Summary:
Michael Davis, Jr. and Danny Oliver in Honor of State and Local Law Enforcement Act

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and related federal law with respect to immigration law enforcement within the United States.

Authorizes: (1) states or their political subdivisions to enact and enforce immigration criminal penalties as long as they do not exceed relevant federal criminal penalties; and (2) state or local law enforcement personnel to investigate, apprehend, arrest, or transfer to federal custody aliens for immigration enforcement purposes to the same extent as federal law enforcement personnel.

Directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) of the Department of Justice (DOJ) with all information that DHS has regarding any alien: (1) against whom a final order of removal has been issued, (2) who has entered into a voluntary departure agreement, (3) who has overstayed his or her authorized period of stay, or (4) whose visa has been revoked. Requires NCIC to enter such information into its Immigration Violators File.

Requires: (1) states to have access to federal programs or technology directed at identifying inadmissible or deportable aliens, and (2) states and their political subdivisions to provide DHS with specified identifying information about each apprehended alien who is believed to be inadmissible or deportable.

Directs DHS to make grants to states and their political subdivisions for procurement of equipment, technology, and facilities related to investigating, apprehending, arresting, or transporting inadmissible or deportable aliens.

Directs DHS to construct or acquire additional domestic detention facilities for aliens detained pending removal.

Amends INA regarding illegal aliens apprehended by state or local authorities to provide for: (1) federal custody upon state or local request, and (2) state or local compensation for related incarceration and transportation costs.

Directs the DOJ or DHS to ensure that an alien subject to removal is detained in an adequate state or local prison, detention center, or other comparable facility.

Directs DHS to establish immigration-related training for state and local personnel.

Provides personal liability immunity to the same extent as corresponding federal immunity for state or local personnel enforcing immigration laws within the scope of their duties.

 Directs DHS to continue to operate a program that: (1) identifies removable criminal aliens in federal and state correctional facilities, (2) ensures that such aliens are not released into the community, and (3) removes them from the United States after the completion of their sentences. Extends such program to all states. Requires states that receive state criminal alien assistance program (SCAAP) funds to comply with program requirements.

Authorizes state or local detention of certain aliens, in specified circumstances, after completion of their state or local prison sentence.

Authorizes appropriations for SCAAP.

Transfers SCAAP jurisdiction from the DOJ to DHS.

Requires states and localities to: (1) notify the federal government of inadmissible or removable aliens who are encountered by law enforcement personnel, and (2) comply with federal law enforcement information requests and with DHS detainers.

Denies specified federal law enforcement assistance to a state or a political subdivision that prohibits law enforcement officers from cooperating with federal immigration law enforcement.

Revises certain terrorism-related requirements and prohibitions with respect to naturalization, asylum, good moral character, voluntary departure, and cancellation of removal.

Authorizes: (1) the denaturalization of a person who participates in terrorist activities or violent or unlawful activities aimed at the overthrow of the United States; and (2) the use or publication by DHS of certain legalization or special agricultural worker status information for any purpose relating to terrorism, national intelligence, or national security.

Requires security and background checks and investigations of suspected immigration irregularities to be completed before specified immigration-related statuses and benefits may be granted or adjudicated.

Revises and expands the definition of "aggravated felony" under INA. Makes such changes retroactive.

Adds new grounds of inadmissibility for: (1) identity fraud or Social Security number misuse; (2) unlawful procurement of citizenship or naturalization; (3) specified firearm offenses; (4) conviction of an aggravated felony; and (5) crimes of domestic violence, stalking, or child abuse. Makes such additions retroactive.

Adds new grounds of deportability for: (1) identity fraud or Social Security number misuse, and (2) unlawful procurement of citizenship or naturalization. Makes such additions retroactive.

Makes inadmissible an alien who plans to or has engaged in espionage, prohibited export, or other unlawful activities, including activities aimed at the violent overthrow of the U.S. government.

Prohibits the sale of or possession of firearms by any alien who is not lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

Amends the federal criminal code to place a 10-year statute of limitations on most criminal violations of INA.

Makes: (1) aggravated felons ineligible for refugee, asylee adjustment of status, or any withholding of removal; and (2) a second Drinking Under the Influence (DUI) conviction an aggravated felony under INA.

Revises requirements regarding: (1) detention and removal of aliens ordered removed, (2) alien smuggling and related offenses, and (3) reentry of removed aliens.

Authorizes DHS to designate groups as criminal gangs. Bars individuals found inadmissible or deportable for criminal gang membership from asylum, withholding of removal, and temporary protected status.

Amends the federal criminal code to state that the government, in the prosecution of aggravated identity theft, need not prove the defendant knew that the means of identification was of another person.

Subjects to specified criminal penalties for illegal entry an alien who knowingly: (1) enters or crosses the border at a place other than a designated port of entry; (2) evades inspection by an immigration, customs, or agricultural officer; (3) makes a false or misleading statement or conceals a material fact during examination or inspection while crossing the border; or (4) violates the conditions of U.S. admission or parole for 90 days or more.

Increases penalties under the federal criminal code for certain immigration document and passport fraud activities, and authorizes forfeiture of property used in connection with them.

Reduces the period during which an alien may seek judicial review of an expedited removal order based on criminal or security grounds. Subjects to such expedited removal procedures an individual inadmissible because of a criminal offense if the individual has not been admitted or paroled, does not have a credible fear of persecution, and is not eligible for relief from removal.

Expands the grounds of inadmissibility and deportability to include violation of federal requirements regarding sex offender registration.

Prohibits U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents convicted of certain sex offenses from sponsoring an alien for admission unless the Secretary determines that such person poses no risk to the alien.

States that a conviction for which a pardon has been issued shall not be grounds for deportability by reason of such conviction.

Revises visa information sharing requirements.

Prohibits waiver of a visa interview for an alien the Secretary determines to be a person of concern or in a class of aliens that are security threats.

States that DHS (1) shall have exclusive authority to issue regulations, establish policy, and administer all immigration or nationality laws relating to consular functions in connection with visa issuance or denial; and (2) may refuse or revoke any visa to an alien or class of aliens for U.S. security interests.

Prohibits judicial review of a decision by DHS to refuse or revoke a visa.

Authorizes a consular surcharge (in addition to immigrant visa fees) to fund the visa security program.

 Provides for expedited clearance and placement of DHS personnel at overseas embassies and consular posts.

Revises accreditation requirements.

Limits those individuals who may serve as a designated school official (DSO) or be granted access to the student and exchange visitor information system (SEVIS). Requires a background check of any person serving in such capacity.

Authorizes DHS to suspend an institution's student and exchange visitor program (SEVP) certification for reasonable suspicion of fraud. Makes a person convicted of such fraud permanently ineligible to hold a position of authority or ownership at any such institution.

Authorizes school officials to nominate as many DSO's in addition to their Principal DSO's as necessary and adequate to make recommendations to enrolled students on how to maintain nonimmigrant status. Requires an SEVP-participating institution or exchange visitor program sponsor to report to the DHS on students or exchange visitors with nonimmigrant status.

Makes flight schools that are not certified by the Federal Aviation Administration ineligible to access SEVIS.

Requires SEVIS suspension for a school that loses or is denied accreditation.

Directs the Secretary to authorize all DHS immigration enforcement agents and deportation officers who have successfully completed basic immigration law enforcement training to: (1) make arrests for offenses against the United States, for certain felonies, and for bringing in, transporting, or harboring certain aliens; (2) execute warrants of arrest for administrative immigration violations; and (3) carry firearms.

Authorizes the DHS to hire additional Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention enforcement officers.

Establishes: (1) an ICE Advisory Council; and (2) a pilot program in at least five of the busiest ICE offices to process electronically and serve charging documents, and process and place detainers while in the field.

Directs DHS to increase the number of ICE deportation officers, support staff, and prosecutors.

Requires semiannual DHS reports on countries that refuse or unreasonably delay repatriation of an alien who is a national of the country. Subjects countries that repeat on those lists to certain visa sanctions.

Revises requirements and restrictions regarding: (1) voluntary departure, (2) reentry bars for aliens who remain in the United States after ordered removed, and (3) reinstatement of removal orders.

Denies the use of certain funds to implement specified executive branch memoranda regarding the exercise of prosecutorial discretion in the apprehension, detention, and removal of aliens unlawfully present in the United States.

Directs the Government Accountability Office to report on the deaths in custody of DHS detainees.

Requires that, whenever possible, removal proceedings take place in the order in which aliens are placed in proceedings.

 Prohibits the DOJ from delaying or suspending the making of a final decision on an application to suspend deportation or cancel removal except for cases in which an application has been granted and the fiscal year cap has been reached.

Includes proper income tax filing among the criteria for good moral character for INA purposes.

local law enforcement act amends immigration nationality act ina related federal law respect immigration law enforcement united_states authorizes states political subdivisions enact enforce immigration criminal penalties long exceed relevant federal criminal penalties state local law enforcement personnel investigate apprehend arrest transfer federal custody aliens immigration enforcement purposes extent federal law enforcement personnel dhs provide national_crime_information_center ncic department_of_justice doj information dhs alien final order removal issued entered voluntary departure agreement overstayed authorized period stay visa revoked requires ncic enter information requires states access federal programs technology directed identifying inadmissible deportable aliens states political subdivisions provide dhs specified identifying information apprehended alien believed inadmissible deportable directs dhs grants states political subdivisions procurement equipment technology facilities related investigating apprehending arresting transporting inadmissible deportable aliens directs dhs construct acquire additional domestic detention facilities aliens detained pending removal amends ina illegal aliens apprehended state local authorities provide federal custody state local request state local compensation related incarceration transportation costs directs doj dhs ensure alien subject removal detained adequate state local prison detention center comparable facility directs dhs establish immigration related training state local personnel provides personal liability immunity extent corresponding federal immunity state local personnel enforcing immigration laws scope duties directs dhs continue operate program identifies removable criminal aliens federal state correctional facilities ensures aliens released community removes united_states completion sentences extends program states requires states receive state criminal alien assistance program scaap funds comply program requirements authorizes state local detention certain aliens specified circumstances completion state local prison sentence authorizes appropriations scaap jurisdiction doj dhs requires states localities notify federal government inadmissible removable aliens encountered law enforcement personnel comply federal law enforcement information requests dhs detainers denies specified federal law enforcement assistance state political subdivision prohibits law enforcement officers cooperating federal immigration law enforcement revises certain terrorism related requirements prohibitions respect naturalization asylum good moral character voluntary departure cancellation removal authorizes person participates terrorist activities violent unlawful activities aimed overthrow united_states use publication dhs certain legalization special agricultural worker status information purpose relating terrorism national intelligence national security requires security background checks investigations suspected immigration completed specified immigration related benefits granted adjudicated revises expands definition aggravated felony ina makes changes retroactive adds new grounds inadmissibility identity fraud social_security number misuse unlawful procurement citizenship naturalization specified firearm offenses conviction aggravated felony crimes domestic violence stalking child abuse makes additions retroactive adds new grounds deportability identity fraud social_security number misuse unlawful procurement citizenship naturalization makes additions retroactive makes inadmissible alien plans engaged espionage prohibited export unlawful activities including activities aimed violent overthrow government prohibits sale possession firearms alien lawfully admitted permanent residence amends federal criminal code place year statute limitations criminal violations ina makes aggravated felons ineligible refugee asylee adjustment status withholding removal second drinking influence conviction aggravated felony ina revises requirements detention removal aliens ordered removed alien smuggling related offenses reentry removed aliens authorizes dhs designate groups criminal gangs bars individuals found inadmissible deportable criminal gang membership asylum withholding removal temporary protected status amends federal criminal code state government prosecution aggravated identity theft need prove defendant knew means identification person subjects specified criminal penalties illegal entry alien knowingly enters crosses border place designated port entry evades inspection immigration customs agricultural officer makes false misleading statement conceals material fact examination inspection crossing border violates conditions admission parole days increases penalties federal criminal code certain immigration document passport fraud activities authorizes forfeiture property connection reduces period alien seek judicial review expedited removal order based criminal security grounds subjects expedited removal procedures individual inadmissible criminal offense individual admitted paroled credible fear persecution eligible relief removal expands grounds inadmissibility deportability include violation federal requirements sex offender registration prohibits citizens lawful permanent residents convicted certain sex offenses sponsoring alien admission secretary determines person poses risk alien states conviction issued shall grounds deportability reason conviction revises visa information sharing requirements prohibits waiver visa interview alien secretary determines person concern class aliens security threats states dhs shall exclusive authority issue regulations establish policy administer immigration nationality laws relating consular functions connection visa issuance denial refuse revoke visa alien class aliens security interests prohibits judicial review decision dhs refuse revoke visa authorizes consular surcharge addition immigrant visa fees fund visa security program provides expedited clearance placement dhs personnel overseas embassies consular posts revises accreditation requirements limits individuals serve designated school official granted access student exchange visitor information system sevis requires background check person serving capacity authorizes dhs suspend institution student exchange visitor program sevp certification reasonable suspicion fraud makes person convicted fraud permanently ineligible hold position authority ownership institution authorizes school officials nominate addition principal necessary adequate recommendations enrolled students maintain nonimmigrant status requires sevp participating institution exchange visitor program sponsor report dhs students exchange visitors nonimmigrant status makes flight schools certified federal_aviation_administration ineligible access sevis requires sevis suspension school loses denied accreditation directs secretary authorize dhs immigration enforcement agents deportation officers successfully completed basic immigration law enforcement training arrests offenses united_states certain felonies bringing transporting harboring certain aliens execute warrants arrest administrative immigration violations carry firearms authorizes dhs hire additional detention enforcement officers establishes ice advisory council pilot program ice offices process electronically serve charging documents process place detainers field directs dhs increase number ice deportation officers support staff prosecutors requires semiannual dhs reports countries refuse unreasonably delay repatriation alien national country subjects countries repeat lists certain visa sanctions revises requirements restrictions voluntary departure reentry bars aliens remain united_states ordered removed reinstatement removal orders denies use certain funds implement specified executive branch memoranda exercise prosecutorial discretion apprehension detention removal aliens unlawfully present united_states directs government_accountability_office report deaths custody dhs detainees requires possible removal proceedings place order aliens placed proceedings prohibits doj delaying suspending making final decision application suspend deportation cancel removal cases application granted fiscal year cap reached includes proper income tax filing criteria good moral character ina purposes


Summary:
Criminal Alien Deportation Act

This bill amends the the Immigration and Nationality Act to require the detention of any alien who is: (1) unlawfully present in the United States; and (2) arrested for specified offenses, conviction of any of which would render the alien inadmissible or deportable.

Release authority is transferred from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and amended to provide that DHS:

 may release an alien held pursuant to this Act to the appropriate authority for any proceedings subsequent to the arrest, shall resume custody of such alien during any period pending the final disposition of any such proceedings when the alien is not in the custody of the appropriate authority, and shall continue to detain until removal proceedings are completed any alien not convicted of the offense for which he or she was arrested. DHS shall complete removal proceedings for any such detained alien within 90 days.

It shall be the goal of DOJ, DHS, and the Executive Office for Immigration Review to use funds authorized under this Act to resolve promptly cases pertaining to aliens inadmissible on specified criminal grounds.

In order to help achieve this goal DOJ shall designate up to 100 temporary immigration judges and DHS shall hire 150 new immigration litigation attorneys.

It is the sense of the Senate that:

 gains made in border security and positive trends in recidivism rates are of critical importance to those living and working in the border region and to the nation as a whole; refusing to prosecute first time illegal border crossers under Operation Streamline will jeopardize border security gains; border security steps that have led to improvement on the border, such as Operation Streamline, should be preserved; and appropriate executive branch officials should remove any issued or related prohibition, policy, or direction to cease prosecuting first time illegal border crossers under Operation Streamline.

criminal alien deportation act bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act require detention alien unlawfully present united_states arrested specified offenses conviction render alien inadmissible deportable release authority transferred department_of_justice doj department_of_homeland_security dhs amended provide dhs release alien held pursuant act appropriate authority proceedings subsequent arrest shall resume custody alien period pending final disposition proceedings alien custody appropriate authority shall continue detain removal proceedings completed alien convicted offense arrested dhs shall complete removal proceedings detained alien days shall goal doj dhs executive_office_for_immigration_review use funds authorized act resolve promptly cases pertaining aliens inadmissible specified criminal grounds order help achieve goal doj shall designate temporary immigration judges dhs shall hire new immigration litigation attorneys sense senate gains border security positive trends recidivism rates critical importance living working border region nation refusing prosecute time illegal border operation_streamline jeopardize border security gains border security steps led improvement border operation_streamline preserved appropriate executive branch officials remove issued related prohibition policy direction cease prosecuting time illegal border operation_streamline


Summary:
Establishing Mandatory Minimums for Illegal Reentry Act of 2015

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase penalties applicable to aliens who unlawfully reenter the United States after being removed.

establishing mandatory minimums illegal reentry act bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act increase penalties applicable aliens unlawfully reenter united_states removed


Summary:
Protecting American Citizens Together Act or the PACT Act

This bill amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to make a sanctuary city ineligible to receive, for at least one year, any funds pursuant to:

 the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, the Cops' Program, the Urban Area Security Initiative, the State Homeland Security Grant Program, the Port Security Grant Program, the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, or any other non-disaster preparedness grant program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. A sanctuary city shall be eligible to receive such funds after the Attorney General certifies that it is no longer a sanctuary city.

The Attorney General shall prioritize a request from the Secretary of Homeland Security to transfer an alien who is without lawful status in the United States and in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody before a request from a state or state subdivision to transfer the covered alien to its custody.

protecting american citizens act pact act bill amends illegal immigration reform immigrant responsibility act sanctuary city ineligible receive year funds pursuant edward byrne memorial justice assistance grant program urban_area_security_initiative state_homeland_security_grant_program non disaster preparedness grant program administered federal_emergency_management_agency sanctuary city shall eligible receive funds attorney general certifies longer sanctuary city attorney general shall prioritize request secretary homeland_security transfer alien lawful status united_states custody custody request state state subdivision transfer covered alien custody


Summary:
Improving Cooperation with States and Local Governments and Preventing the Catch and Release of Criminal Aliens Act of 2015

This bill prohibits a jurisdiction from receiving any of the funding specified in this Act if it does not cooperate with federal officials regarding criminal aliens or other aliens deemed to be a removal priority by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including by refusing to: (1) detain or transfer custody of such aliens pursuant to detainers placed upon them; or (2) notify a federal law enforcement agency, upon request, of their release.

Such funding consists of:

 incarceration reimbursement funds under the Immigration and Nationality Act, grant funding under the Second Chance Act of 2007, and any other law enforcement related grants or contracts awarded by DHS or the Department of Justice (DOJ). A jurisdiction shall become eligible to receive such funds, grants, or contracts after DHS certifies that:

 the jurisdiction no longer fails to cooperate with federal officials regarding detentions, transfers, and notifications; and the statute, policy, or practice of that state or local government prohibiting law enforcement officers from assisting or cooperating with federal immigration law enforcement regarding criminal aliens has been repealed, rescinded, or terminated. Withheld funds shall be reallocated equally among:

 states and local governments which cooperate with federal officials regarding detentions, transfers, and notifications, and apply to the appropriate Department for such funds; and any statutorily authorized federal grant program designed to protect victims of violence. DHS and DOJ shall publish jointly on their websites: (1) a list of sanctuary jurisdictions, and (2) a list of jurisdictions that do not grant federal immigration law enforcement officers regular access to jails or detention facilities.

The Immigration and Nationality Act is amended to increase the penalty for reentry by a removed alien.

Nothing in this Act may be construed to: (1) require law enforcement officials of a state or a local government to report or arrest victims or witnesses of a criminal offense, or (2) limit the ability of state and local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration law enforcement with regard to aliens who are not criminal aliens.

improving cooperation states local governments preventing catch release criminal aliens act bill prohibits jurisdiction receiving funding specified act cooperate federal officials criminal aliens aliens deemed removal priority department_of_homeland_security dhs including refusing detain transfer custody aliens pursuant detainers placed notify federal law enforcement agency request release funding consists incarceration reimbursement funds immigration_and_nationality_act grant funding second chance act law enforcement related grants contracts awarded dhs department_of_justice doj jurisdiction shall eligible receive funds grants contracts dhs certifies jurisdiction longer fails cooperate federal officials detentions transfers notifications statute policy practice state local government prohibiting law enforcement officers assisting cooperating federal immigration law enforcement criminal aliens repealed rescinded terminated withheld funds shall reallocated equally states local governments cooperate federal officials detentions transfers notifications apply appropriate department funds statutorily authorized federal grant program designed protect victims violence dhs doj shall publish jointly websites list sanctuary jurisdictions list jurisdictions grant federal immigration law enforcement officers regular access jails detention facilities immigration nationality act amended increase penalty reentry removed alien act construed require law enforcement officials state local government report arrest victims witnesses criminal offense limit ability state local law enforcement cooperate federal immigration law enforcement regard aliens criminal aliens


Summary:
Stop Sanctuary Cities Act

This bill makes it unlawful for any state or political subdivision to:

 restrict or prohibit a government entity or official from sending to or receiving from the responsible federal immigration agency information regarding an individual's citizenship or immigration status, or from maintaining or exchanging information about an individual's status; or fail to comply with a immigration-related detainer that has been lawfully issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Any state or subdivision that:

 violates such prohibition shall be ineligible for State Criminal Alien Assistance Program funds; and does not come into compliance with such requirements within 180 days of receiving noncompliance notification from DHS shall be ineligible for assistance under the Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. Funding may not be withheld until DHS has: (1) notified a state or subdivision of its noncompliance, and (2) determined that voluntary compliance cannot be secured.

No liability shall lie with a state or subdivision that is acting in compliance with a lawfully issued DHS detainer solely because the state or subdivision is holding an alien in compliance with such detainer.

Nothing in this Act may be construed to require law enforcement officials of a state or a subdivision to provide DHS with information related to a victim or a witness to a criminal offense.

stop sanctuary cities act bill makes unlawful state political subdivision restrict prohibit government entity official sending receiving responsible federal immigration agency information individual citizenship immigration status maintaining exchanging information individual status fail comply immigration related detainer lawfully issued department_of_homeland_security dhs state subdivision violates prohibition shall ineligible state criminal alien assistance program funds come compliance requirements days receiving noncompliance notification dhs shall ineligible assistance byrne memorial justice assistance grant program funding withheld dhs notified state subdivision noncompliance determined voluntary compliance secured liability shall lie state subdivision acting compliance lawfully issued dhs detainer solely state subdivision holding alien compliance detainer act construed require law enforcement officials state subdivision provide dhs information related victim witness criminal offense


Summary:
Protecting American Lives Act

This bill amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to declare that a person or agency shall not prohibit or restrict a federal, state, or local government entity from undertaking any of the following law enforcement activities (current law refers to information activities) regarding an individual's immigration status:

 notifying the federal government regarding the presence of inadmissible and deportable aliens who are encountered by law enforcement personnel of a state or political subdivision of a state (political subdivision), or complying with federal law enforcement information requests. A federal, state, or local government entity or official shall not issue ordinances, administrative actions, general or special orders, or departmental policies that violate federal law or restrict a state or political subdivision from complying with federal law or coordinating with federal law enforcement.

A state or political subdivision that has in effect a statute, policy, or practice that prohibits state or local law enforcement officers from assisting or cooperating with federal immigration law enforcement in the course of carrying out the officers' routine law enforcement duties shall not be eligible to receive: (1) funds for the incarceration of undocumented criminal aliens or for the Cops on the Beat program, or (2) any other law enforcement or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant.

States or political subdivisions not in compliance shall: (1) be ineligible to receive such assistance for at least one year, and (2) become eligible for such assistance only after DHS certifies that the jurisdiction is in compliance. Withheld funds shall be reallocated to complying states or political subdivisions.

States and political subdivisions shall provide DHS with identifying information regarding each incarcerated alien who is believed to be inadmissible or deportable.

Nothing in this Act shall require state or local law enforcement officials to: (1) provide DHS with information related to a victim of a crime or witness to a criminal offense, or (2) otherwise report or arrest such a victim or witness.

A state or a political subdivision acting in compliance with a DHS detainer that temporarily holds aliens in its custody so that they may be taken into federal custody, or transports the aliens for transfer to federal custody, shall be considered to be acting under color of federal authority for purposes of determining its liability, and immunity from suit in civil actions brought by the aliens under federal or state law.

It is the sense of Congress that DHS has probable cause to believe that an alien is inadmissible or deportable when it issues a detainer regarding the alien under the standards in place on the date of introduction of this Act.

The Immigration and Nationality Act is amended to increase mandatory minimum sentences for the illegal re-entry of an alien who: (1) was previously denied admission, excluded, deported, or removed; or (2) was removed for certain criminal convictions or excluded for security-related grounds.

protecting american lives act bill amends illegal immigration reform immigrant responsibility act declare person agency shall prohibit restrict federal state local government entity undertaking following law enforcement activities current law refers information activities individual immigration status notifying federal government presence inadmissible deportable aliens encountered law enforcement personnel state political subdivision state political subdivision complying federal law enforcement information requests federal state local government entity official shall issue ordinances administrative actions general special orders departmental policies violate federal law restrict state political subdivision complying federal law coordinating federal law enforcement state political subdivision effect statute policy practice prohibits state local law enforcement officers assisting cooperating federal immigration law enforcement course carrying officers routine law enforcement duties shall eligible receive funds incarceration undocumented criminal aliens cops beat program law enforcement department_of_homeland_security dhs grant states political subdivisions compliance shall ineligible receive assistance year eligible assistance dhs certifies jurisdiction compliance withheld funds shall reallocated complying states political subdivisions states political subdivisions shall provide dhs identifying information incarcerated alien believed inadmissible deportable act shall require state local law enforcement officials provide dhs information related victim crime witness criminal offense report arrest victim witness state political subdivision acting compliance dhs detainer temporarily holds aliens custody taken federal custody transports aliens transfer federal custody shall considered acting color federal authority purposes determining liability immunity suit civil actions brought aliens federal state law sense congress dhs probable cause believe alien inadmissible deportable issues detainer alien standards place date introduction act immigration nationality act amended increase mandatory minimum sentences illegal entry alien previously denied admission excluded deported removed removed certain criminal convictions excluded security related grounds


Summary:
Criminal Alien Notification Act

This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a law enforcement notification system for every state.

"Law enforcement notification system" means a secure information sharing system utilized by federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies to:

 notify the identification bureaus of the state from which an alien is being released and of the state in which the alien is intending to reside of the anticipated release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody of an alien who is inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds, and notify DHS of the release from custody of an alien who has been arrested for certain offenses the conviction of any one of which would render the alien inadmissible. DHS shall establish a secure information sharing system that enables state, tribal, and local courts to notify DHS of a protective order issued against an inadmissible or deportable alien who is under DHS supervision.

criminal alien notification act bill directs department_of_homeland_security dhs establish law enforcement notification system state law enforcement notification system means secure information sharing system utilized federal state tribal local law enforcement agencies notify identification bureaus state alien released state alien intending reside anticipated release custody alien inadmissible deportable specified grounds notify dhs release custody alien arrested certain offenses conviction render alien inadmissible dhs shall establish secure information sharing system enables state tribal local courts notify dhs protective order issued inadmissible deportable alien dhs supervision


Summary:
Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act of 2015

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Department of Homeland Security to authorize employment for an asylum applicant who is not in detention and whose asylum application has not been determined to be frivolous.

Employment authorization shall be: (1) for a period of one year, and (2) renewable for additional one-year periods for the entire period necessary to adjudicate the applicant's asylum claim.

asylum work authorization act bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act direct department_of_homeland_security authorize employment asylum applicant detention asylum application determined frivolous employment authorization shall period year renewable additional year periods entire period necessary adjudicate applicant asylum claim


Summary:
Invest in Our Communities Act

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) exempt spouses and children of EB-5 investor immigrants from worldwide employment-based immigration limits, and (2) revise the fiscal year worldwide level of employment-based immigrant admissions.

EB-5 visas are excluded from per country caps.

EB-5 visas shall be made available to qualified immigrants who participate in a regional center program in the United States designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the promotion of economic growth, including: (1) increased exports, (2) improved regional productivity, (3) job creation, and (4) increased domestic capital investment.

A regional center shall: (1) have jurisdiction over a specific geographic area, which shall be consistent with the purpose of concentrating pooled investment in defined economic zones; and (2) certify compliance with U.S. securities laws, and supervise all offers, purchases, and sales of securities made by associated parties to ensure securities compliance.

DHS shall establish a procedure for pre-approval of new commercial enterprises.

Any person subject to the suspension or termination of EB-5 rights made under the discretion of DHS may appeal such decision and be entitled to a hearing before an administrative law judge.

No person may be involved with a regional center as its principal, administrator, owner, officer, board member, manager, executive, general partner, fiduciary, or other similar position of significant authority for the operations or management of the center if he or she: (1) is not a U.S. national or lawful permanent resident; or (2) has been found liable for certain financial or securities crimes, or terrorist, espionage, or human trafficking activities.

The bill sets forth DHS suspension or termination authority for a noncomplying regional center.

The child of an alien investor whose conditional permanent resident status is terminated shall continue to be considered a child for purposes of a subsequent immigrant petition by the alien investor if the child remains unmarried and the subsequent petition is filed within one year after termination of status. An alien shall not be considered a child with respect to more than 1 petition filed after he or she reaches 21 years old.

invest communities act bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act exempt spouses children eb-5 investor immigrants worldwide employment based immigration limits revise fiscal year worldwide level employment based immigrant admissions eb-5 visas excluded country caps eb-5 visas shall available qualified immigrants participate regional center program united_states designated department_of_homeland_security dhs promotion economic growth including increased exports improved regional productivity job creation increased domestic capital investment regional center shall jurisdiction specific geographic area shall consistent purpose concentrating pooled investment defined economic zones certify compliance securities laws supervise offers purchases sales securities associated parties ensure securities compliance dhs shall establish procedure pre approval new commercial enterprises person subject suspension termination eb-5 rights discretion dhs appeal decision entitled hearing administrative law judge person involved regional center principal administrator owner officer board member manager executive general partner fiduciary similar position significant authority operations management center national lawful permanent resident found liable certain financial securities crimes terrorist espionage human trafficking activities bill sets forth dhs suspension termination authority noncomplying regional center child alien investor conditional permanent resident status terminated shall continue considered child purposes subsequent immigrant petition alien investor child remains unmarried subsequent petition filed year termination status alien shall considered child respect petition filed reaches years old


Summary:
Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act

This bill prohibits a sanctuary jurisdiction from receiving grants under the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, the Community Oriented Policing Services Program, and the Community Development Block Grant Program. A sanctuary jurisdiction is a state or political subdivision that has a policy or practice in effect that: (1) prohibits or restricts information sharing about an individual's immigration status, or (2) prohibits compliance with a lawfully issued detainer request or notification of release request.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) must terminate grant funding 30 days after DOJ and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determine, notify, and publish the states and political subdivisions that are sanctuary jurisdictions.

A state or political subdivision that complies with a detainer is deemed to be an agent of DHS. The bill authorizes such agent to take actions to comply with the detainer. It also limits the liability of such agent if the actions taken complied with the detainer.

The bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase from two years to five years the maximum prison term for an alien who reenters after being denied admission, excluded, deported, or removed.

It establishes a 10-year maximum prison term for an alien who reenters after being denied admission, excluded, deported, or removed on 3 or more prior occasions.

It establishes a five-year mandatory minimum prison term for an alien who reenters after being removed following a conviction for an aggravated felony or following two or more prior convictions for illegal reentry.

stop sanctuary policies protect americans act bill prohibits sanctuary jurisdiction receiving grants sanctuary jurisdiction state political subdivision policy practice effect prohibits restricts information sharing individual immigration status prohibits compliance lawfully issued detainer request notification release request department_of_justice doj terminate grant funding days doj department_of_homeland_security dhs determine notify publish states political subdivisions sanctuary jurisdictions state political subdivision complies detainer deemed agent dhs bill authorizes agent actions comply detainer limits liability agent actions taken complied detainer bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act increase years years maximum prison term alien reenters denied admission excluded deported removed establishes year maximum prison term alien reenters denied admission excluded deported removed prior occasions establishes year mandatory minimum prison term alien reenters removed following conviction aggravated felony following prior convictions illegal reentry


Summary:
Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2015

 This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to adjust to permanent resident status a qualifying Liberian national who: (1) has been continuously present in the United States between January 1, 2013, through the date of status adjustment application; or (2) is the spouse, child, or unmarried son or daughter of such an alien.

 Adjustment applications must be filed not later than one year after the date of enactment of this bill.

liberian_refugee_immigration fairness act bill directs department_of_homeland_security adjust permanent resident status qualifying liberian national continuously present united_states january date status adjustment application spouse child unmarried son daughter alien adjustment applications filed later year date enactment bill


Summary:
Stop Illegal Reentry Act or Kate's Law

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase from two years to five years the maximum prison term for an alien who reenters after being denied admission, excluded, deported, or removed.

It establishes:

 a 10-year maximum prison term for an alien who reenters after being denied admission, excluded, deported, or removed on 3 or more prior occasions; and a 5-year mandatory minimum prison term for an alien who reenters after being removed following a conviction for an aggravated felony or following 2 or more prior convictions for illegal reentry.

stop illegal reentry act law bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act increase years years maximum prison term alien reenters denied admission excluded deported removed establishes year maximum prison term alien reenters denied admission excluded deported removed prior occasions year mandatory minimum prison term alien reenters removed following conviction aggravated felony following prior convictions illegal reentry


Summary:
Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2015

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to declare that, effective as if enacted on January 1, 2015, a returning H-2B visa alien (temporary nonagricultural worker) who has already been counted toward the applicable numerical limitation shall:

 not again be counted toward that limitation in the current fiscal year, but shall be considered a returning worker; and shall be counted again toward the limitation if the alien departs the United States for a period longer than one year, or was not counted toward the limitation in any of the three most recent fiscal years. "Other temporary service or labor" for H-2B purposes means that an employer's labor need will last: (1) at most 1 year if peak load or intermittent, unless it is a one-time occurrence not to exceed 3 years; or (2) not to exceed 10 months if the employer's need is seasonal.

 An H-2B employer shall file an employee petition with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which shall have exclusive authority to issue rules and final determinations for the H-2B visa program.

 H-2B employer requirements are set forth regarding: (1) petitions, (2) admissions and maximum stay in status, (3) housing, (4) enforcement, (5) transportation, (6) recruitment, (7) U.S. worker protections, (8) wages, and (9) absconding workers.

 DHS shall consult with the Department of State to develop an electronic notification system to notify the latter within 48 hours after an H-2B petition's final approval.

save_our_small seasonal businesses act bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act declare effective enacted january returning h-2b visa alien temporary nonagricultural worker counted applicable numerical limitation shall counted limitation current fiscal year shall considered returning worker shall counted limitation alien departs united_states period longer year counted limitation recent fiscal years temporary service labor h-2b purposes means employer labor need year peak load intermittent time occurrence exceed years exceed months employer need seasonal h-2b employer shall file employee petition department_of_homeland_security dhs shall exclusive authority issue rules final determinations h-2b visa program h-2b employer requirements set forth petitions admissions maximum stay status housing enforcement transportation recruitment worker protections wages workers dhs shall consult department_of_state develop electronic notification system notify hours h-2b petition final approval


Summary:
H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2015

This bill amends the the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise employer and government requirements regarding visas for nonimmigrant aliens rated H-1B (specialty occupation) and L-1 (intracompany transfer to the United States from abroad).

H-1B employer application requirements are revised.

 The bill establishes an H-1B visa allocation system, with first priority reserved for aliens who have earned an advanced degree in a field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) from a U.S. institution of higher education.

The bill requires completion of a U.S. degree (or an equivalent foreign degree) as a qualification for "specialty occupation" eligibility, eliminating experience in a specialty as an equivalent to the completion of such a degree.

 The bill prescribes an H-1B labor condition application fee.

 The Department of Labor may issue subpoenas and seek appropriate injunctive relief and specific performance of contractual obligations to ensure H-1B employer compliance.

The period of authorized admission for an H-1B nonimmigrant is reduced from six to three years, with a three-year extension available for aliens with extraordinary ability or with advanced degrees, or professors.

The bill denies an H-1B visa to any alien normally classifiable as an H-1 nonimmigrant who seeks U.S. admission to provide services in a specialty occupation.

Labor may investigate applications for fraud and conduct H-1B compliance audits.

Labor shall conduct annual audits of companies with more than 100 employees who work in the United States if more than 15% of those employees are H-1B nonimmigrants.

The bill increases certain employer penalties, including the penalty for displacing a U.S. worker.

An employer that violates any H-1B requirement shall be liable to the harmed employee for lost wages and benefits.

 The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services shall give Labor any information in materials submitted by H-1B employers as part of the petition adjudication process that indicates employer noncompliance with H-1B visa program requirements.

Labor may hire 200 additional employees to administer H-1B programs.

The bill prohibits an employer, unless it receives a waiver from Labor, from hiring an L-1 nonimmigrant for more than one year who will: (1) serve in a capacity involving specialized knowledge, and (2) be stationed primarily at the worksite of an employer other than the petitioning employer.

 No employer may replace a U.S. worker with an L-1 worker.

 The bill prescribes L-1 requirements regarding: (1) employer petitions for employment at a new office, (2) wage rates and working conditions, and (3) employer penalties.

 Labor may initiate an L-1 employer investigation.

 Authority to administer L-1 visa blanket petitions is transferred from the Department of Justice to the Department of Homeland Security.

h-1b reform act bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act revise employer government requirements visas nonimmigrant aliens rated h-1b specialty occupation l-1 intracompany transfer united_states abroad h-1b employer application requirements revised bill establishes h-1b visa allocation system priority reserved aliens earned advanced degree field science technology engineering mathematics stem institution higher education bill requires completion degree equivalent foreign degree qualification specialty occupation eligibility eliminating experience specialty equivalent completion degree bill prescribes h-1b labor condition application fee department_of_labor issue subpoenas seek appropriate injunctive relief specific performance contractual obligations ensure h-1b employer compliance period authorized admission h-1b nonimmigrant reduced years year extension available aliens extraordinary ability advanced degrees professors bill denies h-1b visa alien normally nonimmigrant seeks admission provide services specialty occupation labor investigate applications fraud conduct h-1b compliance audits labor shall conduct annual audits companies employees work united_states employees h-1b nonimmigrants bill increases certain employer penalties including penalty displacing worker employer violates h-1b requirement shall liable harmed employee lost wages benefits shall labor information materials submitted h-1b employers petition adjudication process indicates employer noncompliance h-1b visa program requirements labor hire additional employees administer h-1b programs bill prohibits employer receives waiver labor hiring l-1 nonimmigrant year serve capacity involving specialized knowledge stationed primarily worksite employer petitioning employer employer replace worker l-1 worker bill prescribes l-1 requirements employer petitions employment new office wage rates working conditions employer penalties labor initiate l-1 employer investigation authority administer l-1 visa blanket petitions transferred department_of_justice department_of_homeland_security


Summary:
Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2015

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to grant automatic citizenship to all qualifying children adopted by a U.S. citizen parent, regardless of the date on which the adoption was finalized.

An individual born outside of the United States who was adopted by a U.S. citizen parent shall automatically become a U.S. citizen when the following conditions have been fulfilled:

 the individual was adopted by a U.S. citizen before the individual reached age 18, the individual was physically present in the United States in the citizen parent's legal custody pursuant to a lawful admission before the individual reached age 18, the individual never acquired U.S. citizenship before the enactment of this Act, and the individual was lawfully residing in the United States on the date of enactment of this Act. An individual who meets such criteria, except for lawfully residing in the United States on the date of enactment of this Act, shall automatically become a U.S. citizen on the date on which the individual is physically present in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission.

 A visa may not be issued to such an individual unless:

 the individual was subjected to a criminal background check; and the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State coordinated with law enforcement agencies to ensure that appropriate action is taken regarding any unresolved criminal activity.

citizenship act bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act grant automatic citizenship qualifying children adopted citizen parent regardless date adoption finalized individual born outside united_states adopted citizen parent shall automatically citizen following conditions fulfilled individual adopted citizen individual reached age individual physically present united_states citizen parent legal custody pursuant lawful admission individual reached age individual acquired citizenship enactment act individual lawfully residing united_states date enactment act individual meets criteria lawfully residing united_states date enactment act shall automatically citizen date individual physically present united_states pursuant lawful admission visa issued individual individual subjected criminal background check department_of_homeland_security department_of_state coordinated law enforcement agencies ensure appropriate action taken unresolved criminal activity


Summary:
Syrian Refugee Verification and Safety Act

This bill declares that: (1) no alien who is a refugee because of the conflict in Syria (covered alien) may be admitted to the United States as a refugee, (2) no funds may be expended to process refugee applications for covered aliens, and (3) no funds may be expended by the Department of State or the Department of Health and Human Services to resettle covered aliens in the United States.

These restrictions shall remain in effect until 30 days after the President certifies to Congress regarding:

 protocols and interagency coordination to adjudicate such U.S. admissions and resettlement; evaluation and review of such protocols and coordination by the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community; State Department submission to Congress of an updated Congressional Presentation Document of the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration for Fiscal Year 2016 that reflects security or other risks posed by covered aliens; and a State Department briefing to Congress on the increase in covered aliens seeking refugee admission and so admitted, including information on any terrorist conduct. This certification: (1) may not be submitted to Congress before 270 days, and (2) shall not have any effect if Congress enacts into law a joint resolution of disapproval within 15 days.

safety act bill declares alien refugee conflict syria covered alien admitted united_states refugee funds expended process refugee applications covered aliens funds expended department_of_state department_of_health_and_human_services resettle covered aliens united_states restrictions shall remain effect days president certifies congress protocols interagency coordination adjudicate admissions resettlement evaluation review protocols coordination state_department submission congress updated reflects security risks posed covered aliens state_department briefing congress increase covered aliens seeking refugee admission admitted including information terrorist conduct certification submitted congress days shall effect congress enacts law joint resolution disapproval days


Summary:
American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act of 2015 or the American SAFE Act of 2015

This bill requires that, in addition to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) screening, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) shall take all actions necessary to ensure that each covered alien receives a background investigation before U.S. refugee admission.

A "covered alien" is any alien applying for U.S. refugee admission who:

 is a national or resident of Iraq or Syria, has no nationality and whose last habitual residence was in Iraq or Syria, or has been present in Iraq or Syria at any time on or after March 1, 2011. A covered alien:

 may not be admitted as a refugee until the FBI certifies to DHS and the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) that he or she has received a background investigation sufficient to determine whether the alien is a U.S. security threat; and may only be admitted to the United States after DHS, with the unanimous concurrence of the FBI and the DNI, certifies to Congress that he or she is not such a threat. The Inspector General of DHS shall conduct annual risk-based reviews of all certifications.

DHS shall report monthly to Congress on the total number of admission applications for which a certification was made and the number of covered aliens for whom such a certification was not made for the preceding month. The report shall include for each covered alien for whom a certification was not made the concurrence or nonconcurrence of each person whose concurrence was required by the certification.

american safe act bill requires addition department_of_homeland_security dhs screening federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi shall actions necessary ensure covered alien receives background investigation refugee admission covered alien alien applying refugee admission national resident iraq syria nationality habitual residence iraq syria present iraq syria time march covered alien admitted refugee fbi certifies dhs director national_intelligence dni received background investigation sufficient determine alien security threat admitted united_states dhs unanimous concurrence fbi dni certifies congress threat inspector general dhs shall conduct annual risk based reviews certifications dhs shall report monthly congress total number admission applications certification number covered aliens certification preceding month report shall include covered alien certification concurrence person concurrence required certification


Summary:
Terrorist Refugee Infiltration Prevention Act of 2015

This bill prohibits the U.S. refugee admission of an alien who is a national of, has habitually resided in, or is claiming refugee status due to events in any country containing terrorist-controlled territory (Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and any other Department of State-designated country).

Such an alien may be admitted to the United States as a refugee if the alien:

 satisfies refugee admission requirements; is a member of a group that has been designated by the State Department or by an Act of Congress as a victim of genocide (and such group does not pose a risk to U.S. security); has undergone the highest level of security screening of any category of traveler to the United States, including full multi-modal biometrics; and the State Department, the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) certify that such alien is not a threat to U.S. national security. These requirements shall not apply to the U.S. refugee admission of an alien who: (1) provided substantial assistance to the United States, and (2) would face a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury because of that assistance if not admitted to the United States.

The State Department may designate as a country containing terrorist-controlled territory any country containing territory that is controlled, in substantial part, by a foreign terrorist organization to the exclusion of that country's recognized government.

The State Department shall maintain and continually update a list of: (1) the countries containing terrorist-controlled territory, and (2) groups identified as victims of genocide.

An alien may not be admitted into the United States under this Act solely based on his or her assertions, and DHS shall substantiate any such assertions with the State Department, DOD, the FBI, and the DNI.

bill prohibits refugee admission alien national habitually resided claiming refugee status events country containing terrorist controlled territory iraq libya somalia syria yemen department_of_state designated country alien admitted united_states refugee alien satisfies refugee admission requirements member group designated state_department act congress victim genocide group pose risk security undergone highest level security screening category traveler united_states including multi modal biometrics state_department department_of_defense dod department_of_homeland_security dhs federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi director national_intelligence dni certify alien threat national security requirements shall apply refugee admission alien provided substantial assistance united_states face substantial risk death bodily injury assistance admitted united_states state_department designate country containing terrorist controlled territory country containing territory controlled substantial foreign terrorist organization exclusion country recognized government state_department shall maintain continually update list countries containing terrorist controlled territory groups identified victims genocide alien admitted united_states act solely based assertions dhs shall substantiate assertions state_department dod fbi dni


Summary:
Visa Waiver Program Firearms Clarification Act of 2015

The bill amends the federal criminal code to modify the eligibility of certain foreign nationals to purchase and possess firearms in the United States.

Current law prohibits firearm sale or transfer to or possession by a foreign national (i.e., alien) who is: (1) unlawfully present in the United States, or (2) lawfully present under a nonimmigrant visa (e.g., tourist visa). The prohibitions do not apply in certain circumstances.

This bill expands the prohibition to bar firearm sale or transfer to or possession by a foreign national who was lawfully admitted to the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program.

The prohibitions do not apply to a foreign national lawfully admitted under the Visa Waiver Program if that foreign national is a government official or law enforcement officer, or possesses a hunting license. Additionally, such foreign national may apply for a Department of Justice waiver to allow firearm possession.

bill amends federal criminal code modify eligibility certain foreign nationals purchase possess firearms united_states current law prohibits firearm sale transfer possession foreign national alien unlawfully present united_states lawfully present nonimmigrant visa tourist visa prohibitions apply certain circumstances bill expands prohibition bar firearm sale transfer possession foreign national lawfully admitted united_states visa prohibitions apply foreign national lawfully admitted foreign national government official law enforcement officer possesses hunting license additionally foreign national apply department_of_justice waiver allow firearm possession


Summary:
Visa Waiver Program Security Enhancement Act

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act regarding the visa waiver program to prohibit a national of a program country who has traveled to Iraq or Syria at any time during the most recent five-year period from traveling to the United States without a visa.

 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may prohibit a national of a program country from traveling to the United States under the program if the national has traveled during the past five years to a country in which: (1) a designated foreign terrorist organization has a significant presence, and (2) prohibiting the national from traveling to the United States under the program is in U.S. national security interests.

An alien must, at the time of application for program admission, have a valid, unexpired, tamper-resistant, machine-readable passport that incorporates biometric and document authentication identifiers that comply with standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization. Any alien applying for program admission must have a passport that meets these requirements. (The exception for pre-October 26, 2005, passports under the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002 is eliminated.)

A program country must: (1) enter into and comply with an agreement with the United States to assist in the operation of an air marshal program, and (2) comply with U.S. aviation and airport security standards.

A country that does not fully implement information sharing agreements shall be terminated from the program.

In determining whether to designate a country as a program country or whether a program country should retain its designation DHS shall consider:

 the country's capacity to collect, analyze, and share data concerning dangerous individuals; the country's screening and sharing of lost or stolen passport information; whether the country collects, analyzes, and shares biometric and other information about individuals other than U.S. nationals who are applying for asylum, refugee status, or another form of non-refoulement protection in such country; and whether a country shares intelligence about foreign fighters with the United States and with multilateral organizations. DHS shall:

 ensure that each alien traveling to the United States under an approved electronic system for travel authorization has submitted biometric information, including photographs and fingerprints, before boarding a U.S.-bound conveyance; prioritize implementation of these biometric requirements in program countries that have a significant number of nationals who have traveled to fight with, or to assist, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL); and ensure within five years that such biometric information includes photographs and fingerprints. DHS may determine that a program country is in compliance with such biometric requirements if the country implements an agreement meeting specified criteria.

Program fee provisions are revised.

bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act visa waiver program prohibit national program country traveled iraq syria time recent year period traveling united_states visa department_of_homeland_security dhs prohibit national program country traveling united_states program national traveled past years country designated foreign terrorist organization significant presence prohibiting national traveling united_states program national security interests alien time application program admission valid unexpired tamper resistant machine readable passport incorporates biometric document authentication identifiers comply standards international_civil_aviation_organization alien applying program admission passport meets requirements exception pre october passports enhanced border security visa entry reform act eliminated program country enter comply agreement united_states assist operation air marshal program comply aviation airport security standards country fully implement information sharing agreements shall terminated program determining designate country program country program country retain designation dhs shall consider country capacity collect analyze share data concerning dangerous individuals country screening sharing lost stolen passport information country collects analyzes shares biometric information individuals nationals applying asylum refugee status form non protection country country shares intelligence foreign fighters united_states multilateral organizations dhs shall ensure alien traveling united_states approved electronic system travel authorization submitted biometric information including photographs fingerprints boarding conveyance prioritize implementation biometric requirements program countries significant number nationals traveled fight assist islamic_state_of_iraq levant isil ensure years biometric information includes photographs fingerprints dhs determine program country compliance biometric requirements country implements agreement meeting specified criteria program fee provisions revised


Summary:
Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act regarding the visa waiver program to require that an alien, when applying for program admission, possess a valid unexpired passport that:

 is machine-readable, tamper-resistant, incorporates document authentication identifiers, and otherwise satisfies the internationally accepted standard for machine readability; and beginning on April 1, 2016, is an electronic passport that is fraud-resistant, contains relevant biographic and biometric information, and satisfies internationally accepted standards for electronic passports. A program country must certify that:

 it issues passports that satisfy the internationally accepted standard for machine readability, and as of April 1, 2016, passports that satisfy internationally accepted standards for electronic passports; and by October 1, 2016, except for travel between countries within the Schengen Zone (26 European countries that have abolished passport and any other border control at their common borders), it has in place mechanisms to validate such passports at each key port of entry. An alien shall be ineligible for program participation who:

 has been present, at any time on or after March 1, 2011, in Iraq or Syria, in a country designated as one that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism, or in any other country or area of concern designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and regardless of whether the alien is a national of a program country, is not a national of Iraq or Syria, a country designated as a country that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism, or any other country or area of concern. Such prohibitions shall not apply to an alien who was present in such a country to perform military or official government service for a program country.

DHS may waive such prohibitions if in U.S. law enforcement or national security interests.

DHS shall determine and review annually whether such prohibitions shall apply to any country or area using specified criteria.

A program country shall:

 report the loss or theft of one of its national's passports to the United States within 24 hours; and except in the case of a country without an international airport, and except for travel between countries within the Schengen Zone, certify to DHS that it is screening each entering or departing non-citizen or non-national for unlawful activity by using Interpol databases and notices, or other means designated by DHS. If DHS and the State Department jointly determine that a program country is not sharing information or conducting required screening, DHS shall terminate the country's program status, subject to specified conditions for reinstatement.

DHS shall evaluate program countries annually and identify and suspend from program participation any country whose nationals present a high U.S. security risk, taking into consideration specified criteria.

 DHS shall expand Federal Air Marshal operations.

The electronic travel authorization system is renamed the electronic system for travel authorization.

It is the sense of Congress that:

 the International Civil Aviation Organization should establish electronic passport standards and obligate member countries to utilize them as soon as possible, and such passports should be a combined paper and electronic passport that contains biographic and biometric information that can be used to authenticate identity through an embedded chip.

bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act visa waiver program require alien applying program admission possess valid unexpired passport machine readable tamper resistant incorporates document authentication identifiers satisfies internationally accepted standard machine readability beginning april electronic passport fraud resistant contains relevant biographic biometric information satisfies internationally accepted standards electronic passports program country certify issues passports satisfy internationally accepted standard machine readability april passports satisfy internationally accepted standards electronic passports october travel countries european countries abolished passport border control common borders place mechanisms validate passports key port entry alien shall ineligible program participation present time march iraq syria country designated repeatedly provided support acts international terrorism country area concern designated department_of_homeland_security dhs regardless alien national program country national iraq syria country designated country repeatedly provided support acts international terrorism country area concern prohibitions shall apply alien present country perform military official government service program country dhs waive prohibitions law enforcement national security interests dhs shall determine review annually prohibitions shall apply country area specified criteria program country shall report loss theft national passports united_states hours case country international airport travel countries certify dhs screening entering departing non citizen non national unlawful activity interpol databases notices means designated dhs dhs state_department jointly determine program country sharing information conducting required screening dhs shall terminate country program status subject specified conditions reinstatement dhs shall evaluate program countries annually identify suspend program participation country nationals present high security risk taking consideration specified criteria dhs shall expand operations electronic travel authorization system renamed electronic system travel authorization sense congress international_civil_aviation_organization establish electronic passport standards obligate member countries utilize soon possible passports combined paper electronic passport contains biographic biometric information authenticate identity embedded chip


Summary:
State Refugee Security Act of 2015

This bill directs the Office of Refugee Resettlement to notify the state agency responsible for coordinating the placement or resettlement of an alien refugee not later than 21 days before the alien's arrival in the state.

No alien refugee shall be placed or resettled in a state if the governor certifies to the Office of Refugee Resettlement that it has failed, in the sole determination of the governor, to provide adequate assurance that such person does not present a security risk to the state.

bill directs office_of_refugee_resettlement notify state agency responsible coordinating placement resettlement alien refugee later days alien arrival state alien refugee shall placed resettled state governor certifies office_of_refugee_resettlement failed sole determination governor provide adequate assurance person present security risk state


Summary:
Protecting American Jobs Act

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to reduce the fiscal year cap on H-1B nonimmigrant visas (specialty occupations) from 65,000 to 50,000.

If for a fiscal year more than 50,000 H-1B petitions are filed, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall allocate available visas to petitions for those workers who will earn the highest wages.

IF H-1B visa petitions seek more than 20,000 aliens who have earned a master's or higher degree from a U.S. institution of higher education, DHS shall also allocate the available visas for those petitions seeking such workers who will earn the highest wages.

protecting american jobs act bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act reduce fiscal year cap h-1b nonimmigrant visas specialty occupations fiscal year h-1b petitions filed department_of_homeland_security dhs shall allocate available visas petitions workers earn highest wages h-1b visa petitions seek aliens earned master higher degree institution higher education dhs shall allocate available visas petitions seeking workers earn highest wages


Summary:
American Jobs First Act of 2015

This bill amends the the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise the H-1B nonimmigrant visa (specialty occupation) program, including by declaring that a petitioner employer:

 must offer an annual wage to the H-1B nonimmigrant that is the greater of the annual wage paid to the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident employee who did identical or similar work during the previous 2 years, or $110,000, if offered not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act (with an annual inflation adjustment); will not require an H-1B nonimmigrant to pay a penalty for ending employment before the agreed on date; will not replace or contract to replace a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident with one or more nonimmigrants; has not displaced, terminated without cause, or otherwise involuntarily separated a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident employee during the four-year period beginning two years before the H-1B visa petition was filed; and shall attest in the H-1B application that during the previous two-year period there has not been an employee-initiated strike or an employer-initiated lockout, and that no employee in the same or substantially similar occupational classification has been displaced, terminated without cause, or otherwise involuntarily separated without cause. The bill also revises penalty and transparency requirements, and eliminates the H-1B-dependent employer category.

The Department of Labor shall establish a process for the receipt, investigation, and disposition of complaints respecting an employer's: (1) failure to meet an application condition, or (2) misrepresentation of material facts in an application.

No nonimmigrant foreign student present in the United States may be provided U.S. employment authorization under the optional practical training program (or any successor program) without an express Act of Congress authorizing such a program.

 An H-1B nonimmigrant must have a doctorate or post-doctorate degree, or the foreign equivalent of such a degree.

A nonimmigrant with an undergraduate degree or a combination of undergraduate and masters degrees (or the foreign equivalents) must have at least 10 years of relevant post-degree experience for program eligibility.

The bill gives employment placement priority to a nonimmigrant with one or more doctorate or post-doctorate degrees from a U.S.-based university.

Foreign educational institutions must have educational standards certification from Labor.

An employer may not require a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident employee to sign any nondisparagement or nondisclosure agreement that conditions receipt of any financial or nonfinancial benefit from the employer upon the nondisclosure of the employer's potential misuse of the H-1B visa program.

A U.S. district court shall have jurisdiction to address civil actions by any person claiming H-1B program misuse. A U.S. court of appeals shall have jurisdiction over related appeals for cases originating from a U.S. district court within that circuit. The Supreme Court shall have jurisdiction to address appeals of civil actions by any person claiming H-1B program misuse for cases originating from any U.S. court of appeals.

The bill eliminates the diversity visa lottery program.

american bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act revise h-1b nonimmigrant visa specialty occupation program including declaring petitioner employer offer annual wage h-1b nonimmigrant greater annual wage paid citizen lawful permanent resident employee identical similar work previous years offered later year date enactment act annual inflation adjustment require h-1b nonimmigrant pay penalty ending employment agreed date replace contract replace citizen lawful permanent resident nonimmigrants displaced terminated cause involuntarily separated citizen lawful permanent resident employee year period beginning years h-1b visa petition filed shall attest h-1b application previous year period employee initiated strike employer initiated lockout employee substantially similar occupational classification displaced terminated cause involuntarily separated cause bill revises penalty transparency requirements eliminates h-1b dependent employer category department_of_labor shall establish process receipt investigation disposition complaints respecting employer failure meet application condition misrepresentation material facts application nonimmigrant foreign student present united_states provided employment authorization optional practical training program successor program express act congress authorizing program h-1b nonimmigrant doctorate post doctorate degree foreign equivalent degree nonimmigrant undergraduate degree combination undergraduate masters degrees foreign equivalents years relevant post degree experience program eligibility bill gives employment placement priority nonimmigrant doctorate post doctorate degrees university foreign educational institutions educational standards certification labor employer require citizen lawful permanent resident employee sign nondisclosure agreement conditions receipt financial nonfinancial benefit employer nondisclosure employer potential misuse h-1b visa program district court shall jurisdiction address civil actions person claiming h-1b program misuse court appeals shall jurisdiction related appeals cases originating district court circuit supreme_court shall jurisdiction address appeals civil actions person claiming h-1b program misuse cases originating court appeals bill eliminates diversity visa lottery program


Summary:
This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to reauthorize the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) through FY2020. SCAAP provides payments to state, local, and tribal governments to offset the costs of incarcerating certain undocumented criminal aliens.

It expands the definition of “undocumented criminal alien” to include an alien who has been charged with a felony or two or more misdemeanors.

Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Justice to reimburse a state, local, or tribal government for costs to incarcerate a criminal alien whose immigration status cannot be verified by the Department of Homeland Security. (Currently, a criminal alien with lawful immigration status does not meet the criteria for SCAAP reimbursement.)

bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act reauthorize fy2020 scaap provides payments state local tribal governments offset costs incarcerating certain undocumented criminal aliens expands definition undocumented criminal alien include alien charged felony misdemeanors additionally bill directs department_of_justice reimburse state local tribal government costs criminal alien immigration status verified department_of_homeland_security currently criminal alien lawful immigration status meet criteria scaap reimbursement


Summary: This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to search all public records, including Internet sites and social media profiles, to determine if an alien applying for admission to the United States is inadmissible under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

bill requires department_of_homeland_security search public records including internet sites social media profiles determine alien applying admission united_states inadmissible immigration nationality act


Summary:
21st Century Visa Vetting Act

This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to search open source information, including Internet sites and social media postings, of an alien who applies for a visa to enter the United States to determine if the alien is inadmissible under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

21st century visa vetting act bill authorizes department_of_homeland_security search open source information including internet sites social media alien applies visa enter united_states determine alien inadmissible immigration nationality act


Summary:
Defend America Act of 2015

 This bill prohibits, until the President certifies that specified provisions of this Act have been carried out, the refugee admission of any alien (covered alien) who is:

 applying for admission to the United States as a refugee, and is a national or resident of Iraq or Syria, has no known nationality and whose last habitual residence was in Iraq or in Syria, or has been present in Iraq or in Syria at any time on or after March 1, 2011; not a citizen of Iraq who is or was employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq on or after March 20, 2003, for at least one year, and provided documented, valuable service to the U.S. government; not the spouse or child of such alien; and not an infant child without living parents who is younger than four years of age. In addition to any Department of State or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) screenings, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) shall ensure that each covered alien receives a background investigation before U.S refugee admission.

A covered alien may:

 not be admitted as a refugee until the FBI certifies to DHS and the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) that he or she has received a background investigation sufficient to determine whether the person is a U.S. security threat, and whether the person has provided support to any foreign terrorist organization; and only be admitted to the United States after DHS, with the unanimous concurrence of the FBI and the DNI, certifies to Congress that the person is not such a threat. The Inspector General of DHS shall conduct annual risk-based reviews of all certifications.

The Immigration and Nationality Act is amended to require the State Department, before a refugee's resettlement in a state, to give the governor specified personal information about the person.

The use of social media to promote terrorism shall be a grounds for inadmissibility.

Any alien shall be ineligible for visa waiver program participation who:

 has been present, at any time on or after March 1, 2011, in Iraq or Syria, in a country designated as one that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism, or in any other country or area of concern designated by DHS; and regardless of whether the alien is a national of a visa waiver program country, is a national of Iraq or Syria, a country designated as a country that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism, or any other country or area of concern. Such prohibitions shall not apply to an alien who was present in such a country to perform military or official government service for a program country.

DHS may waive such prohibitions if in U.S. law enforcement or national security interests.

DHS shall review annually whether such prohibitions shall apply to any country or area, based on specified considerations.

A program country shall:

 screen travelers to determine if they are using stolen or lost travel documents; report the loss or theft of one of its national's passports to the United States within 24 hours; with certain exceptions, certify to DHS that it is screening each entering or departing non-citizen or non-national for unlawful activity by using Interpol databases and notices, or other means designated by DHS; enter into and comply with an agreement with the United States to assist in the operation of an air marshal program; comply with U.S. aviation and airport security standards; and certify that it issues to its citizens machine-readable, electronic passports that comply with the biometric and document identifying standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization. DHS may terminate a country's program status for noncompliance, subject to specified conditions for reinstatement.

 By April 1, 2016, every citizen or national of a visa waiver program country who is cleared to travel to the United States under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) shall possess a valid, unexpired, tamper-resistant, machine-readable passport that incorporates complying biometric and document authentication identifiers.

In determining whether to designate a country as a program country or whether a program country should retain its designation, DHS shall consider specified questions.

DHS shall:

 evaluate program countries to identify those from which the admission of nationals would present a high risk to U.S. national security; research opportunities to incorporate anti-fraud/deception technology into ESTA; and collect from an applicant information on any additional or previous countries of citizenship, and consider such information when making admissions determinations. The bill expresses the sense of Congress concerning establishment of electronic passport standards by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The State Department shall prioritize the issuance of special immigrant visas for certain Iraqi and Afghan translators who worked with the U.S. government or Armed Forces.

defend america act bill prohibits president certifies specified provisions act carried refugee admission alien covered alien applying admission united_states refugee national resident iraq syria known nationality habitual residence iraq syria present iraq syria time march citizen iraq employed behalf government iraq march year provided documented valuable service government spouse child alien infant child living parents younger years age addition department_of_state department_of_homeland_security dhs screenings federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi shall ensure covered alien receives background investigation refugee admission covered alien admitted refugee fbi certifies dhs director national_intelligence dni received background investigation sufficient determine person security threat person provided support foreign terrorist organization admitted united_states dhs unanimous concurrence fbi dni certifies congress person threat inspector general dhs shall conduct annual risk based reviews certifications immigration nationality act amended require state_department refugee resettlement state governor specified personal information person use social media promote terrorism shall grounds inadmissibility alien shall ineligible visa waiver program participation present time march iraq syria country designated repeatedly provided support acts international terrorism country area concern designated dhs regardless alien national visa waiver program country national iraq syria country designated country repeatedly provided support acts international terrorism country area concern prohibitions shall apply alien present country perform military official government service program country dhs waive prohibitions law enforcement national security interests dhs shall review annually prohibitions shall apply country area based specified considerations program country shall screen travelers determine stolen lost travel documents report loss theft national passports united_states hours certain exceptions certify dhs screening entering departing non citizen non national unlawful activity interpol databases notices means designated dhs enter comply agreement united_states assist operation air marshal program comply aviation airport security standards certify issues citizens machine readable electronic passports comply biometric document identifying standards established international_civil_aviation_organization dhs terminate country program status noncompliance subject specified conditions reinstatement april citizen national visa waiver program country cleared travel united_states electronic system travel authorization shall possess valid unexpired tamper resistant machine readable passport incorporates complying biometric document authentication identifiers determining designate country program country program country retain designation dhs shall consider specified questions dhs shall evaluate program countries identify admission nationals present high risk national security research opportunities incorporate anti fraud deception technology collect applicant information additional previous countries citizenship consider information making admissions determinations bill expresses sense congress concerning establishment electronic passport standards international_civil_aviation_organization state_department shall prioritize issuance special immigrant visas certain iraqi afghan translators worked government armed_forces


Summary:
Cuban Immigrant Work Opportunity Act of 2016

This bill amends the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, and the Immigration and Nationality Act to make Cuban nationals who enter the United States on or after the enactment of this Act ineligible for refugee/parolee assistance.

The Inspector General of the Social Security Administration shall report to Congress on methods for enforcing the loss of eligibility under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act by persons who are absent from the United States for at least one month.

cuban immigrant work opportunity act bill amends personal_responsibility_and_work_opportunity reconciliation act immigration_and_nationality_act cuban nationals enter united_states enactment act ineligible refugee parolee assistance inspector general social_security_administration shall report congress methods enforcing loss eligibility title social security act persons absent united_states month


Summary:
Equal Protection in Travel Act of 2016

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the prohibition against participation in the visa waiver program of an alien who, regardless of whether the alien is a national of a program country, is a national of: (1) Iraq or Syria, (2) a country designated as a country that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism, or (3) any other country or area of concern.

bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act eliminate prohibition participation visa waiver program alien regardless alien national program country national iraq syria country designated country repeatedly provided support acts international terrorism country area concern