[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4928 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4928
To establish the National Office of New Americans, to reduce obstacles
to United States citizenship, to support the integration of immigrants
and refugees into the social, cultural, economic and civic life of our
shared Nation, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
October 30, 2019
Ms. Meng (for herself, Ms. Jayapal, Mr. Garcia of Illinois, Ms. Clarke
of New York, Mr. Espaillat, Ms. Garcia of Texas, Ms. Haaland, Ms.
Jackson Lee, Ms. Lee of California, Ms. Lofgren, Mr. Meeks, Mr. Nadler,
Ms. Norton, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, Ms. Omar, Ms. Pressley, Ms. Schakowsky,
Mr. Suozzi, Ms. Tlaib, Ms. Velazquez, Mrs. Watson Coleman, Mr.
Cardenas, Ms. Titus, Mr. Pocan, Mr. Carson of Indiana, and Mr. Johnson
of Georgia) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on
Education and Labor, House Administration, Foreign Affairs, and
Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall
within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To establish the National Office of New Americans, to reduce obstacles
to United States citizenship, to support the integration of immigrants
and refugees into the social, cultural, economic and civic life of our
shared Nation, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``New Deal for New Americans Act of
2019''.
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
TITLE I--NEW AMERICANS AND INTEGRATION
Sec. 101. National office of new Americans.
Sec. 102. Appointment and duties of director, deputy directors and
associate director.
Sec. 103. Federal initiative on new Americans.
TITLE II--PROGRAMS TO PROMOTE CITIZENSHIP, INTEGRATION, AND PROSPERITY
Sec. 200. Sense of Congress regarding access to counsel.
Sec. 201. Legal services and immigration assistance grants.
Sec. 202. English as a gateway grants.
Sec. 203. Workforce development and prosperity grants.
Sec. 204. Appropriations authorized for existing citizenship grants.
Sec. 205. Consideration of grant recipients.
Sec. 206. Establishment of United States Citizenship and Integration
Foundation.
Sec. 207. Gifts to Foundation.
Sec. 208. Purposes.
Sec. 209. Authorized activities.
Sec. 210. Council of directors.
Sec. 211. Powers.
Sec. 212. Effective date.
Sec. 213. Authorization of appropriations for Foundation and pilot
program.
Sec. 214. Pilot program to promote immigrant integration at State and
local levels.
TITLE III--REDUCING BARRIERS TO CITIZENSHIP
Sec. 301. Immigration service fees.
Sec. 302. Reduce financial obstacles to naturalization.
Sec. 303. Waiver of English requirement for senior new Americans.
Sec. 304. Naturalization for certain United States high school
graduates.
Sec. 305. Family integration.
Sec. 306. Revision of grounds for deportation.
Sec. 307. Waiver to ensure access to citizenship.
Sec. 308. Naturalization ceremonies.
Sec. 309. National citizenship promotion program.
Sec. 310. Mission of United States citizenship and immigration
services.
Sec. 311. Automatic registration of eligible individuals.
Sec. 312. Department of Homeland Security assistance in registration.
Sec. 313. Voter protection and security in automatic registration.
Sec. 314. Effective date.
TITLE IV--REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT AND INTEGRATION
Sec. 401. Minimum number of refugees to be admitted.
Sec. 402. Pre-arrival English language and work orientation training
for approved refugee applicants.
Sec. 403. Update of reception and placement grants.
Sec. 404. Case management.
Sec. 405. Increase in cash payments.
TITLE I--NEW AMERICANS AND INTEGRATION
SEC. 101. NATIONAL OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS.
(a) Establishment of the National Office of New Americans.--There
is established in the Executive Office of the President the ``National
Office of New Americans'' (in this title referred to as the
``Office'').
(b) Office Leadership.--
(1) There shall be at the head of the Office a Director of
the National Office of New Americans.
(2) There shall be in the Office a Deputy Director for
Citizenship and Inclusion and a Deputy Director for Workforce
and Economy.
(c) Bureau of State and Local Affairs.--There is established a
Bureau of State and Local Affairs within the Office which shall be
headed by an Associate Director of State and Local Affairs.
(d) Access by Congress.--The location of the Office for New
Americans in the Executive Office of the President shall not be
construed as affecting access by the Congress or Committees of the
House or Senate to--
(1) information, documents and studies in the possession
of, or conducted by or at the direction of the Director; or
(2) personnel of the National Office of New Americans.
SEC. 102. APPOINTMENT AND DUTIES OF DIRECTOR, DEPUTY DIRECTORS AND
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR.
(a) Director.--The Director shall be appointed by the President, by
and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(b) Deputy Directors.--The Deputy Directors and Associate Director
shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Director.
(c) Limitation.--No person shall serve as Director, Deputy Director
or Associate Director while serving in any other position in the
Federal Government.
(d) Responsibilities.--
(1) The Director shall--
(A) establish policies, objectives and priorities
with regard to immigrant and refugee integration for
the Office;
(B) with the assistance of the Deputy Directors and
Associate Director, carry out the functions of the
Office as described in paragraph (e);
(C) serve as the Chair of the Initiative for New
Americans;
(D) make recommendations to the President regarding
changes in the organization, management, programs and
budget of the Federal departments and agencies in order
to promote the integration of immigrants and refugees;
(E) consult, support and coordinate with State and
local governments in their efforts to promote United
States citizenship and integration of immigrants and
refugees; and
(F) serve as a member of the Domestic Policy
Council and the National Economic Council.
(2) The Deputy Director for Citizenship and Inclusion
shall, among other duties as assigned by the Director, assist
the Director to promote access to United States citizenship and
inclusion of immigrants and refugees in the social, economic
and civic life of their communities and the Nation.
(3) The Deputy Director for Workforce and Economy shall,
among other duties as assigned by the Director, assist the
Director to promote the participation of immigrants and
refugees in the United States workforce and increase the
contributions of immigrants and refugees to the United States
economy.
(4) The Associate Director of State and Local Affairs
shall, among other duties as assigned by the Director, assist
the Director in coordinating the efforts of State and local
entities to support the economic, linguistic and civic
integration of immigrants, refugees and their children.
(e) Functions.--The functions of the Office are--
(1) to promote and support immigrant and refugee
integration and inclusion in society;
(2) to ensure the Federal Government and its agencies and
departments promote the pursuit of United States citizenship
among immigrants and refugees;
(3) to ensure access to quality English language learning
programs that increase for adult English language learners
their--
(A) employment and career prospects and economic
integration; and
(B) social integration in their local communities
and participation in civic life, including their
engagement with State and local governments, schools,
and private and nonprofit community institutions;
(4) to provide equal access to workforce development
programs, including by ensuring that such programs meet the
demand and unique language, training and educational needs of
immigrants and refugees;
(5) to oversee and coordinate the efforts of Federal,
State, and local entities to ensure the effective social,
economic, linguistic, and civic integration of immigrants,
refugees and their children;
(6) to provide advice and leadership to the President,
Congress, and other Federal Government officials on the
challenges and opportunities facing such entities with regards
to immigrant and refugee integration;
(7) to cooperate closely with the Office of Management and
Budget and other relevant executive agencies and departments to
analyze the impact of immigration policies of immigrant and
refugee integration on the Federal budget;
(8) to evaluate the scale, quality, and effectiveness of
Federal Government efforts concerning immigrant and refugee
social and economic integration, including access to United
States citizenship, English language learning and workforce
development programs;
(9) to identify the anticipated effects of new Federal
policies on existing integration efforts and advise the
President on how to address any potential integration needs or
impacts resulting from such policies;
(10) to consult on a biannual basis with State and local
government officials on the immigrant and refugee integration
challenges and opportunities facing States and units of local
government;
(11) to consult with the Secretaries and Directors
identified in title II on the administration of the grant
programs established by such title; and
(12) to submit to the President and the appropriate
congressional committees a biannual report that describes the
activities of the Office and the results of the consultation
process provided in paragraphs (10) and (11).
(f) Powers of the Director.--In carrying out the responsibilities
in subsection (d) and the functions of the office in subsection (e),
the Director may--
(1) select, appoint, employ, and fix compensation of such
officers and employees as may be necessary to carry out the
functions of the Office under this title;
(2) direct, with the concurrence of the Secretary of a
department or head of an agency, the temporary reassignment
within the Federal Government of personnel employed by such
department or agency;
(3) use for administrative purposes, on a reimbursable
basis, the available service, equipment, personnel, and
facilities of Federal, State, and local agencies;
(4) procure the services of experts and consultants in
accordance with section 3109 of title 5, United States Code,
relating to appointments in the Federal service, at rates of
compensation for individuals not to exceed the daily equivalent
of the rate of pay payable for GS-18 of the General Schedule
under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code;
(5) accept and use donations of property from Federal,
State and local government agencies;
(6) use the mail in the same manner as other departments
and agencies of the executive branch; and
(7) monitor the implementation of the Federal Government's
integration-related activities, including--
(A) conducting program and performance audits and
evaluations; and
(B) requesting assistance from the Inspector
General of the relevant agency in such audits and
evaluations.
SEC. 103. FEDERAL INITIATIVE ON NEW AMERICANS.
(a) Establishment.--
(1) In general.--The Director shall establish within the
National Office of New Americans a Federal Initiative on New
Americans (in this title referred to as the ``Initiative'').
(2) Deadline for establishment.--The Initiative shall be
fully operational not later than 6 months after the
confirmation of the Director of the Office.
(b) Purpose.--The purposes of the Initiative are--
(1) to establish a coordinated Federal program to respond
effectively to immigrant and refugee integration issues; and
(2) to advise and assist the Director in identifying and
implementing the necessary policies to carry out such program.
(c) Membership.--The Initiative shall be composed of--
(1) the Director, who shall serve as Chair of the
Initiative;
(2) the Secretary of the Treasury;
(3) the Attorney General;
(4) the Secretary of Commerce;
(5) the Secretary of Labor;
(6) the Secretary of Health and Human Services;
(7) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development;
(8) the Secretary of Education;
(9) the Secretary of Homeland Security;
(10) the Secretary of State;
(11) the Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement;
(12) the Director of the Small Business Administration;
(13) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget;
(14) the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial
Protection; and
(15) any other individual the Director of the National
Office of New Americans invites to participate who occupies a
position listed under level I or II of the Executive Schedule,
as provided in sections 5312 and 5313 of title 5, United States
Code.
(d) Duties.--
(1) In general.--The Initiative shall meet at the call of
the Chair and perform such duties as the Chair reasonably
requires.
(2) Coordinated response to immigrant and refugee issues.--
The Initiative shall work with executive agencies and
departments to provide a coordinated Federal response to
adequately address issues that affect the lives of new
immigrants and refugees and local communities with growing
immigrant and refugee populations, including--
(A) English language learning;
(B) adult education and workforce training;
(C) occupational licensure;
(D) early childhood care and education;
(E) elementary, secondary and postsecondary
education;
(F) health care;
(G) naturalization;
(H) civic engagement;
(I) access to immigration assistance and legal
services;
(J) economic development; and
(K) other services the Director identifies as
aiding the integration of immigrants and refugees to
the United States.
(3) Liaison with federal agencies.--
(A) In general.--Each member of the Initiative
shall serve as a liaison to the respective agency of
the member to ensure that the agency coordinates with
and responds to the recommendations of the Initiative
in a timely and meaningful manner.
(B) Duties of a liaison.--The duties of each member
as an agency liaison include--
(i) creating immigrant and refugee
integration goals within the agency;
(ii) creating immigration integration
indicators within the agency;
(iii) implementing the biannual
consultation process described in section
102(e)(10) by consulting with the State and
local counterparts of the agency;
(iv) reporting to the Initiative on the
progress made by the agency in achieving the
goals and indicators described in clauses (i)
and (ii); and
(v) providing the Director, upon request of
the Director and subject to laws governing
disclosure of information, such information as
may be required to carry out the
responsibilities of the Director and the
functions of the Office.
(4) Recommendations of the initiative.--
(A) Report.--The Director of the Initiative shall
submit to Congress a report that includes the
following:
(i) Findings from the consultation process
described in section 102(e)(10), including a
description of the immigrant and refugee
integration challenges and opportunities facing
States and units of local government.
(ii) Assessment of the effects of and
recommendations with regard to pending
legislation and executive branch policy
proposals and their possible impacts on
immigrant and refugee integration.
(iii) Suggestions for changes to Federal
programs or policies that have a negative
impact on immigrants, refugees and local
communities with growing immigrant and refugee
populations, in comparison to the general
population.
(iv) Recommendations on legislative
solutions to promote immigrant and refugee
integration.
(B) Reporting deadline.--The Initiative shall
submit a report required by subparagraph (A) not later
than 12 months after the Initiative is fully
operational and every two years thereafter.
TITLE II--PROGRAMS TO PROMOTE CITIZENSHIP, INTEGRATION, AND PROSPERITY
SEC. 200. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING ACCESS TO COUNSEL.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) immigration law is so complex that it is nearly
impossible and therefore unjust for individuals to navigate the
immigration system without legal assistance or represent
themselves in immigration court;
(2) noncitizens without legal counsel are far more likely
to be denied immigration benefits or be deported, which can
result in dire consequences, including the denial of legal
status or U.S. citizenship, loss of livelihood, separation from
or the inability to support one's family, life-threatening
danger in one's country of origin and a long-term or permanent
ban from being able to re-enter the United States; and
(3) consistent with the American values of fairness and
justice and the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which
guarantees everyone due process of law, anyone subject to
proceedings or the appeal thereof before an immigration judge
or the Attorney General should have the right of being
represented by counsel, including government-funded counsel,
regardless of one's ability to pay.
SEC. 201. LEGAL SERVICES AND IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE GRANTS.
(a) Authorization.--The Attorney General, acting through the
Director of the Executive Office for Immigration Review, in
consultation with the Director of the National Office of New Americans,
shall award Legal Services and Immigration Assistance grants to
eligible entities.
(b) Eligibility.--An entity eligible to receive a grant under this
section is a unit of local government, private organization, community-
based organization, or not-for-profit organization--
(1) that provides authorized direct legal assistance to
immigrants and refugees in the United States;
(2) in the case of any applicant who has previously
received a grant under this section, that uses matching funds
from non-Federal sources, which may include in-kind
contributions, equal to 25 percent of amount received under
this section;
(3) that provides immigration education, outreach and
quality paralegal services to immigrants and refugees, in
coordination with immigration attorneys or representatives
accredited by the Recognition and Accreditation Program of the
Department of Justice Executive Office of Immigration Review;
and
(4) that submits to the Director of the Executive Office
for Immigration Review an application at such time, in such
manner, and containing such information as such Director may
reasonably require.
(c) Use of Funds.--
(1) In general.--Funds awarded under this section may be
used to provide to an eligible individual legal assistance
relating to the immigration status of such individual, or
related services. Such assistance may include--
(A) outreach and education to identify and support
those in need of legal services;
(B) liaison services to connect individuals with
trusted legal service providers, social service
organizations and government representatives;
(C) screening to assess the eligibility of any
individual regarding any status under the immigration
laws;
(D) completing immigration applications;
(E) translation services;
(F) gathering of documents such as proof of
identification, employment, residence, family
relationships and tax payment;
(G) applying for any waivers for which an applicant
and qualifying family members may be eligible; and
(H) assisting an applicant for United States
citizenship with application preparation and the
citizenship application process, including support for
the English and civics exams.
(2) Immigrants eligible for assistance.--A non-citizen is
eligible to receive the assistance described in paragraph (1)
if such non-citizen is--
(A) seeking to become a permanent resident or
naturalized citizen; or
(B) seeking relief from removal and authorization
to remain in the United States lawfully and
permanently.
(d) Certification.--In order to receive a payment under this
section, a participating entity shall submit to the Attorney General a
certification that the proposed uses of grant funds by the entity are
consistent with this section and meet all necessary criteria determined
by the Attorney General in consultation with the Director of the
National Office of New Americans.
(e) Annual Report and Evaluation.--Not later than 90 days after the
end of each fiscal year for which an entity receives grant funds under
this section, the entity shall submit to the Director of Citizenship
and Immigration Services the following:
(1) A report that describes--
(A) the activities undertaken by the entity that
were funded entirely or partially by the grant funds;
(B) the geographic area or areas served by the
grant funds;
(C) an estimate of the number of non-citizens
living in the jurisdiction or service area of the
entity, which demonstrates that the entity made a
reasonable effort to determine such number;
(D) the number of non-citizens receiving assistance
that was funded entirely or partially by grant funds
received by the entity;
(E) a breakdown of the costs of each of the
services provided and the average per capita cost of
providing such assistance; and
(F) the primary languages spoken in the
jurisdiction or service area of the entity.
(2) An evaluation of any program of the entity using grant
funds under this section, including an assessment of--
(A) the effectiveness of such program and
recommendations for improving the program; and
(B) whether or not the legal services needs of the
geographic area served have been met and if not, what
further assistance is required to meet such need.
(f) State Defined.--In this section, the term ``State'' means each
of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa,
and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000 for fiscal years
2021 through 2022.
SEC. 202. ENGLISH AS A GATEWAY GRANTS.
(a) Authorization.--The Assistant Secretary for Career, Technical,
and Adult Education at the Department of Education, in consultation
with the Director of the National Office of New Americans, shall award
English as a Gateway to Integration grants to eligible entities.
(b) Eligibility.--An entity eligible to receive a grant under this
section is a State or unit of local government, private organization,
educational institution, community-based organization, or not-for-
profit organization--
(1) in the case of any applicant who has previously
received a grant under this section, that uses matching funds
from non-Federal sources, which may include in-kind
contributions, equal to 25 percent of amount received from the
English as a Gateway to Integration program;
(2) that submits to the Assistant Secretary an application
at such time, in such manner, and containing such information
as the Assistant Secretary may reasonably require, including--
(A) a description of the target population to be
served, including demographics, literacy levels and
English language levels of the target population; and
(B) the assessment and performance measures that
the grant recipient plans to use to evaluate the
English language learning progress of students and
overall success of the instruction and program;
(3) demonstrate collaboration with public and private
entities to provide the instruction and assistance described in
subsection (c)(1);
(4) provide English language programs that teach English
language skills to--
(A) lower-educated individuals;
(B) Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals;
(C) parents who are caretakers of young children;
(D) that supports and promotes the social, economic
and civic integration of adult English language
learners and their families;
(E) that equips adult English language learners for
ongoing, independent study and learning beyond the
classroom or formal instruction provided by the entity;
and
(F) that incorporates the use of technology to help
students develop digital literacy skills;
(5) are 1 of the 10 States with the highest rate of
foreign-born residents; or
(6) have experienced a large increase in the population of
immigrants during the most recent 10-year period relative to
past migration patterns, based on data compiled by the Office
of Immigration Statistics or the United States Census Bureau.
(c) Use of Funds.--
(1) In general.--Funds awarded under this section shall be
used to provide English language instruction to adult English
language learners. Such instruction shall advance the
integration of students in order to help them--
(A) build their knowledge of United States history
and civics;
(B) to prepare for United States citizenship and
the naturalization process;
(C) gain digital literacy;
(D) understand and navigate the early childhood, K-
12 and postsecondary education systems;
(E) gain financial literacy;
(F) build an understanding of the housing market
and systems in the United States;
(G) learn about and access the United States,
State, and local health care systems;
(H) prepare for a high school equivalency diploma
or post-secondary training or education; and
(I) prepare for and secure employment.
(2) Design of program.--Funds awarded under this section
shall be used to support an instructional program that may
include the following elements:
(A) English language instruction in a classroom
setting, provided that such setting is in a geographic
location accessible to the population served.
(B) Online English language instruction and
distance learning platforms.
(C) Educational support and specialized instruction
for English language learners with low levels of
literacy in their first language.
(D) Other online and digital components, including
the use of mobile phones.
(d) Certification.--In order to receive a payment under this
section, a participating entity shall submit to the Assistant Secretary
a certification that the proposed uses of grant funds by the entity are
consistent with this section and meet all necessary criteria determined
by the Assistant Secretary.
(e) Annual Report and Evaluation.--Not later than 90 days after the
end of each fiscal year for which an entity receives grant funds under
this section, the entity shall submit to the Assistant Secretary the
following:
(1) A report that describes--
(A) the activities undertaken by the entity that
were funded entirely or partially by the grant funds;
(B) the geographic area or areas served by the
grant funds;
(C) the number of immigrants in such areas;
(D) the primary languages spoken in such areas;
(E) the number of adult English language learners
receiving assistance that was funded entirely or
partially by grant funds received by the entity; and
(F) a breakdown of the costs of the instruction
services provided and the average per capita cost of
providing such instruction.
(2) An evaluation of any program of the entity using grant
funds under this section, including an assessment of--
(A) the effectiveness of such program and
recommendations for improving the program;
(B) whether or not the English language instruction
needs of the geographic area served have been met and
if not, what further assistance is required to meet
such need; and
(C) the results of any assessment or evaluation of
progress or success described in subsection (b)(3)(B).
(f) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) The term ``State'' means each of the several States,
the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the
United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
(2) The terms ``limited English proficient'' and ``English
language learner'' describe an individual who does not speak
English as their primary language and who has a limited ability
to read, speak, write, or understand English.
(3) The term ``adult English language learner'' refers to
an individual age 16 and older who is not enrolled in secondary
school and who is limited English proficient.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000 for fiscal years
2021 through 2022.
SEC. 203. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND PROSPERITY GRANTS.
(a) Declaration of Policy.--It is the policy of the United States--
(1) that adults have equitable access to education and
workforce programs that--
(A) help them learn basic skills in reading,
writing, math and the English language; and
(B) equip them with occupational skills needed to
secure or advance in employment, to fill employer
needs, and support themselves and their families;
(2) to strengthen the economy by helping adults with
limited skills to attain industry-recognized postsecondary
credentials; and
(3) that workforce programs for adults with limited skills
incorporate an integrated education and training approach that
allow adults to acquire basic skills while pursuing
occupational or industry specific training.
(b) Authorization.--The Assistant Secretary for Career, Technical,
and Adult Education at the Department of Education (referred to as the
Assistant Secretary in this section), in consultation with the Director
of the National Office of New Americans, shall award Workforce
Development and Shared Prosperity grants, on a competitive basis, to
States and local governments or other qualifying entities described in
subsection (c), in collaboration with State and local governments.
(c) Qualifying Entities.--Qualifying entities under this section
may include--
(1) an educational institution;
(2) a private organization;
(3) a community-based organization; or
(4) a not-for-profit organization.
(d) Eligibility.--A State or local government or qualifying entity
in collaboration with a State or local government is eligible to
receive a grant under this section provided that the State or local
government or entity--
(1) supports and promotes the economic integration of
immigrants and refugees and their families;
(2) has expertise in workforce development and adult
education for the purpose of developing and implementing State
or local programs of integrated education and training;
(3) in carrying out the grant program, includes at least
one entity--
(A) with expertise in workforce development for
immigrants and refugees; and
(B) with expertise in adult education of immigrants
and refugees;
(4) uses matching funds from non-Federal sources, which may
include in-kind contributions, equal to 25 percent of the
amount received from the Workforce Development and Shared
Prosperity grants program; and
(5) submits to the Assistant Secretary an application at
such time, in such manner, and containing such information as
the Assistant Secretary may reasonably require, including--
(A) a description of the target population to be
served, including demographics, English language
levels, educational levels, and skill levels of the
target population;
(B) the specific integrated education and training
instructional model to be implemented;
(C) how the program will be designed and
implemented by educators with expertise in adult
education, English language instruction and
occupational skills training;
(D) how the program will prepare students to
receive a high school equivalency credential;
(E) how the program will prepare students to
receive a postsecondary credential;
(F) the occupations or industry for which the
program will prepare students for employment;
(G) evidence of employer demand for the skills or
occupational training offered by the grant program;
(H) the extent to which the program reduces the
time required for students to acquire English and
workforce skills;
(I) how the program will increase digital literacy
skills;
(J) how the program will provide student support
services including guidance counseling in order to
promote student success; and
(K) the assessment and performance measures that
the grant recipient plans to use to evaluate--
(i) the progress of adult learners in
acquiring basic skills such as reading,
writing, math and the English language; and
(ii) the success of the grant program to
prepare students for employment and to help
them find employment or advance in employment.
(e) Certification.--In order to receive a payment under this
section, a participating entity shall submit to the Assistant Secretary
a certification that the proposed uses of grant funds by the entity are
consistent with this section and meet all necessary criteria determined
by the Assistant Secretary in consultation with the Director of the
National Office of New Americans.
(f) Technical Assistance.--The Assistant Secretary shall provide
technical assistance to adult education providers on how to provide
integrated education and training.
(g) Annual Report and Evaluation.--Not later than 90 days after the
end of each fiscal year for which an entity receives grant funds under
this section, the entity shall submit to the Assistant Secretary the
following:
(1) A report that describes--
(A) the activities undertaken by the entity that
were funded entirely or partially by the grant funds;
(B) the geographic area or areas served by the
grant funds;
(C) the number of immigrants in such areas;
(D) the primary languages spoken in such areas; and
(E) a breakdown of the costs of each of the
services provided and the average per capita cost of
providing such services.
(2) An evaluation of any program of the entity using grant
funds under this section, including an assessment of--
(A) the effectiveness of such program and
recommendations for improving the program;
(B) whether or not the legal services needs of the
geographic area served have been met and if not, what
further assistance is required to meet such need; and
(C) the results of any assessment or evaluation of
progress or success described in subsection (c)(5)(I).
(h) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) The term ``State'' means each of the several States,
the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the
United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
(2) The term ``integrated education and training'' means
instruction that provides adult education, literacy and English
language activities concurrently and contextually with
workforce preparation activities and workforce training for a
specific occupation or occupational cluster for the purpose of
educational and career advancement.
(3) The term ``adult education'' means academic instruction
and education services below the postsecondary level that
increase an individual's ability to read, write, and speak
English and perform mathematics or other activities necessary
for the attainment of a secondary school diploma or its
recognized equivalent, transition to postsecondary education
and training, or obtain employment.
(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000 for fiscal years
2021 through 2022.
SEC. 204. APPROPRIATIONS AUTHORIZED FOR EXISTING CITIZENSHIP GRANTS.
There are authorized to be awarded by the Department of Homeland
Security to public or private nonprofit organizations for the purpose
of Citizenship Education and Training (under the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance Number 97.010) an amount not less than $25,000,000.
SEC. 205. CONSIDERATION OF GRANT RECIPIENTS.
With regard to grants administered and awarded to public or private
nonprofit organizations by the Department of Homeland Security, unless
otherwise required by law, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland
Security, when making determinations about such grants, shall not
consider the enrollment in or use by such organizations of E-Verify,
the web-based system that the Department administers for employers that
enroll in the system to confirm the eligibility of their employees to
work in the United States.
SEC. 206. ESTABLISHMENT OF UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP AND INTEGRATION
FOUNDATION.
The Secretary, acting through the Director of United States
Citizenship and Immigration Services and in coordination with National
Office of New Americans, is authorized to establish a nonprofit
corporation or a not-for-profit, public benefit, or similar entity,
which shall be known as the ``United States Citizenship and Integration
Foundation'' (in this title referred to as the ``Foundation'').
SEC. 207. GIFTS TO FOUNDATION.
In order to carry out the purposes set forth in section 208, the
Foundation may--
(1) solicit, accept, and make gifts of money and other
property in accordance with section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986;
(2) engage in coordinated work with the Department,
including United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
and the National Office of New Americans; and
(3) accept, hold, administer, invest, and spend any gift,
devise, or bequest of real or personal property made to the
Foundation.
SEC. 208. PURPOSES.
The purposes of the Foundation are--
(1) to spur innovation in the promotion and expansion of
citizenship preparation programs for lawful permanent
residents;
(2) to evaluate and identify best practices in citizenship
promotion and preparation and to make recommendations to the
Department and the National Office for New Americans about how
to bring such best practices to scale;
(3) to support direct assistance for noncitizens seeking
lawful permanent resident status, or naturalization as a United
States citizen; and
(4) to coordinate immigrant integration with State and
local entities.
SEC. 209. AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.
The Foundation shall carry out its purpose by--
(1) making United States citizenship instruction and
naturalization application services accessible to low-income
and other underserved lawful permanent resident populations;
(2) developing, identifying, and sharing best practices in
United States citizenship promotion and preparation;
(3) supporting innovative and creative solutions to
barriers faced by those seeking naturalization;
(4) increasing the use of, and access to, technology in
United States citizenship preparation programs;
(5) engaging receiving communities in the United States
citizenship and civic integration process;
(6) administering the New Citizens Award Program to
recognize, in each calendar year, not more than 10 United
States citizens who--
(A) have made outstanding contributions to the
United States; and
(B) have been naturalized during the 10-year period
ending on the date of such recognition;
(7) fostering public education and awareness;
(8) coordinating its immigrant integration efforts with
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and the
National Office of New Americans; and
(9) awarding grants to State and local governments under
section 208.
SEC. 210. COUNCIL OF DIRECTORS.
(a) Members.--To the extent consistent with section 501(c)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Foundation shall have a Council
of Directors (in this title referred to as the ``Council'', which shall
be comprised of--
(1) the Director of United States Citizenship and
Immigration Services;
(2) the Director of the National Office of New Americans;
and
(3) 10 directors, appointed by the ex-officio directors
designated in paragraphs (1) and (2), from national private and
public nonprofit organizations that promote and assist
permanent residents with naturalization.
(b) Appointment of Executive Director.--The Council shall appoint
an Executive Director, who shall oversee the day-to-day operations of
the Foundation.
SEC. 211. POWERS.
The Executive Director is authorized to carry out the purposes set
forth in section 208 on behalf of the Foundation by--
(1) accepting, holding, administering, investing, and
spending any gift, devise, or bequest of real or personal
property made to the Foundation;
(2) entering into contracts and other financial assistance
agreements with individuals, public or private organizations,
professional societies, and government agencies to carry out
the functions of the Foundation;
(3) entering into such other contracts, leases, cooperative
agreements, and other transactions as the Executive Director
considers appropriate to carry out the activities of the
Foundation; and
(4) charging such fees for professional services furnished
by the Foundation as the Executive Director determines
reasonable and appropriate.
SEC. 212. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The Foundation shall be established and operational within 12
months of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 213. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR FOUNDATION AND PILOT
PROGRAM.
There is authorized to be appropriated for the first two fiscal
years after the date of enactment of this Act such sums as may be
necessary to establish the Foundation and the pilot program as
described in section 212 of this Act. Such amounts may be invested and
any amounts resulting from such investments shall remain available for
the operations of the Foundation and the pilot program without further
appropriation.
SEC. 214. PILOT PROGRAM TO PROMOTE IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION AT STATE AND
LOCAL LEVELS.
(a) Grants Authorized.--The Chief of the United States Citizenship
and Immigration Services' Office of Citizenship, in coordination with
the National Office of New Americans (in this title referred to as the
``Chief''), shall establish a pilot program through which the Chief may
award grants, on a competitive basis, to States and local governments
or other qualifying entities, in collaboration with State and local
governments--
(1) to establish New Immigrant Councils to carry out
programs to integrate new immigrants; or
(2) to carry out programs to integrate new immigrants.
(b) Application.--A State or local government desiring a grant
under this section shall submit an application to the Chief at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Chief may
reasonably require, including--
(1) a proposal to meet an objective or combination of
objectives set forth in subsection (d)(3);
(2) the number of new immigrants in the applicant's
jurisdiction; and
(3) a description of the challenges in introducing and
integrating new immigrants into the State or local community.
(c) Authorized Activities.--A grant awarded under this subsection
may be used--
(1) to form a New Immigrant Council, which shall--
(A) consist of between 15 and 19 individuals,
inclusive, from the State, local government, or
qualifying organization;
(B) include, to the extent practicable,
representatives from--
(i) business;
(ii) faith-based organizations;
(iii) civic organizations;
(iv) philanthropic organizations;
(v) nonprofit organizations, including
those with legal and advocacy experience
working with immigrant communities;
(vi) key education stakeholders, such as
State educational agencies, local educational
agencies, community colleges, and teachers;
(vii) State adult education offices;
(viii) State or local public libraries; and
(ix) State or local governments; and
(C) meet not less frequently than once each
quarter;
(2) to provide subgrants to local communities, city
governments, municipalities, nonprofit organizations (including
veterans' and patriotic organizations), or other qualifying
entities;
(3) to develop, implement, expand, or enhance a
comprehensive plan to introduce and integrate new immigrants
into the State by--
(A) improving English language skills;
(B) engaging caretakers with limited English
proficiency in their child's education through
interactive parent and child literacy activities;
(C) improving and expanding access to workforce
training programs;
(D) teaching United States history, civics
education, citizenship rights, and responsibilities;
(E) promoting an understanding of the form of
government and history of the United States and the
principles of the Constitution;
(F) improving financial literacy; and
(G) focusing on other key areas of importance to
integration in our society; and
(4) to engage receiving communities in the citizenship and
civic integration process by--
(A) increasing local service capacity;
(B) building meaningful connections between newer
immigrants and long-time residents;
(C) communicating the contributions of receiving
communities and new immigrants; and
(D) engaging leaders from all sectors of the
community.
(d) Reporting and Evaluation.--
(1) Annual report.--Each grant recipient shall submit an
annual report to the Chief that describes--
(A) the activities undertaken by the grant
recipient, including how such activities meet the goals
of the Office, the Foundation, and the comprehensive
plan described in subsection (d)(3);
(B) the geographic areas being served;
(C) the number of immigrants in such areas; and
(D) the primary languages spoken in such areas.
(2) Annual evaluation.--The Chief shall conduct an annual
evaluation of the grant program established under this
section--
(A) to assess and improve the effectiveness of such
grant program;
(B) to assess the future needs of immigrants and of
State and local governments related to immigrants; and
(C) to ensure that grantees recipients and
subgrantees are acting within the scope and purpose of
this subchapter.
TITLE III--REDUCING BARRIERS TO CITIZENSHIP
SEC. 301. IMMIGRATION SERVICE FEES.
(a) In General.--Subsection (m) of section 286 of the Immigration
and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(m)) is amended to read as follows:
``(m) Immigration Service Fees.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2) and
notwithstanding any other provision of law, all adjudication
fees as are designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security in
regulations shall be deposited as offsetting receipts into a
separate account entitled `Immigration Examinations Fee
Account' in the Treasury of the United States, whether
collected directly by the Secretary or through clerks of
courts.
``(2) Virgin islands and guam.--All fees received by the
Secretary of Homeland Security from applicants residing in the
Virgin Islands of the United States, or in Guam, under this
subsection shall be paid over to the treasury of the Virgin
Islands or to the treasury of Guam, respectively.
``(3) Restrictions.--All fees received by the Secretary of
Homeland Security from applicants residing in the Virgin
Islands of the United States, or in Guam, under this subsection
shall be prohibited for use to cover the cost associated with--
``(A) the civil revocation of naturalization;
``(B) Operation Second Look;
``(C) Operation Janus;
``(D) any and all activities and operations
conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement,
Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security
Investigations; and
``(E) any other activity or operation that is not
directly related to adjudications for immigration
benefits.
``(4) Fees for adjudication and naturalization services.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
Secretary of Homeland Security may set fees for
providing adjudication and naturalization services at a
level that will--
``(i) ensure recovery of the full costs of
providing such services, or a portion thereof,
including the costs of naturalization and
similar services provided without charge to
asylum applicants or other immigrants; and
``(ii) recover the full cost of
administering the collection of fees under this
paragraph, or a portion thereof.
``(B) Report requirement before fee increase.--The
Secretary of Homeland Security may not increase any fee
under this paragraph above the level of such fee on
January 1, 2019, until--
``(i) the Secretary submits to the
Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and
the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of
Representatives a report that--
``(I) identifies the direct and
indirect costs associated with
providing adjudication and
naturalization services, and
distinguishes such costs from
immigration enforcement and national
security costs;
``(II) identifies the costs
allocable to providing premium
processing services to business
customers prescribed by section 286(u)
of this Act; describes the extent to
which the fee prescribed in that
section is set at a level that ensures
full recovery of those costs; and
identifies the amount of funding that
is being allocated for the
infrastructure improvements in the
adjudications and customer-service
processes as prescribed by that
section; and
``(III) contains information
regarding the amount the fee will be
increased; and
``(ii) a period of 60 days has expired
beginning on the date that the report in clause
(i) is received by the committees described in
such clause.
``(C) Adjudications delay and backlog report.--The
Secretary of Homeland Security shall report to the
Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the
Committee on the Judiciary of the House of
Representatives on a quarterly basis the following--
``(i) for adjudications, when the
processing time of more than ten percent of any
single category of immigration benefits
surpasses the agency's stated processing goal
as of January 1, 2019;
``(ii) when the processing time of more
than 5 percent of applications for legal
permanent residence surpass 150 days; and
``(iii) when the processing time of more
than 5 percent of applications for
naturalization surpass 150 days.
``(5) Fee waivers for adjudication and naturalization
services.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding the provisions
of this Act or any other law, the following fee waivers
shall apply:
``(i) In the case of an alien whose income
is less than 150 percent of the Federal poverty
line, no fee shall be charged or collected for
an application, petition, appeal, motion,
service or other service described in section
286(m) or for the biometrics capture or
background check associated with such services.
``(ii) In the case of an alien whose income
is less than 250 percent of the Federal poverty
line, not more than 50 percent of the
applicable fee shall be charged or collected
for an application, petition, appeal, motion,
service or service described in section 286(m).
``(iii) In the case of an alien under
financial hardship due to extraordinary
expenses or other circumstances affecting his
or her financial situation to the degree that
he or she is unable to pay the fee, no fee
shall be charged or collected for an
application, petition, appeal, motion, service
or other service described in section 286(m) or
for the biometrics capture or background check
associated with such services.
``(B) No fee charged for waiver request.--No fee
shall be charged for a fee waiver request described in
subparagraph (A).
``(C) No waiver for certain fees.--The fee for
employment-based petitions and applications prescribed
by subsection (u) may not be waived.
``(D) Means-tested benefits.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, the Secretary of Homeland
Security shall consider the receipt of means-tested
benefits as a criterion for the purpose of
demonstrating eligibility for a fee waiver under
subparagraph (A).
``(E) Application for fee waiver.--An alien
requesting a waiver of fees under subparagraph (A) may
submit either a form as prescribed by the Secretary or
an applicant-generated, written request for permission
to have their immigration benefit request processed
without payment of the required fee.
``(F) Federal poverty line defined.--In this
subsection, the term `Federal poverty line' has the
meaning given such term by the Director of the Office
of Management and Budget, as revised annually by the
Secretary of Health and Human Services in accordance
with section 673(2) of the Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 9902).''.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Secretary of Homeland Security should set fees
under section 286(m)(34) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1356(m)(3)), as amended by subsection (a) of this
section, at a level that ensures recovery of only the direct
costs associated with the services described in such section
286(m)(34); and
(2) Congress should appropriate to the Secretary of
Homeland Security such funds as may be necessary to cover--
(A) the indirect costs associated with the services
described in such section 286(m)(3);
(B) the adjudication of refugee and asylum
processing;
(C) the costs of administering the Systematic Alien
Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program;
(D) the adjudication of naturalization applications
not covered in full by the fees paid by applicants;
(E) the reduction or elimination of fees granted to
fee waiver applicants; and
(F) grants to public and private nonprofits for the
purposes of citizenship and training.
(c) Technical Amendment.--Section 286 of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356) is amended--
(1) in subsections (d), (e), (f), (h), (i), (j), (k), (l),
(n), (o), (q), (t), and (u), by striking ``Attorney General''
each place it appears and inserting ``Secretary of Homeland
Security''; and
(2) in subsection (r)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Department of
Justice'' and inserting ``Department of Homeland
Security''; and
(B) in paragraphs (3) and (4), by striking
``Attorney General'' each place it appears and
inserting ``Secretary of Homeland Security''.
SEC. 302. REDUCE FINANCIAL OBSTACLES TO NATURALIZATION.
Section 316 of the Immigration and Nationality Act is amended by
inserting after subsection (e) (and redesignating all that follows):
``(f) Fee.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall impose a fee
of no more than $50 for the consideration of an application for
naturalization. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to limit
the authority of the Secretary to set adjudication fees for other
benefit applications other than naturalization in accordance with
section 286(m).''.
SEC. 303. WAIVER OF ENGLISH REQUIREMENT FOR SENIOR NEW AMERICANS.
Section 312 (8 U.S.C. 1423) is amended by striking subsection (b)
and inserting the following:
``(b) The requirements under subsection (a) shall not apply to any
person who--
``(1) is unable to comply with such requirements because of
physical or mental disability, including developmental or
intellectual disability; or
``(2) on the date on which the person's application for
naturalization is filed under section 334--
``(A) is older than 65 years of age; and
``(B) has been living in the United States for
periods totaling at least 5 years after being lawfully
admitted for permanent residence.
``(c) The requirement under subsection (a)(1) shall not apply to
any person who, on the date on which the person's application for
naturalization is filed under section 334--
``(1) is older than 50 years of age and has been living in
the United States for periods totaling at least 20 years after
being lawfully admitted for permanent residence;
``(2) is older than 55 years of age and has been living in
the United States for periods totaling at least 15 years after
being lawfully admitted for permanent residence; or
``(3) is older than 60 years of age and has been living in
the United States for periods totaling at least 10 years after
being lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
``(d) The Secretary of Homeland Security may waive, on a case-by-
case basis, the requirement under subsection (a)(2) on behalf of any
person who, on the date on which the person's application for
naturalization is filed under section 334--
``(1) is older than 60 years of age; and
``(2) has been living in the United States for periods
totaling at least 10 years after being lawfully admitted for
permanent residence.''.
SEC. 304. NATURALIZATION FOR CERTAIN UNITED STATES HIGH SCHOOL
GRADUATES.
(a) In General.--Title III of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 320 the
following:
``SEC. 321. CITIZENSHIP FOR CERTAIN UNITED STATES HIGH SCHOOL
GRADUATES.
``(a) Requirements Deemed Satisfied.--In the case of an alien
described in subsection (b), the alien shall be deemed to have
satisfied the requirements of section 312(a).
``(b) Aliens Described.--An alien is described in this subsection
if the alien submits an application for naturalization under section
334 that contains the following:
``(1) Transcripts from public or private schools in the
United States that demonstrate the following:
``(A) The alien completed grades 9 through 12 in
the United States and was graduated with a high school
diploma.
``(B) The alien completed a curriculum that
reflects knowledge of United States history,
Government, and civics.
``(2) A copy of the alien's high school diploma.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for the Immigration
and Nationality Act is amended by inserting after the item relating to
section 320 the following:
``Sec. 321. Citizenship for certain United States high school
graduates.''.
(c) Applicability.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to
applicants for naturalization who apply for naturalization on or after
such date.
(d) Regulations.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall
promulgate regulations to carry out this section and the amendments
made by this section not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 305. FAMILY INTEGRATION.
Section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151)
is amended by striking in subsection (b)(2)(A)(i) the number ``21'' and
inserting the number ``18''.
SEC. 306. REVISION OF GROUNDS FOR DEPORTATION.
Section 237(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1227(5)) is repealed.
SEC. 307. WAIVER TO ENSURE ACCESS TO CITIZENSHIP.
The Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) is
amended--
(1) in section 237(a)(3)(D) (8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(3)(D)), by
inserting ``and willfully'' after ``falsely'' each place such
term appears;
(2) in section 212(a)(6)(C)(ii) (8 U.S.C.
1182(a)(6)(C)(ii)), by inserting ``and willfully'' after
``falsely'' each place such term appears;
(3) in section 212(a)(6)(C)(ii)(I) (8 U.S.C.
1182(a)(6)(C)(ii)(I)), by striking ``or any other Federal or
State law'';
(4) in section 212(a)(6)(C)(iii) (8 U.S.C.
1182(a)(6)(C)(iii)), by striking ``of clause (i)''; and
(5) by amending section 212(i)(1) (8 U.S.C. 1182(i)(1)) to
read as follows:
``(1) The Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland
Security may, in the discretion of the Attorney General or the
Secretary, waive the application of subsection (a)(6)(C)(ii) in
the case of an immigrant who is the parent, spouse, son, or
daughter of a United States citizen or of an alien lawfully
admitted for permanent residence, or an alien granted
classification under clause (iii) or (iv) of section
204(a)(1)(A), if it is established to the satisfaction of the
Attorney General or the Secretary that the admission to the
United States of such alien would not be contrary to the
national welfare, safety, or security of the United States.''.
SEC. 308. NATURALIZATION CEREMONIES.
(a) In General.--The Chief of the Office of Citizenship in United
States Citizenship and Immigration Services, in consultation with the
Deputy Director for Citizenship and Inclusion of the National Office of
New Americans as established in title I of this Act, the Director of
the National Park Service, the Archivist of the United States, and
other appropriate Federal officials, shall develop and implement a
strategy to enhance the public awareness of naturalization ceremonies.
(b) Venues.--In developing the strategy under subsection (a), the
Chief and the Deputy Director shall consider the use of outstanding and
historic locations as venues for select naturalization ceremonies.
(c) Reporting Requirement.--The Secretary shall annually submit a
report to Congress that contains--
(1) the content of the strategy developed under subsection
(a); and
(2) the progress made towards the implementation of such
strategy.
SEC. 309. NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP PROMOTION PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--
(1) In general.--Not later than January 1, 2020, the
Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish a program to
promote United States citizenship.
(2) Designation.--The program required by paragraph (1)
shall be known as the ``Proud to Be a United States Citizen
Program'' (in this section referred to as the ``Program'').
(b) Program Activities.--As part of the Program required by
subsection (a), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall carry out
outreach activities in accordance with subsection (c).
(c) Outreach.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall--
(1) develop outreach materials targeted to noncitizens who
have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence to
encourage such aliens to apply to become citizens of the United
States;
(2) make such outreach materials available through--
(A) public service announcements;
(B) advertisements; and
(C) such other media as the Secretary determines is
appropriate;
(3) conduct outreach activities targeted to noncitizens
eligible to apply for naturalization that include a
communication by text, email and the United States postal
service that includes on paper or in electronic form--
(A) notice that the individual is possibly eligible
to apply for naturalization;
(B) information about the requirements of United
States citizenship;
(C) information about the benefits of United States
citizenship;
(D) a pre-filled naturalization application
containing the data the agency already has about the
individual;
(E) instructions about how to complete the
application; and
(F) information about where to get free or low-cost
assistance to apply for naturalization and to prepare
for the English and civics exams.
SEC. 310. MISSION OF UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION
SERVICES.
The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 271(a)) is amended by
inserting after section 271(a)(1) the following:
``(2) Mission.--The mission statement of United States
citizenship and immigration services shall read, `USCIS secures
America's promise as a Nation that welcomes of immigrants and
refugees by providing accurate and useful information to our
customers, granting humanitarian, immigration and citizenship
benefits, promoting an awareness and understanding of
citizenship, and ensuring the integrity of our immigration
system.'.''.
SEC. 311. AUTOMATIC REGISTRATION OF ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS.
(a) Requiring States To Establish and Operate Automatic
Registration System for the Newly Naturalized.--
(1) In general.--The chief State election official of each
State shall establish and operate a system of automatic
registration for newly naturalized individuals to vote for
elections for Federal office in the State, in accordance with
the provisions of this part.
(2) Definitions.--For the purpose of this section:
(A) The term ``automatic registration'' means a
system that registers an individual to vote in
elections for Federal office in a State, if eligible,
by transferring the information necessary for
registration from the Department of Homeland Security
to election officials of the State so that, unless the
individual affirmatively declines to be registered or
is determined to be ineligible for registration, the
individual will be registered to vote in such
elections.
(B) The term ``newly naturalized'' refers to an
individual with an approved application for
naturalization admitted for United States citizenship
who has taken the oath described in section 337 of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1448) and
received a certificate of naturalization under section
338 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1449).
(b) Registration of Voters Based on Department of Homeland Security
Records.--The chief State election official shall--
(1) upon receiving information from the Secretary of the
Department of Homeland Security concerning a person who has
received a certificate of naturalization pursuant to section
338 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and who has not
declined such registration--
(A) ensure that such person fulfills any local or
State qualifications to register to vote related to
legal competency and to past criminal convictions; and
(B) determine whether such person is subject to
privacy protections for victims of domestic violence or
for people with sensitive or high-profile professions;
(2) not later than 15 days after the Secretary of the
Department of Homeland Security has transmitted information
with respect to an individual pursuant to section 312, ensure
that the individual is registered to vote in elections for
Federal office in the State if the individual is not
disqualified from voting by reason of incompetency or past
criminal conviction;
(3) not later than 45 days after the Secretary has
transmitted such information with respect to the individual,
send written notice to the individual, in addition to other
means of notice established by this part, of the individual's
voter registration status; and
(4) exclude from all public availability or disclosure the
voter registration records of any such individuals who are
protected by applicable State or local laws that prevent
publication of the home address and other personally
identifying information about victims of domestic violence and
people with sensitive or high-profile professions.
(c) Contents of Written Notice to Newly Registered Voters.--The
written notice chief State election officials shall promptly send each
individual whose information is transmitted by the Secretary of
Homeland Security pursuant to this part shall include--
(1) notice that the individual has been registered to vote;
(2) the substantive qualifications of an elector in the
State as listed in the mail voter registration application form
for elections for Federal office prescribed pursuant to section
9 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, the
consequences of false registration, and a statement that the
individual should cancel registration if the individual does
not meet all those qualifications, and instructions for
cancelling registration; and
(3) instructions for correcting any erroneous information
in the individual's voter registration record.
(d) Treatment of Individuals Under 18 Years of Age.--A State may
not refuse to treat an individual as an eligible individual for
purposes of this part on the grounds that the individual is less than
18 years of age at the time the Secretary receives information with
respect to the individual, so long as the individual is at least 16
years of age at such time.
SEC. 312. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ASSISTANCE IN REGISTRATION.
(a) In General.--In accordance with this part, the Secretary of the
Department of Homeland Security shall assist the State's chief election
official in registering to vote all newly naturalized individuals sworn
in and issued a naturalization certificate by the Secretary.
(b) Requirements for the Secretary.--
(1) Instructions on automatic registration.--The Secretary
require each individual approved for naturalization to submit
an executed document at the time of taking of the oath
described in section 337 of the Immigration and Nationality Act
that--
(A) informs the individual of the substantive
qualifications of an elector in the State as listed in
the mail voter registration application form for
elections for Federal office prescribed pursuant to
section 9 of the National Voter Registration Act of
1993, the consequences of false registration, and that
the individual should decline to register if the
individual does not meet all those qualifications;
(B) informs the individual that voter registration
is voluntary, and neither registering nor declining to
register to vote will in any way affect the
individual's citizenship status or availability of
services or benefits, nor be used for other purposes;
(C) informs the individual that affiliation or
enrollment with a political party may be required in
order to participate in an election to select the
party's candidate in an election for Federal office,
and offers the option to individuals accepting voter
registration of affiliating or enrolling with a
political party;
(D) states that if the individual executes the
document but does not take an oath of allegiance to the
United States and is not issued a certificate of
naturalization, the individual shall not be registered
to vote;
(E) instructs individuals who accept voter
registration to provide their residential address or
coordinates if different from their mailing address on
file with USCIS;
(F) directs individuals to either sign in a
designated space to decline voter registration, or to
sign in a different designated space to attest that the
individual--
(i) affirms that information provided on
the document is true and complete to the best
of the individual's knowledge;
(ii) will fulfill nationally applicable
age, citizenship, and residency requirements to
vote upon the individual's naturalization; and
(iii) accepts voter registration if
determined by State election officials to be
eligible to register in the individual's State
and municipality of residence; and
(G) provides a phone number and other widely
accessible means of contacting USCIS with questions
about or for assistance with completing sections of the
document concerning automatic voter registration, as
set forth in subsection (b)(3) of this section.
(2) Information transmittal.--Before or upon the expiration
of the 15-day period which begins on the date a newly
naturalized individual returns an executed document described
in paragraph (1) to the Secretary, the Secretary shall transmit
to the appropriate State election official, in a format
compatible with the statewide voter database maintained under
section 303 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C.
21083) whenever possible, the following information, unless the
individual declines to be registered to vote when executing the
document:
(A) The individual's given name(s) and surname(s).
(B) The individual's date of birth.
(C) The individual's residential address or
coordinates.
(D) Confirmation that the individual is a citizen
of the United States.
(E) The date on which the individual was sworn in
as a United States citizen.
(F) If available, the individual's signature in
electronic form.
(G) Information regarding the individual's
affiliation or enrollment with a political party, if
the individual provides such information.
(3) Registration assistance.--The Secretary shall publish
information about and instructions for accepting or declining
automatic voter registration for newly naturalized United
States citizens on the USCIS website and in materials routinely
provided to approved applicants for United States citizenship;
and create a telephonic hotline staffed by live operators to
provide assistance with registration to approved applicants for
United States citizenship.
SEC. 313. VOTER PROTECTION AND SECURITY IN AUTOMATIC REGISTRATION.
(a) Protections for Errors in Registration.--An individual shall
not be prosecuted under any Federal or State law, adversely affected in
any civil adjudication concerning immigration status or naturalization,
or subject to an allegation in any legal proceeding that the individual
is not a citizen of the United States on any of the following grounds:
(1) The individual is not eligible to vote in elections for
Federal office but--
(A) was automatically registered to vote under this
title; or
(B) was automatically registered to vote under this
part and subsequently voted without willful intent to
do so unlawfully.
(2) The individual was automatically registered to vote
under this part at an incorrect address.
(3) The individual declined the opportunity to register to
vote or did not make an affirmation of citizenship, including
through automatic registration, under this part.
(b) Limits on Use of Automatic Registration.--The automatic
registration of any individual or the fact that an individual declined
the opportunity to register to vote or did not make an affirmation of
citizenship (including through automatic registration) under this part
may not be used as evidence against that individual in any State or
Federal law enforcement proceeding, and an individual's lack of
knowledge or willfulness of such registration may be demonstrated by
the individual's testimony alone.
(c) Contributing Agencies' Protection of Information.--Nothing in
this part authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to collect,
retain, transmit, or publicly disclose any of the following, except to
State election officials as directed in this part:
(1) An individual's decision to decline to register to vote
or not to register to vote.
(2) An individual's decision not to affirm his or her
citizenship.
(3) Any information that a contributing agency transmits
pursuant to section 312(b)(3), except in pursuing the agency's
ordinary course of business.
(d) Public Disclosure Prohibited.--With respect to any individual
for whom any State election official receives information from the
Department of Homeland Security, the State election officials shall not
publicly disclose any of the following:
(1) Any information not necessary to voter registration.
(2) Any voter information otherwise shielded from
disclosure under State law or section 8(a) of the National
Voter Registration Act of 1993 (52 U.S.C. 20507(a)).
(3) Any portion of the individual's social security number.
(4) Any portion of the individual's motor vehicle driver's
license number.
(5) The individual's signature.
(6) The individual's telephone number.
(7) The individual's email address.
SEC. 314. EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sections 312, 313, and 314 shall go into effect beginning January
1, 2021.
TITLE IV--REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT AND INTEGRATION
SEC. 401. MINIMUM NUMBER OF REFUGEES TO BE ADMITTED.
Section 207(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1157(a)) is amended by inserting after ``in any fiscal year after
fiscal year 1982 shall be such number as the President determines,''
the following: ``except that in any fiscal year after fiscal year 2018,
such number may not be less than 110,000''.
SEC. 402. PRE-ARRIVAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND WORK ORIENTATION TRAINING
FOR APPROVED REFUGEE APPLICANTS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of State shall establish overseas
refugee training programs to offer English as a second language and
work orientation training options for refugees who have been approved
for admission to the United States before their departure for the
United States.
(b) Design and Implementation.--In designing and implementing the
programs referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult
with or use--
(1) nongovernmental or international organizations with
direct ties to the United States refugee resettlement program;
and
(2) nongovernmental or international organizations with
appropriate expertise in developing curriculum and teaching
English as a second language.
(c) Impact on Processing Times.--The Secretary shall ensure that
such training programs are strictly optional, occur within applicable
processing times and do not delay or prevent the departure for the
United States of refugees who have been approved for admission to the
United States.
(d) Timeline for Implementation.--
(1) Initial implementation.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
ensure that such training programs are fully and continually
operational in at least 3 refugee processing regions.
(2) Additional implementation.--Not later than 2 years
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
shall notify the appropriate congressional committees that such
training programs are fully and consistently operational in 5
refugee processing regions.
(e) GAO Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States
shall conduct a study on the implementation of this section, including
an assessment of the quality of English as a second language curriculum
and instruction, the benefits of the work orientation and English as a
second language training program to refugees, and recommendations on
whether such programs should be continued, broadened, or modified, and
shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on
the findings of such study.
(f) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to require that a refugee participate in such a training
program as a precondition for the admission to the United States of
such refugee.
SEC. 403. UPDATE OF RECEPTION AND PLACEMENT GRANTS.
Beginning with fiscal year 2020, the Secretary of State shall, when
setting the amount of the reception and placement grants for refugees,
ensure that--
(1) the grant amount is adjusted so that it is adequate to
provide for the anticipated initial resettlement needs of
refugees, including adjusting the amount for inflation and the
cost of living;
(2) the administrative proportion of the grant is provided
at the beginning of the fiscal year to each national
resettlement agency that is sufficient to ensure adequate local
and national capacity to serve the initial resettlement needs
of refugees the Secretary anticipates the agency will resettle
throughout the fiscal year; and
(3) additional amounts are provided to each national
resettlement agency promptly upon the arrival of refugees that,
exclusive of the amounts provided pursuant to paragraph (2),
are sufficient to meet the anticipated initial resettlement
needs of such refugees and support local and national
operational costs in excess of the estimates described in
paragraph (1).
SEC. 404. CASE MANAGEMENT.
(a) In General.--
(1) Establishment of grant program.--The Director of the
Office of Refugee Resettlement shall make grants to national
resettlement agencies to operate a case management system to
assist qualified individuals in accessing services, benefits,
and assistance for which they are eligible that are provided
by--
(A) the Office of Refugee Resettlement (the
``Office'');
(B) other Federal, State, or local agencies; and
(C) private or nonprofit organizations.
(2) Qualified individuals.--Subject to paragraphs (3) and
(4), any individual who was at any time eligible for
resettlement, acculturation, or subsistence services provided
by the Office shall be qualified to receive the case management
services described in paragraph (1).
(3) Period of qualification.--Except as provided in
paragraph (4), an individual described in paragraph (2) shall
be qualified to receive the case management services described
in paragraph (1) during the period beginning on the date such
individual was determined to be eligible for resettlement,
acculturation, or subsistence services provided by the Office,
and continuing for 1 year after the date on which such
individual ceases to be eligible for such resettlement,
acculturation, or subsistence service.
(4) Exceptions for exceptional circumstances.--
(A) In general.--Notwithstanding paragraph (3), an
individual described in subparagraph (B) shall be
qualified to receive the case management services
described in paragraph (1) during the period beginning
on the date on which such individual was determined
eligible for resettlement, acculturation, or
subsistence services provided by the Office, and
continuing for 3 years after the date on which such
individual ceases to be eligible for such resettlement,
acculturation, or subsistence services.
(B) Exceptional circumstances.--An individual
described in paragraph (2) may be treated in accordance
with subparagraph (A) if such individual--
(i) is elderly;
(ii) has extraordinary resettlement or
acculturation needs that impede such
individual's ability to achieve durable self-
sufficiency;
(iii) is a refugee who was resettled from a
situation of protracted displacement;
(iv) is a member of a family caring for an
unattached refugee minor; or
(v) at the time of entry--
(I) had a disability or serious
medical condition;
(II) had mental health conditions;
(III) was part of a household
headed by a single parent; or
(IV) had been the victim of a
severe form of violence.
(5) Definition of resettlement, acculturation, or
subsistence services.--For the purposes of this section, the
term, ``resettlement, acculturation, or subsistence services''
shall include all of the services provided by the Office to
aliens, with the exception of the case management services
provided under paragraph (1).
(b) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as
affecting the authority of the Director under section 412(e)(7)(A) of
the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1522(e)(7)(A)), or of any
other section of such Act, to provide case management services to
individuals who have been in the United States for longer than 36
months.
SEC. 405. INCREASE IN CASH PAYMENTS.
(a) In General.--Section 412 of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1522) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)(B), by adding at the end the
following:
``(iv) Subject to the availability of funds
appropriated for this purpose, assistance and
social services for employment, health and
living expenses shall be available for a period
of not less than 12 months.'';
(2) in subsection (a)(5), by adding at the end the
following: ``Subject to the availability of funds appropriated
for this purpose, assistance and services shall be made
available to refugees for a period of not less than 12
months.''; and
(3) in subsection (e)(1)--
(A) by striking ``(1)'' and inserting ``(1)(A)'';
and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Subject to the availability of funds
appropriated for this purpose, such assistance shall be
provided for a minimum of 12 months beginning with the
first month in which such refugee entered the United
States.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
become effective on the earlier of--
(1) the first day of the first fiscal year that begins
after the date of the enactment of this Act; or
(2) the date on which a final rule is promulgated to
implement this section.
(c) Rule of Construction.--The 12-month specification contained in
the amendments made by subsection (a) is a minimum standard for the
provision of services to the refugee community. No part of this Act
shall be interpreted as limiting or reducing assistance already
provided for a period longer than 12 months.
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