Summary: Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2011 or DREAM Act of 2011 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to cancel the removal of, and adjust to the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence on a conditional basis, an alien who: (1) entered the United States on or before his or her 15th birthday and has been present in the United States for five years preceding this Act's enactment; (2) is a person of good moral character; (3) is not inadmissible under specified grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act; (4) has not participated in the persecution of any person on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion; (5) has not been convicted of certain offenses under federal or state law; (6) has been admitted to an institution of higher education (IHE) in the United States or has earned a high school diploma or general education development certificate in the United States; and (7) was age 35 or younger on the date of this Act's enactment. Authorizes the Secretary to waive specified grounds of inadmissibility for humanitarian, family unity, or public interest purposes. Requires an alien to apply for cancellation of removal and conditional permanent resident status within one year after the later of: (1) earning a high school diploma or general education development certificate in the United States, or (2) the effective date of related final regulations. Requires prior to the granting of conditional permanent resident status that: (1) an alien submit biometric and biographic data, and (2) the Secretary has completed security and law enforcement background checks. Requires an alien applying for conditional permanent resident status to: (1) register under the Military Selective Service Act if so required, and (2) undergo a medical examination. Prohibits the Secretary or the Attorney General (DOJ) from removing an alien with a pending application who establishes prima facie eligibility for cancellation of removal and conditional permanent resident status. Directs the Attorney General to stay the removal proceedings of an alien who: (1) meets the requirements (other than that pertaining to secondary school diploma or post-secondary school) for cancellation of removal and conditional adjustment, and (2) is at least five years of age and enrolled full-time in a primary or secondary school. Establishes a six-year period of conditional permanent resident status. Terminates such status if the alien: (1) ceases to be a person of good moral character or becomes inadmissible under specified grounds, or (2) did not receive an honorable military discharge. Authorizes the Secretary to remove the conditional basis of an alien's permanent resident status if the alien: (1) has demonstrated good moral character; (2) is not inadmissible under specified grounds; (3) has not abandoned U.S. residency; (4) has earned an IHE degree (or has completed at least two years in a bachelor's or higher degree program) in the United States, or has served in the Armed Forces for at least two years ( and if discharged, was honorably discharged); and (5) has provided a list of each secondary school attended in the United States. Authorizes, and sets forth the criteria for, a hardship exception to such requirements. Requires an alien prior to having his or her conditional status removed to have: (1) satisfied citizenship requirements, (2) submitted biometric and biographic data, and (3) have had security and law enforcement background checks completed. Requires an alien seeking to have such conditional status removed to file an application during the period beginning six months prior to, and ending on, the date that is later of: (1) six years after the date the alien was initially granted conditional permanent resident status, or (2) any extended expiration date of the alien's conditional permanent resident status. Prohibits an alien from applying for naturalization while he or she is in conditional permanent resident status. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) confidentiality of information, (2) required disclosure, (3) application fraud, and (4) penalties for false application statements or misuse of information. Makes an alien in conditional permanent resident status eligible only for the following programs with respect to assistance under title IV of the Higher Education Assistance Act of 1965: (1) Ford or Perkins loans, (2) work-study programs, and (3) educational services. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to repeal the denial of an unlawful alien's eligibility for higher education benefits based on state residence unless a U.S. national is similarly eligible without regard to such state residence.

development relief education alien minors act dream act authorizes secretary homeland_security dhs cancel removal adjust status alien lawfully admitted permanent residence conditional basis alien entered united_states 15th birthday present united_states years preceding act enactment person good moral character inadmissible specified grounds immigration_and_nationality_act participated persecution person account race religion nationality membership particular social group political opinion convicted certain offenses federal state law admitted institution higher education ihe united_states earned high school diploma general education development certificate united_states age younger date act enactment authorizes secretary waive specified grounds inadmissibility humanitarian family unity public interest purposes requires alien apply cancellation removal conditional permanent resident status year later earning high school diploma general education development certificate united_states effective date related final regulations requires prior granting conditional permanent resident status alien submit biometric biographic data secretary completed security law enforcement background checks requires alien applying conditional permanent resident status register military_selective_service_act required undergo medical examination prohibits secretary attorney general doj removing alien pending application establishes prima facie eligibility cancellation removal conditional permanent resident status directs attorney general stay removal proceedings alien meets requirements pertaining secondary school diploma post secondary school cancellation removal conditional adjustment years age enrolled time primary secondary school establishes year period conditional permanent resident status terminates status alien ceases person good moral character inadmissible specified grounds receive honorable military discharge authorizes secretary remove conditional basis alien permanent resident status alien demonstrated good moral character inadmissible specified grounds abandoned residency earned ihe degree completed years bachelor higher degree program united_states served armed_forces years discharged honorably discharged provided list secondary school attended united_states authorizes sets forth criteria hardship exception requirements requires alien prior having conditional status removed satisfied citizenship requirements submitted biometric biographic data security law enforcement background checks completed requires alien seeking conditional status removed file application period beginning months prior ending date later years date alien initially granted conditional permanent resident status extended expiration date alien conditional permanent resident status prohibits alien applying naturalization conditional permanent resident status sets forth provisions confidentiality information required disclosure application fraud penalties false application statements misuse information makes alien conditional permanent resident status eligible following programs respect assistance title higher education assistance act perkins loans work study programs educational services amends illegal immigration reform immigrant responsibility act repeal denial unlawful alien eligibility higher education benefits based state residence national similarly eligible regard state residence


Summary: Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act of 2011 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt from worldwide or numerical limitations on immigrant visas the sons and daughters of Filipino World War II veterans who were naturalized under the Immigration Act of 1990 or other specified federal law.

filipino veterans family reunification act amends immigration nationality act exempt worldwide numerical limitations immigrant visas sons daughters filipino world war veterans naturalized immigration act specified federal law


Summary: Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to make the E-Verify program permanent. Requires: (1) federal departments, agencies, contractors, and critical employers to participate in E-Verify; (2) all U.S. employers to participate in E-Verify within one year of enactment of this Act; and (3) employers using a contract, subcontract, or exchange to obtain labor to certify that they utilize E-Verify. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to require the E-Verify participation of an employer or class of employers if the Secretary has reasonable cause to believe that the employer is or has been in material violation of the employment eligibility verification process under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Treats an employers failure to use E-Verify as a violation of the INA requirement to verify employment eligibility and creates a reputable presumption that the employer knowingly hired, recruited, or referred an illegal alien. Increases civil and criminal penalties for specified hiring-related violations. Establishes a good faith civil penalty exemption/reduction for certain hiring-related violations. Authorizes the debarment from federal contract, grant, or cooperative agreement participation for employers who are convicted of specified hiring related crimes or who have repeatedly committed specified hiring-related violations. Prohibits state and local governments from prohibiting employers from using E-Verify to determine the employment eligibility of new hires or current employees. Authorizes the verification of individuals before they are hired, recruited, or referred if the individual so consents. Requires employers to: (1) use E-Verify to verify the identity and employment eligibility of any individual who has not been previously verified through E-Verify not later than three years after enactment of this Act, (2) reverify the work authorization of individuals not later than three days after the date on which their employment authorization is due to expire, and (3) terminate an employee following receipt of a final E-Verify nonconfirmation and submit to DHS information the Secretary determines would assist in enforcing or administering U.S. immigration laws. Requires: (1) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to report weekly to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding each person receiving a final E-Verify nonconfirmation; and (2) the Social Security Administration (SSA), DHS, and the Department of the Treasury (DOT) to establish an information sharing program. Provides for elimination of the Form I-9 process. Sets forth E-Verify design and operation requirements. Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) provide that illegal aliens possessing or otherwise using false identification information not their own can be punished for identity fraud, and (2) subject a person who uses false identity information in furtherance of harboring or hiring illegal aliens to a fine and/or penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Requires USCIS to establish a demonstration program to assist small businesses in rural areas or areas without Internet capabilities to verify employment eligibility through the use of publicly accessible Internet terminals. Rescinds from all unobligated funds that have been appropriated for discretionary purposes an amount equal to the amount necessary to carry out this Act.

immigrant responsibility act verify program permanent requires federal departments agencies contractors critical employers participate verify employers participate verify year enactment act employers contract subcontract exchange obtain labor certify utilize verify directs secretary homeland_security dhs require verify participation employer class employers secretary reasonable cause believe employer material violation employment eligibility verification process immigration nationality act ina treats failure use verify violation ina requirement verify employment eligibility creates reputable presumption employer knowingly hired recruited referred illegal alien increases civil criminal penalties specified hiring related violations establishes good faith civil penalty exemption reduction certain hiring related violations authorizes debarment federal contract grant cooperative agreement participation employers convicted specified hiring related crimes repeatedly committed specified hiring related violations prohibits state local governments prohibiting employers verify determine employment eligibility new hires current employees authorizes verification individuals hired recruited referred individual consents requires employers use verify verify identity employment eligibility individual previously verified verify later years enactment act reverify work authorization individuals later days date employment authorization expire terminate employee following receipt final verify submit dhs information secretary determines assist enforcing administering immigration laws requires citizenship_and_immigration_services uscis report weekly person receiving final verify social_security_administration ssa dhs department_of_the_treasury dot establish information sharing program provides elimination form i-9 process sets forth verify design operation requirements amends federal criminal code provide illegal aliens possessing false identification information punished identity fraud subject person uses false identity information furtherance harboring hiring illegal aliens fine penalty years prison requires uscis establish demonstration program assist small businesses rural areas areas internet capabilities verify employment eligibility use publicly accessible internet terminals rescinds unobligated funds appropriated discretionary purposes equal necessary carry act


Summary: Refugee Protection Act of 2011 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) eliminate the one-year time limit for filing an asylum claim; and (2) permit, and set forth the requirements for, reopening a claim that was denied because of failure to file within one year. Revises the definition of terrorist activity for purposes of alien inadmissibility. Excludes activity committed under duress from such definition. Revises: (1) the definition of refugee, and (2) the criteria for granting asylum. Authorizes the Attorney General to appoint counsel to represent an alien in a removal proceeding. Prohibits an alien from being removed during the 30-day petition for review period unless the alien indicates in writing that he or she wishes to be removed before the expiration of such period. Makes discretionary certain currently required detention provisions regarding arriving aliens who request asylum. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) establish a secure alternatives to detention program, (2) establish specified conditions of detention, (3) file notice of immigration charges with the court and the individual within 48 hours of detention, and (4) establish procedures to ensure the accuracy of statements taken by DHS employees exercising expedited removal authority. Authorizes the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom to conduct a study to determine whether certain immigration officers are properly handling asylum and removal/detention authority with regard to aliens apprehended after entering the United States. Authorizes waiver of the continuous one-year presence requirement for permanent resident status adjustment for a qualifying refugee/asylee who: (1) is or was employed by the U.S. government or a U.S. government contractor for not more than one year overseas and worked on behalf of the U.S. government for such time, and (2) returns immediately to the United States upon such employment's conclusion. Exempts aliens under the age of 18 from certain restrictions on applying for asylum. Sets forth protections for: (1) refugees; (2) aliens interdicted at sea; and (2) stateless persons in the United States, including mechanisms for regularizing status. Authorizes the President to designate refugee groups. Permits applicants for refugee admission to simultaneously pursue other forms of admission. Authorizes the spouse or child of a refugee or asylee to bring his or her accompanying or following child into the United States as a refugee or asylee. States that if the President does not issue a refugee allocation determination before the beginning of a fiscal year the number of refugees that may be admitted in each quarter shall be 25% of the number of refugees admissible during the previous fiscal year. Directs the Secretary of State to notify Congress regarding the amount of funds that will be provided in Reception and Placement Grants in the coming fiscal year. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006, with respect to naturalization of an Afghan or Iraqi translator who is a lawful permanent resident, to count a period of absence from the United States working as a translator for the United States or a U.S. contractor in Afghanistan or Iraq towards the accumulation of the required U.S. physical presence. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the Office of Refugee Resettlement's domestic refugee resettlement programs. Revises the refugee grant and contract assistance allocation formula. Directs the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Refugee and Asylee Resettlement (HHS) to: (1) report to Congress regarding states experiencing departures and arrivals due to secondary migration; and (2) expand the Office's data analysis, collection, and sharing activities to include data on mental and physical medical cases, housing needs, and refugee employment. Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to extend the eligibility of certain aliens (including asylees and refugees) and victims of trafficking in persons for supplemental security income (SSI) assistance.

refugee protection act amends immigration nationality act eliminate year time limit filing asylum claim permit set forth requirements reopening claim denied failure file year revises definition terrorist activity purposes alien inadmissibility excludes activity committed duress definition revises definition refugee criteria granting asylum authorizes attorney general appoint counsel represent alien removal proceeding prohibits alien removed day petition review period alien indicates writing wishes removed expiration period makes discretionary certain currently required detention provisions arriving aliens request asylum directs secretary homeland_security dhs establish secure alternatives detention program establish specified conditions detention file notice immigration charges court individual hours detention establish procedures ensure accuracy statements taken dhs employees exercising expedited removal authority authorizes united_states_commission international religious freedom conduct study determine certain immigration officers properly handling asylum removal detention authority regard aliens apprehended entering united_states authorizes waiver continuous year presence requirement permanent resident status adjustment qualifying refugee asylee employed government government contractor year overseas worked behalf government time returns immediately united_states employment conclusion exempts aliens age certain restrictions applying asylum sets forth protections refugees aliens interdicted sea stateless persons united_states including mechanisms regularizing status authorizes president designate refugee groups permits applicants refugee admission simultaneously pursue forms admission authorizes spouse child refugee asylee bring accompanying following child united_states refugee asylee states president issue refugee allocation determination beginning fiscal year number refugees admitted quarter shall number refugees admissible previous fiscal year directs secretary state notify congress funds provided reception coming fiscal year amends national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year respect naturalization afghan iraqi translator lawful permanent resident count period absence united_states working translator united_states contractor afghanistan iraq accumulation required physical presence directs comptroller general conduct study office_of_refugee_resettlement domestic refugee resettlement programs revises refugee grant contract assistance allocation formula directs assistant secretary health_and_human_services_for_refugee asylee resettlement hhs report congress states experiencing departures arrivals secondary migration expand office data analysis collection sharing activities include data mental physical medical cases housing needs refugee employment amends personal_responsibility_and_work_opportunity reconciliation act extend eligibility certain aliens including asylees refugees victims trafficking persons supplemental security income ssi assistance


Summary: Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2011 - Creates a lawful prospective immigrant status for a qualifying alien present in the United States, as well as for such alien's qualifying spouse and children who may be outside the United States. Provides for status adjustment to lawful permanent resident. Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2011 or the DREAM Act of 2011 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to cancel the removal of, and adjust to the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence on a conditional basis, an alien who: (1) entered the United States on or before his or her 15th birthday and has been present in the United States for five years preceding this Act's enactment; (2) is a person of good moral character; (3) is not inadmissible under specified grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act; (4) has not participated in the persecution of any person on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion; (5) has not been convicted of certain offenses under federal or state law; (6) has been admitted to an institution of higher education (IHE) in the United States or has earned a high school diploma or general education development certificate in the United States; and (7) was age 35 or younger on the date of this Act's enactment. Provides for status adjustment to lawful permanent resident. Directs the Attorney General (DOJ) to stay the removal proceedings of an alien who meets certain requirements and who is at least five years of age and enrolled full-time in a primary or secondary school. Limits the eligibility of an alien in conditional permanent resident status for higher education assistance. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to repeal the denial of an unlawful alien's eligibility for higher education benefits based on state residence unless a U.S. national is similarly eligible without regard to such state residence. Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits, and Security Act of 2011 or the AgJOBS Act of 2011 - Confers "blue card status" upon an alien who has fulfilled specified periods of agricultural employment in the United States, is otherwise admissible, and has not been convicted of specified crimes. Provides for adjustment to permanent resident status if the alien has fulfilled other specified periods of agricultural employment in the United States. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise H-2A visa (agricultural labor or temporary or seasonal services) provisions. Establishes the Commission on Agricultural Wage Standards under the H-2A program. Revises unlawful presence inadmissibility provisions, including family-unity based exceptions. Establishes in the Treasury: (1) the Department of Homeland Security Legalization Program Account, and (2) the Immigration Reform Penalty Account. Sets forth immigration-related worksite enforcement provisions, including provisions regarding: (1) unlawful employment of aliens, (2) document verification, (3) the employment verification system, and (4) responsibilities of the Social Security Administration (SSA). Permits the disclosure of certain taxpayer information to DHS. Requires the issuance of: (1) fraud-, tamper-, and wear-resistant Social Security cards; and (2) machine-readable, tamper-resistant employment authorization documents with biometric identifiers. Makes it an unfair immigration employment practice to discriminate based on national origin or citizenship status. Revises immigration-related activities of the SSA and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Authorizes appropriations for responsibilities under this Act for: (1) DHS, (2) SSA, (3) the DOJ, and (4) the Department of State. Prohibits the adjustment of an alien in lawful prospective immigrant status to the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence until specified border related enhancements in personnel and resources are established, funded, and operational. Provides for additional: (1) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel; (2) Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) personnel; (3) DHS personnel assigned to investigate alien smuggling; (4) immigration litigation attorneys; (5) ports of entry along the northern and southern borders; and (6) equipment and assets along the borders, including unmanned aerial systems, cameras, sensors, satellites, and radar coverage. Directs the Secretary of State to report annually regarding the exchange of North American immigration, law enforcement, and security information among the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Provides for: (1) increased border-related cooperation with Mexico, and (2) expansion of Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism programs. Provides reimbursement for state and county prosecutors in border states for prosecuting federally initiated and referred drug cases. Authorizes border relief grants for tribal, state, or local law enforcement and related agencies in proximity to the border or in a designated High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. Establishes the Immigration and United States-Mexico Border Enforcement Commission. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to set out the scope of state and local immigration-related enforcement authority. Directs the Secretaries of Homeland Security, Interior, Agriculture, Defense, and Commerce to develop a border protection strategy. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a Border Communities Liaison Office in every Border Patrol sector on the southern or northern border. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) establish a visa exit tracking system, and (2) equip all U.S. ports of entry with the United States-Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology system (US-VISIT). Increases: (1) civil penalties for illegal entry; (2) fines and penalties for the reentry of previously removed aliens; and (3) penalties concerning stowaways, vessels, and aircraft. Revises voluntary departure provisions. Authorizes appropriations for the state criminal alien assistance program (SCAAP). Sets forth provisions regarding issuance of detainers by DHS personnel for aliens apprehended by state or local law enforcement officials for controlled substance violations. Revises passport, visa, and immigration fraud provisions. Directs: (1) the United States Sentencing Commission to promulgate or amend passport fraud sentencing guidelines, and (2) the Attorney General to develop immigration fraud prosecution guidelines. Expands the definition of conveyances subject to forfeiture for smuggling. Requires commercial vehicles transporting passengers from outside the United States to a U.S. airport or seaport to provide arrival/departure manifests. Authorizes DHS to share manifest and passenger name information with other government authorities, including foreign governments. Subjects an operator of a vessel or motor vehicle to fine and/or imprisonment for evading a federal checkpoint. Authorizes grants for Indian tribes adversely affected by illegal immigration. Authorizes Department of State and Foreign Service special agents to investigate: (1) illegal passport or visa issuance or use, (2) Department-related identity theft and document fraud, and (3) federal offenses committed in the special maritime and territorial jurisdictions (nonmilitary) of the United States. Makes inadmissible and deportable convicted alien: (1) sex offenders who fail to register, and (2) street gang members. Sets forth, with respect to immigration-related enforcement activities: (1) protections for vulnerable populations, (2) apprehension procedures of more than 10 people involving children, and (3) detention procedures for families with children. Requires the creation of secure alternatives to detention (excluding alien terrorists). Enumerates humane detention conditions, including conditions for children and vulnerable populations. Requires the appointment of a detention commission. Authorizes access to counsel for aliens in removal proceedings. Directs the Attorney General to establish a National Legal Orientation Support and Training Center to ensure quality and consistent implementation of group legal orientation programs nationwide. Sets forth protections for: (1) refugees, including designation of refugee groups; and (2) stateless persons in the United States, including mechanisms for regularizing status. Establishes in DHS a position of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Ombudsman. Eliminates the one-year time limit for filing an asylum claim. Establishes the Standing Commission on Foreign Workers, Labor Markets, and the National Interest to establish employment-based immigration policies that promote economic growth while minimizing job displacement, wage depression, and unauthorized employment in the United States. Revises family and employment based immigrant visa provisions. Recaptures unused FY1992-FY2007 visas. Increases immigration visas for: (1) sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and (2) brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. Provides a specified visa allocation for the unmarried sons and unmarried daughters of permanent resident aliens. Exempts certain aliens with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics from numerical limits. Revises the definition of "immediate relative" to include the spouse and child of a lawful permanent resident. Establishes a status adjustment process for certain military family members. Redefines "child" to include a stepchild under 21 years old. Provides specified relief for orphans and widows/widowers. Authorizes the status adjustment of a fiance/fiancee or alien spouse and any minor children (K-visa) to conditional permanent resident status if such alien marries a petitioner within three months after U.S. admission. Exempts children of certain naturalized Filipino World War II veterans from worldwide or numerical immigrant limitations. Permits workers who are eligible for permanent resident status adjustment but for whom a visa number is unavailable to apply for adjustment. Uniting American Families Act of 2011 - Includes a "permanent partner" within the scope of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Defines a "permanent partner" as an individual 18 or older who: (1) is in a committed, intimate relationship with another individual 18 or older in which both individuals intend a lifelong commitment; (2) is financially interdependent with the other individual; (3) is not married to, or in a permanent partnership with, anyone other than the individual; (4) is unable to contract with the other individual a marriage cognizable under this Act; and (5) is not a first, second, or third degree blood relation of the other individual. Creating American Jobs Through Foreign Capital Investment Act - Amends the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 to make the EB-5 visa (alien investor) regional center program permanent. Eliminates sunset provisions for: (1) the J-1 visa waiver (Conrad state 30/medical services in underserved areas) program, and (2) the special immigrant nonminister religious worker program. Extends the H-1C visa program providing nonimmigrant nurses in health professional shortage areas. Revises entry provisions for H-1B visa foreign medical graduates and provides for an increase under specified conditions in the annual per-state cap of 30 foreign doctors. Exempts from worldwide immigration numerical limitations alien physicians who have completed state waiver or exemption service requirements, including alien physicians who completed such service before the date of enactment of this Act. Includes nationals of Ireland coming to the United States under a treaty of commerce to perform specialty occupation services in the nonimmigrant E-3 visa category. Authorizes: (1) temporary workers (E, H, I, L O, or P visas) who have not violated their status to renew their same category visa from within the United States; and (2) alien spouses of nonimmigrant H-visa aliens to work in the United States. Gives an alien who ceases to be employed by his or her petitioning employer 60 days to leave the United States or apply for a change of status. Protect Our Workers from Exploitation and Retaliation Act or the POWER Act - Excludes from the definition of "immigrant" a nonimmigrant alien who files a petition for status if the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that the alien: (1) has suffered abuse or harm as a result of having been a victim of criminal activity, (2) has suffered substantial abuse or harm related to specified labor or employment violations related to a workplace claim (workplace violation), (3) is a victim of specified criminal activity and would suffer extreme hardship upon removal, (4) has suffered a workplace violation and would suffer extreme hardship upon removal, (5) has been helpful to specified authorities investigating a workplace violation, or (6) is a material witness or is likely to be helpful in the investigation of a workplace claim and fears retaliatory activities by the employer. Sets forth provisions governing procedural requirements and protections in an enforcement action leading to a removal proceeding taken against an alien: (1) as a result of information provided to DHS in retaliation against an individual for exercising employment or other legal rights, (2) at a facility about which a workplace claim has been filed, or (3) who has filed a workplace claim or who is a material witness in any proceeding involving a workplace claim. Amends the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act to allow state leadership activity grants to be used to provide technical assistance to faith and community-based organizations. Directs the National Institute for Literacy to disseminate information regarding integrated English literacy, U.S. history, and civics education programs. Provides grants to states for integrated English literacy, U.S. history, and civics education programs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide: (1) tax credits to teachers of English language learners, (2) tax deductions for the expenses of becoming certified as such teachers, and (3) tax credits for employers' expenses in making adult education and literacy services available to their employees. Requires the Commissioner for Education Research of the National Center for Education Research to establish a national research and development center for adult education and literacy. Establishes the Presidential Award for Business Leadership in Promoting United States Citizenship to be awarded to companies and other organizations that make extraordinary efforts in assisting their employees and members to learn English and increase their understanding of U.S. history and civics. Renames the Office of Citizenship of DHS as the Office of Citizenship and New Americans. Authorizes the Office to make grants to states and subgrants to local governments to assist them in integrating immigrants. Establishes the New Citizens Award program. Provides for the status adjustment to lawful permanent resident of certain: (1) Haitian orphans, and (2) Liberian nationals. Provides grants to state courts for programs to assist individuals with limited English proficiency to access and understand state court proceedings. Provides permanent resident status adjustment for a qualifying alien who was, on September 10, 2001, the spouse, child, or unmarried son or daughter of an alien who died as a direct result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist activity against the United States. Makes such provisions inapplicable to an alien who is inadmissible or deportable under criminal or security grounds, including September 11, 2001, terrorist activity. Directs the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to expand programming that prioritizes alternatives to emigration from countries with the highest rates of irregular migration to the United States. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should review U.S. policy toward Latin America in order to strengthen hemispheric security through the reduction of poverty, expansion of equitable trade, and support for democratic institutions, citizen security, and the rule of law.

comprehensive immigration reform act creates lawful prospective immigrant status qualifying alien present united_states alien qualifying spouse children outside united_states provides status adjustment lawful permanent resident development relief education alien minors act dream act authorizes secretary homeland_security dhs cancel removal adjust status alien lawfully admitted permanent residence conditional basis alien entered united_states 15th birthday present united_states years preceding act enactment person good moral character inadmissible specified grounds immigration_and_nationality_act participated persecution person account race religion nationality membership particular social group political opinion convicted certain offenses federal state law admitted institution higher education ihe united_states earned high school diploma general education development certificate united_states age younger date act enactment provides status adjustment lawful permanent resident directs attorney general doj stay removal proceedings alien meets certain requirements years age enrolled time primary secondary school limits eligibility alien conditional permanent resident status higher education assistance amends illegal immigration reform immigrant responsibility act repeal denial unlawful alien eligibility higher education benefits based state residence national similarly eligible regard state residence agricultural_job_opportunities benefits security act agjobs act confers blue card status alien fulfilled specified periods agricultural employment united_states admissible convicted specified crimes provides adjustment permanent resident status alien fulfilled specified periods agricultural employment united_states amends immigration nationality act revise h-2a visa agricultural labor temporary seasonal services provisions establishes_the_commission agricultural wage standards h-2a program revises unlawful presence inadmissibility provisions including family unity based exceptions establishes treasury department_of_homeland_security legalization program account immigration reform penalty account sets forth immigration related worksite enforcement provisions including provisions unlawful employment aliens document verification employment verification system responsibilities social_security_administration ssa permits disclosure certain taxpayer information dhs requires issuance wear resistant social_security cards machine readable tamper resistant employment authorization documents biometric identifiers makes unfair immigration employment practice discriminate based national origin citizenship status revises immigration related activities ssa internal_revenue_service irs authorizes appropriations responsibilities act dhs ssa doj department_of_state prohibits adjustment alien lawful prospective immigrant status status alien lawfully admitted permanent residence specified border related enhancements personnel resources established funded operational provides additional customs border protection cbp personnel immigration custom enforcement ice personnel dhs personnel assigned investigate alien smuggling immigration litigation attorneys ports entry northern southern borders equipment assets borders including unmanned aerial systems cameras sensors satellites radar coverage directs secretary state report annually exchange north american immigration law enforcement security information united_states canada mexico provides increased border related cooperation mexico expansion customs-trade_partnership_against_terrorism programs provides reimbursement state county prosecutors border states prosecuting federally initiated referred drug cases authorizes border relief grants tribal state local law enforcement related agencies proximity border designated high intensity drug trafficking area establishes immigration united_states mexico border enforcement commission amends immigration nationality act set scope state local immigration related enforcement authority directs secretaries homeland_security interior agriculture defense commerce develop border protection strategy directs secretary homeland_security establish border patrol sector southern northern border directs secretary homeland_security establish visa exit tracking system equip ports entry immigrant status indicator technology system visit increases civil penalties illegal entry fines penalties reentry previously removed aliens penalties concerning vessels aircraft revises voluntary departure provisions authorizes appropriations state criminal alien assistance program scaap sets forth provisions issuance detainers dhs personnel aliens apprehended state local law enforcement officials controlled substance violations revises passport visa immigration fraud provisions directs united_states_sentencing_commission promulgate amend passport fraud sentencing guidelines attorney general develop immigration fraud prosecution guidelines expands definition conveyances subject forfeiture smuggling requires commercial vehicles transporting passengers outside united_states airport seaport provide arrival departure manifests authorizes dhs share manifest passenger information government authorities including foreign governments subjects operator vessel motor vehicle fine imprisonment evading federal checkpoint authorizes grants indian tribes adversely affected illegal immigration foreign_service special agents investigate illegal passport visa issuance use department related identity theft document fraud federal offenses committed special maritime territorial jurisdictions nonmilitary united_states makes inadmissible deportable convicted alien sex offenders fail register street gang members sets forth respect immigration related enforcement activities protections vulnerable populations apprehension procedures people involving children detention procedures families children requires creation secure alternatives detention excluding alien terrorists enumerates humane detention conditions including conditions children vulnerable populations requires appointment detention commission authorizes access counsel aliens removal proceedings directs attorney general establish ensure quality consistent implementation group legal orientation programs nationwide sets forth protections refugees including designation refugee groups stateless persons united_states including mechanisms regularizing status establishes dhs position eliminates year time limit filing asylum claim establishes establish employment based immigration policies promote economic growth minimizing job displacement wage depression unauthorized employment united_states revises family employment based immigrant visa provisions unused fy1992 fy2007 visas increases immigration visas sons daughters citizens brothers sisters citizens provides specified visa allocation unmarried sons unmarried daughters permanent resident aliens exempts certain aliens extraordinary ability sciences arts education business athletics numerical limits revises definition immediate relative include spouse child lawful permanent resident establishes status adjustment process certain military family members redefines child include stepchild years old provides specified relief orphans widows widowers authorizes status adjustment fiance fiancee alien spouse minor children visa conditional permanent resident status alien marries petitioner months admission exempts children certain naturalized filipino world war veterans worldwide numerical immigrant limitations permits workers eligible permanent resident status adjustment visa number unavailable apply adjustment uniting american families act includes permanent partner scope immigration_and_nationality_act defines permanent partner individual older committed intimate relationship individual older individuals intend lifelong commitment financially interdependent individual married permanent partnership individual unable contract individual marriage cognizable act second degree blood relation individual creating american jobs foreign capital investment act amends departments_of_commerce justice state judiciary related agencies appropriations act eb-5 visa alien investor regional center program permanent eliminates sunset provisions j-1 visa waiver conrad state medical services underserved areas program special immigrant religious worker program extends visa program providing nonimmigrant nurses health professional shortage areas revises entry provisions h-1b visa foreign medical graduates provides increase specified conditions annual state cap foreign doctors exempts worldwide immigration numerical limitations alien physicians completed state waiver exemption service requirements including alien physicians completed service date enactment act includes nationals ireland coming united_states treaty commerce perform specialty occupation services nonimmigrant e-3 visa category authorizes temporary workers visas violated status renew category visa united_states alien spouses nonimmigrant visa aliens work united_states gives alien ceases employed petitioning employer days leave united_states apply change status protect workers exploitation retaliation act power act excludes definition immigrant nonimmigrant alien files petition status secretary homeland_security determines alien suffered abuse harm result having victim criminal activity suffered substantial abuse harm related specified labor employment violations related workplace claim workplace violation victim specified criminal activity suffer extreme hardship removal suffered workplace violation suffer extreme hardship removal helpful specified authorities investigating workplace violation material witness likely helpful investigation workplace claim retaliatory activities employer sets forth provisions governing procedural requirements protections enforcement action leading removal proceeding taken alien result information provided dhs retaliation individual exercising employment legal rights facility workplace claim filed filed workplace claim material witness proceeding involving workplace claim amends adult_education family literacy act allow state leadership activity grants provide technical assistance faith community based organizations directs national_institute_for_literacy disseminate information integrated english literacy history civics education programs provides grants states integrated english literacy history civics education programs amends internal revenue code provide tax credits teachers english language learners tax deductions expenses certified teachers tax credits employers expenses making adult education literacy services available employees requires commissioner education research national_center_for_education_research establish national research development center adult education literacy establishes presidential_award_for_business_leadership citizenship awarded companies organizations extraordinary efforts assisting employees members learn english increase understanding history civics renames office_of_citizenship new americans authorizes office grants states subgrants local governments assist integrating immigrants establishes new citizens award program provides status adjustment lawful permanent resident certain haitian orphans liberian nationals provides grants state courts programs assist individuals limited english proficiency access understand state court proceedings provides permanent resident status adjustment qualifying alien september spouse child unmarried son daughter alien died direct result september terrorist activity united_states makes provisions inapplicable alien inadmissible deportable criminal security grounds including september terrorist activity directs international_development usaid expand programming prioritizes alternatives countries highest rates irregular migration united_states expresses sense congress secretary state review policy latin_america order strengthen security reduction poverty expansion equitable trade support democratic institutions citizen security rule law


Summary: Immigration Fraud Prevention Act of 2011 - Amends the federal criminal code to subject to a fine, up to five years in prison, or both a person who: (1) knowingly and falsely represents that he or she is an attorney or accredited representative authorized to represent aliens in immigration proceedings, including removal proceedings; or (2) knowingly executes an immigration-related scheme to defraud a person, or to receive money or anything of value from any person by false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Attorney General (DOJ) to: (1) compile and update a list of persons who have provided pro bono representation during the most recent 12-month period to aliens in removal proceedings; and (2) compile, update, and make available to the public a list of individuals, organizations, and practices determined to be prohibited in the provision of representation in immigration proceedings, including individuals that have been convicted of immigration fraud under provisions of this Act.

immigration fraud prevention act amends federal criminal code subject fine years prison person knowingly falsely represents attorney accredited representative authorized represent aliens immigration proceedings including removal proceedings knowingly immigration related scheme defraud person receive money value person false fraudulent pretenses representations promises amends immigration nationality act direct attorney general doj compile update list persons provided pro bono representation recent month period aliens removal proceedings compile update available public list individuals organizations practices determined prohibited provision representation immigration proceedings including individuals convicted immigration fraud provisions act


Summary: Hinder the Administration's Legalization Temptation Act or the HALT Act - Suspends until January 21, 2013, the Attorney General's (DOJ) authority regarding: (1) waiver of inadmissibility of aliens unlawfully present in the United States; (2) cancellation of removal and adjustment of status for certain non-permanent residents; (3) parole authority, except for parole entries for humanitarian, law enforcement, or security purposes; and (4) designation of a country for temporary protected status. Revises, until January 21, 2013, the definition of "unauthorized alien" (for purposes of the unauthorized employment of aliens) to eliminate the exclusion from such definition of an alien authorized to work by the Attorney General. Prohibits the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) from granting deferred action or extended voluntary departure to any alien until January 21, 2013, except for humanitarian, law enforcement, or security purposes. Suspends specified regulations until January 21, 2013. Revokes, as of the date of enactment of this Act, any immigration benefit granted during the period beginning on July 12, 2011, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act under any authority suspended by this Act with respect to: (1) parole authority, (2) the definition of an unauthorized alien, (3) deferred action or extended voluntary departure, or (4) such specified regulations.

legalization act halt act suspends january attorney general doj authority waiver inadmissibility aliens unlawfully present united_states cancellation removal adjustment status certain non permanent residents parole authority parole entries humanitarian law enforcement security purposes designation country temporary protected status revises january definition unauthorized alien purposes unauthorized employment aliens eliminate exclusion definition alien authorized work attorney general prohibits secretary homeland_security dhs granting deferred action extended voluntary departure alien january humanitarian law enforcement security purposes suspends specified regulations january revokes date enactment act immigration benefit granted period beginning july ending date enactment act authority suspended act respect parole authority definition unauthorized alien deferred action extended voluntary departure specified regulations


Summary: Helping Agriculture Receive Verifiable Employees Securely and Temporarily Act of 2011 or the HARVEST Act of 2011 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to redefine "H-2A worker" to include a nonimmigrant who: (1) is seeking to perform agricultural labor in the United States in a job for which U.S. workers are not available and willing to perform such service or labor, and (2) commutes each day across the U.S. border and returns to his or her foreign residence and place of abode at the end of each business day. Sets forth employer and employee association petition and attestation requirements. Requires H-2A employers to participate in the the E-Verify program. Requires: (1) the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct investigations and random audits of employer work sites; and (2) the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide each H-2A worker with a single machine-readable, counterfeit-resistant document that authorizes the alien's U.S. entry, serves as an employment eligibility document, and has at least one biometric identifier. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) penalties; (2) working conditions, wages, transportation, and housing; (3) admissions and extensions of stay; and (4) worker replacement. Amends the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act to: (1) limit the conditions under which the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) may provide legal assistance for any alien or provide financial assistance to any person or entity that provides legal assistance for any alien, (2) require a good faith mediation attempt prior to bringing a civil action for damages on behalf of an H-2A worker, (3) require an H-2A employer to post LSC contact information in the dwelling and at the work site of each nonimmigrant employee in a language in which all employees can understand, and (4) require that the LSC pay a prevailing defendant's costs. Authorizes appropriations to adjudicate H-2A petitions.

securely temporarily act harvest act amends immigration nationality act redefine h-2a worker include nonimmigrant seeking perform agricultural labor united_states job workers available willing perform service labor commutes day border returns foreign residence place abode end business day sets forth employer employee association petition attestation requirements employers participate verify program requires secretary agriculture usda conduct investigations random audits employer work sites secretary homeland_security dhs provide h-2a worker single machine readable counterfeit resistant document authorizes alien entry serves employment eligibility document biometric identifier sets forth provisions penalties working conditions wages transportation housing admissions extensions stay worker replacement amends migrant seasonal agricultural worker protection act limit conditions legal_services_corporation provide legal assistance alien provide financial assistance person entity provides legal assistance alien require good faith mediation attempt prior bringing civil action damages behalf h-2a worker require h-2a employer post contact information dwelling work site nonimmigrant employee language employees understand require pay prevailing defendant costs authorizes appropriations adjudicate h-2a petitions


Summary: Humane Enforcement and Legal Protections for Separated Children Act or the HELP Separated Children Act - Sets forth apprehension procedures for immigration enforcement-related activities engaged in by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and cooperating entities, including: (1) providing the governor, local child welfare agencies, and local law enforcement with advance notice of an enforcement activity, if possible; (2) providing child welfare agencies and community organizations access to detained individuals to help DHS identify detainees who have children; (3) permitting detainees with children to make free phone calls to arrange for such children's care; and (4) requiring that the interests of children be considered in decisions regarding detainee release, detention, or transfer. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) require DHS detention facilities to implement procedures to ensure that child custody and family interests can be considered in any immigration detention action, (2) develop memoranda of understanding with child welfare agencies and community organizations that protect the best interests of children of detained individuals, and (3) provide DHS personnel with appropriate training.

help separated children act sets forth apprehension procedures immigration enforcement related activities engaged department_of_homeland_security dhs cooperating entities including providing governor local child welfare agencies local law enforcement advance notice enforcement activity possible providing child welfare agencies community organizations access detained individuals help dhs identify detainees children permitting detainees children free phone calls arrange children care requiring interests children considered decisions detainee release detention transfer directs secretary homeland_security require dhs detention facilities implement procedures ensure child custody family interests considered immigration detention action develop memoranda understanding child welfare agencies community organizations protect best interests children detained individuals provide dhs personnel appropriate training


Summary: Deems Taiwan to be a designated visa waiver program country under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

deems taiwan designated visa waiver program country immigration nationality act


Summary: SSI Extension for Elderly and Disabled Refugees Act of 2011 - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to extend through FY2012 the eligibility period for benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act for certain aliens and victims of trafficking. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a diversity immigrant VISA petition fee of $25, which shall be deposited directly in the general fund of the Treasury. Applies such fees only to petitions filed before October 1, 2013.

ssi extension elderly disabled refugees act amends personal responsibility work opportunity reconciliation act extend fy2012 eligibility period benefits title ssi social security act certain aliens victims trafficking amends immigration nationality act establish diversity immigrant visa petition fee shall deposited directly general fund treasury applies fees petitions filed october


Summary: International Tourism Facilitation Act - Amends the Department of State and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2005 to authorize the Secretary of State to charge consular services fees which may be deposited in the appropriate Department of State account to the extent that the amount of such fees collected during a fiscal year is greater than the amount of consular service fees deposited in the Treasury during FY2011. Amends the Department of State Authorities Act of 2006 to repeal the Secretary's authority to amend consular service surcharges in support of enhanced border security that are in addition to passport and immigrant visa fees in effect on January 1, 2004. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the Secretary to waive nonimmigrant visa interviews for up to three additional years (four years total) for individuals who previously held a U.S. visa. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress regarding nonimmigrant visa projections and plans to service such projections through 2020 in the high-growth markets of Brazil, China, and India.

international tourism facilitation act amends authorize secretary state charge consular services fees deposited appropriate department_of_state account extent fees collected fiscal year greater consular service fees deposited treasury fy2011 amends repeal secretary authority amend consular service surcharges support enhanced border security addition passport immigrant visa fees effect january amends immigration nationality act authorize secretary waive nonimmigrant visa interviews additional years years total individuals previously held visa directs secretary report congress nonimmigrant visa projections plans service projections high growth markets brazil china india


Summary: Dairy and Sheep H-2A Act or the DASH Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include within the H-2A nonimmigrant visa category (temporary agricultural workers) an alien coming temporarily to the United States to work as a sheepherder, goat herder, or dairy worker. Provides: (1) for a three-year initial period of admission with additional three-year extensions, and (2) that no period of U.S. absence may be required for approval of such extensions. Directs the Secretary of Labor to issue housing regulations for such workers.

dairy sheep h-2a act act amends immigration nationality act include h-2a nonimmigrant visa category temporary agricultural workers alien coming temporarily united_states work sheepherder goat herder dairy worker provides year initial period admission additional year extensions period absence required approval extensions directs secretary labor issue housing regulations workers


Summary: SSI Extension for Elderly and Disabled Refugees Act of 2011 - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to extend through FY2012 the eligibility period for benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act for certain aliens and victims of trafficking. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a diversity immigrant VISA petition fee of $30, which shall be deposited directly in the general fund of the Treasury. Applies such fees only to petitions filed before October 1, 2013.


Summary: Southern New Mexico Economic Development Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to permit a Mexican national who enters the United States with a valid border crossing card and who is admitted to the United States at the Columbus, Santa Teresa, or Antelope Wells port of entry in New Mexico, to remain in New Mexico, within 75 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, for up to 30 days.

secretary homeland_security dhs permit mexican national enters united_states valid border crossing card admitted united_states columbus port entry new_mexico remain new_mexico miles border days


Summary: Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to toll, during active-duty service abroad in the Armed Forces, the periods of time for an alien spouse or petitioning spouse to file a petition and appear for an interview to remove the conditional basis for permanent resident status.

amends immigration nationality act toll active duty service abroad armed_forces periods time alien spouse petitioning spouse file petition appear interview remove conditional basis permanent resident status


Summary: Prohibits federal funds from being used by a federal agency or instrumentality to participate in a lawsuit to overturn, enjoin, or otherwise invalidate specified immigration-related laws in Oklahoma, Missouri, Arizona, Utah, Indiana, Alabama, South Carolina, or Georgia.

prohibits federal funds federal agency instrumentality participate lawsuit overturn enjoin invalidate specified immigration related laws oklahoma missouri arizona utah indiana alabama south_carolina georgia


Summary: Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) eliminate the per country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants, and (2) increase the per country numerical limitation for family based immigrants. Amends the Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992 to eliminate the provision requiring the reduction of annual Chinese immigrant visas to offset status adjustments under such Act.

fairness high skilled immigrants act amends immigration nationality act eliminate country numerical limitation employment based immigrants increase country numerical limitation family based immigrants amends chinese_student_protection_act eliminate provision requiring reduction annual chinese immigrant visas offset status adjustments act


Summary: Families First Immigration Enforcement Act - Requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in a workplace enforcement operation that is calculated to apprehend or does apprehend at least 50 aliens, to do the following: (1) give state agencies sufficient notice to arrange for representatives who speak the detainees' language and to provide for any special needs; (2) afford access to state social service agencies to screen and interview detainees to determine if medical risks or risks to relatives exist; (3) consider, upon recommendation, the release of detainees on age, medical, or family related humanitarian grounds; and (4) provide a toll-free number for families of detainees to report their relationship to DHS or state social services. Requires that such aliens have access to legal orientation presentations through the Executive Office for Immigration Review's legal orientation program. States that detainees should be held within the jurisdiction of the local U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office to the extent that space allows. Requires a detainee's release within 72 hours of apprehension if such alien is not subject to mandatory detention, does not pose a flight risk, or is subject to humanitarian release. States that such alien shall be released: (1) on his or her own recognizance, (2) by posting a minimum bond, (3) on parole under the Immigration and Nationality Act, or (4) through the intensive supervision appearance or similar program.

families immigration enforcement act requires department homeland security dhs workplace enforcement operation calculated apprehend apprehend aliens following state agencies sufficient notice arrange representatives speak detainees language provide special needs afford access state social service agencies screen interview detainees determine medical risks risks relatives exist consider recommendation release detainees age medical family related humanitarian grounds provide toll free number families detainees report relationship dhs state social services requires aliens access legal orientation presentations executive_office_for_immigration_review legal orientation program states detainees held jurisdiction local field office extent space allows requires detainee release hours apprehension alien subject mandatory detention pose flight risk subject humanitarian release states alien shall released posting minimum bond parole immigration nationality act intensive supervision appearance similar program


Summary: Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2011 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) eliminate the per country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants, and (2) increase the per country numerical limitation for family based immigrants from 7% to 15% of the total number of family-sponsored visas. Amends the Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992 to eliminate the provision requiring the reduction of annual Chinese (PRC) immigrant visas to offset status adjustments under such Act. Sets forth the following transition period for employment-based second and third preference (EB-2 and EB-3) immigrant visas: (1) for FY2012, 15% of such visas allotted to natives of countries other than the two countries with the largest aggregate numbers of natives obtaining such visas in FY2010; (2) for FY2013, 10% of such visas allotted in each category to natives of countries other than the two with the largest aggregate numbers of natives obtaining such visas in FY2011; and (3) for FY2014, 10% of such visas allotted in each category to natives of countries other than the two with the largest aggregate numbers of natives obtaining such visas in FY2012. Sets forth the following per country distribution rules: (1) for transition period visas, not more than 25% of the total number of EB-2 and EB-3 visas for natives of a single country; and (2) for non-transition period visas, not more than 85% of EB-2 and EB-3 visas for natives of a single country. Includes nationals of Ireland coming to the United States under a treaty of commerce to perform specialty occupation services in the nonimmigrant E-3 visa category. Transfers specified approval authority regarding the temporary admission of certain aliens not otherwise admissible from the Attorney General (DOJ) to the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS). Expands the grounds for such approval.

fairness high skilled immigrants act amends immigration nationality act eliminate country numerical limitation employment based immigrants increase country numerical limitation family based immigrants total number family sponsored visas amends chinese_student_protection_act eliminate provision requiring reduction annual chinese prc immigrant visas offset status adjustments act sets forth following transition period employment based second preference eb-2 eb-3 immigrant visas fy2012 visas allotted natives countries countries largest aggregate numbers natives obtaining visas fy2010 fy2013 visas allotted category natives countries largest aggregate numbers natives obtaining visas fy2011 fy2014 visas allotted category natives countries largest aggregate numbers natives obtaining visas fy2012 sets forth following country distribution rules transition period visas total number eb-2 eb-3 visas natives single country non transition period visas eb-2 eb-3 visas natives single country includes nationals ireland coming united_states treaty commerce perform specialty occupation services nonimmigrant e-3 visa category transfers specified approval authority temporary admission certain aliens admissible attorney general doj secretary homeland_security dhs expands grounds approval


Summary: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Visa Act of 2011 or STEM Visa Act of 2011 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a priority worker immigrant visa for an alien who has a qualifying: (1) master's or higher degree in a field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM degree) from a U.S. institution of higher education; and (2) employment offer from a U.S. employer. Eliminates the foreign residency requirement for certain foreign students. Allows extensions of stay based upon a lengthy labor certification or priority adjudication for: (1) foreign students, (2) speciality occupation aliens, and (3) intracompany transfers. Provides for the recapture of unused employment-based and family-based immigrant visas. Exempts spouses and minor children from counting against numerical limits. Revises per country (and dependent) area limits to: (1) eliminate employment-based limits, and (2) increase family-based limits. Establishes in the Treasury the STEM Education and Training Account. Requires that 60% of Account funds be used for a STEM scholarship program for low-income U.S. students enrolled in degree programs in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Authorizes certain undocumented higher education students who first entered the United States when they were 15 years old or younger to adjust to nonimmigrant student status. Revises labor certification provisions, including: (1) requiring the Department of Labor to adjudicate an application within 120 days, (2) creating an Established U.S. Recruiter designation for recruiters who regularly recruit U.S. workers, and (3) authorizing a premium application processing fee. Revises the prevailing wage level computation formula. Revises H-1B visa (specialty occupation) provisions regarding: (1) wages, (2) U.S. worker displacement and protections, (3) recruitment requirements, (4) portability, (5) creation of a P-visa for fashion models in lieu of H-1B visa inclusion, (6) elimination of extensions for certain short-term workers, and (7) retention of petition priority date. Revises L-visa (intracompany transferee) provisions regarding: (1) wage requirements for certain L-1B visa (specialized knowledge) employees, (2) investigations of complaints against employers, and (3) the blanket petition process for employers who hire large numbers of intracompany transferees. Revises EB-5 employment creation investor provisions to: (1) require a visa set-aside for an employment creation regional center program, (2) provide a preapproval procedure for new commercial enterprises, (3) revise targeted employment area provisions, and (4) provide a limited extension for employers to meet program requirements. Establishes in the Treasury the Immigrant Entrepreneur Account.

mathematics visa act amends immigration nationality act establish priority worker immigrant visa alien qualifying master higher degree field science technology engineering mathematics stem degree institution higher education employment offer employer eliminates foreign residency requirement certain foreign students allows extensions stay based labor certification priority adjudication foreign students speciality occupation aliens intracompany transfers provides recapture unused employment based family based immigrant visas exempts spouses minor children counting numerical limits revises country dependent area limits eliminate employment based limits increase family based limits establishes treasury stem education training_account requires account funds stem scholarship program low income students enrolled degree programs science technology engineering mathematics authorizes certain undocumented higher education students entered united_states years old younger adjust nonimmigrant student status revises labor certification provisions including requiring department_of_labor adjudicate application days creating designation recruiters regularly recruit workers authorizing premium application processing fee revises prevailing wage level computation formula revises_h-1b visa specialty occupation provisions wages worker displacement protections recruitment requirements portability creation visa fashion models lieu h-1b visa inclusion elimination extensions certain short term workers retention petition priority date revises visa intracompany transferee provisions wage requirements certain visa specialized knowledge employees investigations complaints employers blanket petition process employers hire large numbers intracompany transferees revises eb-5 employment creation investor provisions require visa set aside employment creation regional center program provide preapproval procedure new commercial enterprises revise targeted employment area provisions provide limited extension employers meet program requirements establishes treasury immigrant


Summary: Irish Immigration Recognition and Encouragement Act of 2011 or IRE Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include nationals of Ireland coming to the United States under a treaty of commerce to perform specialty occupation services in the nonimmigrant E-3 visa category.

encouragement act include nationals ireland coming united_states treaty commerce perform specialty occupation services nonimmigrant e-3 visa category


Summary: Visa Waiver Program Enhanced Security and Reform Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act regarding the visa waiver program to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to designate any country as a program country; (2) adjust visa refusal rate criteria, including addition of a 3% maximum overstay rate; and (3) revise probationary and termination provisions.

visa_waiver_program_enhanced_security reform_act_-_amends immigration nationality act visa waiver program authorize secretary homeland_security dhs designate country program country adjust visa refusal rate criteria including addition maximum overstay rate revise probationary termination provisions


Summary: Scott Gardner Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to share immigration information with the Attorney General (DOJ). Requires a joint report from such officials to Congress on improving the performance of federal immigration databases to ensure the prompt entry of immigration information. Requires: (1) the director of each state and local law enforcement agency receiving federal incarceration funds under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to collect and report to the Secretary all immigration and DWI (driving while intoxicated) information collected in the course of normal duties, (2) such information to appear in the wanted person file of the National Criminal Information Center (NCIC) database, and (3) state or local detention of an arrested flagged alien pending federal transfer. Amends INA to: (1) require the Secretary to reimburse the costs of training state and local law enforcement employees on federal immigration laws; and (2) authorize the apprehension and detention of an alien for DWI or a similar violation, as long as the alien is deportable on any other grounds or is an illegal alien. Requires each state motor vehicle administrator to share with the Secretary all information concerning aliens with records of DWI convictions or refusals to take sobriety tests. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a formula for the allocation of federal detention facilities for aliens.

secretary homeland_security dhs share immigration information attorney general doj requires joint report officials congress improving performance federal immigration databases ensure prompt entry immigration information requires director state local law enforcement agency receiving federal incarceration funds immigration_and_nationality_act ina collect report secretary immigration driving intoxicated information collected course normal duties information appear wanted person file ncic database state local detention arrested flagged alien pending federal transfer amends ina require secretary reimburse costs training state local law enforcement employees federal immigration laws authorize apprehension detention alien similar violation long alien deportable grounds illegal alien requires state motor vehicle administrator share secretary information concerning aliens records convictions refusals tests directs secretary submit congress formula allocation federal detention facilities aliens


Summary: Responsible Child Tax Credit Eligibility Verification Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require a taxpayer who is an alien and who is claiming the refundable portion of the child tax credit to attach to his or her tax return a photocopy of: (1) each page of the taxpayer's passport; (2) the taxpayer's nonimmigrant visa; (3) the taxpayer's employment authorization; (4) the taxpayer's arrival-departure documentation; and (5) the passport, visa, and arrival-departure documentation for each qualifying alien child of the taxpayer.

amends internal revenue code require taxpayer alien claiming refundable portion child tax credit attach tax return page taxpayer passport taxpayer nonimmigrant visa taxpayer employment authorization taxpayer arrival departure documentation passport visa arrival departure documentation qualifying alien child taxpayer


Summary: Securing the Talent America Requires for the 21st Century Act of 2012 or the STAR Act of 2012 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to allocate 55,000 annual immigrant visas for eligible STEM field (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) advanced degree graduates of qualifying U.S. research institutions who have job offers in related fields. Exempts from regular labor certification requirements an alien who holds a master's degree in a STEM field from a U.S. research institution if the alien will be employed by an employer who engages in a competitive recruitment and selection process and determines that the alien is more qualified than any U.S. worker who applied for the job. Deems as a shortage occupation a job described in an employment-based immigrant preference petition filed on behalf of an alien who holds a doctorate degree from a U.S. research institution in a STEM field. Permits the petitioner to apply for a certification directly with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Includes among employment-based immigrant preferences aliens who graduate from a U.S. research institution with a doctorate or master's degree in a STEM field and intend to work in a related field. Excludes an alien student who intends to pursue an advanced STEM field degree in a U.S. research institution from the foreign student visa requirement that an alien student has a foreign residence which he or she has no intention of abandoning.

securing talent america requires 21st century act star act amends immigration nationality act allocate annual immigrant visas eligible stem field science technology engineering mathematics advanced degree graduates qualifying research institutions job offers related fields exempts regular labor certification requirements alien holds master degree stem field research institution alien employed employer engages competitive recruitment selection process determines alien qualified worker applied job deems shortage occupation job described employment based immigrant preference petition filed behalf alien holds doctorate degree research institution stem field permits petitioner apply certification directly department_of_homeland_security dhs includes employment based immigrant preferences aliens graduate research institution doctorate master degree stem field intend work related field excludes alien student intends pursue advanced stem field degree research institution foreign student visa requirement alien student foreign residence intention abandoning


Summary: Sustaining our Most Advanced Researchers and Technology Jobs Act of 2012 or the SMART Jobs Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish an F-4 nonimmigrant visa for an alien who has been accepted and plans to attend an accredited graduate program for a degree in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) at an institution of higher education in the United States. Requires an F-4 alien to demonstrate an intent to: (1) return to his or her country of residence upon completion or termination of such qualifying graduate program, or (2) obtain U.S. employment in a STEM field and become a permanent U.S. resident upon completion of the graduate program which was the basis for such nonimmigrant status. States that an F-4 visa shall be valid: (1) during the intended period of graduate study, (2) for an additional one year period if the alien is pursuing an offer of STEM field employment, and (3) for an additional six month period while the alien's application for permanent resident status adjustment is pending. States that an alien shall qualify for permanent resident status adjustment if he or she: (1) has F-4 status and has earned an advanced STEM field degree at an institution of higher education, and (2) is employed full-time in the United States in a STEM field position.

sustaining advanced researchers technology jobs act smart jobs act amends immigration nationality act establish f-4 nonimmigrant visa alien accepted plans attend accredited graduate program degree stem field science technology engineering mathematics institution higher education united_states requires f-4 alien demonstrate intent return country residence completion termination qualifying graduate program obtain employment stem field permanent resident completion graduate program basis nonimmigrant status states f-4 visa shall valid intended period graduate study additional year period alien pursuing offer stem field employment additional month period alien application permanent resident status adjustment pending states alien shall qualify permanent resident status adjustment f-4 status earned advanced stem field degree institution higher education employed time united_states stem field position


Summary: Amends the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 to extend the EB-5 Regional Center program through September 30, 2015. (Eliminates pilot program references to such program.) Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to extend the E-Verify program through September 30, 2015. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend the Special Immigrant Nonminister Religious Worker program through September 30, 2015. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994 to extend the Conrad State 30 J-1 Visa Waiver program through September 30, 2015. States that nothing in this Act may be construed to authorize a national identification card.

amends departments_of_commerce justice state judiciary related agencies appropriations act extend program september eliminates pilot program references program amends illegal immigration reform immigrant responsibility act extend verify program september amends immigration nationality act extend special immigrant religious worker program september amends extend conrad state j-1 program september states act construed authorize national identification card


Summary: Indonesian Family Refugee Protection Act - Authorizes a qualifying Indonesian citizen whose asylum claim was denied solely upon a failure to meet the one-year application filing deadline to file a motion to reopen such claim. Requires that such motion be filed during the two-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.

act authorizes qualifying citizen asylum claim denied solely failure meet year application filing deadline file motion reopen claim requires motion filed year period beginning date enactment act


Summary: Benefits to Research and American Innovation through Nationality Statutes Act of 2012 or the BRAINS Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make up to 55,000 visas available to qualified immigrants who: (1) possess a graduate degree at the level of master's or higher in a field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM degree) from a qualifying U.S. research institution of higher education; (2) earned a graduate degree by taking no greater than 25% of classes by correspondence (including courses offered by telecommunications) and by taking all classes while physically present in the United States; (3) have an employment offer from a U.S. employer in a field related to such degree; (4) are the subject of an approved labor certification; and (5) will receive a wage for such employment that is at least the actual wage paid by the employer to all other individuals with similar experience and qualifications for the specific employment in question. Makes unused STEM visas available for other employment-based visa categories. Requires: (1) employers of foreign STEM graduates to submit a job order for the position with the appropriate state workforce agency, (2) such agency to post the position on its website for at least 30 days, and (3) employers to demonstrate that the total amount of compensation to be paid to a foreign STEM graduate meets or exceeds the total amount of compensation paid by the employer to all other employees with similar experience and qualifications working in the same occupational classification. Requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to make available on its website specified information regarding foreign STEM employers, the number of aliens granted STEM status, and their occupations. Repeals such STEM and related provisions two years after enactment of this Act. Eliminates the foreign residency requirement for certain foreign students. Authorizes temporary workers (E, H, I, L O, or P visas) who have not violated their status to renew their same category visa from within the United States. States that a determination of whether an alien is a child for purposes of: (1) a petition for immigrant status or a petition for adjustment of refugee status to immigrant status shall be made using the alien's age on the date on which the petition is filed with DHS, and (2) a petition for nonimmigrant admission or an application for adjustment of status from nonimmigrant to conditional (fiance) immigrant shall be made using the alien's age on the date on which the petition is filed with DHS to classify such alien's parent as the fiance of a U.S. citizen. States that the permanent priority date for an immigrant visa petition shall be the date on which the petition is filed with DHS (or the Secretary of State, if applicable), unless such filing was preceded by the filing of a labor certification with the Secretary of Labor, in which case that date shall constitute the priority date. States that an alien who is the beneficiary of any petition that was approvable when filed shall retain such petition's priority date in the consideration of any subsequently filed petition of which the alien is a beneficiary. Increases the number of immigrant visas available to the spouses of aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence in each fiscal year by the number of aliens who were lawfully admitted for permanent residence who were removed from the United States in the preceding fiscal year.

benefits research american innovation nationality statutes act act amends immigration nationality act visas available qualified immigrants possess graduate degree level master higher field science technology engineering mathematics stem degree qualifying research institution higher education earned graduate degree taking greater classes correspondence including courses offered telecommunications taking classes physically present united_states employment offer employer field related degree subject approved labor certification receive wage employment actual wage paid employer individuals similar experience qualifications specific employment question makes unused stem visas available employment based visa categories requires employers foreign stem graduates submit job order position appropriate state workforce agency agency post position website days employers demonstrate total compensation paid foreign stem graduate meets exceeds total compensation paid employer employees similar experience qualifications working occupational classification requires department_of_homeland_security dhs available website specified information foreign stem employers number aliens granted stem status occupations repeals stem related provisions years enactment act eliminates foreign residency requirement certain foreign students authorizes temporary workers visas violated status renew category visa united_states states determination alien child purposes petition immigrant status petition adjustment refugee status immigrant status shall alien age date petition filed dhs petition nonimmigrant admission application adjustment status nonimmigrant conditional fiance immigrant shall alien age date petition filed dhs classify alien parent fiance citizen states permanent priority date immigrant visa petition shall date petition filed dhs secretary state applicable filing preceded filing labor certification secretary labor case date shall constitute priority date states alien beneficiary petition approvable filed shall retain petition priority date consideration subsequently filed petition alien beneficiary increases number immigrant visas available spouses aliens lawfully admitted permanent residence fiscal year number aliens lawfully admitted permanent residence removed united_states preceding fiscal year


Summary: Voter Integrity Protection Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make voting in a federal election (unless otherwise provided for under the federal criminal code) by an alien who is unlawfully in the United States an aggravated felony and a deportable offense.

voter integrity protection act amends immigration nationality act voting federal election provided federal criminal code alien unlawfully united_states aggravated felony deportable offense