II 109th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 3765 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES July 31, 2006 Mr. Durbin (for himself, Mr. Sununu, Mr. Feingold, and Ms. Stabenow) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To designate Lebanon under section 244(b) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act to permit nationals of Lebanon to be granted temporary protected status in the United States.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Lebanese Temporary Protected Status Act of 2006.

2.

Sense of Congress

It is the sense of Congress that, due to the hostilities in Lebanon, Lebanon qualifies for designation under subparagraphs (A) and (C) of section 244(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)), pursuant to which Lebanese nationals would be eligible for temporary protected status in the United States.

3.

Designation for purposes of granting temporary protected status

(a)

Designation

(1)

In general

For purposes of section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1254a), Lebanon shall be treated as if it had been designated under subsection (b) of that section, subject to the provisions of this section. (2)

Period of designation

The initial period of the designation under paragraph (1) shall begin on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall remain in effect for 1 year. (b)

Aliens eligible

An alien who is a national of Lebanon shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of section 244(c)(1) of such Act only if the alien— (1)has been continuously physically present in the United States since the date of the enactment of this Act; (2)is admissible to the United States as an immigrant, except as otherwise provided under section 244(c)(2)(A) of such Act; (3)is not ineligible for temporary protected status under section 244(c)(2)(B) of such Act; and (4)registers for temporary protected status in a manner established by the Secretary of Homeland Security. (c)

Consent to travel abroad

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall give an alien granted temporary protected status pursuant to the designation made under subsection (a) prior consent to travel abroad under section 244(f)(3) of such Act if the alien establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary that emergency and extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the alien require the alien to depart for a brief, temporary trip abroad. An alien returning to the United States in accordance with such an authorization shall be given the same treatment as any other returning alien provided temporary protected status under section 244 of such Act.