emigrate again by-- 7#a7 establishing and expanding comprehensive long-term reintegration services at the municipal level for repatriated unaccompanied children once returned to their communities of origin2 7#b7 establishing monitoring and verification services to determine the well-being of repatriated children in order to determine if ,united ,states protection and screening functioned effectively in identifying persecuted and trafficked children2 7#c7 providing emergency referrals to the ,,unhcr for registration and safe passage to an established emergency transit center for refugees for any repatriated children who are facing immediate risk of harm2 and 7#d7 ensuring that international and domestic civil society organizations with expertise in child welfare1 unaccompanied migrant children1 and international protection needs have access to government run reception centers for repatriated children-- 7,a7 to identify children with protection needs2 and 7,b7 to offer child services following their return to their communities4