,i #aagth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #bhci ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,april #bf1 #bjba,mr4 ,cuellar 7for himself and ,mr4 ,tony ,gonzales of ,texas7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on the ,judiciary1 and in addition to the ,committees on ,homeland ,security1 ,ways and ,means1 and ,foreign ,affairs1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to establish regional processing centers1 to improve the asylum and credible fear processes to promote fairness and efficiency1 to require immigration court docketing priorities during irregular migration influx events1 and to improve the capability of the ,department of ,homeland ,security to manage migration flows1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,bipartisan ,border ,solutions ,act of #bjba4 7b7 ,table of contents ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,sec4 #b4 ,definitions4,sec4 #c4 ,regional processing centers4,sec4 #d4 ,credible fear determination and asylum process improvement pilot programs4,sec4 #e4 ,immigration court docketing priorities during irregular migration influx events4,sec4 #f4 ,office for ,civil ,rights and ,civil ,liberties impact assessment4,sec4 #g4 ,plan to expand legal orientation program4,sec4 #h4 ,modifications to ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection standards on transport1 escort1 detention1 and search to conform with legal orientation program requirements4,sec4 #i4 ,standard operating procedures2 facilities standards4,sec4 #aj4 ,criminal background checks for sponsors of unaccompanied alien children4,sec4 #aa4 ,fraud in connection with the transfer of custody of unaccompanied alien children4,sec4 #ab4 ,accountability for children and taxpayers4,sec4 #ac4 ,hiring authority4,sec4 #ad4 ,reports to ,congress4,sec4 #ae4 ,improving the ability to transport migrants4,sec4 #af4 ,rule of construction4,sec4 #ag4 ,authorization of appropriations4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,alien ,the term alien has the meaning given the term in section #aja7;a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7;a774 7#b7 ,appropriate committee of congress ,the term appropriate committee of ,congress means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs and the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,senate2 and 7,b7 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#c7 ,immigration laws ,the term immigration laws has the meaning given the term in section #aja7;a7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7;a774 7#d7 ,irregular migration influx event ,the term irregular migration influx event means a period during which there is a significant increase in1 or a sustained large number of1 ,department of ,homeland ,security encounters with aliens who-- 7,a7 do not use the formal immigration system of the ,united ,states or the countries they are traveling through2 and 7,b7 intend to enter the ,united ,states4 7#e7 ,legally determinative aspect of the asylum process ,the term legally determinative aspect of the asylum process means any stage of the asylum process in which the alien is present and evidence of an alien's credible fear of persecution or eligibility for asylum is gathered or considered1 or a determination of an alien's credible fear of persecution or eligibility for asylum is made1 including-- 7,a7 a credibility determination under section #bjh7;b77#a77;,b77iii7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeh7;b77#a77;,b77iii772 7,b7 an asylum interview and credible fear determination under section #bce7;b77#a77;,b7 of that ,act2 7,c7 an immigration judge review of a negative credible fear determination under clause 7iii77,,iii7 of that section2 and 7,d7 a removal proceeding under section #bdj of that ,act4 7#f7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security4 7#g7 ,unaccompanied alien child ,the term unaccompanied alien child has the meaning give the term in section #dfb7;g7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #bgi7;g774 #c4 ,regional processing centers ,subtitle ,c of title ,,iv of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #bca et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #dcg4 ,regional processing centers 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish not fewer than #d regional processing centers located in high traffic sectors of ,u4,s4 ,border ,patrol1 as determined by the ,secretary1 along the southern border land border of the ,united ,states 7referred to in this section as a regional processing center74 7b7 ,purpose ,the regional processing centers shall carry out processing and management activities1 including-- 7#a7 criminal history checks2 7#b7 identity verification2 7#c7 biometrics collection and analysis2 7#d7 medical screenings2 7#e7 asylum interviews and credible fear determinations under section #bce of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbe7 and reasonable fear determinations under section #bda7;b77#c77;,b7 of that ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abca7;b77#c77;,b772 7#f7 facilitating coordination and communication between ,federal entities and nongovernmental organizations that are directly involved in providing assistance to aliens2 7#g7 legal orientation programming and communication between aliens and outside legal counsel2 7#h7 issuance of legal documents relating to immigration court proceedings of aliens2 7#i7 short-term detention of not more than #gb hours before release or transfer to another facility2 and 7#aj7 any other activity the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7c7 ,personnel and living conditions ,the regional processing centers shall include-- 7#a7 personnel assigned from-- 7,a7 ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection2 7,b7 ,u4,s4 ,immigration and ,customs ,enforcement2 7,c7 the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency2 7,d7 ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services2 and 7,e7 the ,office of ,refugee ,resettlement2 7#b7 upon agreement with an applicable ,federal agency1 personnel from such ,federal agency who are assigned to the regional processing center2 7#c7 sufficient medical staff1 including physicians specializing in pediatric or family medicine1 nurse practitioners1 and physician assistants2 7#d7 licensed social workers2 7#e7 mental health professionals2 7#f7 child advocates appointed by the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services under section #bce7;c77#f77;,b7 of the ,william ,wilberforce ,trafficking ,victims ,protection ,reauthorization ,act of #bjjh 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abcb7;c77#f77;,b772 and 7#g7 sufficient space to carry out the processing and management activities described in subsection 7b74 7d7 ,criminal history checks ,each criminal history check carried out under subsection 7b77#a7 shall be conducted using a set of fingerprints or other biometric identifier obtained from-- 7#a7 the ,federal ,bureau of ,investigation2 7#b7 the criminal history repositories of all ,states that the individual listed as a current or former residence2 and 7#c7 any other appropriate ,federal or ,state database resource or repository1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7e7 ,exceptions for additional purposes ,subject to operational and spatial availability1 in the event of a major disaster or emergency declared under the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaba et seq47 or any homeland security crisis requiring the establishment of a departmental ,joint ,task ,force under section #gjh7;b71 the ,secretary may temporarily utilize a regional processing center to carry out operations relating to such declaration or crisis4 7f7 ,donations ,the ,department may accept donations from private entities1 nongovernmental organizations1 and other groups independent of the ,federal ,government for the care of children and family units detained at a regional processing center1 including-- 7#a7 medical goods and services2 7#b7 school supplies2 7#c7 toys2 7#d7 clothing2 and 7#e7 any other item intended to promote the well-being of such children and family units4 7g7 ,access to facilities for private entities and nongovernmental organizations 7#a7 ,in general ,private entities and nongovernmental organizations that are directly involved in providing humanitarian or legal assistance to families and individuals encountered by the ,department along the southwest border of the ,united ,states1 or organizations that provide assistance to detained individuals1 shall have access to regional processing centers for purposes of-- 7,a7 legal orientation programming2 7,b7 coordination with the ,department with respect to the care of families and individuals held in regional processing centers1 including the care of families and individuals who are released or scheduled to be released2 7,c7 communication between aliens and outside legal counsel2 7,d7 the provision of humanitarian assistance2 and 7,e7 any other purpose the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7#b7 ,access plan ,not later than #fj days after the date of the enactment of this section1 the ,secretary shall publish in the ,federal ,register procedures relating to access to regional processing centers under paragraph 7#a7 that ensure-- 7,a7 the safety of personnel of1 and aliens detained in1 regional processing centers2 and 7,b7 the orderly management and operation of regional processing centers4 7h7 ,legal counsel ,aliens detained in a regional processing center shall have access to legal counsel in accordance with section #bib of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #acfb71 including the opportunity to consult with counsel before any legally determinative aspect of the asylum process occurs4 7i7 ,procedures ,to facilitate communication with counsel ,the ,secretary shall develop written procedures to permit aliens detained in a regional processing center to visit with1 and make confidential telephone calls to1 legal representatives and legal services providers and to receive incoming calls from legal representatives and legal services providers1 in a private and confidential space while in custody1 for the purposes of retaining or consulting with counsel or obtaining legal advice from legal services providers4 7j7 ,legal orientation 7#a7 ,in general ,an alien detained in a regional processing center shall be provided the opportunity to receive a complete legal orientation presentation administered by a nongovernmental organization in cooperation with the ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review4 7#b7 ,timeline 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall prioritize the provision of the legal orientation presentation required by paragraph 7#a7 to an alien within #ab hours of apprehension4 7,b7 ,requirement ,in the case of an alien who does not receive such legal orientation presentation within #ab hours of apprehension1 the ,secretary shall ensure that the alien receives the presentation-- 7i7 not later than #bd hours after apprehension2 and 7ii7 not less than #bd hours before the alien initially appears before an asylum officer or immigration judge in connection with a claim for asylum4 7k7 ,management of regional processing centers 7#a7 ,operation ,the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection1 in consultation with the interagency coordinating council established under paragraph 7#b71 shall operate the regional processing centers4 7#b7 ,interagency coordinating committee 7,a7 ,establishment ,there is established an interagency coordinating committee for the purpose of coordinating operations and management of the regional processing centers4 7,b7 ,membership ,the interagency coordinating committee shall be chaired by the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection1 or his or her designee1 and shall include representatives designated by the heads of the following agencies3 7i7 ,u4,s4 ,immigration and ,customs ,enforcement4 7ii7 ,the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency4 7iii7 ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services4 7iv7 ,the ,office of ,refugee ,resettlement4 7v7 ,any other agency that supplies personnel to the regional processing centers1 upon agreement between the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection and the head of such other agency4 4 #d4 ,credible fear determination and asylum process improvement pilot programs 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary and the ,attorney ,general shall develop pilot programs to facilitate-- 7#a7 fair and more efficient asylum decisions under section #bjh7;b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaeh7;b772 7#b7 fair and more efficient credible fear determinations under section #bce7;b77#a77;,b7 of that ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbe7;b77#a77;,b772 7#c7 improved access to legal counsel2 and 7#d7 improved case management of aliens awaiting asylum hearings or decisions4 7b7 ,implementation 7#a7 ,workforce plan ,the ,secretary and the ,attorney ,general shall not implement any pilot program under this section until the workforce plan described in subsection 7d7 is fully implemented4 7#b7 ,legal orientation programs ,the ,attorney ,general and the ,secretary shall ensure that each alien enrolled in a pilot program under this section receives a complete1 live legal orientation presentation before any legally determinative aspect of the asylum process occurs4 7#c7 ,notice to ,congress ,not less than #ij days before the implementation of any new asylum processing policy or procedure under this section1 the ,secretary and the ,attorney ,general shall provide to the appropriate committees of ,congress notice of such implementation1 including a description of any modification to a policy1 procedure1 practice1 or training related to asylum processing4 7c7 ,scope of pilot programs 7#a7 ,in general ,the goal of the pilot programs under this section shall be to develop strategies to improve the asylum process to determine a final disposition fairly and more efficiently while ensuring that aliens apprehended along the southwest border and placed into removal proceedings are given a fair opportunity to effectively make an asylum claim or other relevant claim for relief1 including the opportunity to retain and consult with counsel under section #bib of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #acfb7 before any legally determinative aspect of the asylum process occurs4 7#b7 ,prohibition on participation ,the ,secretary and the ,attorney ,general may not enroll in a pilot program under this section-- 7,a7 an unaccompanied alien child2 7,b7 a pregnant individual2 or 7,c7 an individual with a disability or an acute medical condition4 7#c7 ,fairness in proceedings ,the ,secretary and the ,attorney ,general shall take every appropriate step to ensure that each pilot program participant has a full opportunity to exercise all legal process rights afforded under law4 7#d7 ,access to counsel ,the pilot programs under this section shall be fully compliant with section #bib of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #acfb71 and the ,secretary and the ,attorney ,general shall consult with nongovernmental organizations to facilitate access to counsel for pilot program participants4 7#e7 ,case management programming ,the pilot programs under this section may include case management programming for participants who are awaiting immigration court hearings1 which may include-- 7,a7 the provision of information about legal rights1 responsibilities1 and procedures2 7,b7 basic assistance in identifying relevant forms and documents2 7,c7 facilitating the attendance of aliens at their immigration court hearings2 and 7,d7 any other relevant case management assistance the ,secretary and the ,attorney ,general consider appropriate4 7#f7 ,right to judicial review ,participation in a pilot program under this section shall not abrogate any existing right of an alien to request judicial review1 including under section #bdb of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abeb71 of a decision related to his or her case4 7d7 ,staffing requirements ,the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 identify the staffing requirements necessary to carry out the pilot programs under this section1 including the number of trained ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services officers necessary to conduct all asylum interviews1 credible fear interviews1 and reasonable fear interviews2 and 7#b7 develop a workforce plan for each such pilot program4 7e7 ,access to counsel 7#a7 ,in general ,each alien enrolled in a pilot program under this section shall be afforded an opportunity to consult with #a or more individuals of their choosing in a private consultation area1 prior to a credible fear interview under section #bce7;b77#a77;,b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbe7;b77#a77;,b774 7#b7 ,list of legal services providers ,each alien enrolled in such a pilot program shall be provided a contact list of potential legal resources and providers4 7#c7 ,procedures to facilitate communication with counsel ,the ,secretary shall develop written procedures to permit aliens enrolled in such a pilot program to make telephone calls at no cost to legal representatives and legal services providers and to receive incoming calls from legal representatives and legal services providers in a private and confidential space4 7f7 ,language access 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary and the ,attorney ,general shall provide each alien enrolled in a pilot program under this section with any written materials produced by the ,department of ,homeland ,security or the ,department of ,justice in a language the alien understands4 7#b7 ,verbal explanation ,in the case of an alien who is unable to read the written materials provided under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary and the ,attorney ,general shall ensure that the materials are explained verbally to the alien in a language the alien understands4 7g7 ,legal orientation ,not later than #bd hours after apprehension1 and not less than #bd hours before initially appearing before an asylum officer or immigration judge in connection with a claim for asylum1 an alien enrolled in a pilot program under this section shall be provided the opportunity to receive a complete legal orientation presentation administered in cooperation with the ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review4 7h7 ,evaluation plan ,not later than the date on which implementation of a pilot program under this section commences or not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 whichever is earlier1 the ,secretary and the ,attorney ,general shall submit to appropriate committees of ,congress an evaluation plan for the pilot program that includes the following3 7#a7 ,well-defined1 clear1 and measurable objectives4 7#b7 ,performance criteria or standards for determining the performance of the pilot program4 7#c7 ,clearly articulated evaluation methodology1 including-- 7,a7 sound sampling methods2 7,b7 a determination of the appropriate sample size for the evaluation design2 and 7,c7 a strategy for tracking the pilot program's performance and evaluating the final results4 7#d7 ,a plan detailing the sources of data necessary to evaluate the pilot program1 methods for data collection1 and the timing and frequency of data collection4 7i7 ,notice to ,congress 7#a7 ,in general ,not less than #ij days before the implementation of a pilot program under this section1 the ,secretary and the ,attorney ,general shall provide to the appropriate committees of ,congress notice of such implementation1 including a description of any modification to a pilot program policy1 procedure1 practice1 or training relating to asylum processing4 7#b7 ,elements ,each notice required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include a description of the following3 7,a7 ,the procedures and policies to ensure all asylum interviews are conducted by trained ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services asylum officers4 7,b7 ,the procedures and policies to ensure credible fear interviews are only done remotely in limited and exigent circumstances and the likely exigent circumstances that the officers conducing the pilot program may encounter4 7,c7 ,the procedures and policies to ensure any credible fear interviews done remotely shall be videotaped and a written transcript shall be produced4 7,d7 ,procedures and policies used to ensure questions asked by ,department of ,homeland ,security personnel who exercise expedited removal authority under section #bce7;b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbe7;b77 are asked in a uniform manner1 to the greatest extent possible4 7j7 ,report to ,congress 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date on which implementation of a pilot program under this section commences or not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 whichever is earlier1 and annually thereafter until the date on which the pilot program terminates1 the ,secretary and the ,attorney ,general shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on the pilot programs under this section4 7#b7 ,elements ,each report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,an evaluation of the pilot program using the evaluation plan described in subsection 7h74 7,b7 ,a discussion of the performance criteria or standards established under subsection 7h77#b7 and an assessment as to whether modifications to the criteria or standards are necessary4 7,c7 ,an assessment of the staffing levels necessary to carry out the pilot program and a description of any effect of current staffing levels on the ability of the ,secretary to carry out the responsibilities of the ,secretary with respect to border security4 7,d7 ,a description of the resources required to transport aliens in connection with the pilot program4 7,e7 ,a description of the resources necessary to improve legal orientation presentations and access to counsel in connection with the pilot program1 consistent with section #g4 7,f7 ,a description of the information technology systems used in connection with the pilot program and an assessment as to whether additional resources or upgrades are necessary4 7,g7 ,an analysis of the effect of access to counsel under subsection 7e7 and language access under subsection 7f7 on the outcomes of credible fear determinations under section #bce7;b77#a77;,b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbe7;b77#a77;,b774 7,h7 ,recommendations for any legislative changes needed to further implement or expand the pilot programs4 7,i7 ,an explanation of any impediment to implementing the pilot programs1 if relevant4 7k7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section may be construed to authorize an extension of the duration for which an alien would otherwise be detained4 7l7 ,termination of authority ,the authority of the ,secretary and the ,attorney ,general to carry out this section shall terminate on the date that is #c years after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #e4 ,immigration court docketing priorities during irregular migration influx events 7a7 ,in general ,the ,attorney ,general shall1 to the greatest extent practicable1 prioritize docketing and processing of removal cases under section #bdj of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbi;a7 for aliens who are apprehended on entering the ,united ,states in connection with an irregular migration influx event4 7b7 ,irregular migration influx events ,the ,attorney ,general1 in consultation with the ,secretary1 shall establish criteria for determining when an irregular migration influx event commences and ends for purposes of carrying out the docketing priorities under subsection 7a74 7c7 ,access to legal counsel ,the ,attorney ,general shall ensure that any master calendar or merits hearing in a removal case prioritized under subsection 7a7 is scheduled on a date and at a time that permits the alien a fair and reasonable opportunity to consult with and retain counsel prior to such hearing1 consistent with section #bib of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #acfb74 7d7 ,report to ,congress ,not later than ,december #ca1 #bjba1 the ,attorney ,general shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report that includes-- 7#a7 the number of aliens who were apprehended after entering the ,united ,states in connection with an irregular migration influx event identified in accordance with subsection 7b7 and placed in removal proceedings under section #bdj of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbi;a71 organized by the fiscal year in which the apprehension occurred and stating the number of single adults1 unaccompanied alien children1 and aliens that are apprehended as part of a family unit2 7#b7 the number of aliens identified under paragraph 7#a7 who appeared at master calendar hearings1 including-- 7,a7 the number and percentage represented by counsel at such hearings2 and 7,b7 the average number of days between apprehension and such hearings2 7#c7 the number of in absentia orders of removal issued to aliens identified under paragraph 7#a7 at master calendar hearings1 including the number of such aliens represented by counsel2 7#d7 the number of aliens identified under paragraph 7#a7 who appeared at final merits hearings1 including the number and percentage represented by counsel at such hearings1 and the average number of days between apprehension and such hearings2 and 7#e7 the number of in absentia orders of removal issued to aliens identified under paragraph 7#a7 at final merits hearings1 including the number of such aliens represented by counsel4 7e7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section shall be construed to permit the ,attorney ,general to adopt abbreviated procedures in connection with adjudication of removal cases prioritized under subsection 7a7 beyond the extent permitted by law4 #f4 ,office for ,civil ,rights and ,civil ,liberties impact assessment 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,officer for ,civil ,rights and ,civil ,liberties of the ,department shall complete a full impact assessment of asylum processing and determinations with respect to credible fear of persecution carried out at-- 7#a7 regional processing centers established under section #dcg7;a7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb2 and 7#b7 any other ,department of ,homeland ,security facility at which a legally determinative aspect of the asylum process occurs4 7b7 ,elements ,the impact assessment required by subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 a description of the considerations relating to civil rights and civil liberties taken into account by the ,secretary in developing and implementing asylum processing at such regional processing centers2 7#b7 a description of-- 7,a7 with respect to potential civil rights and civil liberties violations1 stakeholder feedback gathered before and during the implementation of asylum processing at regional processing centers2 and 7,b7 the steps taken by the ,secretary to gather and respond to such feedback and any changes made to asylum processing based on such feedback2 7#c7 an assessment of the ability of the language access plans of the ,department of ,homeland ,security to allow ,department personnel to communicate effectively with aliens with limited ,english proficiency who are placed in asylum processing1 including any specific challenges faced by speakers of indigenous languages2 7#d7 a review of the language access plan of each component of the ,department of ,homeland ,security to ensure each language access plan provides uniform guidance so as to allow ,department personnel to communicate effectively with aliens with limited ,english proficiency1 including speakers of indigenous languages1 during asylum processing2 7#e7 a review of any negative impact on the ability of the ,department of ,homeland ,security to process aliens during the asylum process due to language deficiencies and translation difficulties1 including longer processing times1 increased expenses as a result of increased translation services1 and increases in the length of time aliens are detained by the ,department2 7#f7 an assessment of the impact of current ,department of ,homeland ,security policies and procedures for processing and adjudicating asylum claims1 including language access plans and other accommodations1 on vulnerable populations1 especially on-- 7,a7 individuals with mental health challenges1 trauma1 or physical health conditions2 and 7,b7 pregnant individuals2 7#g7 any other current or historical guidance or policy review provided by the ,office for ,civil ,rights and ,civil ,liberties to ,department of ,homeland ,security components regarding asylum processing programs previously implemented or used by the ,department2 and 7#h7 any other element-- 7,a7 the ,officer for ,civil ,rights and ,civil ,liberties of the ,department considers necessary2 7,b7 required by law2 or 7,c7 requested by the ,secretary4 7c7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date on which the impact assessment required by subsection 7a7 is completed1 the ,officer for ,civil ,rights and ,civil ,liberties of the ,department of ,homeland ,security shall submit to the ,secretary and the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on the results of the impact assessment4 7#b7 ,elements ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 a description of potential civil rights and civil liberties violations that are directly related to-- 7i7 whether the ,department of ,homeland ,security's practices1 standards1 guidelines1 and regulations ensure that aliens who experience language barriers1 illiteracy1 mental health issues1 trauma1 physical health conditions1 pregnancy1 or other conditions are not at a disadvantage with respect to credible fear determinations under section #bce7;b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbe7;b772 7ii7 an alien's-- 7,i7 inability to understand basic explanations of legal information2 or 7,,ii7 limited ,english proficiency2 and 7iii7 an alien's inability to consult with #a or more individuals of his or her choosing before such interview2 7,b7 an assessment of the impact of expedited asylum processing initiatives operated by the ,department of ,homeland ,security during the #aj-year period preceding the date of the enactment of this ,act on the civil rights and civil liberties of migrants enrolled in such initiatives2 7,c7 an assessment of any other civil rights or civil liberties violation relating to asylum processing2 7,d7 recommended updates to the language access plan of any component of the ,department of ,homeland ,security to prevent the potential civil rights and civil liberties violations identified under subparagraph 7,a72 7,e7 recommendations-- 7i7 to improve the processing and adjudication of speakers of indigenous languages2 and 7ii7 to adapt language access plans to accommodate such individuals2 7,f7 recommendations for the appropriate use by ,department of ,homeland ,security components of updated language access plans2 7,g7 recommended modifications to improve asylum processes to better serve vulnerable populations such as those with mental or physical health challenges1 trauma1 and pregnant individuals2 7,h7 recommended modifications to policies and procedures relating to asylum processing that would allow asylum processing to achieve compliance with current standards and guidelines of the ,office for ,civil ,rights and ,civil ,liberties of the ,department2 and 7,i7 any other recommendation the ,officer for ,civil ,rights and ,civil ,liberties considers appropriate4 7d7 ,implementation plan 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #fj days after the date on which the ,officer for ,civil ,rights and ,civil ,liberties of the ,department of ,homeland ,security submits the report under subsection 7c71 the ,secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress an implementation plan that addresses the findings and recommendations contained in the report4 7#b7 ,elements ,the implementation plan required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include a description of-- 7,a7 the recommendations contained in the report under subsection 7c7 addressed by the plan2 7,b7 any such recommendation not addressed by the plan and a justification for declining to address the recommendation2 and 7,c7 any other matter the ,secretary considers relevant to the implementation of such recommendations4 7#c7 ,publication ,not later than the date on which the ,secretary submits the plan required by paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall publish the plan in the ,federal ,register4 #g4 ,plan to expand legal orientation program 7a7 ,interim plan 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall develop and submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress an interim plan to expand the legal orientation program to each regional processing center established under section #dcg7;a7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb and any other ,department of ,homeland ,security facility at which-- 7,a7 #a or more aliens are detained following apprehension by ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection2 and 7,b7 any legally determinative aspect of the asylum process occurs4 7#b7 ,elements ,the interim plan required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 a list of the critical items required for a final legal orientation plan that cannot be implemented in the interim plan due to necessary logistical and procedural changes at each facility at which assessments for credible fear of persecution1 or other aspects of the asylum process1 occur2 7,b7 a description of the manner in which the legal orientation program will be immediately adapted to assist aliens detained at ,department of ,homeland ,security facilities1 including such regional processing centers2 7,c7 a description of the manner in which access to counsel will be facilitated for such aliens who are subject to any type of asylum processing2 and 7,d7 a list of ,department of ,homeland ,security facilities-- 7i7 at which asylum processing occurs2 and 7ii7 that are capable of providing basic legal orientation services1 including through a remote interface4 7#c7 ,implementation ,the ,secretary shall commence implementation of the interim plan beginning not later than #fj days after the submittal of the plan under paragraph 7#a7 and ending on the date on which implementation of the final plan described in subsection 7b7 commences4 7#d7 ,public consultation ,in developing the interim plan under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall consult with nongovernmental organizations1 legal services providers1 and any other entity the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7b7 ,final plan 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall develop and submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a final plan to expand the legal orientation program to each ,department of ,homeland ,security facility at which-- 7,a7 #a or more aliens are detained2 and 7,b7 any legally determinative aspect of the asylum process occurs4 7#b7 ,elements ,the final plan required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 a consultation with the ,director of the ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review to determine the most efficient and effective manner by which to expand or modify legal orientation program requirements and standards to include aliens seeking asylum protections at each ,department of ,homeland ,security facility at which any part of the asylum process1 including credible fear interviews1 occurs2 7,b7 an assessment of necessary procedural and programmatic changes to the legal orientation program that will best accommodate such aliens2 7,c7 an assessment of challenges to expanding the legal orientation program to facilities that cannot be met by the interim plan under subsection 7a72 7,d7 a requirement that legal orientation program sessions shall provide explanations of all expedited asylum processing programs and procedures and relevant forms of relief under the immigration laws2 7,e7 a requirement that legal orientation programs shall include access to self-help legal materials and communication with available pro bono legal representatives2 7,f7 a requirement that private and confidential space shall be provided to such aliens1 if they wish to use it1 for individual legal orientation and consultation and telephone calls with nonprofit organizations and legal representatives before-- 7i7 hearings relating to credible fear of persecution2 7ii7 any ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review hearing2 7iii7 any legally determinative aspect of the asylum process2 or 7iv7 any other legal proceeding or consultation related to an asylum claim2 7,g7 protocols that allow such aliens to make and receive telephone calls to legal representatives1 at no cost to such aliens1 while detained at the ,department of ,homeland ,security facility2 and 7,h7 a requirement that-- 7i7 legal orientation programs shall ensure that written notice of legal rights is made available to such aliens in ,english and in not fewer than the #e most common native languages spoken by aliens in custody at each ,department of ,homeland ,security facility during the preceding fiscal year2 7ii7 protocols shall be established to provide written or oral translation of materials that ,department of ,homeland ,security produces for legal orientation programs or that ,department of ,homeland ,security contracts with outside entities for use in a legal orientation programs for such aliens who do not speak a language described in clause 7i71 including-- 7,i7 development of a list of all languages spoken by aliens encountered in the preceding #a-year period2 7,,ii7 procedures for providing oral interpretation services if it is not possible to produce a written translation in a manner that will not unreasonably prolong an alien's time in custody1 or if the alien is unable to read written materials2 and 7,,iii7 an after-action plan for improving future responses after a language is encountered for which the ,department of ,homeland ,security is unable to timely develop written materials2 and 7,i7 the ,secretary shall have in place at each ,department of ,homeland ,security facility-- 7i7 a feasible plan to provide language translation or interpretation services for any alien in a language the alien understands2 and 7ii7 a list of translation and interpretation services and resources readily available to meet translation needs4 7#c7 ,implementation ,not later than #ij days after the submittal of the final plan required by paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall commence implementation of the plan4 7c7 ,procedures ,to ensure availability 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,attorney ,general1 shall develop and implement procedures-- 7,a7 to ensure that legal orientation programs are available for all detained aliens not later than #ab hours after being taken into custody at a ,department of ,homeland ,security facility2 and 7,b7 to provide such aliens with information relating to-- 7i7 the basic procedures of immigration hearings2 7ii7 the rights of aliens under the immigration laws with respect to such hearings2 7iii7 the consequences of filing a frivolous legal claim or knowingly making a false statement in the course of a hearing2 and 7iv7 any other matter the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,attorney ,general1 considers appropriate4 7#b7 ,elements ,the procedures developed under paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 the provision to aliens of a contact list of potential legal resources and providers2 7,b7 the provision of a clear explanation1 in a language the alien fully understands1 of the asylum process and standards relating to assessments for credible fear of persecution2 7,c7 a requirement to provide group orientations to aliens apprehended by ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection regarding asylum processing programs1 including applicable pilot programs established under section #d1 and forms of relief under the immigration laws2 7,d7 a requirement to provide aliens with access to self-help legal materials and communication with available pro bono legal representatives2 7,e7 protocols to allow aliens to make telephone calls to legal representatives and to receive incoming calls from legal representatives in a private and confidential space while in custody at ,department of ,homeland ,security facilities2 and 7,f7 a requirement to provide clear guidance to aliens on-- 7i7 additional procedural steps that occur after an interview with respect to credible fear of persecution2 7ii7 relevant forms required to be submitted to apply for asylum or withholding of removal2 7iii7 information that aliens are required to update as their cases are processed by ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services and the ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review2 and 7iv7 the consequences of failing to appear at any proceeding before the ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review1 and an explanation of the legal significance of an in absentia order of removal4 #h4 ,modifications to ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection standards on transport1 escort1 detention1 and search to conform with legal orientation program requirements 7a7 ,interim plan ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 complete an assessment of the modifications to ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection transport1 escort1 detention1 and search standards necessary-- 7,a7 to implement the interim plan for expanded legal orientation and access programs under section #g7;a72 and 7,b7 to ensure-- 7i7 the safety of personnel of1 and aliens detained in1 ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection facilities2 and 7ii7 orderly management and operation of such facilities2 and 7#b7 implement such modifications4 7b7 ,final plan ,not later than #cj days after the submittal of the final plan under section #g7;b71 the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 complete an assessment of the modifications to ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection transport1 escort1 detention1 and search standards necessary-- 7,a7 to implement the final plan for expanded legal orientation and access programs under such section2 and 7,b7 to ensure-- 7i7 the safety of personnel of1 and aliens detained in1 ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border facilities2 and 7ii7 orderly management and operation of such facilities2 and 7#b7 implement such modifications4 7c7 ,elements ,the modifications under subsection 7a7 and 7b7 shall include the development of protocols and procedures to allow employees of nonprofit organizations and legal representatives to enter ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection facilities to carry out legal orientation programming1 communication between aliens and outside counsel1 and any other activity the ,secretary considers appropriate4 #i4 ,standard operating procedures2 facilities standards 7a7 ,standard operating procedures ,section #daa7k77#a7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #baa7k77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,d71 by striking and at the end2 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,e77iv71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 adding at the end the following3 7,f7 standard operating procedures regarding the detection1 interdiction1 inspection1 processing1 or transferring of alien children that officers and agents of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection shall employ in the execution of their duties4 4 7b7 ,facilities standards 7#a7 ,initial review and update ,not later than #bgj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall review and update the regulations under part #aae of title #f1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 that set standards to prevent1 detect1 and respond to sexual abuse and assault in immigration detention facilities and other holding facilities under the jurisdiction of the ,department of ,homeland ,security4 7#b7 ,quadrennial review ,the ,secretary shall review and update the regulations referred to in paragraph 7#a7 not less frequently than once every #d years4 #aj4 ,criminal background checks for sponsors of unaccompanied alien children 7a7 ,in general ,section #bce7;c7 of the ,william ,wilberforce ,trafficking ,victims ,protection ,reauthorization ,act of #bjjh 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abcb7;c77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#c7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 in the first sentence1 by striking subparagraph 7,b7 and inserting subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c72 7,b7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c7 as subparagraphs 7,c7 and 7,d71 respectively2 7,c7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,a7 the following3 7,b7 ,criminal background checks 7i7 ,in general ,before placing an unaccompanied alien child with an individual1 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall-- 7,i7 conduct a criminal history background check on the individual and each adult member of the individual's household2 and 7,,ii7 if appropriate1 collect biometric samples in connection with any such background check4 7ii7 ,scope 7,i7 ,in general ,each biometric criminal history background check required under clause 7i7 shall be conducted through-- 7aa7 the ,federal ,bureau of ,investigation2 7bb7 criminal history repositories of each ,state the individual lists as a current or former residence2 and 7cc7 any other ,federal or ,state database or repository the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services considers appropriate4 7,,ii7 ,use of rapid ,,dna instruments ,,dna analysis of a ,,dna sample collected under subclause 7,i7 may be carried out with ,rapid ,,dna instruments 7as defined in section #c7;c7 of the ,,dna ,analysis ,backlog ,elimination ,act of #bjjj 7#cd ,u4,s4,c4 #djgjb7;c7774 7,,iii7 ,limitation on use of biometric samples ,the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services may not release a fingerprint or ,,dna sample collected1 or disclose the results of a fingerprint or ,,dna analysis conducted under this subparagraph1 or any other information obtained pursuant to this section1 to the ,department of ,homeland ,security for any immigration enforcement purpose4 7,,iv7 ,access to information through the ,department of ,homeland ,security ,not later than #ad days after receiving a request from the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall provide information necessary to conduct suitability assessments from appropriate ,federal1 ,state1 and local law enforcement and immigration databases4 7iii7 ,prohibition on placement with individuals convicted of certain offenses ,the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services may not place an unaccompanied alien child in the custody or household of an individual who has been convicted of1 or is currently being tried for-- 7,i7 a sex offense 7as defined in section #aaa of the ,sex ,offender ,registration and ,notification ,act 7#cd ,u4,s4,c4 #bjiaa772 7,,ii7 a crime involving severe forms of trafficking in persons 7as defined in section #ajc of the ,trafficking ,victims ,protection ,act of #bjjj 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #gajb72 7,,iii7 a crime of domestic violence 7as defined in section #djjjb7;a7 of the ,violence ,against ,women ,act 7#cd ,u4,s4,c4 #abbia7;a772 7,,iv7 a crime of child abuse and neglect 7as defined in section #c of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7,public ,law #ic-bdg2 #db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaja note772 7,v7 murder1 manslaughter1 or an attempt to commit murder or manslaughter 7within the meanings of such terms in sections #aaaa1 #aaab1 and #aaac of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code72 or 7,,vi7 a crime involving receipt1 distribution1 or possession of a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct 7within the meanings of such terms in section #bbeb of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code74 2 and 7,d7 by adding at the end the following3 7,e7 ,well-being follow-up calls ,not later than #cj days after the date on which an unaccompanied alien child is released from the custody of the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 and every #fj days thereafter until the date on which a final decision has been issued in the removal proceedings of the child or such proceedings are terminated1 the ,secretary shall conduct a follow-up telephone call with the unaccompanied alien child and the child's custodian or the primary point of contact for any other entity with which the child was placed4 7,f7 ,change of address ,the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall-- 7i7 require each custodian with whom an unaccompanied alien child is placed under this subsection to notify the ,secretary with respect to any change in the unaccompanied alien child's physical or mailing address1 including any situation in which the unaccompanied alien child permanently departs the custodian's residence1 not later than #g days after the date on which such change or departure occurs2 and 7ii7 develop and implement a system that permits custodians to submit notifications electronically with respect to a change of address4 4 7b7 ,collection and compilation of statistical information ,section #dfb7;b77#a77,k7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #bgi7;b77#a77,k77 is amended by striking 2 and and inserting 1 including-- 7i7 the average length of time from apprehension to the child's master calendar hearing1 organized by the fiscal year in which the children were apprehended by ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection2 7ii7 the number of children identified under clause 7i7 who did and did not appear at master calendar hearings1 including the percentage of children in each category who were represented by counsel2 7iii7 the average length of time from apprehension to the child's merits hearing1 organized by the fiscal year in which the children were apprehended by ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection2 7iv7 the number of children identified under clause 7i7 who did and did not appear at merits hearings1 including the percentage of children in each category who are represented by counsel2 and 7v7 the total number of well-being follow-up calls conducted under section #bce of the ,william ,wilberforce ,trafficking ,victims ,protection ,reauthorization ,act of #bjjh 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abcb7;c77#c77;,e77 at each time interval following placement with a custodian or other entity1 and the number of children that the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services is unable to contact at each interval1 organized by the fiscal year in which the children were apprehended by ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection2 and 4 #aa4 ,fraud in connection with the transfer of custody of unaccompanied alien children 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #dg of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #ajda4 ,fraud in connection with the transfer of custody of unaccompanied alien children 7a7 ,in general ,it shall be unlawful for a person to obtain custody of an unaccompanied alien child 7as defined in section #dfb7;g7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #bgi7;g777-- 7#a7 by making any materially false1 fictitious1 or fraudulent statement or representation2 or 7#b7 by making or using any false writing or document with the knowledge that such writing or document contains any materially false1 fictitious1 or fraudulent statement or entry4 7b7 ,penalties 7#a7 ,in general ,any person who violates1 or attempts or conspires to violate1 subsection 7a7 shall be fined under this title and imprisoned for not less than #a year4 7#b7 ,enhanced penalty for trafficking ,if the primary purpose of a violation1 attempted violation1 or conspiracy to violate this section was to subject the child to sexually explicit activity or any other form of exploitation1 the offender shall be fined under this title and imprisoned for not less than #ae years4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the chapter analysis for chapter #dg of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #ajda4 ,fraud in connection with the transfer of custody of unaccompanied alien children4 4 #ab4 ,accountability for children and taxpayers 7a7 ,in general ,section #bce7;b7 of the ,william ,wilberforce ,trafficking ,victims ,protection ,reauthorization ,act of #bjjh 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abcb7;b77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#e7 ,inspection of facilities 7,a7 ,facilities used by ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services ,the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services shall conduct regular inspections of facilities used by the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services to provide care and custody of unaccompanied alien children who are in the immediate custody of the ,secretary to ensure that such facilities are operated in an efficient and effective manner while also ensuring-- 7i7 the safety of unaccompanied alien children2 and 7ii7 that unaccompanied alien children-- 7,i7 have access to information relevant to their removal proceedings and claims for relief2 and 7,,ii7 are able to communicate efficaciously with their legal representatives4 7,b7 ,facilities used by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security ,the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,homeland ,security shall conduct regular inspections of facilities1 including temporary facilities and facilities built or obtained for use to deal with an irregular migration influx1 used by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security in which unaccompanied alien children and family units are detained1 to ensure that-- 7i7 such facilities are operated in an efficient and effective manner2 and 7ii7 unaccompanied alien child and family units-- 7,i7 have access to information relevant to their removal proceedings and claims for relief2 and 7,,ii7 are able to communicate efficaciously with their legal representatives4 7#f7 ,report on facility operation costs ,not less frequently than annually1 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services and the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall each submit to the ,committee on the ,judiciary and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on the ,judiciary and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives a report detailing1 for each facility described in subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,b7 of paragraph 7#e71 respectively-- 7,a7 the average daily cost for each unaccompanied alien child housed or detained at such facility2 7,b7 the average cost over the entire system2 and 7,c7 in the case of such a facility the average daily cost per child of which significantly exceeds the average cost over the entire system1 an explanation of expenditures4 4 #ac4 ,hiring authority 7a7 ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection shall hire1 train1 and assign-- 7,a7 not fewer than #fjj new ,office of ,field ,operations ,officers 7above the current attrition level7 during every fiscal year until the total number of ,office of ,field ,operations officers equals and sustains the requirements identified each year in the ,workforce ,staffing ,model2 7,b7 support staff1 including technicians1 to perform non-law enforcement administrative functions to support the new ,office of ,field ,operations officers hired pursuant to subparagraph 7,a72 and 7,c7 not fewer than #bej ,border ,patrol processing coordinators4 7#b7 ,traffic forecasts ,in calculating the number of ,office of ,field ,operations officers needed at each port of entry through the ,workforce ,staffing ,model1 the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection shall-- 7,a7 rely on data collected regarding the inspections and other activities conducted at each such port of entry2 and 7,b7 consider volume from seasonal influxes1 other projected changes in commercial and passenger volumes1 the most current commercial forecasts1 and temporary detailed personnel of the ,office of ,field ,operations to assist with irregular migration influx events or other events1 and other relevant information4 7#c7 ,,gao report ,if the ,commissioner of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection does not hire #fjj additional ,office of ,field ,operations officers pursuant to paragraph 7#a77;,a7 during the fiscal year in which this ,act is enacted1 or during any subsequent fiscal year in which the hiring requirements set forth in the ,workforce ,staffing ,model have not been achieved1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall-- 7,a7 conduct a review of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection hiring practices to determine the reasons that such requirements were not achieved and to address other issues related to hiring by ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection2 and 7,b7 submit a report to the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives that describes the results of the review conducted under subparagraph 7,a74 7b7 ,u4,s4 ,immigration and ,customs ,enforcement 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,director of ,u4,s4 ,immigration and ,customs ,enforcement shall hire1 train1 and assign-- 7,a7 not fewer than #cjj ,enforcement and ,removal ,operations support personnel to address case management responsibilities relating to aliens apprehended along the southwest border1 and the operation of regional processing centers established under section #dcg7;a7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb2 7,b7 not fewer than #abh attorneys in the ,office of the ,principal ,legal ,advisor2 and 7,c7 not fewer than #da support staff within the ,office of the ,principal ,legal ,advisor to assist immigration judges within the ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review with removal1 asylum1 and custody determination proceedings4 7#b7 ,,gao review and report relating to staffing needs 7,a7 ,review ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a review of-- 7i7 ,u4,s4 ,immigration and ,customs ,enforcement activities and staffing needs related to irregular migration influx events along the southwest border during fiscal years #bjad1 #bjai1 and #bjba1 including-- 7,i7 the total number of aliens placed in removal proceedings in connection with such irregular migration influx events2 7,,ii7 the number of hours dedicated to responding to irregular migration influx events by ,enforcement and ,removal ,operations officers1 ,enforcement and ,removal ,operations support personnel1 attorneys within the ,office of the ,principal ,legal ,advisor1 and support staff within the ,office of the ,principal ,legal ,advisor2 and 7,,iii7 the impact that response to such irregular migration influx events had on the ability of ,u4,s4 ,immigration and ,customs ,enforcement to carry out other aspects of its mission1 including the regular transport of migrants from ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection facilities to ,u4,s4 ,immigration and ,customs ,enforcement facilities2 and 7ii7 staffing levels within the ,office of the ,principal ,legal ,advisor1 ,u4,s4 ,immigration and ,customs ,enforcement1 including the impact such staffing levels have on docketing of cases within the ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review4 7,b7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report that describes the results of the review conducted under subparagraph 7,a74 7c7 ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review ,the ,director of the ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review shall hire1 train1 and assign not fewer than #aej new ,immigration ,judge teams1 including staff attorneys and all applicable support staff for such ,immigration ,judge teams4 7d7 ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services ,the ,director of ,u4,s4 ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services shall hire1 train1 and assign not fewer than #cjj asylum officers4 #ad4 ,reports to ,congress 7a7 ,unaccompanied alien children 7#a7 ,care of unaccompanied alien children ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress1 and make publicly available1 a report that includes-- 7,a7 a detailed summary of the contracts in effect to care for and house unaccompanied alien children1 including the names and locations of contractors and the facilities being used2 7,b7 for each contractor and facility referred to in subparagraph 7,a71 the cost per day to care for and house an unaccompanied alien child1 including a breakdown of factors that contribute to such cost2 7,c7 the number of unaccompanied alien children who have been released to a sponsor1 if any2 7,d7 a list of the ,states in which unaccompanied alien children have been released from the custody of the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services to the care of a sponsor or placement in a facility2 7,e7 a determination of whether more than #a unaccompanied alien child has been released to the same sponsor1 including the number of children who were released to such sponsor2 7,f7 an assessment of the extent to which the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services is monitoring the release of unaccompanied alien children1 including home studies and any other monitoring activity2 7,g7 an assessment of the extent to which the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services is making efforts-- 7i7 to educate unaccompanied alien children about their legal rights and the legal process2 and 7ii7 to provide unaccompanied alien children access to pro bono counsel2 and 7,h7 an assessment of efforts by the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services to mitigate the spread of contagious disease within facilities operated or contracted by the ,secretary1 including-- 7i7 medical screening and treatment services provided to unaccompanied alien children2 and 7ii7 communication with ,state1 local1 and ,tribal governments regarding the release from custody of any unaccompanied alien child who suffers from a contagious disease or may be especially vulnerable to a contagious disease4 7#b7 ,returns to country of nationality ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress1 and make publicly available1 a report that identifies-- 7,a7 the number of unaccompanied alien children who have voluntarily returned to their country of nationality or habitual residence1 disaggregated by-- 7i7 country of nationality or habitual residence2 and 7ii7 age of the unaccompanied alien children2 7,b7 the number of unaccompanied alien children who have been returned to their country of nationality or habitual residence1 including the length of time such children were present in the ,united ,states2 7,c7 the number of unaccompanied alien children who have not been returned to their country of nationality or habitual residence pending travel documents or other requirements from such country1 including how long they have been waiting to return2 and 7,d7 the number of unaccompanied alien children who were granted relief in the ,united ,states1 whether through asylum1 any other immigration benefit or status1 or deferred action4 7#c7 ,immigration proceedings ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and not less frequently than every #ij days thereafter1 the ,secretary1 in coordination with the ,director of the ,executive ,office for ,immigration ,review1 shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress1 and make publicly available1 a report that identifies-- 7,a7 the number of unaccompanied alien children who1 after proceedings under section #bce7;b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbe7;b771 were returned to their country of nationality or habitual residence1 disaggregated by-- 7i7 country of nationality or residence2 and 7ii7 age and gender of such aliens2 7,b7 the number of unaccompanied alien children who1 after proceedings under section #bce7;b7 of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbe7;b771 prove a claim of admissibility and are placed in proceedings under section #bdj of that ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #abbi;a72 and 7,c7 the number of unaccompanied alien children who fail to appear at a removal hearing that such alien was required to attend4 7b7 ,binational efforts ,to combat irregular migration ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress1 and make publicly available1 a report that includes-- 7#a7 a copy of any repatriation agreement in effect for unaccompanied alien children2 7#b7 a description of the status of any repatriation agreement that is being considered or negotiated2 7#c7 a description of the foreign assistance funding provided by the ,united ,states ,government to the #bj countries that have the highest total number of nationals entering the ,united ,states as unaccompanied alien children and the #bj countries that have the highest total number of nationals entering the ,united ,states who do not use the formal immigration system of the ,united ,states or of the countries such individuals are traveling through1 including amounts provided for1 and descriptions of1 initiatives or programs-- 7,a7 to deter the children1 adults1 and families of each such country from illegally entering the ,united ,states2 and 7,b7 to care for or reintegrate repatriated unaccompanied alien children in the country of nationality or last habitual residence2 7#d7 an examination of domestic initiatives by countries described in paragraph 7#c7 with respect to the prevention of irregular migration by children1 adults1 and families and the manner in which the ,united ,states may work with such countries to make such initiatives more successful2 and 7#e7 recommendations on actions the ,united ,states may take1 through foreign aid programs of the ,united ,states1 to improve the ability of such countries to combat irregular migration4 7c7 ,suspected trafficking of alien children ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress1 and make publicly available1 a report that includes-- 7#a7 an anonymized data set describing incidents in which the ,secretary has suspected that an alien child was apprehended multiple times as a part of different family units and the response of the ,secretary to such incidents2 7#b7 an anonymized data set describing incidents not described in paragraph 7#a7 in which the ,secretary has suspected that an alien child was falsely claimed as a member of a family unit and the response of the ,secretary to such incidents2 7#c7 a description of current techniques and technologies used to verify the identity of alien children who are presented as members of multiple family units2 and 7#d7 legislative recommendations to improve the ability of the ,secretary to detect and respond to incidents in which an alien child is fraudulently claimed to be a member of a family unit4 #ae4 ,improving the ability to transport migrants 7a7 ,improvement of ,transportation ,policy and ,standards 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall update the transportation policies1 standards1 definitions1 and any other needed guidance or regulations of the ,department of ,homeland ,security to expand and improve the capability of the ,department to conduct ground transportation of migrants at the southwest border4 7#b7 ,elements ,the update required by paragraph #a shall include-- 7,a7 the provision of authority1 to the extent possible1 for the ,department of ,homeland ,security to transport migrants who are being released by the ,department to facilities operated by ,state1 local1 or ,tribal governments1 or by nongovernmental organizations directly working to provide aid to migrants along the southwest border so as-- 7i7 to ensure the health and safety of local communities and the migrants2 7ii7 to promote an orderly environment along the border and at ,united ,states ports of entry2 and 7iii7 to avoid overburdening small communities that are poorly equipped to handle a population influx2 7,b7 a consideration of the manner in which a public health emergency may require changes in ,department transportation policy to protect public health and the health of migrants2 and 7,c7 a system through which the ,department shall consistently provide not less than #d hours advance notification to ,state1 local1 or ,tribal governments1 and nongovernmental organizations and private entities directly providing aid or other services to migrants1 including services provided for a fee1 of the intent of the ,department to transport migrants to such jurisdictions or facilities located in such jurisdiction4 7#c7 ,limitation ,any authority established under paragraph 7#b77;,a7 shall be limited to transportation within the ,states of ,california1 ,arizona1 ,new ,mexico1 and ,texas1 unless the ,secretary certifies1 on a case-by-case basis1 that transport to a particular facility located in another ,state is necessary for the public good4 7b7 ,report to ,congress ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress1 and make publicly available1 a report that includes-- 7#a7 an assessment as to whether current ,department of ,homeland ,security ground transportation resources are sufficient-- 7,a7 to meet ,department responsibilities with respect to the transportation of migrants2 and 7,b7 to ensure the safety of ,department personnel and migrants2 7#b7 a description of current ,department contracts regarding transportation of migrants at the southwest border1 the ability of the ,department to expand such contracts to improve transportation capacity1 and any limitations related to such contracts that impede the expansion of transportation capacity2 7#c7 a description of recommended changes to ,department transportation policies and standards that would require additional legislative authority2 7#d7 recommendations to ,congress for legislative changes that would improve the ability of the ,department to expand and improve its transportation capabilities2 and 7#e7 an assessment of the impact of public health emergencies on ,department transportation and the steps the ,department will take to further improve transportation of migrants during public health emergencies4 #af4 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this ,act shall be construed to affect any requirement placed on the ,department of ,homeland ,security or any other agency under the terms of any lawful settlement agreement or consent decree entered into by the ,department or another agency4 #ag4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this ,act and the amendments made by this ,act4