116 HR 2821 RH: American Promise Act of 2019
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-05-17
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
1.This Act may be cited as the American Promise Act of 2019
. <enum>I</enum><header>Treatment of certain nationals of certain countries designated for temporary protected status or deferred enforced departure</header> <section id="H4B68BA9851E94C66A6ECF26683E99A3F"><enum>101.</enum><header>Adjustment of status for certain nationals of certain countries designated for temporary protected status or deferred enforced departure</header> <subsection id="HC3FD8045F08341B4A03283EE83C1B1DA"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary or the Attorney General shall cancel the removal of, and adjust to the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, an alien described in subsection (b) if the alien—</text>
<paragraph id="H0A78E2515A264EF192ED7B75DE26C0CC"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">applies for such adjustment, including submitting any required documents under section 207, not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HD35BDA9D2D7C4DE480C3AEEAE6CCC665"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">has been continuously physically present in the United States for a period of not less than 3 years before the date of the enactment of this Act; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H86F8F61BBCAF45A6B9705AAAE454D0B5"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">is not inadmissible under paragraph (1), (2), (3), (6)(D), (6)(E), (6)(F), (6)(G), (8), or (10) of section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1182">8 U.S.C. 1182(a)</external-xref>).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H7DFA7A2F77CB4C1DBC0AABCD51358A8A"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Aliens eligible for adjustment of status</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An alien shall be eligible for adjustment of status under this section if the alien is an individual—</text>
<paragraph id="H9239854E9B464A94A9992380A28BD762"><enum>(1)</enum><text>who—</text> <subparagraph id="HEEF92F3AA0AA49DB90D04EAEDBD447EE"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">is a national of a foreign state (or part thereof) (or in the case of an alien having no nationality, is a person who last habitually resided in such state) with a designation under subsection (b) of section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1254a">8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)</external-xref>) on January 1, 2017, who had or was otherwise eligible for temporary protected status on such date notwithstanding subsections (c)(1)(A)(iv) and (c)(3)(C) of such section; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HEA22516AC10D4193A51B68762EEC7074"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">has not engaged in conduct since such date that would render the alien ineligible for temporary protected status under section 244(c)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1245a">8 U.S.C. 1245a(c)(2)</external-xref>); or</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H05C81AD52F8C4B74B42E4D5F945F7E5B"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">who was eligible for Deferred Enforced Departure as of January 1, 2017, and has not engaged in conduct since that date that would render the alien ineligible for Deferred Enforced Departure.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HBA43BB3511014B60ABABE6EFA8BAED59"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Application</header>
<paragraph id="H8B80FC4E31894F90860274426F7049B7"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Fee</header><text>The Secretary shall, subject to an exemption under section 203(c), require an alien applying for adjustment of status under this section to pay a reasonable fee that is commensurate with the cost of processing the application, but does not exceed $1,140.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H2AA674EB5E404DA9814F944985BA1368"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Background checks</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary may not grant an alien permanent resident status on a conditional basis under this section until the requirements of section 202 are satisfied.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H7C830354D2B24592958597115DACD625"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Withdrawal of application</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Homeland Security shall, upon receipt of a request to withdraw an application for adjustment of status under this section, cease processing of the application and close the case. Withdrawal of the application under this subsection shall not prejudice any future application filed by the applicant for any immigration benefit under this Act or under the Immigration and Nationality Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1101">8 U.S.C. 1101</external-xref> et seq).</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><enum>II</enum><header>General Provisions</header>
<section id="H11D276027A8C47D88250728E0EA28224"><enum>201.</enum><header>Definitions</header>
<subsection id="HD78FBD4AFF094659ADC5C6D79E25DEF2"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In this Act:</text> <paragraph id="HDF8D705523AD4734849CB1C8DF0ADE73"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Except as otherwise specifically provided, any term used in this Act that is used in the immigration laws shall have the meaning given such term in the immigration laws.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2DD871F1C5B240BE9D871AEB6E076A21"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Disability</header><text>The term <term>disability</term> has the meaning given such term in section 3(1) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/12102">42 U.S.C. 12102(1)</external-xref>).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H77C60C98390440979BE151889604B197"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Federal poverty line</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>Federal poverty line</term> has the meaning given such term in section 213A(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1183a">8 U.S.C. 1183a</external-xref>).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H800633B1E5C642DB8EE38482182C4671"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Immigration laws</header><text>The term <term>immigration laws</term> has the meaning given such term in section 101(a)(17) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1101">8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(17)</external-xref>).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H4AE3DE104A224D60996D14790A2BEAC5"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Secretary</header><text>Except as otherwise specifically provided, the term <term>Secretary</term> means the Secretary of Homeland Security.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="HC4E00CE27F184020BA3E2B1DFB6DD2A3"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Uniformed services</header><text>The term <term>Uniformed Services</term> has the meaning given the term <term>uniformed services</term> in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" id="HC36550F4A5E24425873E336724F65A15"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Treatment of expunged convictions</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For purposes of adjustment of status under this Act, the terms <quote>convicted</quote> and <term>conviction</term>, as used in sections 212 and 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1182">8 U.S.C. 1182</external-xref>, 1254a), do not include a judgment that has been expunged or set aside, that resulted in a rehabilitative disposition, or the equivalent.</text>
</subsection></section><section display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8110D56B40474F7A997A73633A8EEF1E" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>202.</enum><header>Submission of biometric and biographic data; background checks</header>
<subsection id="HB81FBCE8DB6D47CA9707BC139E9548D9"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Submission of biometric and biographic data</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary may not grant an alien adjustment of status under this Act unless the alien submits biometric and biographic data, in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary. The Secretary shall provide an alternative procedure for aliens who are unable to provide such biometric or biographic data because of a physical impairment.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HB02D517963AC468FA73FB9CF773796AE"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Background checks</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall use biometric, biographic, and other data that the Secretary determines appropriate to conduct security and law enforcement background checks and to determine whether there is any criminal, national security, or other factor that would render the alien ineligible for adjustment of status under this Act. The status of an alien may not be adjusted unless security and law enforcement background checks are completed to the satisfaction of the Secretary.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF61EF725F9554EF2B17977F724E2079A" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>203.</enum><header>Limitation on removal; application and fee exemption; waiver of grounds for inadmissibility and
other conditions on eligible individuals</header>
<subsection commented="no" id="H65400CD798D04A5DAD3CA4A32A16CC1D"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Limitation on removal</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An alien who appears to be prima facie eligible for relief under this Act shall be given a reasonable opportunity to apply for such relief and may not be removed until, subject to section 206(c), a final decision establishing ineligibility for relief is rendered.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" id="H03FCB11FA1964B71B1872FE9A8EDBF61"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Application</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An alien present in the United States who has been ordered removed or has been permitted to depart voluntarily from the United States may, notwithstanding such order or permission to depart, apply for adjustment of status under this Act. Such alien shall not be required to file a separate motion to reopen, reconsider, or vacate the order of removal. If the Secretary approves the application, the Secretary shall cancel the order of removal. If the Secretary renders a final administrative decision to deny the application, the order of removal or permission to depart shall be effective and enforceable to the same extent as if the application had not been made, only after all available administrative and judicial remedies have been exhausted.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" id="HACC05AFD27C74C68BBD6A0A2151DFD50"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Fee exemption</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An applicant may be exempted from paying an application fee required under this Act if the applicant—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" id="H177FD52CD858455E9F4216E4497C4446"><enum>(1)</enum><text>is younger than 18 years of age;</text> </paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H33A0C135634149D796D9AFC214A5C1E3"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">received total income, during the 12-month period immediately preceding the date on which the applicant files an application under this Act, that is less than 150 percent of the Federal poverty line;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H76343C0FDFF14623898E1FDE4A59C7D1"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">is in foster care or otherwise lacks any parental or other familial support; or</text> </paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H82EE35A5BB424E12B9D167F443A9BE2C"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">cannot care for himself or herself because of a serious, chronic disability.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" id="HC919C38EDDF047538D54F5D67611D788"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Waiver of grounds of inadmissibility</header>
<paragraph id="HACF845B108FE43FEA06023E8CC76EFD3"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Except as provided in paragraph (2), with respect to any benefit under this Act, and in addition to any waivers that are otherwise available, the Secretary may waive the grounds of inadmissibility under paragraph (1), subparagraphs (A), (C), and (D) of paragraph (2), subparagraphs (D) through (G) of paragraph (6), or paragraph (10)(D) of section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1182">8 U.S.C. 1182(a)</external-xref>) for humanitarian purposes, for family unity, or because the waiver is otherwise in the public interest.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H432F82FBEE5C44EE898AF388E8FBEAE6"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Exception</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary may not waive a ground described in paragraph (1) if such inadmissibility is based on a conviction or convictions, and such conviction or convictions would otherwise render the alien ineligible under section 244(c)(2)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1254a">8 U.S.C. 1254a(c)(2)(B)</external-xref>).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" id="H8CDA165E8C3C4BC399F9C35EF62DA684"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Advance parole</header><text>During the period beginning on the date on which an alien applies for adjustment of status under this Act and ending on the date on which the Secretary makes a final decision regarding such application, the alien shall be eligible to apply for advance parole. Section 101(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1101">8 U.S.C. 1101(g)</external-xref>) shall not apply to an alien granted advance parole under this section.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" id="H901E207A190D432D9E8E69B1E97A2D1F"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Employment</header><text>An alien whose removal is stayed pursuant to this Act, or who has pending an application under this Act, shall, upon application to the Secretary, be granted an employment authorization document.</text>
</subsection></section><section display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF17CEDCBE5AF43C6A9E188BC28D54756" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>204.</enum><header>Determination of continuous presence</header>
<subsection id="HDEEEDE5738854AE19E955D05A969375C"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Effect of notice to appear</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any period of continuous physical presence in the United States of an alien who applies for adjustment of status under this Act shall not terminate when the alien is served a notice to appear under section 239(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1229">8 U.S.C. 1229(a)</external-xref>).</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H0CEC19EC41B7458188062DE9A13E106A"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Treatment of certain breaks in presence</header>
<paragraph id="H3545D144BCDD4F0D82625D170C0D6529"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), an alien shall be considered to have failed to maintain continuous physical presence in the United States under this Act if the alien has departed from the United States for any period exceeding 90 days or for any periods, in the aggregate, exceeding 180 days.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H8004B0A7784340FB9A1F63E2D7215AF3"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Extensions for extenuating circumstances</header><text>The Secretary may extend the time periods described in paragraph (1) for an alien who demonstrates that the failure to timely return to the United States was due to extenuating circumstances beyond the alien’s control, including the serious illness of the alien, or death or serious illness of a parent, grandparent, sibling, or child of the alien.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H732D7CC84EA640748C3E4BA55E761EC1"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Travel authorized by the Secretary</header><text>Any period of travel outside of the United States by an alien that was authorized by the Secretary may not be counted toward any period of departure from the United States under paragraph (1).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HD839B6A6C0B04B1198A8F1127B0F7DB5"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Waiver of physical presence</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">With respect to aliens who were removed or departed the United States on or after January 20, 2017, and who were continuously physically present in the United States for at least 3 years prior to such removal or departure, the Secretary may, as a matter of discretion, waive the physical presence requirement under section 101(a)(2) for humanitarian purposes, for family unity, or because a waiver is otherwise in the public interest. The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall establish a procedure for such aliens to apply for relief under section 101 from outside the United States if they would have been eligible for relief under such section, but for their removal or departure.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H32B4791110FB4728A1CF2BD7C8818ABC" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>205.</enum><header>Exemption from numerical limitations</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Nothing in this Act or in any other law may be construed to apply a numerical limitation on the number of aliens who may be granted permanent resident status under this Act.</text>
</section><section commented="no" id="HE1B052F28D2C4F799160CC672CE8AD97"><enum>206.</enum><header>Availability of administrative and judicial review</header>
<subsection commented="no" id="H3EF960CD75E947A68C6DA5350B5ECD7E"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Administrative review</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to aliens who have applied for adjustment of status under this Act a process by which an applicant may seek administrative appellate review of a denial of an application for adjustment of status, or a revocation of such status.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" id="H1FBD00B092404F03BB2B29147A9D06F5"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Judicial review</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an alien may seek judicial review of a denial of an application for adjustment of status, or a revocation of such status, under this Act in the United States district court with jurisdiction over the alien’s residence.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" id="H93DF470A34E64D7AB489F0EE2FE24601"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Stay of removal</header>
<paragraph id="HFAA271CA208A44D39895C4FDF0D6CED2"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Except as provided in paragraph (2), an alien seeking administrative or judicial review under this Act may not be removed from the United States until a final decision is rendered establishing that the alien is ineligible for adjustment of status under this Act.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HA1F2C7BFA0BD4C588FF94C2B8A4BCCD0"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Exception</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary may remove an alien described in paragraph (1) pending judicial review if such removal is based on criminal or national security grounds. Such removal does not affect the alien’s right to judicial review under this Act. The Secretary shall promptly return a removed alien if a decision to deny an application for adjustment of status under this Act, or to revoke such status, is reversed.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFF052295E57C48CD9166463C542F4873" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>207.</enum><header>Documentation requirements</header>
<subsection commented="no" id="H222CA1C917F3431D886F0AB9233E8EDC"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Documents establishing identity</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An alien’s application for permanent resident status under this Act may include, as evidence of identity, the following:</text>
<paragraph id="HAF933CB5D7484098A7B99C388DC5A222"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A passport or national identity document from the alien’s country of origin that includes the alien’s name and the alien’s photograph or fingerprint.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H9CF03BF968F143DA87C7AFC77B10CC3D"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The alien’s birth certificate and an identity card that includes the alien’s name and photograph.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="HD62D2EB199854D038C866D1599760EB7"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A school identification card that includes the alien’s name and photograph, and school records showing the alien’s name and that the alien is or was enrolled at the school.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H37F66EEE433E4C77935D39C36229B8EE"><enum>(4)</enum><text>A Uniformed Services identification card issued by the Department of Defense.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H58F5DBDF59AA4BC19050E802107D8BBE"><enum>(5)</enum><text>Any immigration or other document issued by the United States Government bearing the alien’s name and photograph.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H8B0ADE5EDD4E456A9DD11ECA54019DF6"><enum>(6)</enum><text>A State-issued identification card bearing the alien's name and photograph.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="HAEC6BB6D7D984279A675407CA7A09A70"><enum>(7)</enum><text>Any other evidence determined to be credible by the Secretary.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" id="H016B9B79F47043B6B7C422EA86C8530D"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Documents establishing continuous physical presence</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An alien’s application for permanent resident status under this Act may include, as evidence that the alien has been continuously physically present in the United States, as required under section 101(a)(2), the following:</text>
<paragraph commented="no" id="HE553219D3930462797C955785860ADCB"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Passport entries, including admission stamps on the alien’s passport.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H95C4DC7653D74BB190780C0E0E51643A"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Any document from the Department of Justice or the Department of Homeland Security noting the alien’s date of entry into the United States.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H1A5F25D8AA8740EBB20E4F38686B8CE6"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Records from any educational institution the alien has attended in the United States.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="HA8BF2A90C1CC46B481B8D82457E77FDD"><enum>(4)</enum><text>Employment records of the alien that include the employer’s name and contact information.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H00650923559D4274B6C4C4E03D4D88FA"><enum>(5)</enum><text>Records of service from the Uniformed Services.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="HF4223BFF00F9405698FAAA34B84FBDEE"><enum>(6)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Official records from a religious entity confirming the alien’s participation in a religious ceremony.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H1EABA02FC4AF44349663F6E6BE9FB91C"><enum>(7)</enum><text>A birth certificate for a child who was born in the United States.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="HD0DA9DF7BE3B4ED6954DAC3FB0CF6E49"><enum>(8)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Hospital or medical records showing medical treatment or hospitalization, the name of the medical facility or physician, and the date of the treatment or hospitalization.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H8EEA5B9D704E4A3E8952E5B124FA0358"><enum>(9)</enum><text>Automobile license receipts or registration.</text> </paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="HB210CD7470F64F2A98A8672D699EBA41"><enum>(10)</enum><text>Deeds, mortgages, or rental agreement contracts.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HD6F6B2A717AD4D9D91F3EB78B77C645E"><enum>(11)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Rent receipts or utility bills bearing the alien’s name or the name of an immediate family member of the alien, and the alien’s address.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H62AD2FF9DABF46D29A910AA11BB270FE"><enum>(12)</enum><text>Tax receipts;</text> </paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="HFC1D4CB5482A40C5B1927C42A0836052"><enum>(13)</enum><text>Insurance policies.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H9305608CFD1F4F86927FC5E62BA82AA4"><enum>(14)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Remittance records, including copies of money order receipts sent in or out of the country.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H28601A50E659422FB813A3B6F48B80B4"><enum>(15)</enum><text>Travel records.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="HDBEC5E488B0C435FBCE705AB5770A122"><enum>(16)</enum><text>Dated bank transactions.</text> </paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H7747C0113FA24262B61E5785590E1297"><enum>(17)</enum><text>Two or more sworn affidavits from individuals who are not related to the alien who have direct knowledge of the alien’s continuous physical presence in the United States, that contain—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" id="H159C41B47E82489CA7894C412DD50861"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the name, address, and telephone number of the affiant; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="H72923C278EA04BEFAE82421082EAC363"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the nature and duration of the relationship between the affiant and the alien.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H28A4DBF597324539877450365AE9E22C"><enum>(18)</enum><text>Any other evidence determined to be credible by the Secretary.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" id="HA833100F84324166A90D26114BD42A15"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Documents establishing exemption from application fees</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An alien’s application for permanent resident status under this Act may include, as evidence that the alien is exempt from an application fee under section 203(c), the following:</text>
<paragraph commented="no" id="H03DCD284837E47C4AADC4FFB91DA948A"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Documents to establish age</header><text>To establish that an alien meets an age requirement, the alien may provide proof of identity, as described in subsection (a), that establishes that the alien is younger than 18 years of age.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="HCF2BF69CB1E445FEAAF43DDEB27B1D5B"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Documents to establish income</header><text>To establish the alien’s income, the alien may provide—</text> <subparagraph commented="no" id="HE8D85195EABB4CAAA19B5AAA8DC9E971"><enum>(A)</enum><text>employment records or other records of earned income, including records that have been maintained by the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, or any other Federal, State, or local government agency;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="H613200DB94E147FD8819BAF3551421F6"><enum>(B)</enum><text>bank records; or</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="H1884E7ECC7CF471E859A97A3AB3D981D"><enum>(C)</enum><text>at least 2 sworn affidavits from individuals who are not related to the alien and who have direct knowledge of the alien’s work and income that contain—</text>
<clause commented="no" id="H812E0FFD979C4812BEAD8637CB238B42"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the name, address, and telephone number of the affiant; and</text> </clause><clause commented="no" id="H4334F5C385FF4F8298AD1FA0AEEB03DB"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the nature and duration of the relationship between the affiant and the alien.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H9283843BC7EF4EF7B3372087492402BE"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Documents to establish foster care, lack of familial support, or serious, chronic disability</header><text>To establish that the alien is in foster care, lacks parental or familial support, or has a serious, chronic disability, the alien may provide at least 2 sworn affidavits from individuals who are not related to the alien and who have direct knowledge of the circumstances that contain—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" id="HBCC96281197A42C6B9466AFD3DC31D17"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a statement that the alien is in foster care, otherwise lacks any parental or other familiar support, or has a serious, chronic disability, as appropriate;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="H7F35EE44146F4FAC83E9EACB25F315D3"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the name, address, and telephone number of the affiant; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="HBC0CE2D5D91240DF856F642DE0184464"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the nature and duration of the relationship between the affiant and the alien.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" id="H52467AF86159457AAA7B7BB4388AE453"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Authority to prohibit use of certain documents</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If the Secretary determines, after publication in the Federal Register and an opportunity for public comment, that any document or class of documents does not reliably establish identity or that permanent resident status under this Act is being obtained fraudulently to an unacceptable degree, the Secretary may prohibit or restrict the use of such document or class of documents.</text>
</subsection></section><section display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H88FE57189F2F4783887E2A4D327DB792" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>208.</enum><header>Rule making</header>
<subsection id="H89D7B8EECF9B421F83CD6CA2752F0FEF"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register interim final rules implementing this Act, which shall allow eligible individuals to immediately apply for relief under section 101. Notwithstanding section 553 of title 5, United States Code, the regulation shall be effective, on an interim basis, immediately upon publication, but may be subject to change and revision after public notice and opportunity for a period of public comment. The Secretary shall finalize such rules not later than 180 days after the date of publication.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H01727467C1BE432C831B1B4597262034"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Paperwork Reduction Act</header><text>The requirements under <external-xref legal-doc="usc-chapter" parsable-cite="usc-chapter/44/35">chapter 35</external-xref> of title 44, United States Code, (commonly known as the <quote>Paperwork Reduction Act</quote>) shall not apply to any action to implement this Act.</text> </subsection></section><section display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6749AE7F9F7A4271BDF8A6EF34ADB9BB" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>209.</enum><header>Confidentiality of information</header> <subsection id="HD650EA74768C4C62865FD584E9BF09BF"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary may not disclose or use information provided in applications filed under this Act (including information provided during administrative or judicial review) for the purpose of immigration enforcement.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" id="HEFAE7998CB1C4CAE83A565A4F530B1FA"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Referrals prohibited</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary, based solely on information provided in an application for adjustment of status under this Act (including information provided during administrative or judicial review), may not refer an applicant to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or any designee of either such entity .</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" id="H9DDFBD931A9F41A6A7BD9C850F27044E"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Limited exception</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), information provided in an application for adjustment of status under this Act may be shared with Federal security and law enforcement agencies—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" id="H9963C40502114A878FE40ED05A338430"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">for assistance in the consideration of an application for adjustment of status under this Act;</text> </paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H44AA3DB61862439982A1217EB0DE2594"><enum>(2)</enum><text>to identify or prevent fraudulent claims;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="HF2F3204DAB3A4DD6AE4B32A4B1FD9902"><enum>(3)</enum><text>for national security purposes; or</text> </paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H624A6579AF9148A5990CAA41295E8FE4"><enum>(4)</enum><text>for the investigation or prosecution of any felony not related to immigration status.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H67DE672623DF44BC9D097605602433C3"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Penalty</header><text>Any person who knowingly uses, publishes, or permits information to be examined in violation of this section shall be fined not more than $10,000.</text>
</subsection></section><section display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4B41780B3B984346BF307FC307BFE52C" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>210.</enum><header>Grant program to assist eligible applicants</header>
<subsection id="H0268BE469CF748A3840F336B60B27B20"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>The Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish, within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, a program to award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible nonprofit organizations that will use the funding to assist eligible applicants under this Act by providing them with the services described in subsection (b).</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HFF89D598B1C84432ACDC040098A7C161"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Use of funds</header><text>Grant funds awarded under this section shall be used for the design and implementation of programs that provide—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" id="HB167B1AB31C24C17870A8F424354C823"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">information to the public regarding the eligibility and benefits of permanent resident status under this Act, particularly to individuals potentially eligible for such status;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H23CFDB1A0409448AAC53333BE03BE69A"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">assistance, within the scope of authorized practice of immigration law, to individuals submitting applications for adjustment of status under this Act, including—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" id="H728305715A404AF382FC3253FF8865EA"><enum>(A)</enum><text>screening prospective applicants to assess their eligibility for such status;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="H851D562E04A742C3B649C9042889F799"><enum>(B)</enum><text>completing applications and petitions, including providing assistance in obtaining the requisite documents and supporting evidence; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="HE62B41C0C21A4CB5BF04B51226C35D95"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">providing any other assistance that the Secretary or grantee considers useful or necessary to apply for adjustment of status under this Act; and</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H27AC0472DF4548178B2723073A5CC374"><enum>(3)</enum><text>assistance, within the scope of authorized practice of immigration law, and instruction, to individuals—</text>
<subparagraph id="H375D6EC7361E43B4A0F0AC7143C80804"><enum>(A)</enum><text>on the rights and responsibilities of United States citizenship;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H84CDA10E8FDF4A63AD0B23CFD1A1637D"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in civics and English as a second language;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H7F36DF9E46F44A25819CF1EEE9DF46F4"><enum>(C)</enum><text>in preparation for the General Education Development test; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H96B63C1E7D7440DFA80309F74B75E084"><enum>(D)</enum><text>in applying for adjustment of status and United States citizenship.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HA2122D546C8649BD9A030FF7103B14AF"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header>
<paragraph id="HBE89E8F1FD4D45D5B4D952EC592E2E4A"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Amounts authorized</header><text>There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2020 through 2030 to carry out this section.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HCE68BA1E07A340EF92C7E884D55AFDD1"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Availability</header><text>Any amounts appropriated pursuant to paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended.</text> </paragraph></subsection></section><section display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H898AF357D90A4D24B224A98FABACCFA9" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>211.</enum><header>Provisions affecting eligibility for adjustment of status</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">An alien’s eligibility to be lawfully admitted for permanent residence under this Act shall not preclude the alien from seeking any status under any other provision of law for which the alien may otherwise be eligible.</text>
</section>
May 30, 2019
Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the
Union, and ordered to be printed