[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 46 (Thursday, March 14, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1901-S1905]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

      By Mrs. FEINSTEIN:
  S. 794. A bill for the relief of Jose Alberto Martinez Moreno, 
Micaela Lopez Martinez, and Adilene Martinez; to the Committee on the 
Judiciary.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, today I am reintroducing private 
immigration relief legislation to provide lawful permanent resident 
status to Adilene Martinez, who is originally from Mexico but has been 
living in California for over 20 years. I believe she merits Congress' 
special consideration for this extraordinary form of relief.
  Adilene, age 30, was brought to the United States by her parents Jose 
Alberto Martinez Moreno and Micaela Lopez Martinez. When Jose came to 
the United States from Mexico, he began working as a busboy in 
restaurants in San Francisco, California. In 1990, he started working 
as a cook at Palio D'Asti, an award-winning Italian restaurant in San 
Francisco.
  Jose and his wife, Micaela, call San Francisco home. Micaela is a 
homemaker and part-time housekeeper. They have three daughters, two of 
whom are United States citizens. Their oldest daughter, Adilene, is 
undocumented and is currently working at the San Francisco Opera House. 
Adilene attempted to legalize her status through several channels with 
her family, but the current green card backlog for relatives from 
Mexico is very long.
  In 2002, the Martinez family applied for political asylum. Their 
application was denied. An immigration judge denied their subsequent 
application for cancellation of removal. The Martinez family has become 
an integral part of their community in California. They are active in 
their faith community. They volunteer with community-based 
organizations and are, in turn, supported by their community. When I 
first introduced this bill, I received dozens of letters of support 
from their fellow parishioners, teachers, and members of their 
community.
  The Martinez family truly exemplifies the American dream. Jose worked 
his way through the restaurant industry to become a chef and an 
indispensable employee at a renowned restaurant. With great dedication, 
Micaela has worked hard to raise three daughters who are advancing 
their education and look forward to continuing the pursuit of their 
goals.
  I believe that Adilene's continued presence in the United States 
would allow them to continue making significant contributions to their 
community in California. I ask my colleagues to support this private 
bill.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be 
printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                 S. 794

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS FOR JOSE ALBERTO 
                   MARTINEZ MORENO, MICAELA LOPEZ MARTINEZ, AND 
                   ADILENE MARTINEZ.

       (a) In General.--Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of 
     section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
     1151), Jose Alberto Martinez Moreno, Micaela

[[Page S1902]]

     Lopez Martinez, and Adilene Martinez shall each be eligible 
     for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status 
     to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence 
     upon filing an application for issuance of an immigrant visa 
     under section 204 of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1154) or for 
     adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident.
       (b) Adjustment of Status.--If Jose Alberto Martinez Moreno, 
     Micaela Lopez Martinez, or Adilene Martinez enters the United 
     States before the filing deadline specified in subsection 
     (c), Jose Alberto Martinez Moreno, Micaela Lopez Martinez, or 
     Adilene Martinez shall be considered to have entered and 
     remained lawfully in the United States and shall be eligible 
     for adjustment of status under section 245 of the Immigration 
     and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1255) as of the date of the 
     enactment of this Act.
       (c) Application and Payment of Fees.--Subsections (a) and 
     (b) shall apply only if the applications for issuance of 
     immigrant visas or the applications for adjustment of status 
     are filed with appropriate fees not later than two years 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (d) Reduction of Immigrant Visa Numbers.--Upon the granting 
     of immigrant visas or permanent resident status to Jose 
     Alberto Martinez Moreno, Micaela Lopez Martinez, and Adilene 
     Martinez, the Secretary of State shall instruct the proper 
     officer to reduce by three, during the current or next 
     following fiscal year--
       (1) the total number of immigrant visas that are made 
     available to natives of the country of birth of Jose Alberto 
     Martinez Moreno, Micaela Lopez Martinez, and Adilene Martinez 
     under section 203(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act 
     (8 U.S.C. 1153(a)); or
       (2) if applicable, the total number of immigrant visas that 
     are made available to natives of the country of birth of Jose 
     Alberto Martinez Moreno, Micaela Lopez Martinez, and Adilene 
     Martinez under section 202(e) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1152(e)).
       (e) PAYGO.--The budgetary effects of this Act, for the 
     purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 
     2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest 
     statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' 
     for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional 
     Record by the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, 
     provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the 
     vote on passage.

                                 ______
                                 
      By Mrs. FEINSTEIN:
  S. 795. A bill for the relief of Alfredo Plascencia Lopez; to the 
Committee on the Judiciary.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today to offer legislation to 
provide lawful permanent residence status to Alfredo Plascencia Lopez, 
a Mexican national who lives in the San Bruno area of California.
  I offer legislation on his behalf because I believe that, without it, 
this hardworking man, wife who is a lawful permanent resident, and 
children would face extreme hardship. His children would either face 
separation from their father or be forced to leave the only country 
they know and give up the education they are pursuing in the United 
States.
  Alfredo and his wife, Maria, have been in the United States for over 
20 years. They worked for years to adjust their status through 
appropriate legal channels, but poor legal representation ruined their 
opportunities.
  The Plascencias' lawyer refused to return their calls or otherwise 
communicate with them in any way. He also failed to forward crucial 
immigration documents. Because of the poor representation they 
received, Alfredo only became aware that they had been ordered to leave 
the United States 15 days prior to his scheduled deportation.
  Alfredo was shocked to learn of his attorney's malfeasance, but he 
acted quickly to secure legitimate counsel and filed the appropriate 
paperwork to delay his deportation and determine if any other legal 
action could be taken.
  Together, Alfredo and Maria have used their professional successes, 
with the assistance of private bills, to realize many of the goals 
dreamed of by all Americans. They have worked hard, and saved up to buy 
their home.
  Their oldest child, Christina, is 28 years old and is currently a 
paralegal. Erika, age 24, serves in the United States Air Force and 
hopes to one day become a police officer. Danny, age 24, currently 
attends the University of California and volunteers at his local 
homeless shelter in the soup kitchen. Daisy, age 17, and Juan Pablo, 
age 13, are all in school and plan on attending college.
  Allowing Alfredo to remain in the United States is necessary to 
enable his family to continue thriving in the United States. His 
children are dedicated to pursuing their education and being productive 
members of their community. I do not believe that Alfredo should be 
separated from his family. I am reintroducing this legislation to 
protect the best interest of Alfredo's U.S. citizen children and his 
wife, who is a lawful permanent resident. I believe that Alfredo will 
continue to make positive contributions to his community in California 
and this country. I respectfully ask my colleagues to support this 
bill.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be 
printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                 S. 795

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS FOR ALFREDO PLASCENCIA 
                   LOPEZ.

       (a) In General.--Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of 
     section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
     1151), Alfredo Plascencia Lopez shall be eligible for the 
     issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to 
     that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence 
     upon filing an application for issuance of an immigrant visa 
     under section 204 of that Act (8 U.S.C. 1154) or for 
     adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident.
       (b) Adjustment of Status.--If Alfredo Plascencia Lopez 
     enters the United States before the filing deadline specified 
     in subsection (c), Alfredo Plascencia Lopez shall be 
     considered to have entered and remained lawfully and shall be 
     eligible for adjustment of status under section 245 of the 
     Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1255) as of the 
     date of the enactment of this Act.
       (c) Application and Payment of Fees.--Subsections (a) and 
     (b) shall apply only if the application for issuance of 
     immigrant visas or the application for adjustment of status 
     are filed with appropriate fees within two years after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act.
       (d) Reduction of Immigrant Visa Numbers.--Upon the granting 
     of immigrant visas or permanent residence to Alfredo 
     Plascencia Lopez, the Secretary of State shall instruct the 
     proper officer to reduce by one, during the current or next 
     following fiscal year--
       (1) the total number of immigrant visas that are made 
     available to natives of the country of birth of Alfredo 
     Plascencia Lopez under section 203(a) of the Immigration and 
     Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(a)); or
       (2) if applicable, the total number of immigrant visas that 
     are made available to natives of the country of birth of 
     Alfredo Plascencia Lopez under section 202(e) of that Act (8 
     U.S.C. 1152(e)).
       (e) PAYGO.--The budgetary effects of this Act, for the 
     purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 
     2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest 
     statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' 
     for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional 
     Record by the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, 
     provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the 
     vote on passage.

                                 ______
                                 
      By Mrs. FEINSTEIN:
  S. 796. A bill for the relief of Ruben Mkoian and Asmik Karapetian; 
to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise to reintroduce private relief 
legislation in the 116th Congress on behalf of Ruben Mkoian and Asmik 
Karapetian. The Mkoian family has been living in Fresno, California, 
for over 20 years. I continue to believe this family deserves Congress' 
special consideration for such an extraordinary form of relief as a 
private bill.
  The Mkoian family is originally from Armenia. They decided to leave 
Armenia for the United States in the early 1990s, following several 
incidents in which the family experienced harassment, vandalism and 
threats to their well-being.
  In Armenia, Ruben worked as a police sergeant on vehicle licensing. 
At one point, he was offered a bribe to register stolen vehicles, which 
he refused and reported to his superior, the police chief. He later 
learned that a co-worker had registered the vehicles at the request of 
the same chief.
  After Ruben reported the bribe offer to illegally register vehicles 
and said he'd call the police, his family store was vandalized and he 
received threatening phone calls telling him to keep quiet. A bottle of 
gasoline was thrown into his family's residence, burning it to the 
ground. In April 1992, several men entered the family store and 
assaulted Ruben, hospitalizing him for 22 days.
  Ruben, Asmik, and their son Arthur, who was 3 years old at the time, 
left Armenia and entered the United States on visitor visas. They 
applied for political asylum that same year on the

[[Page S1903]]

grounds that they would be subject to physical attacks if returned to 
Armenia. It took 16 years for their case to be finalized, with the 
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denying their asylum case in January 
2008.
  At this time, Ruben and Asmik have exhausted every option to obtain 
immigration relief in the United States. It would be a terrible shame 
to remove this family from the United States and to separate them from 
their son Arsen, who is 20 years old and a U.S. citizen. The Mkoians 
have worked hard to build a place for their family in California and 
are an integral part of their community.
  The family attends St. Paul Armenian Apostolic Church in Fresno. They 
do charity work to send medical equipment to Armenia. Ruben works as a 
driver for Uber. He previously worked as a manager at a car wash in 
Fresno and as a truck driver for a California trucking company that 
described him as ``trustworthy,'' ``knowledgeable,'' and an asset to 
the company. Asmik has worked as a medical assistant the past 6 years 
at the Fresno Shield Medical Center.
  Reflecting their contributions to their community, Representatives 
George Radanovich (R-CA) and Jim Costa (D-CA) strongly supported this 
family's ability to remain in the United States. When I first 
introduced a private bill for the Mkoian family, I received more than 
200 letters of support and dozens of calls of support from friends and 
community members, attesting to the positive impact that this family 
has had in Fresno, California.
  I believe that this case warrants our compassion. I respectfully ask 
my colleagues to support this private legislation on behalf of the 
Mkoian family.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be 
printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                 S. 796

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS FOR RUBEN MKOIAN AND 
                   ASMIK KARAPETIAN.

       (a) In General.--Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of 
     section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
     1151), Ruben Mkoian and Asmik Karapetian shall each be 
     eligible for the issuance of an immigrant visa or for 
     adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted 
     for permanent residence upon filing an application for 
     issuance of an immigrant visa under section 204 of such Act 
     (8 U.S.C. 1154) or for adjustment of status to lawful 
     permanent resident.
       (b) Adjustment of Status.--If Ruben Mkoian or Asmik 
     Karapetian enters the United States before the filing 
     deadline specified in subsection (c), Ruben Mkoian or Asmik 
     Karapetian, as appropriate, shall be considered to have 
     entered and remained lawfully in the United States and shall 
     be eligible for adjustment of status under section 245 of the 
     Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1255) as of the 
     date of the enactment of this Act.
       (c) Application and Payment of Fees.--Subsections (a) and 
     (b) shall apply only if the application for the issuance of 
     an immigrant visa or the application for adjustment of status 
     is filed with appropriate fees not later than two years after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (d) Reduction of Immigrant Visa Numbers.--Upon granting an 
     immigrant visa or permanent resident status to Ruben Mkoian 
     and Asmik Karapetian, the Secretary of State shall instruct 
     the proper officer to reduce by two, during the current or 
     next following fiscal year--
       (1) the total number of immigrant visas that are made 
     available to natives of the country of birth of Ruben Mkoian 
     and Asmik Karapetian under section 203(a) of the Immigration 
     and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(a)); or
       (2) if applicable, the total number of immigrant visas that 
     are made available to natives of the country of birth of 
     Ruben Mkoian and Asmik Karapetian under section 202(e) of 
     such Act (8 U.S.C. 1152(e)).
       (e) PAYGO.--The budgetary effects of this Act, for the 
     purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 
     2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest 
     statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' 
     for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional 
     Record by the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, 
     provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the 
     vote on passage.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mrs. FEINSTEIN:
  S. 797. A bill for the relief of Shirley Constantino Tan; to the 
Committee on the Judiciary.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, today I am reintroducing a bill for 
the private relief of Shirley Constantino Tan. Ms. Tan is a Filipina 
national living in Pacifica, California. She is the proud mother of 20-
year-old U.S. citizen twin boys, Jashley and Joriene, and the spouse of 
Jay Mercado, a naturalized U.S. citizen.
  I believe Ms. Tan merits Congress' special consideration for this 
extraordinary form of relief because her removal from the United States 
would cause undue hardship for her and her family. She faces 
deportation to the Philippines, which would separate her from her 
family and jeopardize her safety.
  Ms. Tan experienced horrific violence in the Philippines before she 
left to come to the United States. When she was only 14 years old, her 
cousin murdered her mother and her sister and shot Shirley in the head. 
While the cousin who committed the murders was eventually prosecuted, 
he received a short jail sentence. Fearing for her safety, Ms. Tan fled 
the Philippines just before her cousin was due to be released from 
jail. She entered the United States legally on a visitor's visa in 
1989.
  Ms. Tan's current deportation order is the result of negligent 
counsel. She applied for asylum in 1995. While her case appeal was 
pending at the Board of Immigration Appeals, her attorney failed to 
submit a brief to support her case. As a result, the case was 
dismissed, and the Board of Immigration Appeals granted Shirley 
voluntary departure from the United States.
  Ms. Tan never received notice that the Board of Immigration Appeals 
granted her voluntary departure. Her attorney moved offices, did not 
receive the order, and ultimately never informed her of the order. As a 
result, Ms. Tan did not depart the United States and the grant of 
voluntary departure automatically led to a removal order. She learned 
about the deportation order for the first time on January 28, 2009, 
when Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents took her into 
immigration custody.
  Because of her attorney's negligent actions, Ms. Tan was denied the 
opportunity to present her case in immigration proceedings. She later 
filed a complaint with the State Bar of California against her former 
attorney. She is not the first person to file such a complaint against 
this attorney.
  On February 4, 2015, Ms. Tan's spouse, Jay, a U.S. Citizen, filed an 
approved spousal petition on her behalf. On August 20, 2015, U.S. 
Citizenship and Immigration Services denied her application due to the 
fact that she still had a final order or removal. Ms. Tan must go back 
to the immigration court and ask for the court to terminate her case 
and then reapply for her green card. Ms. Tan is now again facing the 
threat of deportation while she seeks to close her case before an 
immigration court.
  In addition to the hardship that would come to Ms. Tan if she is 
deported, her deportation would cause serious hardship to her two 
United States citizen children, Jashley and Joriene.
  Joriene is a junior at Stanford University and is pre-Med, majoring 
in Human Biology. In addition to his studies, Joriene is involved in 
Stanford's Pilipino-American Student Union. Jashley is a junior at 
Chapman University, majoring in Business Administration. Ms. Tan no 
longer runs her in-home daycare and is a homemaker.
  If Ms. Tan were forced to leave the United States, her family has 
expressed that they would go with her to the Philippines or try to find 
a third country where the entire family could relocate. This would mean 
that Jashley and Joriene would have to leave behind their education and 
the only home they know in the United States.
  I do not believe it is in our Nation's best interest to force this 
family, with two United States citizen children, to make the choice 
between being separated and relocating to a country where they may face 
safety concerns or other serious hardships.
  Ms. Tan and her family are involved in their community in Pacifica 
and own their own home. The family attends Good Shepherd Catholic 
Church, volunteering at the church and the Mother Theresa of Calcutta's 
Daughters of Charity. Ms. Tan has the support of dozens of members of 
her community who have shared with me the family's spirit of commitment 
to their community.

[[Page S1904]]

  Enactment of the legislation I am introducing on behalf of Ms. Tan 
today will enable this entire family to continue their lives in 
California and make positive contributions to their community. Mr. 
President, I ask my colleagues to support this private bill.
  I ask unanimous consent that a copy of the bill be included in the 
Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                 S. 797

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS FOR SHIRLEY CONSTANTINO 
                   TAN.

       (a) In General.--Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of 
     section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
     1151), Shirley Constantino Tan shall be eligible for issuance 
     of an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of 
     an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence upon 
     filing an application for issuance of an immigrant visa under 
     section 204 of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1154) or for adjustment of 
     status to lawful permanent resident.
       (b) Adjustment of Status.--If Shirley Constantino Tan 
     enters the United States before the filing deadline specified 
     in subsection (c), she shall be considered to have entered 
     and remained lawfully and shall be eligible for adjustment of 
     status under section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality 
     Act (8 U.S.C. 1255) as of the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.
       (c) Application and Payment of Fees.--Subsections (a) and 
     (b) shall apply only if the application for issuance of an 
     immigrant visa or the application for adjustment of status is 
     filed with appropriate fees within two years after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act.
       (d) Reduction of Immigrant Visa Number.--Upon the granting 
     of an immigrant visa or permanent residence to Shirley 
     Constantino Tan, the Secretary of State shall instruct the 
     proper officer to reduce by one, during the current or next 
     following fiscal year--
       (1) the total number of immigrant visas that are made 
     available to natives of the country of birth of Shirley 
     Constantino Tan under section 203(a) of the Immigration and 
     Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(a)); or
       (2) if applicable, the total number of immigrant visas that 
     are made available to natives of the country of birth of 
     Shirley Constantino Tan under section 202(e) of such Act (8 
     U.S.C. 1152(e)).
       (e) PAYGO.--The budgetary effects of this Act, for the 
     purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 
     2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest 
     statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' 
     for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional 
     Record by the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, 
     provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the 
     vote on passage.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mrs. FEINSTEIN:
  S. 798. A bill for the relief of Esidronio Arreola-Saucedo, Maria 
Elena Cobian Arreola, Nayely Arreola Carlos, and Cindy Jael Arreola; to 
the Committee on the Judiciary.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, today, I offer private immigration 
relief legislation to provide lawful permanent resident status to 
Esidronio Arreola-Saucedo, Maria Elena Cobian Arreola, Nayely Arreola 
Carlos, and Cindy Jael Arreola. The Arreolas are Mexican nationals 
living in the Fresno area of California.
  Esidronio and Maria Elena have lived in the United States for over 20 
years. Two of their 5 children, Nayely and Cindy also stand to benefit 
from this legislation. The other 3 Arreola children, Robert, age 27, 
Daniel, age 22, and Saray, age 22, are United States citizens. The 
story of the Arreola family is compelling and I believe they merit 
Congress' special consideration for such an extraordinary form of 
relief as a private bill.
  The Arreolas are facing deportation in part because of grievous 
errors committed by their previous counsel, who has since been 
disbarred. In fact, the attorney's conduct was so egregious that it 
compelled an immigration judge to write to the Executive Office of 
Immigration Review seeking the attorney's disbarment for his actions in 
his clients' immigration cases.
  Esidronio came to the United States in 1986 and was an agricultural 
migrant worker in the fields of California for several years. As a 
migrant worker at that time, he would have been eligible for permanent 
residence through the Seasonal Agricultural Workers (SAW) program, had 
he known about it.
  Maria Elena was living in the United States at the time she became 
pregnant with her daughter Cindy. She returned to Mexico to give birth 
because she wanted to avoid any immigration issues.
  Because of the length of time that the Arreolas were in the United 
States, it is likely that they would have qualified for suspension of 
deportation, which would have allowed them to remain in the United 
States legally. However, the poor legal representation they received 
foreclosed this opportunity.
  One of the most compelling reasons for my introduction of this 
private bill is the devastating impact the deportation of Esidronio and 
Maria Elena would have on their children-3 of whom are American 
citizens--and the other 2 who have lived in the United States since 
they were toddlers. America is the only country the Arreola children 
have ever known.
  Nayely, the oldest, was the first in her family to graduate from high 
school and the first to graduate college. She recently received her 
Masters in Business Administration from Fresno Pacific University, a 
regionally ranked university, and now works in the admissions office. 
Nayely is married and has a young son named Elijah Ace Carlos.
  At a young age, Nayely demonstrated a strong commitment to the ideals 
of citizenship in her adopted country. She worked hard to achieve her 
full potential both through her academic endeavors and community 
service. As the Associate Dean of Enrollment Services at Fresno Pacific 
University States in a letter of support, ``[T]he leaders of Fresno 
Pacific University saw in Nayely, a young person who will become 
exemplary of all that is good in the American dream.''
  In high school, Nayely was a member of Advancement Via Individual 
Determination, AVID, college preparatory program in which students 
commit to determining their own futures through attaining a college 
degree. Nayely was also President of the Key Club, a community service 
organization. Perhaps the greatest hardship to Nayely's U.S. citizen 
husband and child, if she were forced to return to Mexico, would be her 
lost opportunity to realize her dreams and contribute further to her 
community and to this country.
  Nayely's sister, Cindy, is also married and has a 7-year-old daughter 
and a 5-year-old son. Neither Nayely nor Cindy is eligible to 
automatically adjust their status based on their marriages because of 
their initial unlawful entry.
  The Arreolas also have other family who are United States citizens or 
lawful permanent residents of this country. Maria Elena has 3 brothers 
who are American citizens, and Esidronio has a sister who is an 
American citizen. They have no immediate family in Mexico.
  According to immigration authorities, this family has never had any 
problems with law enforcement. I am told that they have filed their 
taxes for every year from 1990 to the present. They have always worked 
hard to support themselves.
  As I mentioned, Esidronio was previously employed as a farm worker, 
but now has his own business in California repairing electronics. His 
business has been successful enough to enable him to purchase a home 
for his family. He and his wife are active in their church community 
and in their children's education.
  It is clear to me that this family has embraced the American dream. 
Enactment of the legislation I have reintroduced today will enable the 
Arreolas to continue to make significant contributions to their 
community as well as the United States. I ask my colleagues to support 
this private bill.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be 
printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                 S. 798

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS FOR ESIDRONIO ARREOLA-
                   SAUCEDO, MARIA ELENA COBIAN ARREOLA, NAYELY 
                   ARREOLA CARLOS, AND CINDY JAEL ARREOLA.

       (a) In General.--Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of 
     section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
     1151), Esidronio Arreola-Saucedo, Maria Elena Cobian Arreola, 
     Nayely Arreola Carlos, and Cindy Jael Arreola shall each be 
     eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjustment 
     of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent 
     residence upon

[[Page S1905]]

     filing an application for issuance of an immigrant visa under 
     section 204 of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1154) or for adjustment of 
     status to lawful permanent resident.
       (b) Adjustment of Status.--If Esidronio Arreola-Saucedo, 
     Maria Elena Cobian Arreola, Nayely Arreola Carlos, and Cindy 
     Jael Arreola enter the United States before the filing 
     deadline specified in subsection (c), Esidronio Arreola-
     Saucedo, Maria Elena Cobian Arreola, Nayely Arreola Carlos, 
     and Cindy Jael Arreola shall be considered to have entered 
     and remained lawfully in the United States and shall be 
     eligible for adjustment of status under section 245 of the 
     Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1255) as of the 
     date of the enactment of this Act.
       (c) Application and Payment of Fees.--Subsections (a) and 
     (b) shall apply only if the applications for issuance of 
     immigrant visas or the applications for adjustment of status 
     are filed with appropriate fees not later than two years 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (d) Reduction of Immigrant Visa Numbers.--Upon the granting 
     of immigrant visas or permanent residence to Esidronio 
     Arreola-Saucedo, Maria Elena Cobian Arreola, Nayely Arreola 
     Carlos, and Cindy Jael Arreola, the Secretary of State shall 
     instruct the proper officer to reduce by four, during the 
     current or next following fiscal year--
       (1) the total number of immigrant visas that are made 
     available to natives of the country of birth of Esidronio 
     Arreola-Saucedo, Maria Elena Cobian Arreola, Nayely Arreola 
     Carlos, and Cindy Jael Arreola under section 203(a) of the 
     Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(a)); or
       (2) if applicable, the total number of immigrant visas that 
     are made available to natives of the country of birth of 
     Esidronio Arreola-Saucedo, Maria Elena Cobian Arreola, Nayely 
     Arreola Carlos, and Cindy Jael Arreola under section 202(e) 
     of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1152(e)).
       (e) PAYGO.--The budgetary effects of this Act, for the 
     purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 
     2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest 
     statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' 
     for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional 
     Record by the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, 
     provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the 
     vote on passage.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. Grassley, Ms. Klobuchar, and Mr. 
        Blumenthal):
  S. 822. A bill to permit the televising of Supreme Court proceedings; 
to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of 
the bill be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                 S. 822

       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 ``Cameras in the Courtroom 
     Act''.

     SEC. 2. AMENDMENT TO TITLE 28.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 45 of title 28, United States 
     Code, is amended by inserting at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 678. Televising Supreme Court proceedings

       ``The Supreme Court shall permit television coverage of all 
     open sessions of the Court unless the Court decides, by a 
     vote of the majority of justices, that allowing such coverage 
     in a particular case would constitute a violation of the due 
     process rights of 1 or more of the parties before the 
     Court.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter 
     45 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by inserting 
     at the end the following:

``678. Televising Supreme Court proceedings.''.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. KAINE (for himself, Mr. Portman, Ms. Baldwin, Ms. 
        Klobuchar, Mrs. Capito, Ms. Hassan, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Gardner, 
        Mr. Brown, Mrs. Gillibrand, and Mr. Cardin):
  S. 839. A bill to extend Federal Pell Grant eligibility of certain 
short-term programs; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
Pensions.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President. In today's economy, approximately 80 
percent of jobs require some form of postsecondary education or 
training beyond the high school level. The National Skills Coalition 
estimates that nearly half of all job openings between now and 2022 
will be middle skill jobs that require post high school training, but 
not a four-year degree. While the number of students pursing 
postsecondary education is growing, the supply of skilled workers still 
falls short of industry demand. According to the Bureau of Labor and 
Statistics 7.3 million U.S. jobs are currently vacant in part because 
of a shortage of qualified workers.
  Our Federal higher education policy must be modernized to meet the 
needs of students and employers. Under current law, Pell Grants--needs-
based grants for low-income and working students--can only be awarded 
to students attending programs that are over 600 clock hours or at 
least 15 weeks in length. These grants cannot be used to offset the 
cost of targeted, short-term training programs offered at community and 
technical colleges that help students obtain employer-recognized 
credentials. When it comes to higher education, Federal policies need 
to support the demands of the changing labor market by increasing 
access to career pathways that align with industry demand. According to 
the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, 
shorter-term educational investments pay off--the average postsecondary 
certificate holder has 30 percent higher lifetime earnings than 
individuals with only a high school diploma.
  Today, I am pleased to introduce with my colleague, Senator Portman, 
the Jumpstart Our Businesses by Supporting Students or JOBS Act. The 
JOBS Act would close the skills gap by extending Pell Grant eligibility 
to high-quality, short-term job training programs offered at community 
colleges and other public institutions, so workers can afford the 
instruction they need to be successful in today's job market. Under the 
legislation, Pell-eligible job training programs are defined as those 
providing at least 150 clock hours of instruction time over a minimum 
of 8 weeks. Eligible job training programs must also provide students 
with licenses, certifications, or credentials that meet the hiring 
requirements of multiple employers in the field for which the job 
training is offered.
  The JOBS Act also ensures that students enrolling in Pell-eligible 
short-term programs are earning high-quality postsecondary credentials 
by requiring that the credentials meet the standards of the Workforce 
Innovation and Opportunity Act, are recognized by industry or sector 
partnerships, and align with the skill needs of industries in States or 
local economies. Job training programs under this Act must also be 
evaluated by an accreditor and the State workforce board for quality 
and outcomes. The Virginia Community College System has identified 
approximately 50 programs that would benefit from the JOBS Act 
including in the fields of manufacturing, architecture/construction, 
energy, health care, information technology, transportation, and 
business management and administration.
  The JOBS Act is a commonsense, bipartisan bill that would help 
workers and employers succeed in today's economy. As Congress works to 
reauthorize the Higher Education Act, I am hopeful that my colleagues 
will join me in advocating for Pell Grants to be made available to 
individuals enrolling in high-quality, short-term training programs 
that lead to industry-recognized credentials and good paying jobs.

                          ____________________