8 U.S.C.
United States Code, 2011 Edition
Title 8 - ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov

TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY

Chap.
Sec.
1.
General Provisions [Repealed or Omitted]
1
2.
Elective Franchise [Transferred]
31
3.
Civil Rights [Transferred or Repealed]
41
4.
Freedmen [Omitted]
61
5.
Alien Ownership of Land [Transferred or Omitted]
71
6.
Immigration [Transferred, Omitted, or Repealed]
100
7.
Exclusion of Chinese [Omitted or Repealed]
261
8.
The Cooly Trade [Repealed]
331
9.
Miscellaneous Provisions [Repealed or Transferred]
351
10.
Alien Registration [Repealed]
451
11.
Nationality [Repealed or Transferred]
501
12.
Immigration and Nationality
1101
13.
Immigration and Naturalization Service
1551
14.
Restricting Welfare and Public Benefits for Aliens
1601
15.
Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform
1701

        

CHAPTER 1—GENERAL PROVISIONS

§§1 to 18. Repealed or Omitted

These sections, relating to citizenship, were affected by the Nationality Act of 1940, former section 501 et seq. of this title.

That act was passed on Oct. 14, 1940, to consolidate and restate the laws of the United States regarding citizenship, naturalization, and expatriation, and, in addition to certain specific repeals thereby, all acts or parts of acts in conflict with its provisions were repealed by former section 904 of this title. See the notes below for history of individual sections.

Section 1, relating to citizenship of persons born in the United States, was repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. It was from R.S. §1992, which was revised from act Apr. 9, 1866, ch. 31, §1, 14 Stat. 27. Similar provisions were contained in former section 601(a) of this title. See section 1401 of this title.

Section 2, relating to citizenship of persons born in Territory of Oregon, was from R.S. §1995, which was revised from act May 18, 1872, ch. 172, §3, 17 Stat. 134.

Sections 3 to 3c, related to citizenship of Indians. Section 3 was from acts Feb. 8, 1887, ch. 119, §6, 24 Stat. 390; Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 868, 31 Stat. 1447; May 8, 1906, ch. 2348, 34 Stat. 182; Nov. 6, 1919, ch. 95, 41 Stat. 350; Mar. 3, 1921, ch. 120, §3, 41 Stat. 1250; June 2, 1924, ch. 233, 43 Stat. 253; Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1173. Section 3a was from act June 19, 1930, ch. 544, 46 Stat. 787. Section 3b was from acts May 7, 1934, ch. 221, §1, 48 Stat. 667; July 23, 1947, ch. 304, §1, 61 Stat. 414. Section 3c was from act May 7, 1934, ch. 221, §2, 48 Stat. 667.

Section 4, relating to citizenship of Hawaiians, was from act Apr. 30, 1900, ch. 339, §4, 31 Stat. 141. See section 1405 of this title.

Sections 5 and 5a, relating to citizenship of Puerto Ricans, were from act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, §§5, 5a, respectively, 39 Stat. 953, as amended Mar. 4, 1927, ch. 503, §2, 44 Stat. 1418; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158. See section 1402 of this title.

Section 5a–1, making a further extension of time for Puerto Ricans to become citizens in cases of misinformation regarding status, was repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1174. It was from act May 16, 1938, ch. 225, 52 Stat. 377. See section 1402 of this title.

Sections 5b and 5c, relating to citizenship of inhabitants of the Virgin Islands, were from act Feb. 25, 1927, ch. 192, §§1, 3, respectively, 44 Stat. 1234, 1235, as amended May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158; June 28, 1932, ch. 283, §5, 47 Stat. 336. See section 1406 of this title.

Sections 5d to 9a were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1174. Sections 5d and 5e, relating to citizenship of persons born in Canal Zone or Panama, were from act Aug. 4, 1937, ch. 563, §§1, 2, respectively, 50 Stat. 558; see section 1403 of this title. Section 6, relating to citizenship of children born outside the United States, was from R.S. §1993 (revised from acts Apr. 14, 1802, ch. 28, §4, 2 Stat. 155; Feb. 10, 1855, ch. 71, §1, 10 Stat. 604); act Mar. 2, 1907, ch. 2534, §§6, 7, 34 Stat. 1229, as amended May 24, 1934, ch. 344, §1, 48 Stat. 797; see sections 1431 to 1433 of this title. Section 7, relating to citizenship of children of persons naturalized under certain laws, was from R.S. §2172, which was revised from act Apr. 14, 1802, ch. 28, §4, 2 Stat. 155. Section 8, relating to citizenship, upon parent's naturalization, of children born abroad of alien parents, was from act Mar. 2, 1907, ch. 2534, §5, 34 Stat. 1229, as amended May 24, 1934, ch. 344, §2, 48 Stat. 797. Section 9, relating to citizenship of women citizens as affected by marriage, was from acts Sept. 22, 1922, ch. 411, §3(a), 42 Stat. 1022; July 3, 1930, ch. 835, §1, 46 Stat. 854; Mar. 3, 1931, ch. 442, §4(a), 46 Stat. 1511; see section 1435 of this title. Section 9a, relating to repatriation of native-born women married to aliens prior to Sept. 22, 1922, was from act June 25, 1936, ch. 801, 49 Stat. 1917, as amended July 2, 1940, ch. 509, 54 Stat. 715; see section 1435(c) of this title.

Section 10, relating to effect of certain repeals on citizenship of women marrying citizens, was from act Sept. 22, 1922, ch. 411, §6, 42 Stat. 1022.

Sections 11 and 12, relating to forfeiture of citizenship for desertion from armed forces, were repealed by acts Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, §53, 70A Stat. 644, and Sept. 6, 1966, Pub. L. 89–554, §8, 80 Stat. 632. Section 11 was from R.S. §1998 (revised from act Mar. 3, 1865, ch. 79, §21, 13 Stat. 490) as amended by acts Aug. 22, 1912, ch. 336, §1, 37 Stat. 356; Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Section 12 was from R.S. §§1996, 1997, which were revised from acts Mar. 3, 1865, ch. 79, §21, 13 Stat. 490, and July 19, 1867, ch. 28, 15 Stat. 14, respectively; see sections 1481 and 1483 of this title.

Sections 13 and 14, relating to protection of citizens when abroad, were transferred to sections 1731 and 1732 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.

Section 15, R.S. §1999, which relates to right of expatriation, is now set out as a note under section 1481 of this title.

Sections 16 to 18, relating to loss of citizenship, were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Section 16 was from act Mar. 2, 1907, ch. 2534, §2, 34 Stat. 1228. Section 17 was from act Mar. 2, 1907, ch. 2534, §§2, 7, 34 Stat. 1228, 1229; see sections 1481(a), 1482 and 1484 of this title. Section 17a was from act May 24, 1934, ch. 344, §3, 48 Stat. 797; see section 1481(a) of this title. Section 18 was from acts June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4(12), 34 Stat. 596; May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 545; June 21, 1930, ch. 559, 46 Stat. 791; see sections 1438(a), 1454, 1455, and 1459 of this title.

CHAPTER 2—ELECTIVE FRANCHISE

§§31, 32. Transferred

Codification

Sections 31 and 32 transferred to sections 1971 and 1972, respectively, of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

CHAPTER 3—CIVIL RIGHTS

§§41 to 43. Transferred

Codification

Sections 41 to 43 transferred to sections 1981 to 1983, respectively, of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

§§44, 45. Repealed. June 25, 1948, ch. 645, §21, 62 Stat. 862, eff. Sept. 1, 1948

Section 44, act Mar. 1, 1875, ch. 114, §4, 18 Stat. 336, related to exclusion of jurors on account of race or color. See section 243 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.

Section 45, acts Mar. 1, 1875, ch. 114, §3, 18 Stat. 336; May 28, 1896, ch. 252, §19, 29 Stat. 184, related to prosecutions for banning jurors because of race or color. See section 243 of Title 18.

§§46 to 51. Transferred

Codification

Sections 46 to 51 transferred to sections 1984 to 1987, 1989, and 1990, respectively, of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

§52. Repealed. June 25, 1948, ch. 646, §39, 62 Stat. 992, eff. Sept. 1, 1948

Section, R.S. §1986; acts May 28, 1896, ch. 252, §6, 29 Stat. 179; Feb. 26, 1919, ch. 49, §1, 40 Stat. 1182; Feb. 11, 1921, ch. 46, 41 Stat. 1099, related to fees of district attorneys, marshals, and clerks of court.

§§53 to 56. Transferred

Codification

Sections 53 to 56 transferred to sections 1991, 1992, former section 1993, and section 1994, respectively, of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

CHAPTER 4—FREEDMEN

§§61 to 65. Omitted

Codification

Section 61, R.S. 2032, related to continuation of laws then in force.

Section 62, R.S. 2033, related to enforcement of laws by former Secretary of War.

Section 63, acts Mar. 3, 1879, ch. 182, §2, 20 Stat. 402; Feb. 1, 1888, ch. 4, §1, 25 Stat. 9; July 1, 1898, ch. 546, 30 Stat. 640, related to claims for pay or bounty.

Section 64, act July 1, 1902, ch. 1351, 32 Stat. 556, related to retained bounty fund.

Section 65, R.S. §2037, related to wives and children of colored soldiers.

CHAPTER 5—ALIEN OWNERSHIP OF LAND

§§71 to 78. Transferred

Codification

Sections 71 to 78 transferred to sections 1501 to 1508, respectively, of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

§§79 to 82. Omitted

Codification

Sections 79 to 82 related to alien ownership of real estate in the District of Columbia. Sections 79 to 81 were from act Mar. 3, 1887, ch. 340, §§1, 2, 4, respectively, 24 Stat. 476, 477, as specifically excepted from amendment by act Mar. 2, 1897, ch. 363, 29 Stat. 618 (for said act Mar. 3, 1887, as amended by the 1897 act, see sections 1501 to 1507 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions); and section 82 was from act Mar. 9, 1888, ch. 30, 25 Stat. 45.

§§83 to 86. Transferred

Codification

Sections 83 to 86 transferred to sections 1509 to 1512, respectively, of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

CHAPTER 6—IMMIGRATION

SUBCHAPTER I—IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION AGENCIES, OFFICERS, AND STATIONS

§§100, 101. Transferred

Codification

Section 100 transferred to section 1551 of this title.

Section 101 transferred to section 1552 of this title.

§102. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(13), 66 Stat. 279, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Section, acts Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §23, 39 Stat. 892; May 14, 1937, ch. 181, 50 Stat. 164; Oct. 29, 1945, ch. 438, 59 Stat. 551; Oct. 15, 1949, ch. 695, §5(a), 63 Stat. 880, related to administration of immigration laws. See sections 1103, 1223(a), and 1260 of this title.

§§103, 103a. Omitted

Codification

Section 103, acts Mar. 2, 1895, ch. 177, §1, 28 Stat. 780; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737; Ex. Ord. No. 6166, §14, June 10, 1933; 1940 Reorg. Plan No. V, eff. June 14, 1940, 5 F.R. 2423, 54 Stat. 1238, which related to administration of alien contract laws, was transferred to section 342h of former Title 5, Executive Departments and Government Officers and Employees, and subsequently eliminated from the Code on enactment of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 378. See section 1103 of this title.

Section 103a, act July 9, 1947, ch. 211, title II, 61 Stat. 292, which related to reimbursement by Attorney General of certain expenses incurred by other agencies in connection with administration and enforcement of laws relating to immigration, etc., was from the Department of Justice Appropriation Act, 1948, and was not repeated in the Department of Justice Appropriation Act, 1949, act June 3, 1948, ch. 400, title II, 62 Stat. 316. Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:

July 5, 1946, ch. 541, title II, 60 Stat. 462.

May 21, 1945, ch. 129, title II, 59 Stat. 185.

June 28, 1944, ch. 294, title II, 58 Stat. 412.

July 1, 1943, ch. 182, title II, 57 Stat. 288.

July 2, 1942, ch. 472, title II, 56 Stat. 483.

June 28, 1941, ch. 258, title III, 55 Stat. 292.

§104. Repealed. Dec. 17, 1943, ch. 344, §1, 57 Stat. 600

Section, acts June 6, 1900, ch. 791, §1, 31 Stat. 611; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737; Ex. Ord. No. 6166, §14, June 10, 1933; 1940 Reorg. Plan No. V, eff. June 14, 1940, 5 F.R. 2423, 54 Stat. 1238, provided that Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization should have charge, under supervision of Attorney General, of administration of Chinese exclusion laws.

§105. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(13), 66 Stat. 279, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Section, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §30, 39 Stat. 895, related to division of information.

§§106 to 106c. Repealed. Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172

Sections, acts June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §1, 34 Stat. 596; Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §§1 to 3, 45 Stat. 1512, 1513; Apr. 19, 1934, ch. 154, §6, 48 Stat. 598; June 8, 1934, ch. 429, 48 Stat. 926; Aug. 7, 1939, ch. 517, 53 Stat. 1243, related to registry of aliens. Similar provisions were contained in former sections 728, 729, 742(b), and 746(l) of this title. See sections 1230 and 1259 of this title.

§107. Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, §8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 637, 642

Section, acts Aug. 18, 1894, ch. 301, §1, 28 Stat 391; Aug. 1, 1914, ch. 223, §1, 38 Stat. 666; June 5, 1920, ch. 235, §1, 41 Stat. 936, provided for appointment of commissioners of immigration at the several ports.

§§108, 109. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(13), 66 Stat. 279, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Section 108, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §23, 39 Stat. 892, related to duties of immigration officers. See section 1103(a) of this title.

Section 109, acts Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §24, 39 Stat. 893; June 10, 1921, ch. 18, §304, 42 Stat. 24; May 29, 1928, ch. 864, 45 Stat. 954; Feb. 21, 1931, ch. 270, 46 Stat. 1205; May 2, 1932, ch. 156, 47 Stat. 145; June 20, 1942, ch. 426, 56 Stat. 373, related to officers and employees. See sections 1103(a) and 1353 of this title.

§§109a to 109d. Transferred

Codification

Sections 109a to 109c transferred to sections 1353a, 1353b, and 1353d, respectively, of this title.

Section 109d, acts July 1, 1943, ch. 182, title II, 57 Stat. 288; June 28, 1944, ch. 294, title II, 58 Stat. 413; May 21, 1945, ch. 129, title II, 59 Stat. 186; July 5, 1946, ch. 541, title II, 60 Stat. 463; July 9, 1947, ch. 211, title II, 61 Stat. 292; June 3, 1948, ch. 400, title II, 62 Stat. 316; July 20, 1949, ch. 354, title II, 63 Stat. 460; Sept. 6, 1950, ch. 896, ch. III, title II, 64 Stat. 618, which related to employment of interpreters in the Immigration and Naturalization Service, was transferred to section 342f of former Title 5, Executive Departments and Government Officers and Employees, and subsequently repealed by Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 378, 632, which enacted Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. See section 1555 of this title.

§110. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(25), 66 Stat. 279, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Section, acts Feb. 27, 1925, ch. 364, title IV, 43 Stat. 1049; Aug. 7, 1946, ch. 768, 60 Stat. 865; Mar. 20, 1952, ch. 108, §2, 66 Stat. 26, related to arrest of aliens without warrant. See section 1357 of this title.

§111. Transferred

Codification

Section 111 transferred to section 1554 of this title.

§112. Omitted

Codification

Section, act Mar. 4, 1915, ch. 147, §1, 38 Stat. 1151; 1940 Reorg. Plan No. V, eff. June 14, 1940, 5 F.R. 2423, 54 Stat. 1238, which related to employment of officers and clerks enforcing alien contract labor laws, was transferred to section 342i of former Title 5, Executive Departments and Government Officers and Employees, and subsequently eliminated from the Code on enactment of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 378. See section 1103 of this title.

§113. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(13), 66 Stat. 279, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Section, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §11a, 39 Stat. 882, related to detail of inspectors on vessels.

§114. Omitted

Codification

Section, act Aug. 15, 1919, ch. 50, 41 Stat. 280; 1940 Reorg. Plan No. V, eff. June 14, 1940, 5 F.R. 2423, 54 Stat. 1238, authorized lease for other than governmental purposes of Charleston immigration station and dock connected therewith.

Section was also classified to section 342k of former Title 5, Executive Departments and Government Officers and Employees, and subsequently eliminated from the Code on enactment of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 378.

§§115, 116. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(13), 66 Stat. 279, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Section 115, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §26, 39 Stat. 894, related to disposal of privileges at immigrant stations. See section 1355(a) of this title.

Section 116, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §27, 39 Stat. 894, related to local jurisdiction over immigrant stations. See section 1358 of this title.

§§117, 118. Omitted

Section 117, acts July 12, 1943, ch. 221, title II, 57 Stat. 507; June 28, 1944, ch. 302, title II, 58 Stat. 558, related to use of the hospital at Ellis Island Immigration Station for the care of Public Health Service patients. See section 1356(a) of this title and section 220 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation acts, which were repealed by section 1313, formerly section 611, of act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, 58 Stat. 714, 718.

July 2, 1942, ch. 475, title II, 56 Stat. 581.

July 1, 1941, ch. 269, title II, 55 Stat. 481.

June 26, 1940, ch. 428, title II, 54 Stat. 585.

May 6, 1939, ch. 115, title I, 53 Stat. 668.

Mar. 28, 1938, ch. 55, 52 Stat. 133.

May 14, 1937, ch. 180, title I, 50 Stat. 149.

June 23, 1936, ch. 725, 49 Stat. 1839.

May 14, 1935, ch. 110, 49 Stat. 229.

Mar. 15, 1934, ch. 70, title I, 48 Stat. 435.

Mar. 3, 1933, ch. 212, title I, 47 Stat. 1500.

July 5, 1932, ch. 430, title I, 47 Stat. 591.

Feb. 23, 1931, ch. 277, title I, 46 Stat. 1228.

May 15, 1930, ch. 289, title I, 46 Stat. 347.

Dec. 20, 1928, ch. 39, title I, 45 Stat. 1039.

Mar. 5, 1928, ch. 126, title I, 45 Stat. 174.

Jan. 26, 1927, ch. 58, 44 Stat. 1038.

Mar. 2, 1926, ch. 43, 44 Stat. 147.

Jan. 22, 1925, ch. 87, title I, 43 Stat. 775.

Apr. 4, 1924, ch. 84, title I, 43 Stat. 75.

Jan. 3, 1923, ch. 22, 42 Stat. 1101.

Renumbering of Repealing Act

Section 611 of act July 1, 1944, which repealed this section, was renumbered 711 by act Aug. 13, 1946, ch. 958, §5, 60 Stat. 1049, 713 by act Feb. 28, 1948, ch. 83, §9(b), 62 Stat. 47, 813 by act July 30, 1956, ch. 779, §3(b), 70 Stat. 720, 913 by Pub. L. 88–581, §4(b), Sept. 4, 1964, 78 Stat. 919, 1013 by Pub. L. 89–239, §3(b), Oct. 6, 1965, 79 Stat. 931, 1113 by Pub. L. 91–572, §6(b), Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1506, 1213 by Pub. L. 92–294, §3(b) May 16, 1972, 86 Stat. 137, 1313 by Pub. L. 93–154, §2(b)(2), Nov. 16, 1973, 87 Stat. 604, and was repealed by Pub. L. 93–222, §7(b), Dec. 29, 1973, 87 Stat. 936.

Section 118, act Apr. 18, 1930, ch. 184, title IV, 46 Stat. 216, which related to motor vehicles and horses for enforcement of immigration and Chinese exclusion laws, expired with the appropriation act of which it was a part. Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:

Jan. 25, 1929, ch. 102, title IV, 45 Stat. 1137.

Feb. 15, 1928, ch. 57, title IV, 45 Stat. 107.

Feb. 24, 1927, ch. 189, title IV, 44 Stat. 1223.

Apr. 29, 1926, ch. 195, title IV, 44 Stat. 371.

Feb. 27, 1925, ch. 364, title IV, 43 Stat. 1049.

May 28, 1924, ch. 204, title IV, 43 Stat. 240.

Jan. 5, 1923, ch. 24, title II, 42 Stat. 1127.

Mar. 28, 1922, ch. 117, title II, 42 Stat. 487.

June 12, 1917, ch. 27, §1, 40 Stat. 170.

SUBCHAPTER II—REGULATION AND RESTRICTION OF IMMIGRATION IN GENERAL

§131. Omitted

Codification

Section, acts Feb. 14, 1903, ch. 552, §7, 32 Stat. 828; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737; 1940 Reorg. Plan No. V, eff. June 14, 1940, 5 F.R. 2423, 54 Stat. 1238, which related to control of immigration, was transferred to section 342a of former Title 5, Executive Departments and Government Officers and Employees, and subsequently eliminated from the Code on enactment of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 378.

§§132 to 137–10. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(1), (8), (11), (13), (16), (48), 66 Stat. 279, 280, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Section 132, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §2, 39 Stat. 875, related to head tax. See section 1351 of this title.

Section 133, act Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 299, §1, 35 Stat. 982, related to covering of moneys into Treasury. See section 1356(b) of this title.

Section 134, act Feb. 3, 1905, ch. 297, §1, 33 Stat. 684, authorized refunds of head taxes erroneously collected under act Mar. 3, 1903, ch. 1012, §1, 32 Stat. 1213. Said act Mar. 3, 1903 was repealed by acts Feb. 20, 1907, ch. 1134, §43, 34 Stat. 911; Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §38, 39 Stat. 897.

Section 135, R.S. §2164, related to State tax or charge on immigrants.

Section 136, acts Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §3, 39 Stat. 875; June 5, 1920, ch. 243, 41 Stat. 981; Mar. 4, 1929, ch. 690, §1(d), 45 Stat. 1551; Sept. 27, 1944, ch. 418, §2, 58 Stat. 746, related to exclusion of aliens. See sections 1102, 1154, and 1182 of this title.

Section 137, acts Oct. 16, 1918, ch. 186, §1, 40 Stat. 1012; June 5, 1920, ch. 251, 41 Stat. 1008; June 28, 1940, ch. 439, title II, §23(a), 54 Stat. 673; May 25, 1948, ch. 338, 62 Stat. 268; Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 1024, title I, §22, 64 Stat. 1006, related to exclusion of subversive aliens. See sections 1101 and 1182 of this title.

Section 137–1, acts Oct. 16, 1918, ch. 186, §2, 40 Stat. 1012; June 28, 1940, ch. 439, title II, §23(b), 54 Stat. 673; Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 1024, title I, §22, 64 Stat. 1006, related to exceptions as to certain aliens seeking temporary entrance. See section 1182(d)(2) of this title.

Section 137–2, acts Oct. 16, 1918, ch. 186, §3, 40 Stat. 1012; Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 1024, title I, §22, 64 Stat. 1006, related to prohibition against issuance of visas to subversive aliens.

Section 137–3, act Oct. 16, 1918, ch. 186, §4, as added Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 1024, title I, §22, 64 Stat. 1006, related to deportation of subversive aliens.

Sections 137–4 to 137–8, act Oct. 16, 1918, ch. 186, §§5–9, as added Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 1024, title I, §22, 64 Stat., 1006, related to temporary exclusion of suspects, subversive aliens and penalties. See sections 1102, 1182, 1225, 1253, 1326 and 1327 of this title.

Section 137–9, act Mar. 28, 1951, ch. 23, §1, 65 Stat. 28, related to clarification of immigration status of certain aliens.

Section 137–10, act Mar. 28, 1951, ch. 23, §2, 65 Stat. 28, related to recordation of entry for permanent residence.

§137a. Repealed. May 24, 1934, ch. 344, §5, 48 Stat. 798

Section, act Sept. 22, 1922, ch. 411, §8, as added July 3, 1930, ch. 826, 46 Stat. 849, provided as follows:

“§137a. Married woman whose husband is native-born citizen and veteran of World War. Any woman eligible by race to citizenship who has married a citizen of the United States before July 3, 1930, whose husband shall have been a native-born citizen and a member of the military or naval forces of the United States during the World War, and separated therefrom under honorable conditions; if otherwise admissible, shall not be excluded from admission into the United States under section 136 of this title, unless she be excluded under the provisions of that section relating to—

“(a) Persons afflicted with a loathsome or dangerous contagious disease, except tuberculosis in any form;

“(b) Polygamy;

“(c) Prostitutes, procurers, or other like immoral persons;

“(d) Persons convicted of crime: Provided, That no such wife shall be excluded because of offenses committed during legal infancy, while a minor under the age of twenty-one years, and for which the sentences imposed were less than three months, and which were committed more than five years previous to July 3, 1930;

“(e) Persons previously deported;

“(f) Contract laborers.

“After admission to the United States she shall be subject to all other provisions of [former] sections 9 and 10 and 367–370 of this title.”

Savings Clause

Section 5 of act May 24, 1934, provided that the repeal of this section should not affect any right or privilege or terminate any citizenship acquired under the section before such repeal.

§§137b to 173. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(2), (3), (5), (13), (18), (19), (23), (31), (32), (47), 66 Stat. 279, 280, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Sections 137b to 137d, act Mar. 17, 1932, ch. 85, §§1–3, 47 Stat. 67, related to alien musicians. See section 1182(a) of this title.

Section 138, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §4, 39 Stat. 878, related to importation of aliens for immoral purposes. See sections 1326, 1328 and 1329 of this title.

Section 139, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §5, 39 Stat. 879, related to contract laborers. See section 1330 of this title.

Section 140, acts Oct. 19, 1888, ch. 1210, §1, 25 Stat. 566; Apr. 28, 1904, Pub. R. 33, 33 Stat. 591; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737, related to rewards to informer.

Section 141, act Feb. 26, 1885, ch. 164, §2, 23 Stat. 332, related to validity of contracts for labor of aliens made before importation.

Section 142, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §6, 39 Stat. 879, related to advertisement of employment. See section 1330 of this title.

Section 143, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §7, 39 Stat. 879, related to solicitation of immigration by transportation companies. See section 1330 of this title.

Section 144, acts Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §8, 39 Stat. 880; Mar. 20, 1952, ch. 108, §1, 66 Stat. 26, related to bringing in or harboring certain aliens. See section 1324(a) of this title.

Section 145, acts Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §9, 39 Stat. 880; May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §26, 43 Stat. 166, related to bringing in aliens subject to disability or afflicted with disease. See section 1322 of this title.

Section 146, acts Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §10, 39 Stat. 881; May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §27, 43 Stat. 167, related to prevention of unauthorized landing of aliens. See section 1321 of this title.

Section 147, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 27, §11, 39 Stat. 881, related to detention of aliens for observation and examination. See section 1222 of this title.

Section 148, acts Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §12, 39 Stat. 882; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158; July 30, 1947, ch. 384, 61 Stat. 630, related to lists of passengers arriving or departing.

Section 149, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §13, 39 Stat. 884, related to grouping of alien passengers in lists.

Section 150, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §14, 39 Stat. 884, related to refusal or failure to furnish alien passenger list.

Section 151, acts Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §15, 39 Stat. 885; Dec. 19, 1944, ch. 608, §1, 58 Stat. 816, related to inspection of alien passengers on arrival. See section 1223(a), (b) of this title.

Section 152, acts Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §16, 39 Stat. 885; July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, §713, formerly title VI, §611, 58 Stat. 714, 716, renumbered title VII, §711, Aug. 13, 1946, ch. 958, §5, 60 Stat. 1049, renumbered title VII, §713, Feb. 28, 1948, ch. 83, §9(b), 62 Stat. 47, related to physical and mental examination of alien passengers. See sections 1222 and 1362 of this title.

Section 153, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §17, 39 Stat. 887, related to boards of special inquiry.

Section 154, acts Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §18, 39 Stat. 887; Mar. 4, 1929, ch. 690, §1(e), 45 Stat. 1551; Dec. 19, 1944, ch. 608, §2, 58 Stat. 816, related to immediate deportation of aliens brought in in violation of law.

Section 155, acts Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §19, 39 Stat. 889; June 28, 1940, ch. 439, title II, §20, 54 Stat. 671; Dec. 8, 1942, ch. 697, 56 Stat. 1044; July 1, 1948, ch. 783, 62 Stat. 1206, related to deportation of undesirable aliens generally; see sections 1227 and 1351 of this title. Section 22 of act June 28, 1940 provided that no alien should be deportable by reason of amendments to former section 155 of this title by said act, on account of any act committed prior to the date of enactment of that act [June 28, 1940].

Section 155a, act Sept. 27, 1950, ch. 1052, ch. III, 64 Stat. 1048, related to deportation or exclusion proceedings unaffected by the Administrative Procedure Act.

Section 156, acts Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §20, 39 Stat. 890; July 13, 1943, ch. 230, 57 Stat. 553; Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 1024, title I, §23, 64 Stat. 1010; June 18, 1952, ch. 442, 66 Stat. 138, related to control over, and facilitation of deportation. See section 1227 of this title.

Section 156a, acts Feb. 18, 1931, ch. 224, 46 Stat. 1171; June 28, 1940, ch. 439, title II, §21, 54 Stat. 673, related to deportation of aliens engaged in narcotic traffic. Section 22 of act June 28, 1940, provided that no alien should be deportable by reason of amendments to former section 156a of this title by said act, on account of any act committed prior to the date of enactment of that act [June 28, 1940].

Section 157, act May 10, 1920, ch. 174, §§1–3, 41 Stat. 593, 594, related to deportation of aliens convicted of war-time offenses.

Sections 158 to 163, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §§21–23, 28, 39 Stat. 891–894, related to admission of aliens, detention, etc. See sections 1103(a), 1183, and 1327 of this title.

Section 164, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §25, 39 Stat. 893, related to jurisdiction of district courts. See section 1329 of this title.

Section 165, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §31, 39 Stat. 895, related to signing alien on ship's articles with intent to permit landing in violation of law. See section 1287 of this title.

Section 166, acts Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §34, 39 Stat. 896; May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §19, 43 Stat. 164, related to landing of excluded seamen. See sections 1282(b) and 1287 of this title.

Section 167, acts May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §20(a)–(c), 43 Stat. 164; Dec. 19, 1944, ch. 608, §4, 58 Stat. 817, related to control of alien seamen. See section 1284 of this title.

Section 168, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §33, 39 Stat. 896, related to paying off or discharging alien seamen. See sections 1282(a) and 1286 of this title.

Section 169, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §35, 39 Stat. 896, related to employment on passenger vessels of aliens suffering with mental disabilities. See section 1285 of this title.

Section 170, act Dec. 26, 1920, ch. 4, 41 Stat. 1082, related to treatment in hospitals of alien seamen. See section 1283 of this title.

Section 171, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §36, 39 Stat. 896, related to lists of aliens employed on vessels arriving from foreign ports. See section 1281 of this title.

Section 172, acts Mar. 3, 1893, ch. 206, §8, 27 Stat. 570; Feb. 14, 1903, ch. 552, §7, 32 Stat. 328; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737, related to posting of laws by agents of steamship companies.

Section 173, acts Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §§1, 37, 39 Stat. 874, 897; June 2, 1924, ch. 233, 43 Stat. 253, related to definitions of aliens, seamen, etc. See section 1101(a)(3), (10), (38), (b)(3), (d)(7) of this title.

§174. Omitted

Codification

Section, acts Aug. 18, 1894, ch. 301, §1, 28 Stat. 390; Feb. 14, 1903, ch. 552, §7, 32 Stat. 828; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737; 1940 Reorg. Plan No. V, eff. June 14, 1940, 5 F.R. 2423, 54 Stat. 1238, which related to finality of decisions of immigration officers, was transferred to section 342j of former Title 5, Executive Departments and Government Officers and Employees, and subsequently eliminated from the Code on enactment of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 378.

§§175 to 181. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(12), (13), (23), (30), (33), 66 Stat. 279, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Section 175, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §1, 39 Stat. 874, related to application of laws to Philippine Islands.

Section 176, act Mar. 15, 1934, ch. 70, §1, 48 Stat. 435, related to disposition of moneys received or paid for detention of aliens. See section 1356(a) of this title.

Section 177, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §29, 39 Stat. 894, related to international conference for regulation of immigration of aliens.

Section 178, act Feb. 5, 1917, ch. 29, §38, 39 Stat. 897, provided for the effective date of the act of Feb. 5, 1917, repealed specified provisions, and set forth laws unaffected by the enactment of this act.

Section 179, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §21(b), 43 Stat. 165, related to blank forms of manifest and crew lists. See section 1352(b) of this title.

Section 180, acts Mar. 4, 1929, ch. 690, §1(a)–(c), 45 Stat. 1551; June 24, 1929, ch. 40, 46 Stat. 41, related to reentry or attempted reentry of deported aliens. See sections 1101(g) and 1326 of this title.

Sections 180a to 180d, act Mar. 4, 1929, ch. 690, §§2–5, 45 Stat. 1551, 1552, related to reentry or attempted reentry of deported aliens. See sections 1101, 1182, 1203, and 1325 of this title.

Section 181, act May 25, 1932, ch. 203, §7, 47 Stat. 166, related to reentry of deported aliens. See section 1326 of this title.

SUBCHAPTER III—QUOTA AND NONQUOTA IMMIGRANTS

§§201 to 204. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(23), (24), 66 Stat. 279, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Section 201, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §1, 43 Stat. 153, related to short title.

Section 202, acts May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §2, 43 Stat. 153; Feb. 25, 1925, ch. 316, 43 Stat. 976, related to immigration visas. See sections 1201 and 1351 of this title.

Section 203, acts May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §3, 43 Stat. 154; July 6, 1932, ch. 434, 47 Stat. 607; July 1, 1940, ch. 502, §1, 54 Stat. 711; Dec. 29, 1945, ch. 652, title I, §7(c), 59 Stat. 672, defined immigrant. See section 1101 of this title.

Section 204, acts May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §4, 43 Stat. 155; July 3, 1926, ch. 738, §1, 44 Stat. 812; May 29, 1928, ch. 914, §§1, 2, 45 Stat. 1009; July 3, 1930, ch. 835, §3, 46 Stat. 854; July 11, 1932, ch. 471, §1, 47 Stat. 656; May 19, 1948, ch. 311, §1, 62 Stat. 241, defined nonquota immigrant. See section 1101 of this title.

§§204a, 204b. Omitted

Codification

Sections related to natives of Virgin Islands residing in foreign countries on June 22, 1932, and were based on act June 28, 1932, ch. 283, §§1, 2, 47 Stat. 336. Former section 204b of this title provided that section 204a should not apply after June 28, 1934.

§§204c to 219. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(23), (36), (44), (45), 66 Stat. 279, 280, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Section 204c, act June 28, 1932, ch. 283, §3, 47 Stat. 336, related to deportation as public charge.

Section 204d, act June 28, 1932, ch. 283, §4, 47 Stat. 336, related to definitions.

Section 205, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §5, 43 Stat. 155, defined quota immigrant.

Section 206, acts May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §6, 43 Stat. 155; May 29, 1928, ch. 914, §3, 45 Stat. 1009; July 11, 1932, ch. 471, §2, 47 Stat. 656; May 19, 1948, ch. 311, §2, 62 Stat. 241, related to enumeration of preferences within quotas.

Section 207, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §7, 43 Stat. 156, related to application for visas.

Section 208, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §8, 43 Stat. 156, related to nonquota immigration visas.

Section 209, acts May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §9, 43 Stat. 157; May 14, 1937, ch. 182, §1, 50 Stat. 164, related to visas of nonquota and preferred immigrants.

Section 210, acts May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §10, 43 Stat. 158; June 3, 1948, ch. 403, 62 Stat. 335, related to reentry permits.

Section 211, acts May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §11, 43 Stat. 159; Mar. 4, 1927, ch. 514, 44 Stat. 1455; Mar. 31, 1928, ch. 306, 45 Stat. 400, related to immigration quotas as determined by national origin.

Section 212, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §12, 43 Stat. 160, related to determination of nationality. See section 1152 of this title.

Section 212a, acts Dec. 17, 1943, ch. 344, §2, 57 Stat. 601; Aug. 9, 1946, ch. 945, §2, 60 Stat. 975, related to reentry permits for Chinese persons.

Section 212b, act July 2, 1946, ch. 534, §4, 60 Stat. 417, related to reentry permits for Indians and races indigenous to India.

Section 212c, act July 2, 1946, ch. 534, §5, 60 Stat. 417, related to definitions and allocations of quota.

Section 213, acts May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §13, 43 Stat. 161; June 13, 1930, ch. 476, 46 Stat. 581; May 14, 1937, ch. 182, §2, 50 Stat. 165; Aug. 9, 1946, ch. 945, §1, 60 Stat. 975, related to compliance with immigration requirements.

Section 213a, act May 14, 1937, ch. 182, §3, 50 Stat. 165, related to deportation of alien securing visa through fraudulent marriage.

Section 214, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §14, 43 Stat. 162, related to deportation and procedure thereunder.

Section 215, acts May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §15, 43 Stat. 162; July 1, 1932, ch. 363, 47 Stat. 524; July 1, 1940, ch. 502, §2, 54 Stat. 711; Dec. 29, 1945, ch. 652, title I, §7(d), 59 Stat. 672, related to admission of persons excepted from definition of immigrant and nonquota immigrants.

Section 216, acts May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §16, 43 Stat. 163; Dec. 19, 1944, ch. 608, §3, 58 Stat. 817, related to unlawful bringing of aliens into United States by water.

Section 217, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §17, 43 Stat. 163, related to contracts with transportation lines.

Section 218, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §18, 43 Stat. 164, related to unused immigration visas.

Section 219, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §21(a), 43 Stat. 165, related to reentry permits.

§220. Repealed. June 25, 1948, ch. 645, §21, 62 Stat. 862, eff. Sept. 1, 1948

Section, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §22, 43 Stat. 165, related to forging, counterfeiting, etc., of reentry permits. See section 1546 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.

§§221 to 227. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(20), (22), (23), (29), 66 Stat. 279, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Section 221, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §23, 43 Stat. 165, related to burden of proof upon entry of alien or in deportation proceedings.

Section 222, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §24, 43 Stat. 166, related to rules and regulations.

Section 223, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §25, 43 Stat. 166, related to quota law as additional to other immigration laws.

Section 224, acts May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §28(a)–(e), (g)–(n), 43 Stat. 168; June 2, 1924, ch. 233, 43 Stat. 253; Oct. 29, 1945, ch. 437, 59 Stat. 551, related to definitions.

Section 225, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §29, 43 Stat. 169, related to appropriations.

Section 226, act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §32, 43 Stat. 169, related to partial invalidity.

Section 226a, act Apr. 2, 1928, ch. 308, 45 Stat. 401, related to American Indians born in Canada.

Section 227, act Dec. 27, 1922, ch. 15, 42 Stat. 1065, related to admission of certain aliens in excess of quotas.

§228. Omitted

Codification

Section, act June 7, 1924, ch. 379, 43 Stat. 669, related to aliens who entered prior to July 1, 1924 under quota of 1921, and was omitted as executed.

§§229 to 231. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(17), (23), (27), 66 Stat. 279, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Section 229, acts May 19, 1921, ch. 8, 42 Stat. 5; May 26, 1924, ch. 190, §30, 43 Stat. 169, related to imposition and enforcement of penalties under act May 19, 1921.

Section 230, Joint Res. Oct. 16, 1918, ch. 190, 40 Stat. 1014, related to alien residents conscripted or volunteering for service during World War I.

Section 231, act May 26, 1926, ch. 400, 44 Stat. 657, related to admission into Puerto Rico of certain resident Spanish subjects.

§§232 to 237. Omitted

Codification

Sections 232 to 236, act Dec. 28, 1945, ch. 591, §§1–5, 59 Stat. 659, relating to admission of alien spouses and minor children of World War II veterans, omitted as expired three years after Dec. 28, 1945.

Section 237, act Dec. 28, 1945, ch. 591, §6, added July 22, 1947, ch. 289, 61 Stat. 401.

§238. Transferred

Codification

Section transferred to section 1557 of this title.

§239. Omitted

Codification

Section, acts Aug. 19, 1950, ch. 759, 64 Stat. 464; Mar. 19, 1951, ch. 9, 65 Stat. 6, relating to admission of alien spouses and minor children of members of armed forces, expired by its own terms on Mar. 19, 1952.

SUBCHAPTER IV—ALIEN VETERANS OF WORLD WAR I

§§241 to 246. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(28), 66 Stat. 279, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Sections, act May 26, 1926, ch. 398, §§1–6, 44 Stat. 654, 655, related to alien veterans of World War I.

CHAPTER 7—EXCLUSION OF CHINESE

Codification

Former chapter 7 of this title included the provisions of the several Chinese Exclusion acts, beginning with the temporary act of May 6, 1882, ch. 126, 22 Stat. 58, which, as being then in force, were, by act Apr. 27, 1904, ch. 1630, §5, 33 Stat. 428, amending act Apr. 29, 1902, ch. 641, 32 Stat. 176, “re-enacted, extended, and continued, without modification, limitation, or condition;” with the further provisions of the act and those of subsequent acts relating to the subject which remained in force.

§261. Omitted

Codification

Section, acts Feb. 14, 1903, ch. 552, §7, 32 Stat. 828; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737; Ex. Ord. No. 6166, §14, June 10, 1933; 1940 Reorg. Plan No. V, eff. June 14, 1940, 5 F.R. 2423, 54 Stat. 1238, conferred upon the Attorney General the authority, power, and jurisdiction by virtue of any law relating to the exclusion from and residence within the United States, its Territories and the District of Columbia, of Chinese and persons of Chinese descent, and vested in the collectors of customs and collectors of internal revenue, under control of the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization, as the Attorney General might designate therefor, the authority, power, and jurisdiction in relation to such exclusion previously vested in such officers. It was omitted as obsolete in view of the repeal, by act Dec. 17, 1943, ch. 344, §1, 57 Stat. 600, of sections 262 to 297 and 299 of this title.

§§262 to 297. Repealed. Dec. 17, 1943, ch. 344, §1, 57 Stat. 600

Sections, acts May 6, 1882, ch. 126, §§1, 3, 6–13, 15, 16, 22 Stat. 59–61; July 5, 1884, ch. 220, 23 Stat. 115–118; Sept. 13, 1888, ch. 1015, §§5–11, 13, 14, 25 Stat. 477–479; Oct. 1, 1888, ch. 1064, §§1, 2, 25 Stat. 504; May 5, 1892, ch. 60, §§1–3, 5–8, 27 Stat. 25, 26; Nov. 3, 1893, ch. 14, §§1, 2, 28 Stat. 7, 8; July 7, 1898, No. 55, §1 (part), 30 Stat. 751; Apr. 30, 1900, ch. 339, §1, 31 Stat. 161; June 6, 1900, ch. 791, §1 (part), 31 Stat. 611; Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 845, §§1–3, 31 Stat. 1093; Apr. 29, 1902, ch. 641, §§1, 2, 4, 32 Stat. 176, 177; Apr. 27, 1904, ch. 1630, §5, 33 Stat. 428; Aug. 24, 1912, ch. 355, §1 (part), 37 Stat. 476, related to exclusion of Chinese and persons of Chinese descent from the United States or its Territories, and to various matters pertaining thereto, including the requirement of certificates of permission and identity by those who might be entitled to entry, exemptions, duties of masters of vessels and Federal officers, arrest, hearing and removal of Chinese unlawfully within the United States or its Territories, habeas corpus, and forfeitures and penalties for violation of the exclusion laws.

§298. Omitted

Codification

Section, acts Mar. 17, 1894, Art. III, 28 Stat. 1211; Apr. 28, 1904, ch. 1762, §1, 33 Stat. 478, provided for the Bertillon system of identification at the various ports of entry, to prevent unlawful entry of Chinese into the United States. It is obsolete in view of the repeal of sections 262 to 297 of this title by act Dec. 17, 1943, ch. 344, §1, 57 Stat. 600. For some years prior to such act, no moneys had been appropriated to prevent unlawful entry of Chinese, referred to in this section.

§299. Repealed. Dec. 17, 1943, ch. 344, §1, 57 Stat. 600

Section, act June 23, 1913, ch. 3, §1, 38 Stat. 65, provided for delivery by the marshal, of all Chinese persons ordered deported under judicial writs, into the custody of any officer designated for that purpose, for conveyance to the frontier or seaboard for deportation.

CHAPTER 8—THE COOLY TRADE

§§331 to 339. Repealed. Pub. L. 93–461, Oct. 20, 1974, 88 Stat. 1387

Section 331, R.S. §2158, prohibited cooly trade.

Section 332, R.S. §2159; Mar. 3, 1911, ch. 231, §291, 36 Stat. 1167, related to forfeiture of vessels engaged in cooly trade.

Section 333, R.S. §2160, related to penalty for building vessels to engage in cooly trade.

Section 334, R.S. §2161, related to punishment for engaging in cooly trade.

Section 335, R.S. §2162, excepted voluntary emigration of coolies from prohibition.

Section 336, act Mar. 3, 1875, ch. 141, §1, 18 Stat. 477, related to inquiry and certification by consular officers.

Section 337, R.S. §2163, related to examination of vessels.

Section 338, act Mar. 3, 1875, ch. 141, §2, 18 Stat. 477, related to penalties for involuntary transportation of Chinese, Japanese, and others for purpose of holding to service.

Section 339, act Mar. 3, 1875, ch. 141, §4, 18 Stat. 477, related to punishment for contracting to supply cooly labor.

CHAPTER 9—MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

§§351 to 416. Repealed or transferred

These sections, relating to naturalization, were in large degree affected by the Nationality Act of 1940, former section 501 et seq. of this title. That act was passed on Oct. 14, 1940, to consolidate and restate the laws of the United States regarding citizenship, naturalization, and expatriation, and, in addition to certain specific repeals thereby, all acts or parts of acts in conflict with its provisions were repealed by former section 904 of this title. See notes below for history of individual sections.

Sections 351 to 354, relating to Bureau of Naturalization, were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, 54 Stat. 1172. Sections 351 to 353 were from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §1, 34 Stat. 596, and section 354 was from act May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 544. See section 1443 of this title. See also section 1551 et seq. of this title for general provisions relating to Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Section 355, relating to reports of expenditures of Bureau of Naturalization, was repealed by act May 29, 1928, ch. 901, §1, 45 Stat. 994. It was from act Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 299, §1, 35 Stat. 982.

Sections 356 to 358a were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Section 356, relating to regulations for execution of naturalization laws and use of copies of papers in evidence, was from acts June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §28, 34 Stat. 606, and Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §8, 45 Stat. 1515; see section 1443 of this title. Section 356a, relating to quarters for photographic studio in New York City, was from act May 25, 1932, ch. 203, §9, 47 Stat. 166; see section 1443(g) of this title. Sections 357 (from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §3, 34 Stat. 596, as amended Mar. 3, 1911, ch. 231, §289, 36 Stat. 1167; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737; June 25, 1936, ch. 804, 49 Stat. 1921), 358 (from act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, §41, 39 Stat. 965), and 358a (from act Feb. 25, 1927, ch. 192, §4, 44 Stat. 1235), related to jurisdiction of naturalization courts; see section 1421 of this title.

Section 359, relating to racial limitation of naturalization, was from R.S. §2169 (revised from act July 14, 1870, ch. 254, §7, 16 Stat. 256), and acts Feb. 18, 1875, ch. 80, §1, 18 Stat. 318; May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §2, 40 Stat. 547. According to a communication of Jan. 8, 1943, the Immigration and Naturalization Service stated that it was the opinion of that office that said section 359 was superseded by former section 703 of this title. See section 1422 of this title.

Section 360, relating to admission of persons not citizens owing permanent allegiance to the United States, was repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, 54 Stat. 1172. It was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §30, 34 Stat. 606. See section 1436 of this title.

Section 361, relating to period of residence required for citizenship, was repealed by act Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, 45 Stat. 1514. It was from R.S. §2170, which was revised from act Mar. 3, 1813, ch. 42, §12, 2 Stat. 811. See section 1427 of this title.

Section 362, forbidding naturalization of citizens within thirty days preceding a general election, was repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. It was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §6, 34 Stat. 598. See section 1447(c) of this title.

Section 363, making Chinese inadmissible to citizenship, was repealed by act Dec. 17, 1943, ch. 344, §1, 57 Stat. 600. It was from act May 6, 1882, ch. 126, §14, 22 Stat. 61.

Sections 364 to 366a, relating to persons inadmissible to citizenship, were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876. title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Sections 364 and 365 were from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §§7, 8, respectively, 34 Stat. 598, 599; see sections 1424 and 1423, respectively, of this title. Section 366 was from acts May 18, 1917, ch. 15, §2, 40 Stat. 77; July 9, 1918, ch. 143, §4, 40 Stat. 885. Section 366a was from act Feb. 11, 1931, ch. 118, 46 Stat. 1087.

Sections 367 to 368a, relating to naturalization of women, were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876. title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. They were from act Sept. 22, 1922, ch. 411, §§1, 2, 3(c), respectively, 42 Stat. 1021, 1022, as amended Mar. 3, 1931, ch. 442, §4(a), 46 Stat 1511; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158; May 24, 1934, ch. 344, §4, 48 Stat. 797. On the subject of section 367 see section 1422 of this title, and on the subject of 368, see section 1430 of this title.

Section 368b, relating to citizenship of women born in Hawaii prior to June 14, 1900, was repealed by act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(34), 66 Stat. 280. It was from acts July 2, 1932, ch. 395, 47 Stat. 571; July 1, 1940, ch. 495, 54 Stat. 707.

Sections 369 and 369a, relating to naturalization of women, were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. They were from act Sept. 22, 1922, ch. 411, §§4, 3(b), respectively, 42 Stat. 1022, as amended July 3, 1930, ch. 835, §2(a), 46 Stat. 854; Mar. 3, 1931, ch. 442, §4(a), 46 Stat. 1511. See section 1435(a) of this title.

Section 370, relating to naturalization of women married to aliens ineligible to citizenship, was repealed by act Mar. 3, 1931, ch. 442, §4(b), 46 Stat. 1512. It was from act Sept. 22, 1922, ch. 411, §5, 42 Stat. 1022.

Section 371, relating to naturalization of wives and children of aliens becoming insane after declaration of intention to become citizens, was repealed by act May 24, 1934, ch. 344, §5, 48 Stat. 798, which provided that such repeal should “not affect any right or privilege or terminate any citizenship acquired under” the section before its repeal. Section was from act Feb. 24, 1911, ch. 151, 36 Stat. 929.

Sections 372 to 373 were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Section 372, relating to procedure for naturalization, was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4, 34 Stat. 596; see section 1421(d) of this title. Section 372a, relating to naturalization of former citizens, was from act Mar. 3, 1931, ch. 442, §3, 46 Stat. 1511. Section 373, relating to declaration of intention to become citizen, was from acts June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4, 34 Stat. 596; Mar. 4, 1929, ch. 683, §1, 45 Stat. 1545; June 20, 1939, ch. 224, §1, 53 Stat. 843; see section 1445(f) of this title.

Section 374, making it unlawful to make a declaration of intention on election day, was repealed by act May 25, 1926, ch. 388, §1, 44 Stat. 652. It was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4(7), as added May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 544.

Section 375, providing that declarations of intention should not be required of widow or minor children of aliens dying after having filed a declaration of intention, was repealed by act May 24, 1934, ch. 344, §5, 48 Stat. 798, which provided that such repeal should “not affect any right or privilege or terminate any citizenship acquired under” the section before its repeal. Section was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4, 34 Stat. 597.

Section 375a, act July 2, 1940, ch. 512, §§1, 2, 54 Stat. 715, relating to exemption from declaration of intention and filing of petition by children spending childhood in United States, was repealed by act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(40), 66 Stat. 280.

Section 376, providing that alien seamen declarants should be deemed citizens for purposes of protection, was repealed by act June 15, 1935, ch. 255, §1, 49 Stat. 376. It was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4(8), as added May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 544.

Section 377, authorizing naturalization of certain aliens erroneously exercising rights and duties of citizenship prior to July 1, 1920, was repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. It was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4(10), as added May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 545, and amended May 25, 1932, ch. 203, §10, 47 Stat. 166.

Section 377a, related to naturalization of inhabitants of Virgin Islands. It was from acts Feb. 25, 1927, ch. 192, §2, 44 Stat. 1234; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158.

Sections 377b to 382c were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Section 377b, requiring lawful entry and certificate of arrival as prerequisite to declaration of intention, was from acts Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §4, 45 Stat. 1513; May 25, 1932, ch. 203, §6, 47 Stat. 166; similar provisions were contained in former section 729(b) of this title. Section 377c, relating to photographs of aliens seeking to become citizens, was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §36, as added Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §9, 45 Stat. 1516; see section 1444 of this title. Section 378, enumerating conditions under which alien enemies could be naturalized, was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4(11), as added May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 545; see section 1442 of this title. Section 379, relating to petitions for naturalization, was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4, 34 Stat. 596, as amended Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §6(a), 45 Stat. 1513; June 20, 1939, ch. 224, §2, 53 Stat. 843; see sections 1445 and 1446(f) of this title. Section 380, providing that certificate of arrival and declaration of intention should be made a part of petition for naturalization was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4, 34 Stat. 596; see section 1445(a), (b) of this title. Section 380a, relating to fees for issuance of certificates of arrival, was from acts Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §5, 45 Stat. 1513; Apr. 19, 1934, ch. 154, §3, 48 Stat. 597; see section 1455(a)(2) of this title. Section 380b, defining county as used in former sections 379, 382, and 388 of this title, was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §35, as added Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §9, 45 Stat. 1516, and amended May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158. Sections 381 and 382(c), relating to oaths of aliens admitted to citizenship and certain prerequisites to admission, respectively, were from acts June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4, 34 Stat. 596; Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §6b, 45 Stat. 1513; June 25, 1936, ch. 811, §1, 49 Stat. 1925; June 29, 1938, ch. 819, 52 Stat. 1247; June 20, 1939, ch. 224, §3, 53 Stat. 844; on the subject of section 381 see section 1448 of this title; and on the subject of section 382 see sections 1427, 1430(b) and 1446(g) of this title. Sections 382a, relating to absence from country as affecting continuity of residence for purpose of naturalization, was from act June 25, 1936, ch. 811, §2, 49 Stat. 1925; see section 1427(c) of this title. Sections 382b and 382c, relating to temporary absences of clergymen as affecting continuity of residence, were from act Aug. 9, 1939, ch. 610, §§1, 2, respectively, 53 Stat. 1273; see sections 1428 and 1443(a), respectively, of this title.

Section 383, relating to proof of residence by deposition, was repealed by act Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §6(e), 45 Stat. 1514. It was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §10, 34 Stat. 599.

Section 384, relating to residence of aliens serving on vessels of foreign registry, was repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. It was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4(7), as added May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 544; amended May 25, 1932, ch. 203, §3, 47 Stat. 165. See section 1441(a)(2) of this title.

Section 385, related to validation of Hawaiian jurisdiction exercised prior to Sept. 27, 1906. It was from acts Apr. 30, 1900, ch. 339, §100, 31 Stat. 161; May 27, 1910, ch. 258, §9, 36 Stat. 448; Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172.

Sections 386 to 389 were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Section 386, providing for the renunciation of titles of nobility by aliens seeking citizenship, was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4, 34 Stat. 596; see section 1448(b) of this title. Section 387, relating to reimbursement for publication of citizenship textbooks, was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4(9), as added May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 544; see sections 1443 (b) and 1457 of this title. Section 388, relating to residence requirements for certain Filipinos and Puerto Ricans serving in military service, was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4(7), as added May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 542; June 4, 1920, ch. 227, §30, 41 Stat. 776; Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §6(c), (d), 45 Stat. 1514; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158; May 25, 1932, ch. 203, §2(a), 47 Stat. 165; July 30, 1937, ch. 545, §3, 50 Stat. 548; see sections 1427, 1439, and 1441(a)(1) of this title. Section 389, relating to residence of aliens conditionally serving in military services after honorable discharge, was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4(7), as added May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 542.

Section 389a, relating to naturalization of alien veterans of World War I, was repealed by act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(37), 66 Stat. 280. It was from act Aug. 19, 1937, ch. 698, §2, as added Aug. 16, 1940, ch. 684, 54 Stat. 789.

Sections 390 to 392, relating to naturalization of alien veterans of World War I, were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. They were from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §§4(7), 4(13), and 4(7), respectively, as added May 19, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 542 to 544. See section 1439 of this title.

Sections 392a to 392d related to naturalization of alien veterans of World War I. Sections 392b to 392d were repealed by act Oct. 11, 1940, ch. 876 title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Section 392a was from acts May 26, 1926, ch. 398, §7, 44 Stat. 655; Mar. 4, 1929, ch. 683, §3, 45 Stat. 1546. Sections 392b to 392d were from acts May 25, 1932, ch. 203, §1, 47 Stat. 165; Ex. Ord. No. 6166, §14, June 10, 1933; June 24, 1935, ch. 288, §§1 to 3, 49 Stat. 395; Aug. 23, 1937, ch. 735, §§1 to 3, 50 Stat. 743, 744; June 21, 1939, ch, 234, §§1 to 3, 53 Stat. 851.

Sections 392e to 398 were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Sections 392e to 392g, relating to naturalization of alien veterans of World War I formerly ineligible because of race, were from act June 24, 1935, ch. 290, §§1–3, respectively, 49 Stat. 397, 398. Sections 393 to 395, relating to naturalization of alien veterans, were from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §4(7), as added May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §§1, 2, 40 Stat. 543; see sections 1439 and 1441(a)(1) of this title. Sections 396 to 398, relating to time of filing petition, subpoena of witnesses, and final hearings on petitions, respectively, were from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §§6, 5, 9, respectively, 34 Stat. 598, 599, as amended Mar. 3, 1931, ch. 442, §§1, 2, 46 Stat. 1511; see sections 1445(c) and 1447(a), (e) of this title.

Section 398a, act May 3, 1940, ch. 183, §2, 54 Stat. 178, related to patriotic address to new citizens. See section 1448a of this title.

Sections 399 to 402 were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Section 399, authorizing the United States to appear and oppose the right of aliens to naturalization, was from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §11, 34 Stat. 599; see section 1447 of this title. Section 399a, relating to preliminary examination of petitioners for naturalization, was from act June 8, 1926, ch. 502, 44 Stat. 709; see sections 1446 and 1447 of this title. Sections 399b to 399d, relating to certificates of citizenship, were from acts June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §§32 to 34, respectively, as added Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §9, 45 Stat. 1515; amended May 25, 1932, ch. 203, §§4, 5, 47 Stat. 165; Apr. 19, 1934, ch. 154, §§2, 4, 48 Stat. 597; see sections 1452, 1454 and 1455(g) of this title. Section 399e, relating to annual reports of Commissioner of Immigration, was from act Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §10, 45 Stat. 1516; see section 1458 of this title. Section 399f, relating to counsel fees in naturalization proceedings, was from act Apr. 19, 1934, ch. 154, §5, 48 Stat. 598; see section 1455 of this title. Sections 400 to 402, relating to clerks of naturalization courts and their fees and clerical assistants, were from acts June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §§12, 13, 34 Stat. 599, as amended June 25, 1910, ch. 401, §1, 36 Stat. 829; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737; June 12, 1917, ch. 27, §1, 40 Stat. 171; Feb. 26, 1919, ch. 49, §§1, 2, 40 Stat. 1182; Feb. 11, 1921, ch. 46, 41 Stat. 1099; Mar. 4, 1921, ch. 161, §1, 41 Stat. 1412; June 10, 1921, ch. 18, §304, 42 Stat. 24; Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §7(a), 45 Stat. 1514; and Apr. 19, 1934, ch. 154, §1, 48 Stat. 597; see sections 1450(a)–(d), 1455, and 1459(b), (c) of this title.

Section 402a, related to disposition of fees received by clerks of courts. It was from act Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 536, §7(b), 45 Stat. 1515; Ex. Ord. No. 6166, §14, June 10, 1933. See section 1455(e) of this title.

Sections 403 to 405 were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Sections 403 and 404, relating to fees collectible from alien soldiers, and to recording declarations and petitions, respectively, were from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §§4(7), 14, respectively, 34 Stat. 601, as amended May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1 40 Stat. 544; see sections 1450(e) and 1455(h) of this title. Section 405, relating to cancellation of certificates of citizenship, was from acts June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §15, 34 Stat. 601; May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §1, 40 Stat. 544; see section 1451 of this title.

Sections 406 and 407 validated certain certificates of naturalization. They were from acts May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §3, 40 Stat. 548, and June 29, 1906, ch. 3624, §1, 34 Stat. 630, respectively.

Sections 408 to 415 were repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. Sections 408 and 409, relating to naturalization forms, were from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §§3, 27, respectively, 34 Stat. 596, 603; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §3, 37 Stat. 737; May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §3, 40 Stat. 548; on the subject of section 408 see sections 1421(c) and 1443(c) of this title, and on the subject of section 409 see sections 1445(a)–(d), (f), and 1449 of this title. Sections 410 to 415, relating to the punishment of crimes in connection with the naturalization of aliens, were from act June 29, 1906, ch. 3592, §§18, 20–24, respectively, 34 Stat. 602, 603; present provisions are contained in sections 1451(a), (b), (d), (e), (g)–(i) and 1459 of this title and sections 911, 1015, 1421–1429, 1719 and 3282 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.

Section 416, authorizing punishment of offenses against naturalization laws committed prior to May 9, 1918, under laws then in effect but since repealed, was repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172. It was from act May 9, 1918, ch. 69, §2, 40 Stat. 547. See note set out under section 1101 of this title.

CHAPTER 10—ALIEN REGISTRATION

§§451 to 460. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(39), 66 Stat. 280, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Section 451, act June 28, 1940, ch. 439, title III, §30, 54 Stat. 673, required an alien seeking entry into United States to be registered and fingerprinted before the issuance to him of a visa. See sections 1201(b) and 1301 of this title.

Section 452, act June 28, 1940, ch. 439, title III, §31, 54 Stat. 673, related to registration of aliens in United States. See section 1302 of this title.

Section 453, act June 28, 1940, ch. 439, title III, §32, 54 Stat. 674, related to special provisions governing registration. See section 1303 of this title.

Section 454, act June 28, 1940, ch. 439, title III, §33, 54 Stat. 674, related to places of registration and duties of postmasters.

Section 455, act June 28, 1940, ch. 439, title III, §34, 54 Stat. 674, related to forms and procedure, confidential status of records and oaths in connection with the registration and fingerprinting of aliens. See section 1304 of this title.

Section 456, acts June 28, 1940, ch. 439, title III, §35, 54 Stat. 675; Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 1024, title I, §24(a), 64 Stat. 1012, related to notice of change of address. See section 1305 of this title.

Section 457, acts June 28, 1940, ch. 439, title III, §36, 54 Stat. 675; Oct. 13, 1941, ch. 432, 55 Stat. 736; Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 1024, title I, §24(b), 64 Stat. 1013, related to penalties. See section 1306 of this title.

Section 458, act June 28, 1940, ch. 439, title III, §37, 54 Stat. 675, related to administration and enforcement of registration law. See section 1306 of this title.

Section 459, act June 28, 1940, ch. 439, title III, §38, 54 Stat. 675, related to definitions and effective date. See section 1101(a)(8), (38) of this title.

Section 460, act June 28, 1940, ch. 439, title III, §39, 54 Stat. 676, related to registration of aliens in Canal Zone.

Nationality Act of 1940

On October 14, 1940, and subsequent to the enactment of former section 451 et seq. of this title, Congress passed the Nationality Act of 1940 [former section 501 et seq. of this title] for the purpose of consolidating and restating the laws of the United States upon citizenship, naturalization and expatriation. Said act contained further provisions relating to registry of aliens [former sections 728 and 746(l) of this title], and former section 504 thereof, in addition to certain specific repeals, provided that all acts or parts of acts in conflict therewith were thereby repealed.

CHAPTER 11—NATIONALITY

SUBCHAPTER I—DEFINITIONS

§§501 to 504. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(42), 66 Stat. 280, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Sections, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. I, §§101–104, 54 Stat. 1137, 1138, related to definitions and place of general abode. See various provisions of section 1101 of this title.

SUBCHAPTER II—NATIONALITY AT BIRTH

§§601 to 605. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(42), 66 Stat. 280, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Section 601, acts Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. II, §201, 54 Stat. 1138; July 31, 1946, ch. 708, 60 Stat. 721, related to persons born nationals and citizens. See section 1401 of this title.

Sections 602 to 605, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. II, §§202–205, 54 Stat. 1139, related to citizens by birth in Puerto Rico, Canal Zone or Panama, nationals but not citizens and children born out of wedlock. See sections 1402, 1403, 1408, 1409(a), (c), and 1407, respectively, of this title.

§606. Transferred

Codification

Section transferred to section 1421l of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions. That section was later repealed. See section 1407 of this title.

SUBCHAPTER III—NATIONALITY THROUGH NATURALIZATION

§§701 to 724a. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(40), (42), 66 Stat. 279, 280, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Section 701, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §301, 54 Stat. 1140, related to jurisdiction to naturalize. See section 1421 of this title.

Section 702, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §302, 54 Stat. 1140, related to sex or marriage, as affecting eligibility for naturalization. See section 1422 of this title.

Section 703, acts Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §303, 54 Stat. 1140; Dec. 17, 1943, ch. 344, §3, 57 Stat. 601; July 2, 1946, ch. 534, §1, 60 Stat. 416; Aug. 1, 1950, ch. 512, §4(b), 64 Stat. 385, related to races affecting eligibility. See section 1422 of this title.

Section 704, acts Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §304, 54 Stat. 1140; Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 1024, title I, §30, 64 Stat. 1018, related to language, history and principles of government affecting eligibility. See section 1423 of this title.

Section 705, acts Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §305, 54 Stat. 1141; Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 1024, title I, §25, 64 Stat. 1013, related to exclusion from naturalization. See sections 1424(a)–(c), 1427(f), and 1451(c) of this title.

Section 706, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §306, 54 Stat. 1141, related to desertion from the armed forces or evasion of draft as affecting eligibility. See section 1425 of this title.

Section 707, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §307, 54 Stat. 1142, related to residence as affecting eligibility. See sections 1427(a)–(c) and 1441(a)(2) of this title.

Section 708, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §308, 54 Stat. 1143, related to temporary absence of clergyman as affecting eligibility. See section 1428 of this title.

Section 709, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §309, 54 Stat. 1143, related to requirements as to proof of eligibility. See sections 1446(f)–(h) and 1447(e) of this title.

Section 710, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §310, 54 Stat. 1144, related to married persons being excepted from certain requirements. See section 1430(a) of this title.

Section 711, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §311, 54 Stat. 1145, related to spouse of United States citizen residing in United States, in marital union prior to petition. See section 1430(a) of this title.

Section 712, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §312, 54 Stat. 1145, related to alien whose spouse is United States citizen regularly stationed abroad by United States employer. See section 1430(b) of this title.

Section 713, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §313, 54 Stat. 1145, related to children born outside United States, one parent a continuous United States citizen and the other an alien subsequently naturalized. See section 1431 of this title.

Section 714, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §314, 54 Stat. 1145, related to children born outside United States, both parents aliens, or one an alien and the other a citizen subsequently losing citizenship.

Section 715, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §315, 54 Stat. 1146, related to children born of one parent a United States citizen. See section 1433 of this title.

Section 716, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §316, 54 Stat. 1146, related to children adopted by United States citizens. See section 1434(a) of this title.

Section 717, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §317, 54 Stat. 1146, related to former citizens being excepted from certain requirements. See sections 1435(a), (c) and 1482 of this title.

Sections 718 to 720, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §§318–320, 54 Stat. 1147, 1148, related respectively to citizenship lost by parent's expatriation, minor child's citizenship lost through cancellation of parent's naturalization and the exception from certain requirements of persons misinformed of citizenship status. Sections 718 and 719 are covered by sections 1482 and 1451(f), respectively, of this title.

Section 720a, act July 2, 1940, ch. 512, §§1, 2, 54 Stat. 715, related to aliens spending childhood in United States as excepted from certain requirements.

Section 721, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §321, 54 Stat. 1148, related to nationals but not citizens of the United States. See section 1436 of this title.

Section 721a, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §321a, as added July 2, 1946, ch. 534, §2, 60 Stat. 417, related to resident Filipinos excepted from certain requirements. See section 1437 of this title.

Section 722, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §322, 54 Stat. 1148, related to persons born in Puerto Rico of alien parents. See section 1402 of this title.

Section 723, acts Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §323, 54 Stat. 1149; Apr. 2, 1942, ch. 208, 56 Stat. 198; Aug. 7, 1946, ch. 769, 60 Stat. 865; Aug. 16, 1951, ch. 321, §2, 65 Stat. 191, related to former United States citizens losing citizenship by entering armed forces of nonenemy countries during World Wars I and II. See section 1438(a) of this title.

Section 723a, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §323a, as added Dec. 7, 1942, ch. 690, 56 Stat. 1041, related to naturalization of persons serving in the armed forces of United States during World War I and earlier wars. See section 1440(a) of this title.

Section 724, acts Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §324, 54 Stat. 1149; July 2, 1946, ch. 534, §3, 60 Stat. 417, related to persons serving in the armed forces of the United States. See section 1439 of this title.

Section 724a, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §324a, as added June 1, 1948, ch. 360, §1, 62 Stat. 282; amended June 29, 1949, ch. 274, 63 Stat. 282, related to persons serving on active duty in armed forces of United States during World Wars I and II. See section 1440(a)–(c) of this title.

§724a–1. Transferred

Codification

Section, acts June 30, 1950, ch. 443, §4, 64 Stat. 316; June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §402(e), 66 Stat. 276, is set out as a note under section 1440 of this title.

§§725 to 727. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(42), 66 Stat. 280, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Section 725, acts Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §325, 54 Stat. 1150; Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 1024, title I, §26, 64 Stat. 1015, related to aliens serving on certain United States vessels. See section 1441(a)(1) of this title.

Section 726, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §326, 54 Stat. 1150, related to alien enemies. See section 1442(a)–(c), (e) of this title.

Section 727, acts Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §327, 54 Stat. 1150; May 16, 1947, ch. 72, 61 Stat. 97, related to administration of naturalization laws. See section 1443 of this title.

§727a. Repealed. Feb. 29, 1952, ch. 49, §3, 66 Stat. 10

Section, act May 3, 1940, ch. 183, §2, 54 Stat. 178, related to patriotic address to new citizens. See section 1448a of this title.

§§728 to 746. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(42), (46), 66 Stat. 280, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Section 728, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §328, 54 Stat. 1151, related to registration of aliens. See sections 1230 and 1259 of this title.

Section 729, acts Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §329, 54 Stat. 1152; Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 1024, title I, §27, 64 Stat. 1015, related to certificate of arrival. See section 1429 of this title.

Section 730, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §330, 54 Stat. 1152, related to photographs. See section 1444 of this title.

Section 731, acts Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §331, 54 Stat. 1153; May 31, 1947, ch. 87, §1, 61 Stat. 121, related to declaration of intention. See section 1445(f) of this title.

Section 732, acts Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §332, 54 Stat. 1154; May 31, 1947, ch. 87, §2, 61 Stat. 122; June 25, 1948, ch. 656, 62 Stat. 1026, related to petition for naturalization. See section 1445(a)–(d) of this title.

Section 732a, act May 31, 1947, ch. 87, §5, 61 Stat. 122, related to waiver of appearance or petition for naturalization. See section 1445(e) of this title.

Section 733, acts Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §333, 54 Stat. 1156; Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 1024, title I, §28(a), 64 Stat. 1016, related to hearings on petitions. See section 1446(a)–(e) of this title.

Section 734, acts Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §334, 54 Stat. 1156; May 31, 1947, ch. 87, §3, 61 Stat. 122; Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 1024, title I, §28(b), 64 Stat. 1016, related to final hearings. See section 1447(a)–(d), (f) of this title.

Section 735, acts Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §335, 54 Stat. 1157; May 31, 1947, ch. 87, §4, 61 Stat. 122; Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 1024, title I, §29, 64 Stat. 1017, related to oath of renunciation and allegiance. See section 1448 of this title.

Section 736, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §336, 54 Stat. 1157, related to certificate of naturalization. See section 1449 of this title.

Section 737, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §337, 54 Stat. 1158, related to functions and duties of the clerks of courts. See sections 1449 and 1450 of this title.

Section 738, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §338, 54 Stat. 1158, related to revocation of naturalization. See section 1451(a), (b), (d), (e), (g)–(i) of this title.

Section 739, acts Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §339, 54 Stat. 1160; Jan. 20, 1944, ch. 2, §3, 58 Stat. 4; July 23, 1947, ch. 304, §2, 61 Stat. 414, related to certificates of derivative citizenship. See section 1452 of this title.

Section 740, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §340, 54 Stat. 1160, related to revocation of certificates issued by the commissioner or deputy. See section 1453 of this title.

Section 741, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §341, 54 Stat. 1160, related to documents and copies issued by commissioner or deputy. See section 1454 of this title.

Section 742, acts Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §342, 54 Stat. 1161; Jan. 20, 1944, ch. 2, §3, 58 Stat. 5; Sept. 27, 1944, ch. 415, 58 Stat. 745; Sept. 28, 1944, ch. 446, §§1, 2, 58 Stat. 755; Nov. 21, 1945, ch. 490, 59 Stat. 585; July 1, 1947, ch. 194, 61 Stat. 240, related to fiscal provisions. See section 1455 of this title.

Sections 743 to 745, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §§343–345, 54 Stat. 1163, related to mail, textbooks, and compilation of naturalization statistics. See sections 1457 and 1458 of this title.

Section 746, acts Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §346, 54 Stat. 1163; June 25, 1948, ch. 645, §21, 62 Stat. 862, related to penal provisions. See section 1459 of this title and sections 911, 1015, 1421–1429, 1719, and 3282 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.

§747. Repealed. June 25, 1948, ch. 645, §21, 62 Stat. 862, eff. Sept. 1, 1948

Section, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. III, §347, 54 Stat. 1168, related to saving clauses. Similar subject matter is contained in note under section 1101 of this title.

SUBCHAPTER IV—LOSS OF NATIONALITY

§800. Transferred

Codification

Section, R.S. §1999, is set out as a note under section 1481 of this title.

§§801 to 810. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(42), 66 Stat. 280, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Section 801, acts Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. IV, §401, 54 Stat. 1168; Jan. 20, 1944, ch. 2, §1, 58 Stat. 4; July 1, 1944, ch. 368, §1, 58 Stat. 677; Sept. 27, 1944, ch. 418, §1, 58 Stat. 746, related to general means of losing United States nationality. See section 1481(a) of this title.

Section 802, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. IV, §402, 54 Stat. 1169, related to presumption of expatriation. See section 1482 of this title.

Section 803, acts Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. IV, §403, 54 Stat. 1169; July 1, 1944, ch. 368, §2, 58 Stat. 677, related to restrictions on expatriation. See sections 1482 and 1483(b) of this title.

Section 804, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. IV, §404, 54 Stat. 1170, related to expatriation of naturalized nationals by residence abroad. See section 1484(a) of this title.

Section 805, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. IV, §405, 54 Stat. 1170, related to exceptions in the case of persons employed or compensated by United States while residing abroad. See section 1485(1), (2) of this title.

Section 806, acts Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. IV, §406, 54 Stat. 1170; Dec. 8, 1942, ch. 696, 56 Stat. 1043; Dec. 24, 1942, ch. 819, 56 Stat. 1085, related to additional exceptions. See section 1485(3)–(9) of this title.

Section 807, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. IV, §407, 54 Stat. 1170, related to minor children of naturalized nationals losing nationality by foreign residence. See section 1487 of this title.

Section 808, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. IV, §408, 54 Stat. 1171, related to exclusiveness of means of losing nationality. See section 1488 of this title.

Section 809, acts Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. IV, §409, 54 Stat. 1171; Oct. 16, 1941, ch. 446, 55 Stat. 743; Oct. 9, 1942, ch. 585, 56 Stat. 779; Sept. 27, 1944, ch. 419, 58 Stat. 747; Oct. 11, 1945, ch. 410, 59 Stat. 544, related to nationality not lost under sections 804 or 807 until October, 1942. See section 1487 of this title.

Section 810, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. IV, §410, 54 Stat. 1171, related to chapter being inapplicable where it contravened convention of treaties. See section 1489 of this title.

SUBCHAPTER V—MISCELLANEOUS

§§901 to 903. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(42), 66 Stat. 280, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Section 901, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. V, §501, 54 Stat. 1171, related to procedure when diplomatic officials believe that persons in foreign state have lost American nationality. See section 1501 of this title.

Section 902, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. V, §502, 54 Stat. 1171, related to certificates of nationality for non-naturalized United States nationals. See section 1502 of this title.

Section 903, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. V, §503, 54 Stat. 1171, related to judicial proceedings for declaration of United States nationality in event of denial of rights and privileges as national. See section 1503 of this title.

§§903a, 903b. Transferred

Codification

Sections 903a and 903b transferred to sections 1731 and 1732, respectively, of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.

§§904 to 907. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(42), 66 Stat. 280, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Section 904, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172, related to repeals.

Section 905, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. V, §505, 54 Stat. 1174, related to separability clause.

Section 906, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subchap. V, §505, 54 Stat. 1174, related to effective date of chapter.

Section 907, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, §1, 54 Stat. 1137, related to short title of chapter.

Specific Repeals by Act October 14, 1940

In addition to the provisions from which former section 904 was taken, section 504 of act Oct. 14, 1940, specifically repealed all or parts of the following: Title 8, §§1, 3, 5a–1, 5d, 5e, 6, 7, 8, 9, 9a, 11, 16, 17, 17a, 18, 106, 106a, 106b, 106c, 351, 352, 353, 354, 356, 356a, 357, 358, 358a, 360, 362, 364, 365, 366, 366a, 367, 368, 368a, 369, 369a, 372, 372a, 373, 377, 377b, 377c, 378, 379, 380, 380a, 380b, 381, 382, 382a, 382b, 382c, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 392b, 392c note, 392d note, 392e, 392f, 392g, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 399a, 399b, 399c, 399d, 399e, 399f, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415; Title 18, §§135, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143; Title 39, §324; Title 48, §733b; Title 50 App., §202.

SUBCHAPTER VI—NATURALIZATION OF PERSONS SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES DURING WORLD WAR II

§§1001 to 1006. Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(42), 66 Stat. 280, eff. Dec. 24, 1952

Section 1001, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title III, §701, as added Mar. 27, 1942, ch. 199, title X, §1001, 56 Stat. 182; amended Dec. 22, 1944, ch. 662, §1, 58 Stat. 886; Dec. 28, 1945, ch. 590, §1(c)(1), 59 Stat. 658, related to exceptions from certain requirements of naturalization of persons serving in the armed forces during World War II. See section 1440 of this title.

Section 1002, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title III, §702, as added Mar. 27, 1942, ch. 199, title X, §1001, 56 Stat. 182; amended Dec. 22, 1944, ch. 662, §2, 58 Stat. 887, related to alien serving outside of jurisdiction of naturalization court. See section 1440 of this title.

Section 1003, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title III, §703, as added Mar. 27, 1942, ch. 199, title X, §1001, 56 Stat. 183, related to waiver of notice to commissioner in case of alien enemy. See section 1440 of this title.

Section 1004, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title III, §704, as added Mar. 27, 1942, ch. 199, title X, §1001, 56 Stat. 183, related to persons excepted from former subchapter. See section 1440 of this title.

Section 1005, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title III, §705, as added Mar. 27, 1942, ch. 199, title X, §1001, 56 Stat. 183, related to forms, rules and regulations. See section 1440 of this title.

Section 1006, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title III, §706, as added Dec. 28, 1945, ch. 590, §1(c)(2), 59 Stat. 658, related to time of service limitation. See section 1440 of this title.

 

CHAPTER 12—IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec.
1101.
Definitions.
1102.
Diplomatic and semidiplomatic immunities.
1103.
Powers and duties of the Secretary, the Under Secretary, and the Attorney General.
1104.
Powers and duties of Secretary of State.
1105.
Liaison with internal security officers; data exchange.
1105a.
Employment authorization for battered spouses of certain nonimmigrants.
1106.
Repealed.
1107.
Additional report.

        

SUBCHAPTER II—IMMIGRATION

Part I—Selection System

1151.
Worldwide level of immigration.
1151a.
Repealed.
1152.
Numerical limitations on individual foreign states.
1153.
Allocation of immigrant visas.
1154.
Procedure for granting immigrant status.
1155.
Revocation of approval of petitions; effective date.
1156.
Unused immigrant visas.
1157.
Annual admission of refugees and admission of emergency situation refugees.
1158.
Asylum.
1159.
Adjustment of status of refugees.
1160.
Special agricultural workers.
1161.
Repealed.

        

Part II—Admission Qualifications for Aliens; Travel Control of Citizens and Aliens

1181.
Admission of immigrants into the United States.
1182.
Inadmissible aliens.
1182a to 1182c. Repealed.
1182d.
Denial of visas to confiscators of American property.
1182e.
Denial of entry into United States of foreign nationals engaged in establishment or enforcement of forced abortion or sterilization policy.
1182f.
Denial of entry into United States of Chinese and other nationals engaged in coerced organ or bodily tissue transplantation.
1183.
Admission of aliens on giving bond or undertaking; return upon permanent departure.
1183a.
Requirements for sponsor's affidavit of support.
1184.
Admission of nonimmigrants.
1184a.
Philippine Traders as nonimmigrants.
1185.
Travel control of citizens and aliens.
1186.
Transferred.
1186a.
Conditional permanent resident status for certain alien spouses and sons and daughters.
1186b.
Conditional permanent resident status for certain alien entrepreneurs, spouses, and children.
1187.
Visa waiver program for certain visitors.
1188.
Admission of temporary H–2A workers.
1189.
Designation of foreign terrorist organizations.

        

Part III—Issuance of Entry Documents

1201.
Issuance of visas.
1201a.
Repealed.
1202.
Application for visas.
1203.
Reentry permit.
1204.
Immediate relative and special immigrant visas.
1205.
Repealed.

        

Part IV—Inspection, Apprehension, Examination, Exclusion, and Removal

1221.
Lists of alien and citizen passengers arriving and departing.
1222.
Detention of aliens for physical and mental examination.
1223.
Entry through or from foreign territory and adjacent islands.
1224.
Designation of ports of entry for aliens arriving by aircraft.
1225.
Inspection by immigration officers; expedited removal of inadmissible arriving aliens; referral for hearing.
1225a.
Preinspection at foreign airports.
1226.
Apprehension and detention of aliens.
1226a.
Mandatory detention of suspected terrorists; habeas corpus; judicial review.
1227.
Deportable aliens.
1228.
Expedited removal of aliens convicted of committing aggravated felonies.
1229.
Initiation of removal proceedings.
1229a.
Removal proceedings.
1229b.
Cancellation of removal; adjustment of status.
1229c.
Voluntary departure.
1230.
Records of admission.
1231.
Detention and removal of aliens ordered removed.
1232.
Enhancing efforts to combat the trafficking of children.

        

Part V—Adjustment and Change of Status

1251.
Transferred.
1251a.
Repealed.
1252.
Judicial review of orders of removal.
1252a, 1252b. Transferred or Repealed.
1252c.
Authorizing State and local law enforcement officials to arrest and detain certain illegal aliens.
1253.
Penalties related to removal.
1254.
Repealed.
1254a.
Temporary protected status.
1254b.
Collection of fees under temporary protected status program.
1255.
Adjustment of status of nonimmigrant to that of person admitted for permanent residence.
1255a.
Adjustment of status of certain entrants before January 1, 1982, to that of person admitted for lawful residence.
1255b.
Adjustment of status of certain nonimmigrants to that of persons admitted for permanent residence.
1256.
Rescission of adjustment of status; effect upon naturalized citizen.
1257.
Adjustment of status of certain resident aliens to nonimmigrant status; exceptions.
1258.
Change of nonimmigrant classification.
1259.
Record of admission for permanent residence in the case of certain aliens who entered the United States prior to January 1, 1972.
1260.
Removal of aliens falling into distress.

        

Part VI—Special Provisions Relating to Alien Crewmen

1281.
Alien crewmen.
1282.
Conditional permits to land temporarily.
1283.
Hospital treatment of alien crewmen afflicted with certain diseases.
1284.
Control of alien crewmen.
1285.
Employment on passenger vessels of aliens afflicted with certain disabilities.
1286.
Discharge of alien crewmen; penalties.
1287.
Alien crewmen brought into the United States with intent to evade immigration laws; penalties.
1288.
Limitations on performance of longshore work by alien crewmen.

        

Part VII—Registration of Aliens

1301.
Alien seeking entry; contents.
1302.
Registration of aliens.
1303.
Registration of special groups.
1304.
Forms for registration and fingerprinting.
1305.
Notices of change of address.
1306.
Penalties.

        

Part VIII—General Penalty Provisions

1321.
Prevention of unauthorized landing of aliens.
1322.
Bringing in aliens subject to denial of admission on a health-related ground; persons liable; clearance papers; exceptions; “person” defined.
1323.
Unlawful bringing of aliens into United States.
1324.
Bringing in and harboring certain aliens.
1324a.
Unlawful employment of aliens.
1324b.
Unfair immigration-related employment practices.
1324c.
Penalties for document fraud.
1324d.
Civil penalties for failure to depart.
1325.
Improper entry by alien.
1326.
Reentry of removed aliens.
1327.
Aiding or assisting certain aliens to enter.
1328.
Importation of alien for immoral purpose.
1329.
Jurisdiction of district courts.
1330.
Collection of penalties and expenses.

        

Part IX—Miscellaneous

1351.
Nonimmigrant visa fees.
1352.
Printing of reentry permits and blank forms of manifest and crew lists; sale to public.
1353.
Travel expenses and expense of transporting remains of officers and employees dying outside of United States.
1353a.
Officers and employees; overtime services; extra compensation; length of working day.
1353b.
Extra compensation; payment.
1353c.
Immigration officials; service in foreign contiguous territory.
1353d.
Disposition of money received as extra compensation.
1354.
Applicability to members of the Armed Forces.
1355.
Disposal of privileges at immigrant stations; rentals; retail sale; disposition of receipts.
1356.
Disposition of moneys collected under the provisions of this subchapter.
1357.
Powers of immigration officers and employees.
1358.
Local jurisdiction over immigrant stations.
1359.
Application to American Indians born in Canada.
1360.
Establishment of central file; information from other departments and agencies.
1361.
Burden of proof upon alien.
1362.
Right to counsel.
1363.
Deposit of and interest on cash received to secure immigration bonds.
1363a.
Undercover investigation authority.
1363b.
Repealed
1364.
Triennial comprehensive report on immigration.
1365.
Reimbursement of States for costs of incarcerating illegal aliens and certain Cuban nationals.
1365a.
Integrated entry and exit data system.
1365b.
Biometric entry and exit data system.
1366.
Annual report on criminal aliens.
1367.
Penalties for disclosure of information.
1368.
Increase in INS detention facilities; report on detention space.
1369.
Treatment of expenses subject to emergency medical services exception.
1370.
Reimbursement of States and localities for emergency ambulance services.
1371.
Reports.
1372.
Program to collect information relating to nonimmigrant foreign students and other exchange program participants.
1373.
Communication between government agencies and the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
1374.
Information regarding female genital mutilation.
1375.
Repealed.
1375a.
Domestic violence information and resources for immigrants and regulation of international marriage brokers.
1375b.
Protections for domestic workers and other nonimmigrants.
1375c.
Protections, remedies, and limitations on issuance for A–3 and G–5 visas.
1376.
Data on nonimmigrant overstay rates.
1377.
Collection of data on detained asylum seekers.
1378.
Collection of data on other detained aliens.
1379.
Technology standard to confirm identity.
1380.
Maintenance of statistics by the Department of Homeland Security.
1381.
Secretary of Labor report.

        

SUBCHAPTER III—NATIONALITY AND NATURALIZATION

Part I—Nationality at Birth and Collective Naturalization

1401.
Nationals and citizens of United States at birth.
1401a.
Birth abroad before 1952 to service parent.
1401b.
Repealed.
1402.
Persons born in Puerto Rico on or after April 11, 1899.
1403.
Persons born in the Canal Zone or Republic of Panama on or after February 26, 1904.
1404.
Persons born in Alaska on or after March 30, 1867.
1405.
Persons born in Hawaii.
1406.
Persons living in and born in the Virgin Islands.
1407.
Persons living in and born in Guam.
1408.
Nationals but not citizens of the United States at birth.
1409.
Children born out of wedlock.

        

Part II—Nationality Through Naturalization

1421.
Naturalization authority.
1422.
Eligibility for naturalization.
1423.
Requirements as to understanding the English language, history, principles and form of government of the United States.
1424.
Prohibition upon the naturalization of persons opposed to government or law, or who favor totalitarian forms of government.
1425.
Ineligibility to naturalization of deserters from the Armed Forces.
1426.
Citizenship denied alien relieved of service in Armed Forces because of alienage.
1427.
Requirements of naturalization.
1428.
Temporary absence of persons performing religious duties.
1429.
Prerequisite to naturalization; burden of proof.
1430.
Married persons and employees of certain nonprofit organizations.
1431.
Children born outside the United States and residing permanently in the United States; conditions under which citizenship automatically acquired.
1432.
Repealed.
1433.
Children born and residing outside the United States; conditions for acquiring certificate of citizenship.
1434.
Repealed.
1435.
Former citizens regaining citizenship.
1436.
Nationals but not citizens; residence within outlying possessions.
1437.
Resident Philippine citizens excepted from certain requirements.
1438.
Former citizens losing citizenship by entering armed forces of foreign countries during World War II.
1439.
Naturalization through service in the armed forces.
1440.
Naturalization through active-duty service in the Armed Forces during World War I, World War II, Korean hostilities, Vietnam hostilities, or other periods of military hostilities.
1440–1.
Posthumous citizenship through death while on active-duty service in armed forces during World War I, World War II, the Korean hostilities, the Vietnam hostilities, or in other periods of military hostilities.
1440a to 1440d. Omitted.
1440e.
Exemption from naturalization fees for aliens naturalized through service during Vietnam hostilities or other subsequent period of military hostilities; report by clerks of courts to Attorney General.
1440f.
Fingerprints and other biometric information for members of the United States Armed Forces.
1440g.
Provision of information on military naturalization.
1441.
Constructive residence through service on certain United States vessels.
1442.
Alien enemies.
1443.
Administration.
1443a.
Naturalization proceedings overseas for members of the Armed Forces and their spouses and children.
1444.
Photographs; number.
1445.
Application for naturalization; declaration of intention.
1446.
Investigation of applicants; examination of applications.
1447.
Hearings on denials of applications for naturalization.
1448.
Oath of renunciation and allegiance.
1448a.
Address to newly naturalized citizens.
1449.
Certificate of naturalization; contents.
1450.
Functions and duties of clerks and records of declarations of intention and applications for naturalization.
1451.
Revocation of naturalization.
1452.
Certificates of citizenship or U.S. non-citizen national status; procedure.
1453.
Cancellation of certificates issued by Attorney General, the Commissioner or a Deputy Commissioner; action not to affect citizenship status.
1454.
Documents and copies issued by Attorney General.
1455.
Fiscal provisions.
1456.
Repealed.
1457.
Publication and distribution of citizenship textbooks; use of naturalization fees.
1458.
Compilation of naturalization statistics and payment for equipment.
1459.
Repealed.

        

Part III—Loss of Nationality

1481.
Loss of nationality by native-born or naturalized citizen; voluntary action; burden of proof; presumptions.
1482.
Repealed.
1483.
Restrictions on loss of nationality.
1484 to 1487. Repealed.
1488.
Nationality lost solely from performance of acts or fulfillment of conditions.
1489.
Application of treaties; exceptions.

        

Part IV—Miscellaneous

1501.
Certificate of diplomatic or consular officer of United States as to loss of American nationality.
1502.
Certificate of nationality issued by Secretary of State for person not a naturalized citizen of United States for use in proceedings of a foreign state.
1503.
Denial of rights and privileges as national.
1504.
Cancellation of United States passports and Consular Reports of Birth.

        

SUBCHAPTER IV—REFUGEE ASSISTANCE

1521.
Office of Refugee Resettlement; establishment; appointment of Director; functions.
1522.
Authorization for programs for domestic resettlement of and assistance to refugees.
1523.
Congressional reports.
1524.
Authorization of appropriations.
1525.
Repealed.

        

SUBCHAPTER V—ALIEN TERRORIST REMOVAL PROCEDURES

1531.
Definitions.
1532.
Establishment of removal court.
1533.
Removal court procedure.
1534.
Removal hearing.
1535.
Appeals.
1536.
Custody and release pending removal hearing.
1537.
Custody and release after removal hearing.

        

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

§1101. Definitions

(a) As used in this chapter—

(1) The term “administrator” means the official designated by the Secretary of State pursuant to section 1104(b) of this title.

(2) The term “advocates” includes, but is not limited to, advises, recommends, furthers by overt act, and admits belief in.

(3) The term “alien” means any person not a citizen or national of the United States.

(4) The term “application for admission” has reference to the application for admission into the United States and not to the application for the issuance of an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa.

(5) The term “Attorney General” means the Attorney General of the United States.

(6) The term “border crossing identification card” means a document of identity bearing that designation issued to an alien who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or to an alien who is a resident in foreign contiguous territory, by a consular officer or an immigration officer for the purpose of crossing over the borders between the United States and foreign contiguous territory in accordance with such conditions for its issuance and use as may be prescribed by regulations. Such regulations shall provide that (A) each such document include a biometric identifier (such as the fingerprint or handprint of the alien) that is machine readable and (B) an alien presenting a border crossing identification card is not permitted to cross over the border into the United States unless the biometric identifier contained on the card matches the appropriate biometric characteristic of the alien.

(7) The term “clerk of court” means a clerk of a naturalization court.

(8) The terms “Commissioner” and “Deputy Commissioner” mean the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization and a Deputy Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization, respectively.

(9) The term “consular officer” means any consular, diplomatic, or other officer or employee of the United States designated under regulations prescribed under authority contained in this chapter, for the purpose of issuing immigrant or nonimmigrant visas or, when used in subchapter III, for the purpose of adjudicating nationality.

(10) The term “crewman” means a person serving in any capacity on board a vessel or aircraft.

(11) The term “diplomatic visa” means a nonimmigrant visa bearing that title and issued to a nonimmigrant in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary of State may prescribe.

(12) The term “doctrine” includes, but is not limited to, policies, practices, purposes, aims, or procedures.

(13)(A) The terms “admission” and “admitted” mean, with respect to an alien, the lawful entry of the alien into the United States after inspection and authorization by an immigration officer.

(B) An alien who is paroled under section 1182(d)(5) of this title or permitted to land temporarily as an alien crewman shall not be considered to have been admitted.

(C) An alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States shall not be regarded as seeking an admission into the United States for purposes of the immigration laws unless the alien—

(i) has abandoned or relinquished that status,

(ii) has been absent from the United States for a continuous period in excess of 180 days,

(iii) has engaged in illegal activity after having departed the United States,

(iv) has departed from the United States while under legal process seeking removal of the alien from the United States, including removal proceedings under this chapter and extradition proceedings,

(v) has committed an offense identified in section 1182(a)(2) of this title, unless since such offense the alien has been granted relief under section 1182(h) or 1229b(a) of this title, or

(vi) is attempting to enter at a time or place other than as designated by immigration officers or has not been admitted to the United States after inspection and authorization by an immigration officer.


(14) The term “foreign state” includes outlying possessions of a foreign state, but self-governing dominions or territories under mandate or trusteeship shall be regarded as separate foreign states.

(15) The term “immigrant” means every alien except an alien who is within one of the following classes of nonimmigrant aliens—

(A)(i) an ambassador, public minister, or career diplomatic or consular officer who has been accredited by a foreign government, recognized de jure by the United States and who is accepted by the President or by the Secretary of State, and the members of the alien's immediate family;

(ii) upon a basis of reciprocity, other officials and employees who have been accredited by a foreign government recognized de jure by the United States, who are accepted by the Secretary of State, and the members of their immediate families; and

(iii) upon a basis of reciprocity, attendants, servants, personal employees, and members of their immediate families, of the officials and employees who have a nonimmigrant status under (i) and (ii) above;

(B) an alien (other than one coming for the purpose of study or of performing skilled or unskilled labor or as a representative of foreign press, radio, film, or other foreign information media coming to engage in such vocation) having a residence in a foreign country which he has no intention of abandoning and who is visiting the United States temporarily for business or temporarily for pleasure;

(C) an alien in immediate and continuous transit through the United States, or an alien who qualifies as a person entitled to pass in transit to and from the United Nations Headquarters District and foreign countries, under the provisions of paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) of section 11 of the Headquarters Agreement with the United Nations (61 Stat. 758);

(D)(i) an alien crewman serving in good faith as such in a capacity required for normal operation and service on board a vessel, as defined in section 1288(a) of this title (other than a fishing vessel having its home port or an operating base in the United States), or aircraft, who intends to land temporarily and solely in pursuit of his calling as a crewman and to depart from the United States with the vessel or aircraft on which he arrived or some other vessel or aircraft;

(ii) an alien crewman serving in good faith as such in any capacity required for normal operations and service aboard a fishing vessel having its home port or an operating base in the United States who intends to land temporarily in Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and solely in pursuit of his calling as a crewman and to depart from Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands with the vessel on which he arrived;

(E) an alien entitled to enter the United States under and in pursuance of the provisions of a treaty of commerce and navigation between the United States and the foreign state of which he is a national, and the spouse and children of any such alien if accompanying or following to join him; (i) solely to carry on substantial trade, including trade in services or trade in technology, principally between the United States and the foreign state of which he is a national; (ii) solely to develop and direct the operations of an enterprise in which he has invested, or of an enterprise in which he is actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital; or (iii) solely to perform services in a specialty occupation in the United States if the alien is a national of the Commonwealth of Australia and with respect to whom the Secretary of Labor determines and certifies to the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State that the intending employer has filed with the Secretary of Labor an attestation under section 1182(t)(1) of this title;

(F)(i) an alien having a residence in a foreign country which he has no intention of abandoning, who is a bona fide student qualified to pursue a full course of study and who seeks to enter the United States temporarily and solely for the purpose of pursuing such a course of study consistent with section 1184(l1 of this title at an established college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in an accredited language training program in the United States, particularly designated by him and approved by the Attorney General after consultation with the Secretary of Education, which institution or place of study shall have agreed to report to the Attorney General the termination of attendance of each nonimmigrant student, and if any such institution of learning or place of study fails to make reports promptly the approval shall be withdrawn, (ii) the alien spouse and minor children of any alien described in clause (i) if accompanying or following to join such an alien, and (iii) an alien who is a national of Canada or Mexico, who maintains actual residence and place of abode in the country of nationality, who is described in clause (i) except that the alien's qualifications for and actual course of study may be full or part-time, and who commutes to the United States institution or place of study from Canada or Mexico;

(G)(i) a designated principal resident representative of a foreign government recognized de jure by the United States, which foreign government is a member of an international organization entitled to enjoy privileges, exemptions, and immunities as an international organization under the International Organizations Immunities Act (59 Stat. 669) [22 U.S.C. 288 et seq.], accredited resident members of the staff of such representatives, and members of his or their immediate family;

(ii) other accredited representatives of such a foreign government to such international organizations, and the members of their immediate families;

(iii) an alien able to qualify under (i) or (ii) above except for the fact that the government of which such alien is an accredited representative is not recognized de jure by the United States, or that the government of which he is an accredited representative is not a member of such international organization; and the members of his immediate family;

(iv) officers, or employees of such international organizations, and the members of their immediate families;

(v) attendants, servants, and personal employees of any such representative, officer, or employee, and the members of the immediate families of such attendants, servants, and personal employees;

(H) an alien (i) [(a) Repealed. Pub. L. 106–95, §2(c), Nov. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1316] (b) subject to section 1182(j)(2) of this title, who is coming temporarily to the United States to perform services (other than services described in subclause (a) during the period in which such subclause applies and other than services described in subclause (ii)(a) or in subparagraph (O) or (P)) in a specialty occupation described in section 1184(i)(1) of this title or as a fashion model, who meets the requirements for the occupation specified in section 1184(i)(2) of this title or, in the case of a fashion model, is of distinguished merit and ability, and with respect to whom the Secretary of Labor determines and certifies to the Attorney General that the intending employer has filed with the Secretary an application under section 1182(n)(1) of this title, or (b1) who is entitled to enter the United States under and in pursuance of the provisions of an agreement listed in section 1184(g)(8)(A) of this title, who is engaged in a specialty occupation described in section 1184(i)(3) of this title, and with respect to whom the Secretary of Labor determines and certifies to the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State that the intending employer has filed with the Secretary of Labor an attestation under section 1182(t)(1) of this title, or (c) who is coming temporarily to the United States to perform services as a registered nurse, who meets the qualifications described in section 1182(m)(1) of this title, and with respect to whom the Secretary of Labor determines and certifies to the Attorney General that an unexpired attestation is on file and in effect under section 1182(m)(2) of this title for the facility (as defined in section 1182(m)(6) of this title) for which the alien will perform the services; or (ii)(a) having a residence in a foreign country which he has no intention of abandoning who is coming temporarily to the United States to perform agricultural labor or services, as defined by the Secretary of Labor in regulations and including agricultural labor defined in section 3121(g) of title 26, agriculture as defined in section 203(f) of title 29, and the pressing of apples for cider on a farm, of a temporary or seasonal nature, or (b) having a residence in a foreign country which he has no intention of abandoning who is coming temporarily to the United States to perform other temporary service or labor if unemployed persons capable of performing such service or labor cannot be found in this country, but this clause shall not apply to graduates of medical schools coming to the United States to perform services as members of the medical profession; or (iii) having a residence in a foreign country which he has no intention of abandoning who is coming temporarily to the United States as a trainee, other than to receive graduate medical education or training, in a training program that is not designed primarily to provide productive employment; and the alien spouse and minor children of any such alien specified in this paragraph if accompanying him or following to join him;

(I) upon a basis of reciprocity, an alien who is a bona fide representative of foreign press, radio, film, or other foreign information media, who seeks to enter the United States solely to engage in such vocation, and the spouse and children of such a representative, if accompanying or following to join him;

(J) an alien having a residence in a foreign country which he has no intention of abandoning who is a bona fide student, scholar, trainee, teacher, professor, research assistant, specialist, or leader in a field of specialized knowledge or skill, or other person of similar description, who is coming temporarily to the United States as a participant in a program designated by the Director of the United States Information Agency, for the purpose of teaching, instructing or lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, or receiving training and who, if he is coming to the United States to participate in a program under which he will receive graduate medical education or training, also meets the requirements of section 1182(j) of this title, and the alien spouse and minor children of any such alien if accompanying him or following to join him;

(K) subject to subsections (d) and (p) 2 of section 1184 of this title, an alien who—

(i) is the fiance�AE1e or fiance�AE1 of a citizen of the United States (other than a citizen described in section 1154(a)(1)(A)(viii)(I) of this title) and who seeks to enter the United States solely to conclude a valid marriage with the petitioner within ninety days after admission;

(ii) has concluded a valid marriage with a citizen of the United States (other than a citizen described in section 1154(a)(1)(A)(viii)(I) of this title) who is the petitioner, is the beneficiary of a petition to accord a status under section 1151(b)(2)(A)(i) of this title that was filed under section 1154 of this title by the petitioner, and seeks to enter the United States to await the approval of such petition and the availability to the alien of an immigrant visa; or

(iii) is the minor child of an alien described in clause (i) or (ii) and is accompanying, or following to join, the alien;


(L) subject to section 1184(c)(2) of this title, an alien who, within 3 years preceding the time of his application for admission into the United States, has been employed continuously for one year by a firm or corporation or other legal entity or an affiliate or subsidiary thereof and who seeks to enter the United States temporarily in order to continue to render his services to the same employer or a subsidiary or affiliate thereof in a capacity that is managerial, executive, or involves specialized knowledge, and the alien spouse and minor children of any such alien if accompanying him or following to join him;

(M)(i) an alien having a residence in a foreign country which he has no intention of abandoning who seeks to enter the United States temporarily and solely for the purpose of pursuing a full course of study at an established vocational or other recognized nonacademic institution (other than in a language training program) in the United States particularly designated by him and approved by the Attorney General, after consultation with the Secretary of Education, which institution shall have agreed to report to the Attorney General the termination of attendance of each nonimmigrant nonacademic student and if any such institution fails to make reports promptly the approval shall be withdrawn, (ii) the alien spouse and minor children of any alien described in clause (i) if accompanying or following to join such an alien, and (iii) an alien who is a national of Canada or Mexico, who maintains actual residence and place of abode in the country of nationality, who is described in clause (i) except that the alien's course of study may be full or part-time, and who commutes to the United States institution or place of study from Canada or Mexico;

(N)(i) the parent of an alien accorded the status of special immigrant under paragraph (27)(I)(i) (or under analogous authority under paragraph (27)(L)), but only if and while the alien is a child, or

(ii) a child of such parent or of an alien accorded the status of a special immigrant under clause (ii), (iii), or (iv) of paragraph (27)(I) (or under analogous authority under paragraph (27)(L));

(O) an alien who—

(i) has extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics which has been demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim or, with regard to motion picture and television productions a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement, and whose achievements have been recognized in the field through extensive documentation, and seeks to enter the United States to continue work in the area of extraordinary ability; or

(ii)(I) seeks to enter the United States temporarily and solely for the purpose of accompanying and assisting in the artistic or athletic performance by an alien who is admitted under clause (i) for a specific event or events,

(II) is an integral part of such actual performance,

(III)(a) has critical skills and experience with such alien which are not of a general nature and which cannot be performed by other individuals, or (b) in the case of a motion picture or television production, has skills and experience with such alien which are not of a general nature and which are critical either based on a pre-existing longstanding working relationship or, with respect to the specific production, because significant production (including pre- and post-production work) will take place both inside and outside the United States and the continuing participation of the alien is essential to the successful completion of the production, and

(IV) has a foreign residence which the alien has no intention of abandoning; or

(iii) is the alien spouse or child of an alien described in clause (i) or (ii) and is accompanying, or following to join, the alien;


(P) an alien having a foreign residence which the alien has no intention of abandoning who—

(i)(a) is described in section 1184(c)(4)(A) of this title (relating to athletes), or (b) is described in section 1184(c)(4)(B) of this title (relating to entertainment groups);

(ii)(I) performs as an artist or entertainer, individually or as part of a group, or is an integral part of the performance of such a group, and

(II) seeks to enter the United States temporarily and solely for the purpose of performing as such an artist or entertainer or with such a group under a reciprocal exchange program which is between an organization or organizations in the United States and an organization or organizations in one or more foreign states and which provides for the temporary exchange of artists and entertainers, or groups of artists and entertainers;

(iii)(I) performs as an artist or entertainer, individually or as part of a group, or is an integral part of the performance of such a group, and

(II) seeks to enter the United States temporarily and solely to perform, teach, or coach as such an artist or entertainer or with such a group under a commercial or noncommercial program that is culturally unique; or

(iv) is the spouse or child of an alien described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) and is accompanying, or following to join, the alien;


(Q) an alien having a residence in a foreign country which he has no intention of abandoning who is coming temporarily (for a period not to exceed 15 months) to the United States as a participant in an international cultural exchange program approved by the Secretary of Homeland Security for the purpose of providing practical training, employment, and the sharing of the history, culture, and traditions of the country of the alien's nationality and who will be employed under the same wages and working conditions as domestic workers;

(R) an alien, and the spouse and children of the alien if accompanying or following to join the alien, who—

(i) for the 2 years immediately preceding the time of application for admission, has been a member of a religious denomination having a bona fide nonprofit, religious organization in the United States; and

(ii) seeks to enter the United States for a period not to exceed 5 years to perform the work described in subclause (I), (II), or (III) of paragraph (27)(C)(ii);


(S) subject to section 1184(k) of this title, an alien—

(i) who the Attorney General determines—

(I) is in possession of critical reliable information concerning a criminal organization or enterprise;

(II) is willing to supply or has supplied such information to Federal or State law enforcement authorities or a Federal or State court; and

(III) whose presence in the United States the Attorney General determines is essential to the success of an authorized criminal investigation or the successful prosecution of an individual involved in the criminal organization or enterprise; or


(ii) who the Secretary of State and the Attorney General jointly determine—

(I) is in possession of critical reliable information concerning a terrorist organization, enterprise, or operation;

(II) is willing to supply or has supplied such information to Federal law enforcement authorities or a Federal court;

(III) will be or has been placed in danger as a result of providing such information; and

(IV) is eligible to receive a reward under section 2708(a) of title 22,


and, if the Attorney General (or with respect to clause (ii), the Secretary of State and the Attorney General jointly) considers it to be appropriate, the spouse, married and unmarried sons and daughters, and parents of an alien described in clause (i) or (ii) if accompanying, or following to join, the alien;

(T)(i) subject to section 1184(o) of this title, an alien who the Secretary of Homeland Security, or in the case of subclause (III)(aa) the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, determines—

(I) is or has been a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons, as defined in section 7102 of title 22;

(II) is physically present in the United States, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or at a port of entry thereto, on account of such trafficking, including physical presence on account of the alien having been allowed entry into the United States for participation in investigative or judicial processes associated with an act or a perpetrator of trafficking;

(III)(aa) has complied with any reasonable request for assistance in the Federal, State, or local investigation or prosecution of acts of trafficking or the investigation of crime where acts of trafficking are at least one central reason for the commission of that crime;

(bb) in consultation with the Attorney General, as appropriate, is unable to cooperate with a request described in item (aa) due to physical or psychological trauma; or

(cc) has not attained 18 years of age; and

(IV) the alien 3 would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm upon removal; and


(ii) if accompanying, or following to join, the alien described in clause (i)—

(I) in the case of an alien described in clause (i) who is under 21 years of age, the spouse, children, unmarried siblings under 18 years of age on the date on which such alien applied for status under such clause, and parents of such alien;

(II) in the case of an alien described in clause (i) who is 21 years of age or older, the spouse and children of such alien; or

(III) any parent or unmarried sibling under 18 years of age of an alien described in subclause (I) or (II) who the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the law enforcement officer investigating a severe form of trafficking, determines faces a present danger of retaliation as a result of the alien's escape from the severe form of trafficking or cooperation with law enforcement.


(U)(i) subject to section 1184(p) of this title, an alien who files a petition for status under this subparagraph, if the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that—

(I) the alien has suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of criminal activity described in clause (iii);

(II) the alien (or in the case of an alien child under the age of 16, the parent, guardian, or next friend of the alien) possesses information concerning criminal activity described in clause (iii);

(III) the alien (or in the case of an alien child under the age of 16, the parent, guardian, or next friend of the alien) has been helpful, is being helpful, or is likely to be helpful to a Federal, State, or local law enforcement official, to a Federal, State, or local prosecutor, to a Federal or State judge, to the Service, or to other Federal, State, or local authorities investigating or prosecuting criminal activity described in clause (iii); and

(IV) the criminal activity described in clause (iii) violated the laws of the United States or occurred in the United States (including in Indian country and military installations) or the territories and possessions of the United States;


(ii) if accompanying, or following to join, the alien described in clause (i)—

(I) in the case of an alien described in clause (i) who is under 21 years of age, the spouse, children, unmarried siblings under 18 years of age on the date on which such alien applied for status under such clause, and parents of such alien; or

(II) in the case of an alien described in clause (i) who is 21 years of age or older, the spouse and children of such alien; and


(iii) the criminal activity referred to in this clause is that involving one or more of the following or any similar activity in violation of Federal, State, or local criminal law: rape; torture; trafficking; incest; domestic violence; sexual assault; abusive sexual contact; prostitution; sexual exploitation; female genital mutilation; being held hostage; peonage; involuntary servitude; slave trade; kidnapping; abduction; unlawful criminal restraint; false imprisonment; blackmail; extortion; manslaughter; murder; felonious assault; witness tampering; obstruction of justice; perjury; or attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of the above mentioned crimes; or

(V) subject to section 1184(q) of this title, an alien who is the beneficiary (including a child of the principal alien, if eligible to receive a visa under section 1153(d) of this title) of a petition to accord a status under section 1153(a)(2)(A) of this title that was filed with the Attorney General under section 1154 of this title on or before December 21, 2000, if—

(i) such petition has been pending for 3 years or more; or

(ii) such petition has been approved, 3 years or more have elapsed since such filing date, and—

(I) an immigrant visa is not immediately available to the alien because of a waiting list of applicants for visas under section 1153(a)(2)(A) of this title; or

(II) the alien's application for an immigrant visa, or the alien's application for adjustment of status under section 1255 of this title, pursuant to the approval of such petition, remains pending.


(16) The term “immigrant visa” means an immigrant visa required by this chapter and properly issued by a consular officer at his office outside of the United States to an eligible immigrant under the provisions of this chapter.

(17) The term “immigration laws” includes this chapter and all laws, conventions, and treaties of the United States relating to the immigration, exclusion, deportation, expulsion, or removal of aliens.

(18) The term “immigration officer” means any employee or class of employees of the Service or of the United States designated by the Attorney General, individually or by regulation, to perform the functions of an immigration officer specified by this chapter or any section of this title.

(19) The term “ineligible to citizenship,” when used in reference to any individual, means, notwithstanding the provisions of any treaty relating to military service, an individual who is, or was at any time permanently debarred from becoming a citizen of the United States under section 3(a) of the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, as amended (54 Stat. 885; 55 Stat. 844), or under section 4(a) of the Selective Service Act of 1948, as amended (62 Stat. 605; 65 Stat. 76) [50 U.S.C. App. 454(a)], or under any section of this chapter, or any other Act, or under any law amendatory of, supplementary to, or in substitution for, any of such sections or Acts.

(20) The term “lawfully admitted for permanent residence” means the status of having been lawfully accorded the privilege of residing permanently in the United States as an immigrant in accordance with the immigration laws, such status not having changed.

(21) The term “national” means a person owing permanent allegiance to a state.

(22) The term “national of the United States” means (A) a citizen of the United States, or (B) a person who, though not a citizen of the United States, owes permanent allegiance to the United States.

(23) The term “naturalization” means the conferring of nationality of a state upon a person after birth, by any means whatsoever.

(24) Repealed. Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §305(m)(1), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1750.

(25) The term “noncombatant service” shall not include service in which the individual is not subject to military discipline, court martial, or does not wear the uniform of any branch of the armed forces.

(26) The term “nonimmigrant visa” means a visa properly issued to an alien as an eligible nonimmigrant by a competent officer as provided in this chapter.

(27) The term “special immigrant” means—

(A) an immigrant, lawfully admitted for permanent residence, who is returning from a temporary visit abroad;

(B) an immigrant who was a citizen of the United States and may, under section 1435(a) or 1438 of this title, apply for reacquisition of citizenship;

(C) an immigrant, and the immigrant's spouse and children if accompanying or following to join the immigrant, who—

(i) for at least 2 years immediately preceding the time of application for admission, has been a member of a religious denomination having a bona fide nonprofit, religious organization in the United States;

(ii) seeks to enter the United States—

(I) solely for the purpose of carrying on the vocation of a minister of that religious denomination,

(II) before September 30, 2012, in order to work for the organization at the request of the organization in a professional capacity in a religious vocation or occupation, or

(III) before September 30, 2012, in order to work for the organization (or for a bona fide organization which is affiliated with the religious denomination and is exempt from taxation as an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of title 26) at the request of the organization in a religious vocation or occupation; and


(iii) has been carrying on such vocation, professional work, or other work continuously for at least the 2-year period described in clause (i);


(D) an immigrant who is an employee, or an honorably retired former employee, of the United States Government abroad, or of the American Institute in Taiwan, and who has performed faithful service for a total of fifteen years, or more, and his accompanying spouse and children: Provided, That the principal officer of a Foreign Service establishment (or, in the case of the American Institute in Taiwan, the Director thereof), in his discretion, shall have recommended the granting of special immigrant status to such alien in exceptional circumstances and the Secretary of State approves such recommendation and finds that it is in the national interest to grant such status;

(E) an immigrant, and his accompanying spouse and children, who is or has been an employee of the Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone Government before the date on which the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 (as described in section 3602(a)(1) of title 22) enters into force [October 1, 1979], who was resident in the Canal Zone on the effective date of the exchange of instruments of ratification of such Treaty [April 1, 1979], and who has performed faithful service as such an employee for one year or more;

(F) an immigrant, and his accompanying spouse and children, who is a Panamanian national and (i) who, before the date on which such Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 enters into force [October 1, 1979], has been honorably retired from United States Government employment in the Canal Zone with a total of 15 years or more of faithful service, or (ii) who, on the date on which such Treaty enters into force, has been employed by the United States Government in the Canal Zone with a total of 15 years or more of faithful service and who subsequently is honorably retired from such employment or continues to be employed by the United States Government in an area of the former Canal Zone;

(G) an immigrant, and his accompanying spouse and children, who was an employee of the Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone Government on the effective date of the exchange of instruments of ratification of such Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 [April 1, 1979], who has performed faithful service for five years or more as such an employee, and whose personal safety, or the personal safety of whose spouse or children, as a direct result of such Treaty, is reasonably placed in danger because of the special nature of any of that employment;

(H) an immigrant, and his accompanying spouse and children, who—

(i) has graduated from a medical school or has qualified to practice medicine in a foreign state,

(ii) was fully and permanently licensed to practice medicine in a State on January 9, 1978, and was practicing medicine in a State on that date,

(iii) entered the United States as a nonimmigrant under subsection (a)(15)(H) or (a)(15)(J) of this section before January 10, 1978, and

(iv) has been continuously present in the United States in the practice or study of medicine since the date of such entry;


(I)(i) an immigrant who is the unmarried son or daughter of an officer or employee, or of a former officer or employee, of an international organization described in paragraph (15)(G)(i), and who (I) while maintaining the status of a nonimmigrant under paragraph (15)(G)(iv) or paragraph (15)(N), has resided and been physically present in the United States for periods totaling at least one-half of the seven years before the date of application for a visa or for adjustment of status to a status under this subparagraph and for a period or periods aggregating at least seven years between the ages of five and 21 years, and (II) applies for a visa or adjustment of status under this subparagraph no later than his twenty-fifth birthday or six months after October 24, 1988, whichever is later;

(ii) an immigrant who is the surviving spouse of a deceased officer or employee of such an international organization, and who (I) while maintaining the status of a nonimmigrant under paragraph (15)(G)(iv) or paragraph (15)(N), has resided and been physically present in the United States for periods totaling at least one-half of the seven years before the date of application for a visa or for adjustment of status to a status under this subparagraph and for a period or periods aggregating at least 15 years before the date of the death of such officer or employee, and (II) files a petition for status under this subparagraph no later than six months after the date of such death or six months after October 24, 1988, whichever is later;

(iii) an immigrant who is a retired officer or employee of such an international organization, and who (I) while maintaining the status of a nonimmigrant under paragraph (15)(G)(iv), has resided and been physically present in the United States for periods totaling at least one-half of the seven years before the date of application for a visa or for adjustment of status to a status under this subparagraph and for a period or periods aggregating at least 15 years before the date of the officer or employee's retirement from any such international organization, and (II) files a petition for status under this subparagraph no later than six months after the date of such retirement or six months after October 25, 1994, whichever is later; or

(iv) an immigrant who is the spouse of a retired officer or employee accorded the status of special immigrant under clause (iii), accompanying or following to join such retired officer or employee as a member of his immediate family;

(J) an immigrant who is present in the United States—

(i) who has been declared dependent on a juvenile court located in the United States or whom such a court has legally committed to, or placed under the custody of, an agency or department of a State, or an individual or entity appointed by a State or juvenile court located in the United States, and whose reunification with 1 or both of the immigrant's parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis found under State law;

(ii) for whom it has been determined in administrative or judicial proceedings that it would not be in the alien's best interest to be returned to the alien's or parent's previous country of nationality or country of last habitual residence; and

(iii) in whose case the Secretary of Homeland Security consents to the grant of special immigrant juvenile status, except that—

(I) no juvenile court has jurisdiction to determine the custody status or placement of an alien in the custody of the Secretary of Health and Human Services unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services specifically consents to such jurisdiction; and

(II) no natural parent or prior adoptive parent of any alien provided special immigrant status under this subparagraph shall thereafter, by virtue of such parentage, be accorded any right, privilege, or status under this chapter;


(K) an immigrant who has served honorably on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States after October 15, 1978, and after original lawful enlistment outside the United States (under a treaty or agreement in effect on October 1, 1991) for a period or periods aggregating—

(i) 12 years and who, if separated from such service, was never separated except under honorable conditions, or

(ii) 6 years, in the case of an immigrant who is on active duty at the time of seeking special immigrant status under this subparagraph and who has reenlisted to incur a total active duty service obligation of at least 12 years,


and the spouse or child of any such immigrant if accompanying or following to join the immigrant, but only if the executive department under which the immigrant serves or served recommends the granting of special immigrant status to the immigrant;

(L) an immigrant who would be described in clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of subparagraph (I) if any reference in such a clause—

(i) to an international organization described in paragraph (15)(G)(i) were treated as a reference to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO);

(ii) to a nonimmigrant under paragraph (15)(G)(iv) were treated as a reference to a nonimmigrant classifiable under NATO–6 (as a member of a civilian component accompanying a force entering in accordance with the provisions of the NATO Status-of-Forces Agreement, a member of a civilian component attached to or employed by an Allied Headquarters under the “Protocol on the Status of International Military Headquarters” set up pursuant to the North Atlantic Treaty, or as a dependent); and

(iii) to the Immigration Technical Corrections Act of 1988 or to the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994 were a reference to the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 4


(M) subject to the numerical limitations of section 1153(b)(4) of this title, an immigrant who seeks to enter the United States to work as a broadcaster in the United States for the International Broadcasting Bureau of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, or for a grantee of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, and the immigrant's accompanying spouse and children.


(28) The term “organization” means, but is not limited to, an organization, corporation, company, partnership, association, trust, foundation or fund; and includes a group of persons, whether or not incorporated, permanently or temporarily associated together with joint action on any subject or subjects.

(29) The term “outlying possessions of the United States” means American Samoa and Swains Island.

(30) The term “passport” means any travel document issued by competent authority showing the bearer's origin, identity, and nationality if any, which is valid for the admission of the bearer into a foreign country.

(31) The term “permanent” means a relationship of continuing or lasting nature, as distinguished from temporary, but a relationship may be permanent even though it is one that may be dissolved eventually at the instance either of the United States or of the individual, in accordance with law.

(32) The term “profession” shall include but not be limited to architects, engineers, lawyers, physicians, surgeons, and teachers in elementary or secondary schools, colleges, academies, or seminaries.

(33) The term “residence” means the place of general abode; the place of general abode of a person means his principal, actual dwelling place in fact, without regard to intent.

(34) The term “Service” means the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the Department of Justice.

(35) The term “spouse”, “wife”, or “husband” do not include a spouse, wife, or husband by reason of any marriage ceremony where the contracting parties thereto are not physically present in the presence of each other, unless the marriage shall have been consummated.

(36) The term “State” includes the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands of the United States, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

(37) The term “totalitarian party” means an organization which advocates the establishment in the United States of a totalitarian dictatorship or totalitarianism. The terms “totalitarian dictatorship” and “totalitarianism” mean and refer to systems of government not representative in fact, characterized by (A) the existence of a single political party, organized on a dictatorial basis, with so close an identity between such party and its policies and the governmental policies of the country in which it exists, that the party and the government constitute an indistinguishable unit, and (B) the forcible suppression of opposition to such party.

(38) The term “United States”, except as otherwise specifically herein provided, when used in a geographical sense, means the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands of the United States, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

(39) The term “unmarried”, when used in reference to any individual as of any time, means an individual who at such time is not married, whether or not previously married.

(40) The term “world communism” means a revolutionary movement, the purpose of which is to establish eventually a Communist totalitarian dictatorship in any or all the countries of the world through the medium of an internationally coordinated Communist political movement.

(41) The term “graduates of a medical school” means aliens who have graduated from a medical school or who have qualified to practice medicine in a foreign state, other than such aliens who are of national or international renown in the field of medicine.

(42) The term “refugee” means (A) any person who is outside any country of such person's nationality or, in the case of a person having no nationality, is outside any country in which such person last habitually resided, and who is unable or unwilling to return to, and is unable or unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of, that country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, or (B) in such special circumstances as the President after appropriate consultation (as defined in section 1157(e) of this title) may specify, any person who is within the country of such person's nationality or, in the case of a person having no nationality, within the country in which such person is habitually residing, and who is persecuted or who has a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. The term “refugee” does not include any person who ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in the persecution of any person on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. For purposes of determinations under this chapter, a person who has been forced to abort a pregnancy or to undergo involuntary sterilization, or who has been persecuted for failure or refusal to undergo such a procedure or for other resistance to a coercive population control program, shall be deemed to have been persecuted on account of political opinion, and a person who has a well founded fear that he or she will be forced to undergo such a procedure or subject to persecution for such failure, refusal, or resistance shall be deemed to have a well founded fear of persecution on account of political opinion.

(43) The term “aggravated felony” means—

(A) murder, rape, or sexual abuse of a minor;

(B) illicit trafficking in a controlled substance (as defined in section 802 of title 21), including a drug trafficking crime (as defined in section 924(c) of title 18);

(C) illicit trafficking in firearms or destructive devices (as defined in section 921 of title 18) or in explosive materials (as defined in section 841(c) of that title);

(D) an offense described in section 1956 of title 18 (relating to laundering of monetary instruments) or section 1957 of that title (relating to engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specific unlawful activity) if the amount of the funds exceeded $10,000;

(E) an offense described in—

(i) section 842(h) or (i) of title 18, or section 844(d), (e), (f), (g), (h), or (i) of that title (relating to explosive materials offenses);

(ii) section 922(g)(1), (2), (3), (4), or (5), (j), (n), (o), (p), or (r) or 924(b) or (h) of title 18 (relating to firearms offenses); or

(iii) section 5861 of title 26 (relating to firearms offenses);


(F) a crime of violence (as defined in section 16 of title 18, but not including a purely political offense) for which the term of imprisonment at 5 least one year;

(G) a theft offense (including receipt of stolen property) or burglary offense for which the term of imprisonment at 5 least one year;

(H) an offense described in section 875, 876, 877, or 1202 of title 18 (relating to the demand for or receipt of ransom);

(I) an offense described in section 2251, 2251A, or 2252 of title 18 (relating to child pornography);

(J) an offense described in section 1962 of title 18 (relating to racketeer influenced corrupt organizations), or an offense described in section 1084 (if it is a second or subsequent offense) or 1955 of that title (relating to gambling offenses), for which a sentence of one year imprisonment or more may be imposed;

(K) an offense that—

(i) relates to the owning, controlling, managing, or supervising of a prostitution business;

(ii) is described in section 2421, 2422, or 2423 of title 18 (relating to transportation for the purpose of prostitution) if committed for commercial advantage; or

(iii) is described in any of sections 1581–1585 or 1588–1591 of title 18 (relating to peonage, slavery, involuntary servitude, and trafficking in persons);


(L) an offense described in—

(i) section 793 (relating to gathering or transmitting national defense information), 798 (relating to disclosure of classified information), 2153 (relating to sabotage) or 2381 or 2382 (relating to treason) of title 18;

(ii) section 421 of title 50 (relating to protecting the identity of undercover intelligence agents); or

(iii) section 421 of title 50 (relating to protecting the identity of undercover agents);


(M) an offense that—

(i) involves fraud or deceit in which the loss to the victim or victims exceeds $10,000; or

(ii) is described in section 7201 of title 26 (relating to tax evasion) in which the revenue loss to the Government exceeds $10,000;


(N) an offense described in paragraph (1)(A) or (2) of section 1324(a) of this title (relating to alien smuggling), except in the case of a first offense for which the alien has affirmatively shown that the alien committed the offense for the purpose of assisting, abetting, or aiding only the alien's spouse, child, or parent (and no other individual) to violate a provision of this chapter 6

(O) an offense described in section 1325(a) or 1326 of this title committed by an alien who was previously deported on the basis of a conviction for an offense described in another subparagraph of this paragraph;

(P) an offense (i) which either is falsely making, forging, counterfeiting, mutilating, or altering a passport or instrument in violation of section 1543 of title 18 or is described in section 1546(a) of such title (relating to document fraud) and (ii) for which the term of imprisonment is at least 12 months, except in the case of a first offense for which the alien has affirmatively shown that the alien committed the offense for the purpose of assisting, abetting, or aiding only the alien's spouse, child, or parent (and no other individual) to violate a provision of this chapter;

(Q) an offense relating to a failure to appear by a defendant for service of sentence if the underlying offense is punishable by imprisonment for a term of 5 years or more;

(R) an offense relating to commercial bribery, counterfeiting, forgery, or trafficking in vehicles the identification numbers of which have been altered for which the term of imprisonment is at least one year;

(S) an offense relating to obstruction of justice, perjury or subornation of perjury, or bribery of a witness, for which the term of imprisonment is at least one year;

(T) an offense relating to a failure to appear before a court pursuant to a court order to answer to or dispose of a charge of a felony for which a sentence of 2 years’ imprisonment or more may be imposed; and

(U) an attempt or conspiracy to commit an offense described in this paragraph.


The term applies to an offense described in this paragraph whether in violation of Federal or State law and applies to such an offense in violation of the law of a foreign country for which the term of imprisonment was completed within the previous 15 years. Notwithstanding any other provision of law (including any effective date), the term applies regardless of whether the conviction was entered before, on, or after September 30, 1996.

(44)(A) The term “managerial capacity” means an assignment within an organization in which the employee primarily—

(i) manages the organization, or a department, subdivision, function, or component of the organization;

(ii) supervises and controls the work of other supervisory, professional, or managerial employees, or manages an essential function within the organization, or a department or subdivision of the organization;

(iii) if another employee or other employees are directly supervised, has the authority to hire and fire or recommend those as well as other personnel actions (such as promotion and leave authorization) or, if no other employee is directly supervised, functions at a senior level within the organizational hierarchy or with respect to the function managed; and

(iv) exercises discretion over the day-to-day operations of the activity or function for which the employee has authority.


A first-line supervisor is not considered to be acting in a managerial capacity merely by virtue of the supervisor's supervisory duties unless the employees supervised are professional.

(B) The term “executive capacity” means an assignment within an organization in which the employee primarily—

(i) directs the management of the organization or a major component or function of the organization;

(ii) establishes the goals and policies of the organization, component, or function;

(iii) exercises wide latitude in discretionary decision-making; and

(iv) receives only general supervision or direction from higher level executives, the board of directors, or stockholders of the organization.


(C) If staffing levels are used as a factor in determining whether an individual is acting in a managerial or executive capacity, the Attorney General shall take into account the reasonable needs of the organization, component, or function in light of the overall purpose and stage of development of the organization, component, or function. An individual shall not be considered to be acting in a managerial or executive capacity (as previously defined) merely on the basis of the number of employees that the individual supervises or has supervised or directs or has directed.

(45) The term “substantial” means, for purposes of paragraph (15)(E) with reference to trade or capital, such an amount of trade or capital as is established by the Secretary of State, after consultation with appropriate agencies of Government.

(46) The term “extraordinary ability” means, for purposes of subsection (a)(15)(O)(i) of this section, in the case of the arts, distinction.

(47)(A) The term “order of deportation” means the order of the special inquiry officer, or other such administrative officer to whom the Attorney General has delegated the responsibility for determining whether an alien is deportable, concluding that the alien is deportable or ordering deportation.

(B) The order described under subparagraph (A) shall become final upon the earlier of—

(i) a determination by the Board of Immigration Appeals affirming such order; or

(ii) the expiration of the period in which the alien is permitted to seek review of such order by the Board of Immigration Appeals.


(48)(A) The term “conviction” means, with respect to an alien, a formal judgment of guilt of the alien entered by a court or, if adjudication of guilt has been withheld, where—

(i) a judge or jury has found the alien guilty or the alien has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere or has admitted sufficient facts to warrant a finding of guilt, and

(ii) the judge has ordered some form of punishment, penalty, or restraint on the alien's liberty to be imposed.


(B) Any reference to a term of imprisonment or a sentence with respect to an offense is deemed to include the period of incarceration or confinement ordered by a court of law regardless of any suspension of the imposition or execution of that imprisonment or sentence in whole or in part.

(49) The term “stowaway” means any alien who obtains transportation without the consent of the owner, charterer, master or person in command of any vessel or aircraft through concealment aboard such vessel or aircraft. A passenger who boards with a valid ticket is not to be considered a stowaway.

(50) The term “intended spouse” means any alien who meets the criteria set forth in section 1154(a)(1)(A)(iii)(II)(aa)(BB), 1154(a)(1)(B)(ii)(II)(aa)(BB), or 1229b(b)(2)(A)(i)(III) of this title.

(51) The term “VAWA self-petitioner” means an alien, or a child of the alien, who qualifies for relief under—

(A) clause (iii), (iv), or (vii) of section 1154(a)(1)(A) of this title;

(B) clause (ii) or (iii) of section 1154(a)(1)(B) of this title;

(C) section 1186a(c)(4)(C) of this title;

(D) the first section of Public Law 89–732 (8 U.S.C. 1255 note) (commonly known as the Cuban Adjustment Act) as a child or spouse who has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty;

(E) section 902(d)(1)(B) of the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998 (8 U.S.C. 1255 note);

(F) section 202(d)(1) of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act; or

(G) section 309 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (division C of Public Law 104–208).


(52) The term “accredited language training program” means a language training program that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of Education.

(b) As used in subchapters I and II—

(1) The term “child” means an unmarried person under twenty-one years of age who is—

(A) a child born in wedlock;

(B) a stepchild, whether or not born out of wedlock, provided the child had not reached the age of eighteen years at the time the marriage creating the status of stepchild occurred;

(C) a child legitimated under the law of the child's residence or domicile, or under the law of the father's residence or domicile, whether in or outside the United States, if such legitimation takes place before the child reaches the age of eighteen years and the child is in the legal custody of the legitimating parent or parents at the time of such legitimation;

(D) a child born out of wedlock, by, through whom, or on whose behalf a status, privilege, or benefit is sought by virtue of the relationship of the child to its natural mother or to its natural father if the father has or had a bona fide parent-child relationship with the person;

(E)(i) a child adopted while under the age of sixteen years if the child has been in the legal custody of, and has resided with, the adopting parent or parents for at least two years or if the child has been battered or subject to extreme cruelty by the adopting parent or by a family member of the adopting parent residing in the same household: Provided, That no natural parent of any such adopted child shall thereafter, by virtue of such parentage, be accorded any right, privilege, or status under this chapter; or

(ii) subject to the same proviso as in clause (i), a child who: (I) is a natural sibling of a child described in clause (i) or subparagraph (F)(i); (II) was adopted by the adoptive parent or parents of the sibling described in such clause or subparagraph; and (III) is otherwise described in clause (i), except that the child was adopted while under the age of 18 years;

(F)(i) a child, under the age of sixteen at the time a petition is filed in his behalf to accord a classification as an immediate relative under section 1151(b) of this title, who is an orphan because of the death or disappearance of, abandonment or desertion by, or separation or loss from, both parents, or for whom the sole or surviving parent is incapable of providing the proper care and has in writing irrevocably released the child for emigration and adoption; who has been adopted abroad by a United States citizen and spouse jointly, or by an unmarried United States citizen at least twenty-five years of age, who personally saw and observed the child prior to or during the adoption proceedings; or who is coming to the United States for adoption by a United States citizen and spouse jointly, or by an unmarried United States citizen at least twenty-five years of age, who have or has complied with the preadoption requirements, if any, of the child's proposed residence; Provided, That the Attorney General is satisfied that proper care will be furnished the child if admitted to the United States: Provided further, That no natural parent or prior adoptive parent of any such child shall thereafter, by virtue of such parentage, be accorded any right, privilege, or status under this chapter; or

(ii) subject to the same provisos as in clause (i), a child who: (I) is a natural sibling of a child described in clause (i) or subparagraph (E)(i); (II) has been adopted abroad, or is coming to the United States for adoption, by the adoptive parent (or prospective adoptive parent) or parents of the sibling described in such clause or subparagraph; and (III) is otherwise described in clause (i), except that the child is under the age of 18 at the time a petition is filed in his or her behalf to accord a classification as an immediate relative under section 1151(b) of this title; or

(G)(i) a child, younger than 16 years of age at the time a petition is filed on the child's behalf to accord a classification as an immediate relative under section 1151(b) of this title, who has been adopted in a foreign state that is a party to the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, done at The Hague on May 29, 1993, or who is emigrating from such a foreign state to be adopted in the United States by a United States citizen and spouse jointly or by an unmarried United States citizen who is at least 25 years of age, Provided, That—

(I) the Secretary of Homeland Security is satisfied that proper care will be furnished the child if admitted to the United States;

(II) the child's natural parents (or parent, in the case of a child who has one sole or surviving parent because of the death or disappearance of, abandonment or desertion by, the other parent), or other persons or institutions that retain legal custody of the child, have freely given their written irrevocable consent to the termination of their legal relationship with the child, and to the child's emigration and adoption;

(III) in the case of a child having two living natural parents, the natural parents are incapable of providing proper care for the child;

(IV) the Secretary of Homeland Security is satisfied that the purpose of the adoption is to form a bona fide parent-child relationship, and the parent-child relationship of the child and the natural parents has been terminated (and in carrying out both obligations under this subclause the Secretary of Homeland Security may consider whether there is a petition pending to confer immigrant status on one or both of such natural parents); and

(V) in the case of a child who has not been adopted—

(aa) the competent authority of the foreign state has approved the child's emigration to the United States for the purpose of adoption by the prospective adoptive parent or parents; and

(bb) the prospective adoptive parent or parents has or have complied with any pre-adoption requirements of the child's proposed residence; and


(ii) except that no natural parent or prior adoptive parent of any such child shall thereafter, by virtue of such parentage, be accorded any right, privilege, or status under this chapter; or

(iii) subject to the same provisos as in clauses (i) and (ii), a child who—

(I) is a natural sibling of a child described in clause (i), subparagraph (E)(i), or subparagraph (F)(i);

(II) was adopted abroad, or is coming to the United States for adoption, by the adoptive parent (or prospective adoptive parent) or parents of the sibling described in clause (i), subparagraph (E)(i), or subparagraph (F)(i); and

(III) is otherwise described in clause (i), except that the child is younger than 18 years of age at the time a petition is filed on his or her behalf for classification as an immediate relative under section 1151(b) of this title.


(2) The terms “parent”, “father”, or “mother” mean a parent, father, or mother only where the relationship exists by reason of any of the circumstances set forth in subdivision (1) of this subsection, except that, for purposes of paragraph (1)(F) (other than the second proviso therein) and paragraph (1)(G)(i) in the case of a child born out of wedlock described in paragraph (1)(D) (and not described in paragraph (1)(C)), the term “parent” does not include the natural father of the child if the father has disappeared or abandoned or deserted the child or if the father has in writing irrevocably released the child for emigration and adoption.

(3) The term “person” means an individual or an organization.

(4) The term “immigration judge” means an attorney whom the Attorney General appoints as an administrative judge within the Executive Office for Immigration Review, qualified to conduct specified classes of proceedings, including a hearing under section 1229a of this title. An immigration judge shall be subject to such supervision and shall perform such duties as the Attorney General shall prescribe, but shall not be employed by the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

(5) The term “adjacent islands” includes Saint Pierre, Miquelon, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, the Windward and Leeward Islands, Trinidad, Martinique, and other British, French, and Netherlands territory or possessions in or bordering on the Caribbean Sea.

(c) As used in subchapter III—

(1) The term “child” means an unmarried person under twenty-one years of age and includes a child legitimated under the law of the child's residence or domicile, or under the law of the father's residence or domicile, whether in the United States or elsewhere, and, except as otherwise provided in sections 1431 and 1432 7 of this title, a child adopted in the United States, if such legitimation or adoption takes place before the child reaches the age of 16 years (except to the extent that the child is described in subparagraph (E)(ii) or (F)(ii) of subsection (b)(1) of this section), and the child is in the legal custody of the legitimating or adopting parent or parents at the time of such legitimation or adoption.

(2) The terms “parent”, “father”, and “mother” include in the case of a posthumous child a deceased parent, father, and mother.

(d) Repealed. Pub. L. 100–525, §9(a)(3), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2619.

(e) For the purposes of this chapter—

(1) The giving, loaning, or promising of support or of money or any other thing of value to be used for advocating any doctrine shall constitute the advocating of such doctrine; but nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as an exclusive definition of advocating.

(2) The giving, loaning, or promising of support or of money or any other thing of value for any purpose to any organization shall be presumed to constitute affiliation therewith; but nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as an exclusive definition of affiliation.

(3) Advocating the economic, international, and governmental doctrines of world communism means advocating the establishment of a totalitarian Communist dictatorship in any or all of the countries of the world through the medium of an internationally coordinated Communist movement.

(f) For the purposes of this chapter—

No person shall be regarded as, or found to be, a person of good moral character who, during the period for which good moral character is required to be established is, or was—

(1) a habitual drunkard;

(2) Repealed. Pub. L. 97–116, §2(c)(1), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1611.

(3) a member of one or more of the classes of persons, whether inadmissible or not, described in paragraphs (2)(D), (6)(E), and (10)(A) of section 1182(a) of this title; or subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 1182(a)(2) of this title and subparagraph (C) thereof of such section 8 (except as such paragraph relates to a single offense of simple possession of 30 grams or less of marihuana), if the offense described therein, for which such person was convicted or of which he admits the commission, was committed during such period;

(4) one whose income is derived principally from illegal gambling activities;

(5) one who has been convicted of two or more gambling offenses committed during such period;

(6) one who has given false testimony for the purpose of obtaining any benefits under this chapter;

(7) one who during such period has been confined, as a result of conviction, to a penal institution for an aggregate period of one hundred and eighty days or more, regardless of whether the offense, or offenses, for which he has been confined were committed within or without such period;

(8) one who at any time has been convicted of an aggravated felony (as defined in subsection (a)(43) of this section); or

(9) one who at any time has engaged in conduct described in section 1182(a)(3)(E) of this title (relating to assistance in Nazi persecution, participation in genocide, or commission of acts of torture or extrajudicial killings) or 1182(a)(2)(G) of this title (relating to severe violations of religious freedom).


The fact that any person is not within any of the foregoing classes shall not preclude a finding that for other reasons such person is or was not of good moral character. In the case of an alien who makes a false statement or claim of citizenship, or who registers to vote or votes in a Federal, State, or local election (including an initiative, recall, or referendum) in violation of a lawful restriction of such registration or voting to citizens, if each natural parent of the alien (or, in the case of an adopted alien, each adoptive parent of the alien) is or was a citizen (whether by birth or naturalization), the alien permanently resided in the United States prior to attaining the age of 16, and the alien reasonably believed at the time of such statement, claim, or violation that he or she was a citizen, no finding that the alien is, or was, not of good moral character may be made based on it.

(g) For the purposes of this chapter any alien ordered deported or removed (whether before or after the enactment of this chapter) who has left the United States, shall be considered to have been deported or removed in pursuance of law, irrespective of the source from which the expenses of his transportation were defrayed or of the place to which he departed.

(h) For purposes of section 1182(a)(2)(E) of this title, the term “serious criminal offense” means—

(1) any felony;

(2) any crime of violence, as defined in section 16 of title 18; or

(3) any crime of reckless driving or of driving while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or of prohibited substances if such crime involves personal injury to another.


(i) With respect to each nonimmigrant alien described in subsection (a)(15)(T)(i) of this section—

(1) the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Attorney General, and other Government officials, where appropriate, shall provide the alien with a referral to a nongovernmental organization that would advise the alien regarding the alien's options while in the United States and the resources available to the alien; and

(2) the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, during the period the alien is in lawful temporary resident status under that subsection, grant the alien authorization to engage in employment in the United States and provide the alien with an “employment authorized” endorsement or other appropriate work permit.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title I, §101, 66 Stat. 166; Pub. L. 85–316, §§1, 2, Sept. 11, 1957, 71 Stat. 639; Pub. L. 85–508, §22, July 7, 1958, 72 Stat. 351; Pub. L. 86–3, §20(a), Mar. 18, 1959, 73 Stat. 13; Pub. L. 87–256, §109(a), (b), Sept. 21, 1961, 75 Stat. 534; Pub. L. 87–301, §§1, 2, 7, Sept. 26, 1961, 75 Stat. 650, 653; Pub. L. 89–236, §§8, 24, Oct. 3, 1965, 79 Stat. 916, 922; Pub. L. 89–710, Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1104; Pub. L. 91–225, §1, Apr. 7, 1970, 84 Stat. 116; Pub. L. 94–155, Dec. 16, 1975, 89 Stat. 824; Pub. L. 94–484, title VI, §601(b), (e), Oct. 12, 1976, 90 Stat. 2301, 2302; Pub. L. 94–571, §7(a), Oct. 20, 1976, 90 Stat. 2706; Pub. L. 94–484, title VI, §602(c), Oct. 12, 1976, as added Pub. L. 95–83, title III, §307(q)(3), Aug. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 395; Pub. L. 95–105, title I, §109(b)(3), Aug. 17, 1977, 91 Stat. 847; Pub. L. 96–70, title III, §3201(a), Sept. 27, 1979, 93 Stat. 496; Pub. L. 96–212, title II, §201(a), Mar. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 102; Pub. L. 97–116, §§2, 5(d)(1), 18(a), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1611, 1614, 1619; Priv. L. 98–47, §3, Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 3435; Pub. L. 99–505, §1, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1806; Pub. L. 99–603, title III, §§301(a), 312, 315(a), Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3411, 3434, 3439; Pub. L. 99–653, §§2, 3, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3655; Pub. L. 100–459, title II, §210(a), Oct. 1, 1988, 102 Stat. 2203; Pub. L. 100–525, §§2(o)(1), 8(b), 9(a), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2613, 2617, 2619; Pub. L. 100–690, title VII, §7342, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4469; Pub. L. 101–162, title VI, §611(a), Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1038; Pub. L. 101–238, §3(a), Dec. 18, 1989, 103 Stat. 2100; Pub. L. 101–246, title I, §131(b), Feb. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 31; Pub. L. 101–649, title I, §§123, 151(a), 153(a), 162(f)(2)(A), title II, §§203(c), 204(a), (c), 205(c)(1), (d), (e), 206(c), 207(a), 208, 209(a), title IV, §407(a)(2), title V, §§501(a), 509(a), title VI, §603(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4995, 5004, 5005, 5012, 5018–5020, 5022, 5023, 5026, 5027, 5040, 5048, 5051, 5082; Pub. L. 102–110, §2(a), Oct. 1, 1991, 105 Stat. 555; Pub. L. 102–232, title II, §§203(a), 205(a)–(c), 206(b), (c)(1), (d), 207(b), title III, §§302(e)(8)(A), 303(a)(5)(A), (7)(A), (14), 305(m)(1), 306(a)(1), 309(b)(1), (4), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1737, 1740, 1741, 1746–1748, 1750, 1751, 1758; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §162(h)(1), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 407; Pub. L. 103–322, title XIII, §130003(a), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2024; Pub. L. 103–337, div. C, title XXXVI, §3605, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3113; Pub. L. 103–416, title II, §§201, 202, 214, 219(a), 222(a), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4310, 4311, 4314, 4316, 4320; Pub. L. 104–51, §1, Nov. 15, 1995, 109 Stat. 467; Pub. L. 104–132, title IV, §440(b), (e), Apr. 24, 1996, 110 Stat. 1277; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title I, §104(a), title III, §§301(a), 308(d)(3)(A), (4)(A), (e)(3), (f)(1)(A), (B), 321(a), (b), 322(a)(1), (2)(A), 361(a), 371(a), title VI, §§601(a)(1), 625(a)(2), 671(a)(3)(B), (b)(5), (e)(2), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–555, 3009–575, 3009–617, 3009–620, 3009–621, 3009–627 to 3009–629, 3009–644, 3009–645, 3009–689, 3009–700, 3009–721 to 3009–723; Pub. L. 105–54, §1(a), Oct. 6, 1997, 111 Stat. 1175; Pub. L. 105–119, title I, §113, Nov. 26, 1997, 111 Stat. 2460; Pub. L. 105–277, div. C, title IV, §421, div. G, title XXII, §2222(e), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–657, 2681–819; Pub. L. 105–319, §2(b)(1), (e)(2), formerly (d)(2), Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 3014, 3015, renumbered §2(e)(2), Pub. L. 108–449, §1(a)(3)(A), Dec. 10, 2004, 118 Stat. 3470; Pub. L. 106–95, §2(a), (c), Nov. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1312, 1316; Pub. L. 106–139, §1(a), (b)(1), Dec. 7, 1999, 113 Stat. 1696; Pub. L. 106–279, title III, §302(a), (c), Oct. 6, 2000, 114 Stat. 838, 839; Pub. L. 106–386, div. A, §107(e)(1), (4), div. B, title V, §§1503(a), §1513(b), Oct. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 1477, 1479, 1518, 1534; Pub. L. 106–395, title II, §201(a)(1), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1633; Pub. L. 106–409, §2(a), Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1787; Pub. L. 106–536, §1(a), Nov. 22, 2000, 114 Stat. 2560; Pub. L. 106–553, §1(a)(2) [title XI, §§1102(a), 1103(a)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2762, 2762A–142, 2762A–144; Pub. L. 107–125, §2(b), Jan. 16, 2002, 115 Stat. 2403; Pub. L. 107–274, §2(a), (b), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1923; Pub. L. 108–77, title IV, §402(a)(1), Sept. 3, 2003, 117 Stat. 939; Pub. L. 108–99, §1, Oct. 15, 2003, 117 Stat. 1176; Pub. L. 108–193, §§4(b)(1), (5), 8(a)(1), Dec. 19, 2003, 117 Stat. 2878, 2879, 2886; Pub. L. 108–449, §1(a)(2)(B), (b)(1), Dec. 10, 2004, 118 Stat. 3469, 3470; Pub. L. 108–458, title V, §5504, Dec. 17, 2004, 118 Stat. 3741; Pub. L. 109–13, div. B, title V, §501(a), May 11, 2005, 119 Stat. 321; Pub. L. 109–90, title V, §536, Oct. 18, 2005, 119 Stat. 2087; Pub. L. 109–162, title VIII, §§801, 805(d), 811, 822(c)(1), Jan. 5, 2006, 119 Stat. 3053, 3056, 3057, 3063; Pub. L. 109–248, title IV, §402(b), July 27, 2006, 120 Stat. 623; Pub. L. 110–229, title VII, §702(j)(1)–(3), May 8, 2008, 122 Stat. 866; Pub. L. 110–391, §2(a), Oct. 10, 2008, 122 Stat. 4193; Pub. L. 110–457, title II, §§201(a), 235(d)(1), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5052, 5079; Pub. L. 111–9, §1, Mar. 20, 2009, 123 Stat. 989; Pub. L. 111–83, title V, §568(a)(1), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2186; Pub. L. 111–287, §3, Nov. 30, 2010, 124 Stat. 3058; Pub. L. 111–306, §1(a), Dec. 14, 2010, 124 Stat. 3280.)

Amendment of Subsection (a)(15)(H)(i)

For termination of amendment by section 107(c) of Pub. L. 108–77, see Effective and Termination Dates of 2003 Amendment note below.

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a), (b) (except par. (1)(G)(ii)), (c), and (e)–(g), was in the original, “this Act”, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out below and Tables.

The Headquarters Agreement with the United Nations (61 Stat. 758), referred to in subsec. (a)(15)(C), is set out as a note under section 287 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.

Section 1184(l) of this title, referred to in subsec. (a)(15)(F)(i), probably means the subsec. (l) of section 1184 which relates to nonimmigrant elementary and secondary school students and was added by Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title VI, §625(a)(1), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–699, and redesignated subsec. (m) of section 1184 by Pub. L. 106–386, div. A, §107(e)(2)(A), Oct. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 1478.

The International Organizations Immunities Act (59 Stat. 669), referred to in subsec. (a)(15)(G)(i), is act Dec. 29, 1945, ch. 652, title I, 59 Stat. 669, which is classified principally to subchapter XVIII (§288 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 288 of Title 22 and Tables.

Subsection (p) of section 1184 of this title, referred to in subsec. (a)(15)(K), was redesignated as subsec. (r) of section 1184 by Pub. L. 108–193, §8(a)(3), Dec. 19, 2003, 117 Stat. 2886.

Section 3(a) of the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, as amended (54 Stat. 885; 55 Stat. 844), referred to in subsec. (a)(19), was classified to section 303 of Title 50, Appendix, War and National Defense, and was omitted from the Code as obsolete.

The Selective Service Act of 1948, referred to in subsec. (a)(19), was redesignated the Universal Military Training and Service Act by act June 19, 1951, 65 Stat. 75, and then redesignated the Military Selective Service Act of 1967 by act June 30, 1967, Pub. L. 90–40, 81 Stat. 100, and subsequently redesignated the Military Selective Service Act by Pub. L. 92–129, title I, §101(a)(1), Sept. 28, 1971, 85 Stat. 348.

The Immigration Technical Corrections Act of 1988, referred to in subsec. (a)(27)(L)(iii), is Pub. L. 100–525, Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2609. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1988 Amendments note set out below and Tables.

The Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994, referred to in subsec. (a)(27)(L)(iii), is Pub. L. 103–416, Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4305. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1994 Amendment note set out below and Tables.

The American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998, referred to in subsec. (a)(27)(L)(iii), is Pub. L. 105–277, div. C, title IV, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–641. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1998 Amendment note set out below and Tables.

Section 902(d)(1)(B) of the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998, referred to in subsec. (a)(51)(E), is Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(h) [title IX, §902(d)(1)(B)], which is set out as a note under section 1255 of this title.

Section 202(d)(1) of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(51)(F), is section 202(d)(1) of Pub. L. 105–100, which is set out as a note under section 1255 of this title.

Section 309 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, referred to in subsec. (a)(51)(G), is section 309 of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208, which is set out as a note under this section.

Section 1432 of this title, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), was repealed by Pub. L. 106–395, title I, §103(a), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1632.

Codification

September 30, 1996, referred to in the concluding provisions of subsec. (a)(43), was in the original “the date of enactment of this paragraph”, which was translated as meaning the date of enactment of section 321(b) of Pub. L. 104–208, which inserted that language, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Amendments

2010—Subsec. (a)(15)(F)(i). Pub. L. 111–306, §1(a)(1), substituted “an accredited language” for “a language”.

Subsec. (a)(52). Pub. L. 111–306, §1(a)(2), added par. (52).

Subsec. (b)(1)(G). Pub. L. 111–287 amended subpar. (G) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (G) provided that the term “child” includes a child who is migrating from certain foreign states to the United States to be adopted if the Attorney General is satisfied that certain criteria are met.

2009—Subsec. (a)(27)(C)(ii)(II), (III). Pub. L. 111–83 substituted “September 30, 2012,” for “September 30, 2009,”.

Pub. L. 111–9 substituted “September 30, 2009,” for “March 6, 2009,”.

2008—Subsec. (a)(15)(D)(ii). Pub. L. 110–229, §702(j)(1), inserted “or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands” after “Guam” in two places.

Subsec. (a)(15)(T)(i). Pub. L. 110–457, §201(a)(1)(A), substituted “Security, in consultation with the Attorney General,” for “Security and the Attorney General jointly;” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(15)(T)(i)(I). Pub. L. 110–457, §201(a)(1)(B), substituted semicolon for comma at end.

Subsec. (a)(15)(T)(i)(II). Pub. L. 110–457, §201(a)(1)(C), inserted at end “including physical presence on account of the alien having been allowed entry into the United States for participation in investigative or judicial processes associated with an act or a perpetrator of trafficking;”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(T)(i)(III)(bb). Pub. L. 110–457, §201(a)(1)(D)(i), (iii), added item (bb). Former item (bb) redesignated (cc).

Subsec. (a)(15)(T)(i)(III)(cc). Pub. L. 110–457, §201(a)(1)(D)(ii), (iv), redesignated item (bb) as (cc) and substituted “; and” for “, and”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(T)(ii)(III). Pub. L. 110–457, §201(a)(2), added subcl. (III).

Subsec. (a)(15)(T)(iii). Pub. L. 110–457, §201(a)(1)(E), (3), struck out cl. (iii) which read as follows: “if the Secretary of Homeland Security, in his or her discretion and with the consultation of the Attorney General, determines that a trafficking victim, due to psychological or physical trauma, is unable to cooperate with a request for assistance described in clause (i)(III)(aa), the request is unreasonable.”

Subsec. (a)(27)(C)(ii)(II), (III). Pub. L. 110–391 substituted “March 6, 2009,” for “October 1, 2008,”.

Subsec. (a)(27)(J)(i). Pub. L. 110–457, §235(d)(1)(A), substituted “State, or an individual or entity appointed by a State or juvenile court located in the United States, and whose reunification with 1 or both of the immigrant's parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis found under State law;” for “State and who has been deemed eligible by that court for long-term foster care due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment;”.

Subsec. (a)(27)(J)(iii). Pub. L. 110–457, §235(d)(1)(B)(i), substituted “the Secretary of Homeland Security consents to the grant of special immigrant juvenile status,” for “the Attorney General expressly consents to the dependency order serving as a precondition to the grant of special immigrant juvenile status;” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(27)(J)(iii)(I). Pub. L. 110–457, §235(d)(1)(B)(ii), substituted “in the custody of the Secretary of Health and Human Services unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services specifically consents to such jurisdiction;” for “in the actual or constructive custody of the Attorney General unless the Attorney General specifically consents to such jurisdiction;”.

Subsec. (a)(36), (38). Pub. L. 110–229, §702(j)(2), (3), substituted “the Virgin Islands of the United States, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands” for “and the Virgin Islands of the United States”.

2006—Subsec. (a)(15)(K)(i), (ii). Pub. L. 109–248, which directed insertion of “(other than a citizen described in section 1154(a)(1)(A)(viii)(I) of this title)” after “citizen of the United States” each place appearing in section 101(a)(15)(K), without specifying the Act to be amended, was executed to subsec. (a)(15)(K) of this section, which is section 101 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (a)(15)(T)(i). Pub. L. 109–162, §801(a)(1)(A), substituted “Secretary of Homeland Security, or in the case of subclause (III)(aa) the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General jointly;” for “Attorney General”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(T)(i)(III)(aa). Pub. L. 109–162, §801(a)(1)(B)(i), inserted “Federal, State, or local” before “investigation”.

Pub. L. 109–162, §801(a)(1)(B)(ii), which directed substitution of “or the investigation of crime where acts of trafficking are at least one central reason for the commission of that crime; or” for “, or”, was executed by making the substitution for “, or” the second time appearing to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (a)(15)(T)(i)(IV). Pub. L. 109–162, §801(a)(1)(C), struck out “and” at end.

Subsec. (a)(15)(T)(ii). Pub. L. 109–162, §801(a)(2), amended cl. (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (ii) read as follows: “if the Attorney General considers it necessary to avoid extreme hardship—

“(I) in the case of an alien described in clause (i) who is under 21 years of age, the spouse, children, unmarried siblings under 18 years of age on the date on which such alien applied for status under such clause, and parents of such alien; and

“(II) in the case of an alien described in clause (i) who is 21 years of age or older, the spouse and children of such alien,

if accompanying, or following to join, the alien described in clause (i);”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(T)(iii). Pub. L. 109–162, §801(a)(3), added cl. (iii).

Subsec. (a)(15)(U)(i). Pub. L. 109–162, §801(b)(1), substituted “Secretary of Homeland Security” for “Attorney General”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(U)(ii). Pub. L. 109–162, §801(b)(2), amended cl. (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (ii) read as follows: “if the Attorney General considers it necessary to avoid extreme hardship to the spouse, the child, or, in the case of an alien child, the parent of the alien described in clause (i), the Attorney General may also grant status under this paragraph based upon certification of a government official listed in clause (i)(III) that an investigation or prosecution would be harmed without the assistance of the spouse, the child, or, in the case of an alien child, the parent of the alien; and”.

Subsec. (a)(51). Pub. L. 109–162, §811, added par. (51).

Subsec. (b)(1)(E)(i). Pub. L. 109–162, §805(d), inserted before colon “or if the child has been battered or subject to extreme cruelty by the adopting parent or by a family member of the adopting parent residing in the same household”.

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 109–162, §822(c)(1), substituted “(10)(A)” for “(9)(A)”.

Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 109–162, §801(c)(1), substituted “Secretary of Homeland Security, the Attorney General,” for “Attorney General”.

Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 109–162, §801(c)(2), substituted “Secretary of Homeland Security” for “Attorney General”.

2005—Subsec. (a)(15)(E)(iii). Pub. L. 109–13 added cl. (iii).

Subsec. (a)(15)(H)(ii)(a). Pub. L. 109–90 substituted “, agriculture as defined in section 203(f) of title 29, and the pressing of apples for cider on a farm,” for “and agriculture as defined in section 203(f) of title 29,” and made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 3121(g) of title 26.

2004—Subsec. (a)(15)(Q). Pub. L. 108–449, §1(b)(1), substituted “Secretary of Homeland Security” for “Attorney General” in two places, “citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, 21 to 35 years of age, unemployed for not less than 12 months, and having a residence for not less than 18 months” for “35 years of age or younger having a residence”, and “24 months)” for “36 months)”.

Pub. L. 108–449, §1(a)(2)(B), amended Pub. L. 105–319, §2(d)(2). See 1998 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (f)(9). Pub. L. 108–458 added par. (9).

2003—Subsec. (a)(15)(H)(i). Pub. L. 108–77, §§107(c), 402(a)(1), temporarily substituted “1182(n)(1) of this title, or (b1) who is entitled to enter the United States under and in pursuance of the provisions of an agreement listed in section 1184(g)(8)(A) of this title, who is engaged in a specialty occupation described in section 1184(i)(3) of this title, and with respect to whom the Secretary of Labor determines and certifies to the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State that the intending employer has filed with the Secretary of Labor an attestation under section 1182(t)(1) of this title, or (c)” for “1182(n)(1) of this title, or (c)”. See Effective and Termination Dates of 2003 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (a)(15)(T). Pub. L. 108–193, §8(a)(1)(A), (B), substituted “1184(o) of this title,” for “1184(n) of this title,” and realigned margins.

Subsec. (a)(15)(T)(i)(III)(bb). Pub. L. 108–193, §4(b)(1)(A), substituted “18 years of age,” for “15 years of age,”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(T)(ii)(I). Pub. L. 108–193, §4(b)(1)(B), inserted “unmarried siblings under 18 years of age on the date on which such alien applied for status under such clause,” before “and parents”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(U). Pub. L. 108–193, §8(a)(1)(A), (C), substituted “1184(p) of this title,” for “1184(o) of this title,” in cl. (i) and realigned margins.

Subsec. (a)(15)(V). Pub. L. 108–193, §8(a)(1)(D), substituted “1184(q) of this title,” for “1184(o) of this title,” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(27)(C)(ii)(II), (III). Pub. L. 108–99 substituted “2008,” for “2003,”.

Subsec. (a)(43)(K)(iii). Pub. L. 108–193, §4(b)(5), amended cl. (iii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (iii) read as follows: “is described in section 1581, 1582, 1583, 1584, 1585, or 1588 of title 18 (relating to peonage, slavery, and involuntary servitude);”.

2002—Subsec. (a)(15)(F)(ii), (iii). Pub. L. 107–274, §2(a), added cls. (ii) and (iii) and struck out former cl. (ii) which read as follows: “and (ii) the alien spouse and minor children of any such alien if accompanying him or following to join him;”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(L). Pub. L. 107–125 inserted “subject to section 1184(c)(2) of this title,” before “an alien who”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(M)(ii), (iii). Pub. L. 107–274, §2(b), added cls. (ii) and (iii) and struck out former cl. (ii) which read as follows: “and (ii) the alien spouse and minor children of any such alien if accompanying him or following to join him;”.

2000—Subsec. (a)(15)(K). Pub. L. 106–553, §1(a)(2) [title XI, §1103(a)], amended subpar. (K) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (K) read as follows: “an alien who is the fiance�AE1e or fiance�AE1 of a citizen of the United States and who seeks to enter the United States solely to conclude a valid marriage with the petitioner within ninety days after admission, and the minor children of such fiance�AE1e or fiance�AE1 accompanying him or following to join him;”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(T). Pub. L. 106–386, §107(e)(1), added subpar. (T).

Subsec. (a)(15)(U). Pub. L. 106–386, §1513(b), added subpar. (U).

Subsec. (a)(15)(V). Pub. L. 106–553, §1(a)(2) [title XI, §1102(a)], added subpar. (V).

Subsec. (a)(27)(C)(ii)(II), (III). Pub. L. 106–409 substituted “2003,” for “2000,”.

Subsec. (a)(27)(M). Pub. L. 106–536 added subpar. (M).

Subsec. (a)(50). Pub. L. 106–386, §1503(a), added par. (50).

Subsec. (b)(1)(G). Pub. L. 106–279, §302(a), added subpar. (G).

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 106–279, §302(c), inserted “and paragraph (1)(G)(i)” after “second proviso therein)”.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 106–395 inserted at end: “In the case of an alien who makes a false statement or claim of citizenship, or who registers to vote or votes in a Federal, State, or local election (including an initiative, recall, or referendum) in violation of a lawful restriction of such registration or voting to citizens, if each natural parent of the alien (or, in the case of an adopted alien, each adoptive parent of the alien) is or was a citizen (whether by birth or naturalization), the alien permanently resided in the United States prior to attaining the age of 16, and the alien reasonably believed at the time of such statement, claim, or violation that he or she was a citizen, no finding that the alien is, or was, not of good moral character may be made based on it.”

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 106–386, §107(e)(4), added subsec. (i).

1999—Subsec. (a)(15)(H)(i)(a). Pub. L. 106–95, §2(c), struck out subcl. (a) which read as follows: “who is coming temporarily to the United States to perform services as a registered nurse, who meets the qualifications described in section 1182(m)(1) of this title, and with respect to whom the Secretary of Labor determines and certifies to the Attorney General that an unexpired attestation is on file and in effect under section 1182(m)(2) of this title for each facility (which facility shall include the petitioner and each worksite, other than a private household worksite, if the worksite is not the alien's employer or controlled by the employer) for which the alien will perform the services, or”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(H)(i)(c). Pub. L. 106–95, §2(a), added subcl. (c).

Subsec. (b)(1)(E). Pub. L. 106–139, §1(a)(1), designated existing provisions as cl. (i) and added cl. (ii).

Subsec. (b)(1)(F). Pub. L. 106–139, §1(a)(2), designated existing provisions as cl. (i), substituted “; or” for period at end, and added cl. (ii).

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 106–139, §1(b)(1), substituted “16 years (except to the extent that the child is described in subparagraph (E)(ii) or (F)(ii) of subsection (b)(1) of this section),” for “sixteen years,”.

1998—Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 105–277, §2222(e), inserted “or employee” after “other officer” and “or, when used in subchapter III, for the purpose of adjudicating nationality” before period at end.

Subsec. (a)(15)(N). Pub. L. 105–277, §421(b), inserted “(or under analogous authority under paragraph (27)(L))” after “(27)(I)(i)” in cl. (i) and after “(27)(I)” in cl. (ii).

Subsec. (a)(15)(Q). Pub. L. 105–319, §2(e)(2), formerly §2(d)(2), renumbered §2(e)(2) and amended Pub. L. 108–449, §1(a)(2)(B), (3)(A), struck out cl. (i) designation before “an alien having a residence” and struck out at end: “or (ii)(I) an alien citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, 21 to 35 years of age, unemployed for not less than 12 months, and having a residence for not less than 18 months in Northern Ireland, or the counties of Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo, and Donegal within the Republic of Ireland, which the alien has no intention of abandoning who is coming temporarily (for a period not to exceed 24 months) to the United States as a participant in a cultural and training program approved by the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security under section 2(a) of the Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998 for the purpose of providing practical training, employment, and the experience of coexistence and conflict resolution in a diverse society, and (II) the alien spouse and minor children of any such alien if accompanying the alien or following to join the alien;”.

Pub. L. 105–319, §2(b)(1), designated existing provisions as cl. (i) and added cl. (ii).

Subsec. (a)(27)(L). Pub. L. 105–277, §421(a), added subpar. (L).

1997—Subsec. (a)(27)(C)(ii)(II), (III). Pub. L. 105–54 substituted “2000” for “1997”.

Subsec. (a)(27)(J). Pub. L. 105–119 amended subpar. (J) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (J) read as follows: “an immigrant (i) who has been declared dependent on a juvenile court located in the United States or whom such a court has legally committed to, or placed under the custody of, an agency or department of a State and who has been deemed eligible by that court for long-term foster care, and (ii) for whom it has been determined in administrative or judicial proceedings that it would not be in the alien's best interest to be returned to the alien's or parent's previous country of nationality or country of last habitual residence; except that no natural parent or prior adoptive parent of any alien provided special immigrant status under this subparagraph shall thereafter, by virtue of such parentage, be accorded any right, privilege, or status under this chapter; or”.

1996—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 104–208, §104(a), inserted at end “Such regulations shall provide that (A) each such document include a biometric identifier (such as the fingerprint or handprint of the alien) that is machine readable and (B) an alien presenting a border crossing identification card is not permitted to cross over the border into the United States unless the biometric identifier contained on the card matches the appropriate biometric characteristic of the alien.”

Subsec. (a)(13). Pub. L. 104–208, §301(a), amended par. (13) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (13) read as follows: “The term ‘entry’ means any coming of an alien into the United States, from a foreign port or place or from an outlying possession, whether voluntarily or otherwise, except that an alien having a lawful permanent residence in the United States shall not be regarded as making an entry into the United States for the purposes of the immigration laws if the alien proves to the satisfaction of the Attorney General that his departure to a foreign port or place or to an outlying possession was not intended or reasonably to be expected by him or his presence in a foreign port or place or in an outlying possession was not voluntary: Provided, That no person whose departure from the United States was occasioned by deportation proceedings, extradition, or other legal process shall be held to be entitled to such exception.”

Subsec. (a)(15)(F)(i). Pub. L. 104–208, §625(a)(2), inserted “consistent with section 1184(l) of this title” after “such a course of study”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(K). Pub. L. 104–208, §308(f)(1)(A), substituted “admission” for “entry”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(S). Pub. L. 104–208, §671(a)(3)(B), substituted “section 1184(k)” for “section 1184(j)” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(17). Pub. L. 104–208, §308(d)(4)(A), substituted “expulsion, or removal” for “or expulsion”.

Subsec. (a)(30). Pub. L. 104–208, §308(f)(1)(B), substituted “admission” for “entry”.

Subsec. (a)(42). Pub. L. 104–208, §601(a)(1), inserted at end “For purposes of determinations under this chapter, a person who has been forced to abort a pregnancy or to undergo involuntary sterilization, or who has been persecuted for failure or refusal to undergo such a procedure or for other resistance to a coercive population control program, shall be deemed to have been persecuted on account of political opinion, and a person who has a well founded fear that he or she will be forced to undergo such a procedure or subject to persecution for such failure, refusal, or resistance shall be deemed to have a well founded fear of persecution on account of political opinion.”

Subsec. (a)(43). Pub. L. 104–208, §321(b), inserted at end of concluding provisions “Notwithstanding any other provision of law (including any effective date), the term applies regardless of whether the conviction was entered before, on, or after September 30, 1996.”

Subsec. (a)(43)(A). Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(1), inserted “, rape, or sexual abuse of a minor” after “murder”.

Subsec. (a)(43)(D). Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(2), substituted “$10,000” for “$100,000”.

Subsec. (a)(43)(F). Pub. L. 104–208, §322(a)(2)(A), struck out “imposed (regardless of any suspension of imprisonment)” after “term of imprisonment”.

Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(3), substituted “at least one year” for “is at least 5 years”.

Subsec. (a)(43)(G). Pub. L. 104–208, §322(a)(2)(A), which directed amendment of subpar. (G) by striking out “imposed (regardless of any suspension of imprisonment)”, was executed by striking out “imposed (regardless of any suspension of such imprisonment)” after “term of imprisonment” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(3), substituted “at least one year” for “is at least 5 years”.

Subsec. (a)(43)(J). Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(4), substituted “sentence of one year imprisonment” for “sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment”.

Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(1), inserted “, or an offense described in section 1084 (if it is a second or subsequent offense) or 1955 of that title (relating to gambling offenses),” after “corrupt organizations)”.

Subsec. (a)(43)(K)(i). Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(2)(A), struck out “or” at end.

Subsec. (a)(43)(K)(ii). Pub. L. 104–208, §671(b)(5), struck out comma after “1588”.

Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(5), inserted “if committed” before “for commercial advantage”.

Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(2)(C), added cl. (ii). Former cl. (ii) redesignated (iii).

Subsec. (a)(43)(K)(iii). Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(2)(B), redesignated cl. (ii) as (iii).

Subsec. (a)(43)(L)(iii). Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(6), added cl. (iii).

Subsec. (a)(43)(M). Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(7), substituted “$10,000” for “$200,000” in cls. (i) and (ii).

Subsec. (a)(43)(N). Pub. L. 104–208, §322(a)(2)(A), which directed amendment of subpar. (N) by striking “imposed (regardless of any suspension of imprisonment)”, could not be executed because that phrase did not appear subsequent to amendment by Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(8). See below.

Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(8), substituted “, except in the case of a first offense for which the alien has affirmatively shown that the alien committed the offense for the purpose of assisting, abetting, or aiding only the alien's spouse, child, or parent (and no other individual) to violate a provision of this chapter” for “for which the term of imprisonment imposed (regardless of any suspension of imprisonment) at least one year;”.

Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(3), substituted “at least one year” for “is at least 5 years”.

Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(3), amended subpar. (N) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (N) read as follows: “an offense described in section 274(a)(1) of title 18, United States Code (relating to alien smuggling) for the purpose of commercial advantage;”.

Subsec. (a)(43)(O). Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(7), added subpar. (O).

Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(6), redesignated subpar. (O) as (P).

Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(4), amended subpar. (O) generally. Prior to amendment subpar. (O) read as follows: “an offense described in section 1546(a) of title 18 (relating to document fraud) which constitutes trafficking in the documents described in such section for which the term of imprisonment imposed (regardless of any suspicion of such imprisonment) is at least 5 years;”.

Subsec. (a)(43)(P). Pub. L. 104–208, §322(a)(2)(A), which directed amendment of subpar. (P) by striking out “imposed (regardless of any suspension of imprisonment)”, was executed by striking out “imposed (regardless of any suspension of such imprisonment)” after “term of imprisonment” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(9), substituted “12 months, except in the case of a first offense for which the alien has affirmatively shown that the alien committed the offense for the purpose of assisting, abetting, or aiding only the alien's spouse, child, or parent (and no other individual) to violate a provision of this chapter” for “18 months”.

Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(3), which directed amendment of subpar. (P) by substituting “at least one year” for “is at least 5 years”, could not be executed because “is at least 5 years” did not appear subsequent to amendments by Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(4), (6). See above.

Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(6), redesignated subpar. (O) as (P). Former subpar. (P) redesignated (Q).

Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(5), substituted “5 years or more;” for “15 years or more; and”.

Subsec. (a)(43)(Q). Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(6), redesignated subpar. (P) as (Q). Former subpar. (Q) redesignated (U).

Subsec. (a)(43)(R). Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(10), substituted “for which the term of imprisonment is at least one year” for “for which a sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment or more may be imposed”.

Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(8), added subpar. (R).

Subsec. (a)(43)(S). Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(11), substituted “for which the term of imprisonment is at least one year” for “for which a sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment or more may be imposed”.

Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(8), added subpar. (S).

Subsec. (a)(43)(T). Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(8), added subpar. (T).

Subsec. (a)(43)(U). Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(6), redesignated subpar. (Q) as (U).

Subsec. (a)(47). Pub. L. 104–132, §440(b), added par. (47).

Subsec. (a)(48). Pub. L. 104–208, §322(a)(1), added par. (48).

Subsec. (a)(49). Pub. L. 104–208, §361(a), added par. (49).

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 104–208, §371(a), amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows: “The term ‘special inquiry officer’ means any immigration officer who the Attorney General deems specially qualified to conduct specified classes of proceedings, in whole or in part, required by this chapter to be conducted by or before a special inquiry officer and who is designated and selected by the Attorney General, individually or by regulation, to conduct such proceedings. Such special inquiry officer shall be subject to such supervision and shall perform such duties, not inconsistent with this chapter, as the Attorney General shall prescribe.”

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 104–208, §671(e)(2), substituted “and 1432” for “, 1432, and 1433”.

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 104–208, §308(d)(3)(A), substituted “inadmissible” for “excludable”.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 104–208, §308(e)(3), substituted “deported or removed” for “deported” in two places.

1995—Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 104–51, §1(1)(A), substituted “child born in wedlock” for “legitimate child”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 104–51, §1(1)(B), substituted “a child born out of wedlock” for “an illegitimate child”.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 104–51, §1(2) substituted “a child born out of wedlock” for “an illegitimate child”.

1994—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103–236 substituted “official designated by the Secretary of State pursuant to section 1104(b) of this title” for “Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(S). Pub. L. 103–322 added subpar. (S).

Subsec. (a)(27)(C)(ii)(II), (III). Pub. L. 103–416, §214, substituted “1997,” for “1994,”.

Subsec. (a)(27)(D). Pub. L. 103–416, §201, inserted “or of the American Institute in Taiwan,” after “Government abroad,” and “(or, in the case of the American Institute in Taiwan, the Director thereof)” after “Service establishment”.

Subsec. (a)(27)(F)(ii). Pub. L. 103–337 inserted “or continues to be employed by the United States Government in an area of the former Canal Zone” after “employment”.

Subsec. (a)(27)(I)(iii)(II). Pub. L. 103–416, §202, added subcl. (II) and struck out former subcl. (II) which read as follows: “files a petition for status under this subparagraph before January 1, 1993, and no later than six months after the date of such retirement or six months after October 24, 1988, whichever is later; or”.

Subsec. (a)(27)(J)(i). Pub. L. 103–416, §219(a), substituted “or whom such a court has legally committed to, or placed under the custody of, an agency or department of a State and who has” for “and has” before “been deemed”.

Subsec. (a)(43). Pub. L. 103–416, §222(a), amended par. (43) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (43) read as follows: “The term ‘aggravated felony’ means murder, any illicit trafficking in any controlled substance (as defined in section 802 of title 21), including any drug trafficking crime as defined in section 924(c)(2) of title 18, or any illicit trafficking in any firearms or destructive devices as defined in section 921 of such title, any offense described in section 1956 of title 18 (relating to laundering of monetary instruments), or any crime of violence (as defined in section 16 of title 18, not including a purely political offense) for which the term of imprisonment imposed (regardless of any suspension of such imprisonment) is at least 5 years, or any attempt or conspiracy to commit any such act. Such term applies to offenses described in the previous sentence whether in violation of Federal or State law and also applies to offenses described in the previous sentence in violation of foreign law for which the term of imprisonment was completed within the previous 15 years.”

1991—Subsec. (a)(15)(D)(i). Pub. L. 102–232, §309(b)(1), inserted a comma after “States)”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(H)(i)(b). Pub. L. 102–232, §303(a)(7)(A), struck out “, and had approved by,” after “has filed with”.

Pub. L. 102–232, §303(a)(5)(A), inserted “subject to section 1182(j)(2) of this title,” after “or (b)”.

Pub. L. 102–232, §207(b), inserted “or as a fashion model” after “section 1184(i)(1) of this title” and “or, in the case of a fashion model, is of distinguished merit and ability” after “section 1184(i)(2) of this title”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(O)(i). Pub. L. 102–232, §205(b), struck out before semicolon at end “, but only if the Attorney General determines that the alien's entry into the United States will substantially benefit prospectively the United States”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(O)(ii)(III)(b). Pub. L. 102–232, §205(c), substituted “significant production (including pre- and post-production work)” for “significant principal photography”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(P)(i). Pub. L. 102–232, §203(a), amended cl. (i) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (i) read as follows:

“(I) performs as an athlete, individually or as part of a group or team, at an internationally recognized level of performance, or performs as part of an entertainment group that has been recognized internationally as being outstanding in the discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time and has had a sustained and substantial relationship with that group over a period of at least 1 year and provides functions integral to the performance of the group, and

“(II) seeks to enter the United States temporarily and solely for the purpose of performing as such an athlete or entertainer with respect to a specific athletic competition or performance;”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(P)(ii)(II). Pub. L. 102–232, §206(b), (c)(1), inserted “or organizations” after “and an organization” and struck out before semicolon at end “, between the United States and the foreign states involved”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(P)(iii)(II). Pub. L. 102–232, §206(d), substituted “to perform, teach, or coach” for “for the purpose of performing” and inserted “commercial or noncommercial” before “program”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(Q). Pub. L. 102–232, §303(a)(14), substituted “approved” for “designated”.

Subsec. (a)(24). Pub. L. 102–232, §305(m)(1), struck out par. (24) which defined “naturalization court”.

Subsec. (a)(27)(I)(ii)(II), (iii)(II). Pub. L. 102–232, §302(e)(8)(A), substituted “files a petition for status” for “applies for a visa or adjustment of status”.

Subsec. (a)(27)(K). Pub. L. 102–110 added subpar. (K).

Subsec. (a)(43). Pub. L. 102–232, §306(a)(1), struck out comma before period at end of first sentence.

Subsec. (a)(46). Pub. L. 102–232, §205(a), added par. (46).

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 102–232, §309(b)(4), struck out reference to section 1434.

1990—Subsec. (a)(15)(D)(i). Pub. L. 101–649, §203(c), substituted “a capacity” for “any capacity” and inserted “, as defined in section 1288(a) of this title” after “on board a vessel”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(E)(i). Pub. L. 101–649, §204(a), inserted “, including trade in services or trade in technology” after “substantial trade”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(H). Pub. L. 101–649, §205(e)(1), struck out “having a residence in a foreign country which he has no intention of abandoning” after “an alien”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(H)(i)(a). Pub. L. 101–649, §162(f)(2)(A), substituted “for each facility (which facility shall include the petitioner and each worksite, other than a private household worksite, if the worksite is not the alien's employer or controlled by the employer) for which the alien will perform the services, or” for “for the facility for which the alien will perform the services, or”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(H)(i)(b). Pub. L. 101–649, §205(c)(1), substituted “who is coming temporarily to the United States to perform services (other than services described in subclause (a) during the period in which such subclause applies and other than services described in subclause (ii)(a) or in subparagraph (O) or (P)) in a specialty occupation described in section 1184(i)(1) of this title, who meets the requirements for the occupation specified in section 1184(i)(2) of this title, and with respect to whom the Secretary of Labor determines and certifies to the Attorney General that the intending employer has filed with, and had approved by, the Secretary an application under section 1182(n)(1) of this title” for “who is of distinguished merit and ability and who is coming temporarily to the United States to perform services (other than services as a registered nurse) of an exceptional nature requiring such merit and ability, and who, in the case of a graduate of a medical school coming to the United States to perform services as a member of the medical profession, is coming pursuant to an invitation from a public or nonprofit private educational or research institution or agency in the United States to teach or conduct research, or both, at or for such institution or agency”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(H)(ii). Pub. L. 101–649, §205(e)(2), (3), substituted “(a) having a residence in a foreign country which he has no intention of abandoning who is coming temporarily to the United States” for “who is coming temporarily to the United States (a)”, and in subcl. (b) inserted “having a residence in a foreign country which he has no intention of abandoning who is coming temporarily to the United States” after “(b)”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(H)(iii). Pub. L. 101–649, §205(e)(4), inserted “having a residence in a foreign country which he has no intention of abandoning” after “(iii)”.

Pub. L. 101–649, §205(d), inserted “, in a training program that is not designed primarily to provide productive employment” before semicolon at end.

Subsec. (a)(15)(L). Pub. L. 101–649, §206(c), substituted “within 3 years preceding” for “immediately preceding”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(O), (P). Pub. L. 101–649, §207(a), added subpars. (O) and (P).

Subsec. (a)(15)(Q). Pub. L. 101–649, §208, added subpar. (Q).

Subsec. (a)(15)(R). Pub. L. 101–649, §209(a), added subpar. (R).

Subsec. (a)(27)(C). Pub. L. 101–649, §151(a), amended subpar. (C) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (C) read as follows: “(i) an immigrant who continuously for at least two years immediately preceding the time of his application for admission to the United States has been, and who seeks to enter the United States solely for the purpose of carrying on the vocation of minister of a religious denomination, and whose services are needed by such religious denomination having a bona fide organization in the United States; and (ii) the spouse or the child of any such immigrant, if accompanying or following to join him;”.

Subsec. (a)(27)(J). Pub. L. 101–649, §153(a), added subpar. (J).

Subsec. (a)(36). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(a)(2), struck out “(except as used in section 1421(a) of this title)” after “includes”.

Subsec. (a)(43). Pub. L. 101–649, §501(a)(6), inserted “and also applies to offenses described in the previous sentence in violation of foreign law for which the term of imprisonment was completed within the previous 15 years” after “Federal or State law”.

Pub. L. 101–649, §501(a)(5), inserted at end “Such term applies to offenses described in the previous sentence whether in violation of Federal or State law.”

Pub. L. 101–649, §501(a)(4), struck out “committed within the United States” after “to commit any such act,”.

Pub. L. 101–649, §501(a)(3), inserted “any offense described in section 1956 of title 18 (relating to laundering of monetary instruments), or any crime of violence (as defined in section 16 of title 18, not including a purely political offense) for which the term of imprisonment imposed (regardless of any suspension of such imprisonment) is at least 5 years,” after “section 921 of such title,”.

Pub. L. 101–649, §501(a)(2), inserted “any illicit trafficking in any controlled substance (as defined in section 802 of title 21), including” after “murder,”.

Pub. L. 101–649, §501(a)(1), aligned margin of par. (43).

Subsec. (a)(44). Pub. L. 101–649, §123, added par. (44).

Subsec. (a)(45). Pub. L. 101–649, §204(c), added par. (45).

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 101–649, §603(a)(1)(A), substituted “paragraphs (2)(D), (6)(E), and (9)(A)” for “paragraphs (11), (12), and (31)”.

Pub. L. 101–649, §603(a)(1)(B), substituted “subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 1182(a)(2) of this title and subparagraph (C) thereof” for “paragraphs (9) and (10) of section 1182(a) of this title and paragraph (23)”.

Subsec. (f)(8). Pub. L. 101–649, §509(a), substituted “an aggravated felony (as defined in subsection (a)(43) of this section)” for “the crime of murder”.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 101–649, §603(a)(1)(C), substituted “1182(a)(2)(E) of this title” for “1182(a)(34) of this title”.

Pub. L. 101–246 added subsec. (h).

1989—Subsec. (a)(15)(H)(i). Pub. L. 101–238 added subcl. (a), designated existing provisions as subcl. (b), and inserted “(other than services as a registered nurse)” after “to perform services”.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 101–162 inserted before period at end “, except that, for purposes of paragraph (1)(F) (other than the second proviso therein) in the case of an illegitimate child described in paragraph (1)(D) (and not described in paragraph (1)(C)), the term ‘parent’ does not include the natural father of the child if the father has disappeared or abandoned or deserted the child or if the father has in writing irrevocably released the child for emigration and adoption”.

1988—Subsec. (a)(15)(J). Pub. L. 100–525, §9(a)(1), substituted “Director of the United States Information Agency” for “Secretary of State”.

Subsec. (a)(27)(I)(i)(II), (ii)(II), (iii)(II). Pub. L. 100–525, §2(o)(1), substituted “October 24, 1988” for “November 6, 1986” and “applies for a visa or adjustment of status” for “applies for admission”.

Subsec. (a)(38). Pub. L. 100–525, §9(a)(2), struck out “For the purpose of issuing certificates of citizenship to persons who are citizens of the United States, the term ‘United States’ as used in section 1452 of this title includes the Canal Zone.”

Subsec. (a)(43). Pub. L. 100–690 added par. (43).

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 100–459, temporarily inserted before period at end “, except that, for purposes of paragraph (1)(F) in the case of an illegitimate child described in paragraph (1)(D) (and not described in paragraph (1)(C)), the term ‘parent’ does not include the natural father of the child if the father has disappeared or abandoned or deserted the child or if the father has in writing irrevocably released the child for emigration and adoption”. See Effective and Termination Dates of 1988 Amendments note below.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 100–525, §8(b), repealed Pub. L. 99–653, §3. See 1986 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–525, §9(a)(3), struck out subsec. (d) defining “veteran”, “Spanish-American War”, “World War I”, “World War II”, and “Korean hostilities” as those terms were used in part III of subchapter III of this chapter.

1986—Subsec. (a)(15)(D). Pub. L. 99–505 designated existing provisions as cl. (i) and added cl. (ii).

Subsec. (a)(15)(H). Pub. L. 99–603, §301(a), designated existing provisions of cl. (ii) as subcl. (b) and added subcl. (a) relating to persons performing agricultural labor or services as defined by the Secretary of Labor in regulations and including agricultural labor as defined in section 3121(g) of title 26 and agriculture as defined in section 203(f) of title 29 of a temporary or seasonal nature.

Subsec. (a)(15)(N). Pub. L. 99–603, §312(b), added subpar. (N).

Subsec. (a)(27)(I). Pub. L. 99–603, §312(a), added subpar. (I).

Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 99–603, §315(a), inserted “or to its natural father if the father has or had a bona fide parent-child relationship with the person”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(E). Pub. L. 99–653, §2, struck out “thereafter” after “the child has”.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 99–653, §3, which struck out par. (1) defining “child”, was repealed by Pub. L. 100–525, §8(b), and such par. (1) was revived as of Nov. 14, 1986, see Repeal and Revival note below.

1984—Subsec. (a)(9). Priv. L. 98–47 struck out provisions which directed that in Canal Zone and outlying possessions of the United States “consular officer” meant an officer designated by the Governor of the Canal Zone, or the governors of the outlying possessions for purposes of issuing immigrant or nonimmigrant visas under this chapter.

1981—Subsec. (a)(15)(F). Pub. L. 97–116, §§2(a)(1), 18(a)(1), substituted in cl. (i) “college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program” for “institution of learning or other recognized place of study”, and “Secretary of Education” for “Office of Education of the United States”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(H), (J), (K), (L). Pub. L. 97–116, §18(a)(2), substituted a semicolon for a period at end of subpars. (H), (J), (K), and (L) and inserted “or” at end of subpar. (L).

Subsec. (a)(15)(M). Pub. L. 97–116, §2(a)(2), added subpar. (M).

Subsec. (a)(27)(H). Pub. L. 97–116, §5(d)(1), added subpar. (H).

Subsec. (a)(33). Pub. L. 97–116, §18(a)(3), struck out provision that residence be considered continuous for the purposes of sections 1482 and 1484 of this title where there is a continuity of stay but not necessarily an uninterrupted physical presence in a foreign state or states or outside the United States.

Subsec. (b)(1)(A), (B). Pub. L. 97–116, §18(a)(5)(A), struck out “or” at the end.

Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 97–116, §18(a)(5)(B), substituted a semicolon for the period at end.

Subsec. (b)(1)(E). Pub. L. 97–116, §§2(b), 18(a)(5)(C), substituted “sixteen” for “fourteen”, and “; or” for the period at the end.

Subsec. (b)(1)(F). Pub. L. 97–116, §2(b), substituted “sixteen” for “fourteen”.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 97–116, §2(c), struck out par. (2) which provided that a person not be considered a person of good moral character if within the period for which good moral character is required to be established the person commits adultery, and substituted in par. (3) “paragraphs (9) and (10) of section 1182(a) of this title and paragraph (23) of such section (except as such paragraph relates to a single offense of simple possession of 30 grams or less of marihuana)” for “paragraphs (9), (10), and (23) of section 1182(a) of this title”.

1980—Subsec. (a)(42). Pub. L. 96–212 added par. (42).

1979—Subsec. (a)(27)(E) to (G). Pub. L. 96–70 added subpars. (E) to (G).

1977—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 95–105 substituted “Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs” for “administrator of the Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs of the Department of State”.

Subsec. (a)(41). Pub. L. 95–83 inserted “a” after “graduates of” and “, other than such aliens who are of national or international renown in the field of medicine” after “in a foreign state”.

1976—Subsec. (a)(15)(H)(i). Pub. L. 94–484, §601(b)(1), inserted “, and who, in the case of a graduate of a medical school coming to the United States to perform services as a member of the medical profession, is coming pursuant to an invitation from a public or nonprofit private educational or research institution or agency in the United States to teach or conduct research, or both, at or for such institution or agency”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(H)(ii). Pub. L. 94–484, §601(b)(2), inserted “, but this clause shall not apply to graduates of medical schools coming to the United States to perform services as members of the medical profession”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(H)(iii). Pub. L. 94–484, §601(b)(3), inserted “, other than to receive graduate medical education or training”.

Subsec. (a)(15)(J). Pub. L. 94–484, §601(b)(4), inserted “and who, if he is coming to the United States to participate in a program under which he will receive graduate medical education or training, also meets the requirements of section 1182(j) of this title”.

Subsec. (a)(27). Pub. L. 94–571 struck out subpar. (A) provision defining term “special immigrant” to include an immigrant born in any independent foreign country of the Western Hemisphere or in the Canal Zone and the spouse and children of any such immigrant, if accompanying, or following to join him and restricting issuance of an immigrant visa until consular officer was in receipt of a determination made by the Secretary of Labor pursuant to former provisions of section 1182(a)(14) of this title; and redesignated as subpars. (A) to (D) former subpars. (B) to (E).

Subsec. (a)(41). Pub. L. 94–484, §601(e), added par. (41).

1975—Subsec. (b)(1)(F). Pub. L. 94–155 provided for adoption of alien children under the age of fourteen by unmarried United States citizens who are at least twenty-five years of age and inserted requirement that before adoption the Attorney General be satisfied that proper care will be provided the child after admission.

1970—Subsec. (a)(15)(H). Pub. L. 91–225, §1(a), provided for nonimmigrant alien status for alien spouse and minor children of any alien specified in par. (H) if accompanying him or following to join him and struck out “temporary”, “other”, and “industrial” before “services”, “temporary services”, and “trainee” in cls. (i) to (iii), respectively.

Subsec. (a)(15)(K), (L). Pub. L. 91–225, §1(b), added subpars. (K) and (L).

1966—Subsec. (a)(38). Pub. L. 89–710 inserted sentence providing that term “United States” as used in section 1452 of this title, for the purpose of issuing certificates of citizenship to persons who are citizens of the United States, shall include the Canal Zone.

1965—Subsec. (a)(27). Pub. L. 89–236, §8(a), substituted “special immigrant” for “nonquota immigrant” as term being defined.

Subsec. (a)(32). Pub. L. 89–236, §8(b), substituted term “profession” and its definition for term “quota immigrant” and its definition.

Subsec. (b)(1)(F). Pub. L. 89–236, §8(c), expanded definition to include a child, under the age of 14 at the time a petition is filed in his behalf to accord a classification as an immediate relative or who is an orphan because of the death or disappearance of, abandonment or desertion by, or separation or loss from, both parents, or for whom the sole or surviving parent is incapable of providing the proper care which will be provided the child if admitted to the United States and who has in writing irrevocably released the child for emigration and adoption, and made minor amendments in the existing definition.

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 89–236, §24, struck out par. (6) which defined term “eligible orphan”.

1961—Subsec. (a)(15). Pub. L. 87–256 included the alien spouse and minor children of any such alien if accompanying him or following to join him in subpar. (F), and added subpar. (J).

Subsec. (b)(1)(F). Pub. L. 87–301, §2, added subpar. (F).

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 87–301, §1, added par. (6).

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 87–301, §7(a), inserted “or from June 25, 1950, to July 1, 1955,”.

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 87–301, §7(b), inserted definition of “Korean hostilities”.

1959—Subsec. (a)(36). Pub. L. 86–3 struck out reference to Hawaii.

1958—Subsec. (a)(36). Pub. L. 85–508 struck out reference to Alaska.

1957—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 85–316 inserted “whether or not born out of wedlock” in subpar. (B), and added subpars. (D) and (E).

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–306, §1(b), Dec. 14, 2010, 124 Stat. 3280, provided that:

“(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall—

“(A) take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 14, 2010]; and

“(B) apply with respect to applications for a nonimmigrant visa under section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)(i)) that are filed on or after the effective date described in subparagraph (A).

“(2) Temporary exception.—

“(A) In general.—Notwithstanding section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended by subsection (a), during the 3-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, an alien seeking to enter the United States to pursue a course of study at a language training program that has been certified by the Secretary of Homeland Security and has not been accredited or denied accreditation by an entity described in section 101(a)(52) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(52)] may be granted a nonimmigrant visa under such section 101(a)(15)(F)(i).

“(B) Additional requirement.—An alien may not be granted a nonimmigrant visa under subparagraph (A) if the sponsoring institution of the language training program to which the alien seeks to enroll does not—

“(i) submit an application for the accreditation of such program to a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of Education within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act; and

“(ii) comply with the applicable accrediting requirements of such agency.”

Pub. L. 111–287, §4, Nov. 30, 2010, 124 Stat. 3059, provided that:

“(a) In General.—Except as provided in subsection (b), the amendments made by this Act [amending this section and section 1182 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 30, 2010].

“(b) Exception.—An alien who is described in section 101(b)(1)(G)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(b)(1)(G)(iii)], as added by section 3, and attained 18 years of age on or after April 1, 2008, shall be deemed to meet the age requirement specified in subclause (III) of such section if a petition for classification of the alien as an immediate relative under section 201(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)) is filed not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.”

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–457, title II, §201(f), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5054, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 1184 and 1255 of this title] shall—

“(1) take effect on the date of enactment of the Act [Dec. 23, 2008]; and

“(2) apply to applications for immigration benefits filed on or after such date.”

Pub. L. 110–391, §2(d), Oct. 10, 2008, 122 Stat. 4193, provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date that the Secretary of Homeland Security submits the certification described in subsection (b)(2) [set out as a note below] stating that the final regulations required by subsection (b)(1) [set out as a note below] have been issued and are in effect [Notice that the regulations have been issued and are in effect Nov. 26, 2008, was published in the Federal Register, Nov. 26, 2008. See 73 F.R. 72298.].”

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–229 effective on the transition program effective date described in section 1806 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions, see section 705(b) of Pub. L. 110–229, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1806 of Title 48.

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–162, title VIII, §822(c)(2), Jan. 5, 2006, 119 Stat. 3063, provided that: “The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall be effective as if included in section 603(a)(1) of the Immigration Act of 1990 (Public Law 101–649; 104 Stat. 5082).”

Effective and Termination Dates of 2003 Amendments

Pub. L. 108–99, §2, Oct. 15, 2003, 117 Stat. 1176, provided that: “The amendment made by section 1 [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 2003.”

Amendment by Pub. L. 108–77 effective on the date the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement enters into force (Jan. 1, 2004), and ceases to be effective on the date the Agreement ceases to be in force, see section 107 of Pub. L. 108–77, set out in a note under section 3805 of Title 19, Customs Duties.

Effective Date of 2000 Amendments

Pub. L. 106–553, §1(a)(2) [title XI, §1102(e)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2762, 2762A–144, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 1184 and 1255 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 21, 2000] and shall apply to an alien who is the beneficiary of a classification petition filed under section 204 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1154] on or before the date of the enactment of this Act.”

Pub. L. 106–553, §1(a)(2) [title XI, §1103(d)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2762, 2762A–146, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 1184, 1186a, and 1255 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 21, 2000] and shall apply to an alien who is the beneficiary of a classification petition filed under section 204 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1154] before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act.”

Pub. L. 106–409, §2(b), Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1787, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 2000.”

Pub. L. 106–395, title II, §201(a)(2), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1633, provided that: “The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall be effective as if included in the enactment of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–208; 110 Stat. 3009–546) and shall apply to individuals having an application for a benefit under the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.] pending on or after September 30, 1996.”

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–279 effective Apr. 1, 2008, see section 505(a)(2), (b) of Pub. L. 106–279, set out as an Effective Dates; Transition Rule note under section 14901 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–95 applicable to classification petitions filed for nonimmigrant status only beginning on the date that interim or final regulations are first promulgated and ending on the date 3 years after Dec. 20, 2006, see section 2(e) of Pub. L. 106–95, as amended, set out as a note under section 1182 of this title.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by section 2(e)(2) of Pub. L. 105–319 effective Oct. 1, 2008, see section 2(e)(2) of Pub. L. 105–319, formerly set out in an Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program note below.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendments

Pub. L. 105–139, §1(f), Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2645, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1151, 1153, and 1255 of this title]—

“(1) shall take effect upon the enactment of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act [title II of Pub. L. 105–100, approved Nov. 19, 1997] (as contained in the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 1998); and

“(2) shall be effective as if included in the enactment of such Act.”

Section 1(b) of Pub. L. 105–54 provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 6, 1997].”

Effective Date of 1996 Amendments

Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title I, §104(b), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–556, as amended by Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(b) [title IV, §410(c)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–50, 2681–104; Pub. L. 107–173, title VI, §601, May 14, 2002, 116 Stat. 564, provided that:

“(1) Clause a.—Clause (A) of the sentence added by the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to documents issued on or after 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996].

“(2) Clause b.—Clause (B) of such sentence shall apply to cards presented on or after 6 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.”

Section 309 of title III of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208, as amended by Pub. L. 104–302, §2(2), (3), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3657; Pub. L. 105–100, title II, §§203(a)–(c), 204(d), Nov. 19, 1997, 111 Stat. 2196–2199, 2201; Pub. L. 105–139, §1(c), Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2644; Pub. L. 106–386, div. B, title V, §§1506(b)(3), 1510(b), Oct. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 1527, 1531; Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(4) [div. B, title XV, §1505(c)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–327, provided that:

“(a) In General.—Except as provided in this section and sections 303(b)(2), 306(c), 308(d)(2)(D), or 308(d)(5) of this division [amending sections 1225, 1227, and 1251 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1225, 1226, 1227, and 1252 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 1225 of this title], this subtitle [subtitle A (§§301–309) of title III of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208, see Tables for classification] and the amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996] (in this title [see Tables for classification] referred to as the ‘title III–A effective date’).

“(b) Promulgation of Regulations.—The Attorney General shall first promulgate regulations to carry out this subtitle by not later than 30 days before the title III–A effective date.

“(c) Transition for Certain Aliens.—

“(1) General rule that new rules do not apply.—Subject to the succeeding provisions of this subsection, in the case of an alien who is in exclusion or deportation proceedings before the title III–A effective date—

“(A) the amendments made by this subtitle shall not apply, and

“(B) the proceedings (including judicial review thereof) shall continue to be conducted without regard to such amendments.

“(2) Attorney general option to elect to apply new procedures.—In a case described in paragraph (1) in which an evidentiary hearing under section 236 or 242 and 242B of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1226, 1252, former 1252b] has not commenced as of the title III–A effective date, the Attorney General may elect to proceed under chapter 4 of title II of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1221 et seq.] (as amended by this subtitle). The Attorney General shall provide notice of such election to the alien involved not later than 30 days before the date any evidentiary hearing is commenced. If the Attorney General makes such election, the notice of hearing provided to the alien under section 235 or 242(a) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1225, 1252(a)] shall be valid as if provided under section 239 of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1229] (as amended by this subtitle) to confer jurisdiction on the immigration judge.

“(3) Attorney general option to terminate and reinitiate proceedings.—In the case described in paragraph (1), the Attorney General may elect to terminate proceedings in which there has not been a final administrative decision and to reinitiate proceedings under chapter 4 of title II [of] the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1221 et seq.] (as amended by this subtitle). Any determination in the terminated proceeding shall not be binding in the reinitiated proceeding.

“(4) Transitional changes in judicial review.—In the case in which a final order of exclusion or deportation is entered more than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996], notwithstanding any provision of section 106 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [former 8 U.S.C. 1105a] (as in effect as of the date of the enactment of this Act) to the contrary—

“(A) in the case of judicial review of a final order of exclusion, subsection (b) of such section shall not apply and the action for judicial review shall be governed by the provisions of subsections (a) and (c) of such [section] in the same manner as they apply to judicial review of orders of deportation;

“(B) a court may not order the taking of additional evidence under section 2347(c) of title 28, United States Code;

“(C) the petition for judicial review must be filed not later than 30 days after the date of the final order of exclusion or deportation;

“(D) the petition for review shall be filed with the court of appeals for the judicial circuit in which the administrative proceedings before the special inquiry officer or immigration judge were completed;

“(E) there shall be no appeal of any discretionary decision under section 212(c), 212(h), 212(i), 244, or 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. former 1182(c), 1182(h), (i), former 1254, 1255] (as in effect as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996]);

“(F) service of the petition for review shall not stay the deportation of an alien pending the court's decision on the petition, unless the court orders otherwise; and

“(G) there shall be no appeal permitted in the case of an alien who is inadmissible or deportable by reason of having committed a criminal offense covered in section 212(a)(2) or section 241(a)(2)(A)(iii), (B), (C), or (D) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(2), former 1251(a)(2)(A)(iii), (B), (C), (D)] (as in effect as of the date of the enactment of this Act), or any offense covered by section 241(a)(2)(A)(ii) of such Act (as in effect on such date) for which both predicate offenses are, without regard to their date of commission, otherwise covered by section 241(a)(2)(A)(i) of such Act (as so in effect).

“(5) Transitional rules with regard to suspension of deportation.—

“(A) In general.—Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 240A(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1229b(d)(1), (2)] (relating to continuous residence or physical presence) shall apply to orders to show cause (including those referred to in section 242B(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [former 8 U.S.C. 1252b(a)(1)], as in effect before the title III–A effective date), issued before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996].

“(B) Exception for certain orders.—In any case in which the Attorney General elects to terminate and reinitiate proceedings in accordance with paragraph (3) of this subsection, paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 240A(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1229b(d)(1), (2)] shall not apply to an order to show cause issued before April 1, 1997.

“(C) Special rule for certain aliens granted temporary protection from deportation and for battered spouses and children.—

“(i) In general.—For purposes of calculating the period of continuous physical presence under section 244(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [former 8 U.S.C. 1254(a)] (as in effect before the title III–A effective date) or section 240A of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1229b] (as in effect after the title III–A effective date), subparagraph (A) of this paragraph and paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 240A(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act shall not apply in the case of an alien, regardless of whether the alien is in exclusion or deportation proceedings before the title III–A effective date, who has not been convicted at any time of an aggravated felony (as defined in section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)]) and—

     “(I) was not apprehended after December 19, 1990, at the time of entry, and is—

“(aa) a Salvadoran national who first entered the United States on or before September 19, 1990, and who registered for benefits pursuant to the settlement agreement in American Baptist Churches, et al. v. Thornburgh (ABC), 760 F. Supp. 796 (N.D. Cal. 1991) on or before October 31, 1991, or applied for temporary protected status on or before October 31, 1991; or

“(bb) a Guatemalan national who first entered the United States on or before October 1, 1990, and who registered for benefits pursuant to such settlement agreement on or before December 31, 1991;

     “(II) is a Guatemalan or Salvadoran national who filed an application for asylum with the Immigration and Naturalization Service on or before April 1, 1990;

     “(III) is the spouse or child (as defined in section 101(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(b)(1)]) of an individual, at the time a decision is rendered to suspend the deportation, or cancel the removal, of such individual, if the individual has been determined to be described in this clause (excluding this subclause and subclause (IV));

     “(IV) is the unmarried son or daughter of an alien parent, at the time a decision is rendered to suspend the deportation, or cancel the removal, of such alien parent, if—

“(aa) the alien parent has been determined to be described in this clause (excluding this subclause and subclause (III)); and

“(bb) in the case of a son or daughter who is 21 years of age or older at the time such decision is rendered, the son or daughter entered the United States on or before October 1, 1990;

     “(V) is an alien who entered the United States on or before December 31, 1990, who filed an application for asylum on or before December 31, 1991, and who, at the time of filing such application, was a national of the Soviet Union, Russia, any republic of the former Soviet Union, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Albania, East Germany, Yugoslavia, or any state of the former Yugoslavia; or

     “(VI) is an alien who was issued an order to show cause or was in deportation proceedings before April 1, 1997, and who applied for suspension of deportation under section 244(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [former 8 U.S.C. 1254(a)(3)] (as in effect before the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996]); or

     “(VII)(aa) was the spouse or child of an alien described in subclause (I), (II), or (V)—

“(AA) at the time at which a decision is rendered to suspend the deportation or cancel the removal of the alien;

“(BB) at the time at which the alien filed an application for suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal; or

“(CC) at the time at which the alien registered for benefits under the settlement agreement in American Baptist Churches, et. al. v. Thornburgh (ABC), applied for temporary protected status, or applied for asylum; and

     “(bb) the spouse, child, or child of the spouse has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty by the alien described in subclause (I), (II), or (V).

“(ii) Limitation on judicial review.—A determination by the Attorney General as to whether an alien satisfies the requirements of clause (i) is final and shall not be subject to review by any court. Nothing in the preceding sentence shall be construed as limiting the application of section 242(a)(2)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1252(a)(2)(B)] (as in effect after the title III–A effective date) to other eligibility determinations pertaining to discretionary relief under this Act [probably should be “division”, see Short Title of 1996 Amendment note below].

“(iii) Consideration of petitions.—In acting on a petition filed under subclause (VII) of clause (i) the provisions set forth in section 204(a)(1)(H) [probably means section 204(a)(1)(H) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified to section 1154(a)(1)(H) of this title] shall apply.

“(iv) Residence with spouse or parent not required.—For purposes of the application of clause (i)(VII), a spouse or child shall not be required to demonstrate that he or she is residing with the spouse or parent in the United States.

“(6) Transition for certain family unity aliens.—The Attorney General may waive the application of section 212(a)(9) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(9)], as inserted by section 301(b)(1) of this division, in the case of an alien who is provided benefits under the provisions of section 301 of the Immigration Act of 1990 [Pub. L. 101–649, set out as a note under section 1255a of this title] (relating to family unity).

“(7) Limitation on suspension of deportation.—After April 1, 1997, the Attorney General may not suspend the deportation and adjust the status under section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [former 8 U.S.C. 1254] (as in effect before the title III–A effective date) of any alien in any fiscal year, except in accordance with section 240A(e) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1229b(e)]. The previous sentence shall apply regardless of when an alien applied for such suspension and adjustment.

“(d) Transitional References.—For purposes of carrying out the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.], as amended by this subtitle—

“(1) any reference in section 212(a)(1)(A) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(1)(A)] to the term ‘inadmissible’ is deemed to include a reference to the term ‘excludable’, and

“(2) any reference in law to an order of removal shall be deemed to include a reference to an order of exclusion and deportation or an order of deportation.

“(e) Transition.—No period of time before the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996] shall be included in the period of 1 year described in section 212(a)(6)(B)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(6)(B)(i)] (as amended by section 301(c) of this division).

“(f) Special Rule for Cancellation of Removal.—

“(1) In general.—Subject to the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.] (as in effect after the title III–A effective date), other than subsections (b)(1), (d)(1), and (e) of section 240A of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1229b(b)(1), (d)(1), (e)] (but including section 242(a)(2)(B) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1252(a)(2)(B)]), the Attorney General may, under section 240A of such Act, cancel removal of, and adjust to the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, an alien who is inadmissible or deportable from the United States, if the alien applies for such relief, the alien is described in subsection (c)(5)(C)(i) of this section, and—

“(A) the alien—

“(i) is not inadmissible or deportable under paragraph (2) or (3) of section 212(a) or paragraph (2), (3), or (4) of section 237(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(2), (3), 1227(a)(3), (4)] and is not an alien described in section 241(b)(3)(B)(i) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1231(b)(3)(B)(i)];

“(ii) has been physically present in the United States for a continuous period of not less than 7 years immediately preceding the date of such application;

“(iii) has been a person of good moral character during such period; and

“(iv) establishes that removal would result in extreme hardship to the alien or to the alien's spouse, parent, or child, who is a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence; or

“(B) the alien—

“(i) is inadmissible or deportable under section 212(a)(2), 237(a)(2) (other than 237(a)(2)(A)(iii)), or 237(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(2), 1227(a)(2), (3)];

“(ii) is not an alien described in section 241(b)(3)(B)(i) or 101(a)(43) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1231(b)(3)(B)(i), 1101(a)(43)];

“(iii) has been physically present in the United States for a continuous period of not less than 10 years immediately following the commission of an act, or the assumption of a status, constituting a ground for removal;

“(iv) has been a person of good moral character during such period; and

“(v) establishes that removal would result in exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to the alien or to the alien's spouse, parent, or child, who is a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

“(2) Treatment of certain breaks in presence.—Section 240A(d)(2) [8 U.S.C. 1229b(d)(2)] shall apply for purposes of calculating any period of continuous physical presence under this subsection, except that the reference to subsection (b)(1) in such section shall be considered to be a reference to paragraph (1) of this section.

“(g) Motions To Reopen Deportation or Removal Proceedings.—Notwithstanding any limitation imposed by law on motions to reopen removal or deportation proceedings (except limitations premised on an alien's conviction of an aggravated felony (as defined in section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)])), any alien who has become eligible for cancellation of removal or suspension of deportation as a result of the amendments made by section 203 of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act [Pub. L. 105–100, amending this note] may file one motion to reopen removal or deportation proceedings to apply for cancellation of removal or suspension of deportation. The Attorney General shall designate a specific time period in which all such motions to reopen are required to be filed. The period shall begin not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act [Nov. 19, 1997] and shall extend for a period not to exceed 240 days.

“(h) Relief and Motions to Reopen.—

“(1) Relief.—An alien described in subsection (c)(5)(C)(i) who is otherwise eligible for—

“(A) suspension of deportation pursuant to section 244(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1254a(a)], as in effect before the title III–A effective date; or

“(B) cancellation of removal, pursuant to section 240A(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1229b(b)] and subsection (f) of this section;

shall not be barred from applying for such relief by operation of section 241(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1231(a)(5)], as in effect after the title III–A effective date.

“(2) Additional motion to reopen permitted.—Notwithstanding any limitation imposed by law on motions to reopen removal or deportation proceedings (except limitations premised on an alien's conviction of an aggravated felony (as defined by section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)])), any alien who is described in subsection (c)(5)(C)(i) and who has become eligible for cancellation of removal or suspension of deportation as a result of the enactment of paragraph (1) may file one motion to reopen removal or deportation proceedings in order to apply for cancellation of removal or suspension of deportation. The scope of any proceeding reopened on this basis shall be limited to a determination of the alien's eligibility for cancellation of removal or suspension of deportation. The Attorney General shall designate a specific time period in which all such motions to reopen are required to be filed. The period shall begin not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection [Dec. 21, 2000] and shall extend for a period not to exceed 240 days.

“(3) Construction.—Nothing in this subsection shall preclude an alien from filing a motion to reopen pursuant to section 240(b)(5)(C)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1229a(b)(5)(C)(ii)], or section 242B(c)(3)(B) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1252b(c)(3)(B)] (as in effect before the title III–A effective date).”

[Pub. L. 106–386, div. B, title V, §1506(b)(4), Oct. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 1528, provided that: “The amendments made by paragraph (3) [amending section 309 of Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, set out above] shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 309 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 [Pub. L. 104–208] (8 U.S.C. 1101 note).”]

[Pub. L. 106–386, div. B, §1510(c), Oct. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 1532, provided that: “The amendments made by subsections (a) [amending section 202 of Pub. L. 105–100, set out as a note under section 1255 of this title] and (b) [amending section 309 of Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, set out above] shall be effective as if included in the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (8 U.S.C. 1255 note; Public Law 105–100, as amended).”]

[Section 203(f) of Pub. L. 105–100 provided that: “The amendments made by this section to the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 [amending section 309 of Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, set out above] shall take effect as if included in the enactment of such Act.”]

[Section 2 of Pub. L. 104–302 provided that the amendment made by that section to section 309 of Pub. L. 104–208, set out above, is effective Sept. 30, 1996.]

Section 321(c) of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to actions taken on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996], regardless of when the conviction occurred, and shall apply under section 276(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1326(b)] only to violations of section 276(a) of such Act occurring on or after such date.”

Section 322(c) of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section and section 1182 of this title] shall apply to convictions and sentences entered before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996]. Subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 240(c)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1229a(c)(3)(B), (C)], as inserted by section 304(a)(3) of this division, shall apply to proving such convictions.”

Section 361(b) of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996].”

Section 371(d)(1) of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: “Subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and sections 1105a, 1159, 1224, 1225, 1226, 1252, 1252b, 1323, and 1362 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996].”

Section 591 of title V of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: “Except as provided in this title [enacting sections 1369 to 1371 and 1623 and 1624 of this title, amending sections 1182, 1183, 1183a, 1612, 1631, 1632, 1641, and 1642 of this title, section 506 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, section 1091 of Title 20, Education, and sections 402, 1320b–7, and 1436a of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, sections 1182, 1183a, 1611, 1612, and 1621 of this title, and sections 402 and 1436a of Title 42, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 1183a of this title], this title and the amendments made by this title shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996].”

Section 625(c) of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section and section 1184 of this title] shall apply to individuals who obtain the status of a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)] after the end of the 60-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996], including aliens whose status as such a nonimmigrant is extended after the end of such period.”

Section 671(a)(7) of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: “The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section, sections 1184, 1251, 1255, 1258, and 1324 of this title, and provisions set out as a note under section 1252 of this title] shall be effective as if included in the enactment of the VCCLEA [Pub. L. 103–322].”

Section 671(b)(14) of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: “Except as otherwise provided in this subsection [amending this section and sections 1252a, 1255b, 1323, 1356, and 1483 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1161 and 1433 of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1255a, 1323, and 1401 of this title], the amendments made by this subsection shall take effect as if included in the enactment of INTCA [Pub. L. 103–416].”

Section 440(f) of Pub. L. 104–132 provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (e) [amending this section] shall apply to convictions entered on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Apr. 24, 1996], except that the amendment made by subsection (e)(3) [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 222 of the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994 [Pub. L. 103–416].”

Effective Date of 1994 Amendments

Section 219(dd) of Pub. L. 103–416 provided that: “Except as otherwise specifically provided in this section, the amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 1151, 1153, 1154, 1160, 1182, 1188, 1251, 1252, 1252b, 1254a, 1255, 1255a, 1256, 1288, 1302, 1322, 1323, 1324a, 1324b, 1324c, 1330, 1356, 1421, 1424, 1444, 1449, and 1522 of this title, repealing section 1161 of this title, amending provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1182, 1254a, 1255, 1255a, and 1356 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 1288 of this title] shall be effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990 [Pub. L. 101–649].”

Section 222(b) of Pub. L. 103–416 provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to convictions entered on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 25, 1994].”

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–236 applicable with respect to officials, offices, and bureaus of Department of State when executive orders, regulations, or departmental directives implementing the amendments by sections 161 and 162 of Pub. L. 103–236 become effective, or 90 days after Apr. 30, 1994, whichever comes earlier, see section 161(b) of Pub. L. 103–236, as amended, set out as a note under section 2651a of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendments

Section 208 of title II of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that: “The provisions of, and amendments made by, this title [amending this section and section 1184 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 1184 of this title] shall take effect on April 1, 1992.”

Section 302(e)(8) of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that the amendments made by that section [amending this section and sections 1186a and 1201 of this title] are effective as if included in section 162(e) of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649.

Section 305(m) of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that the amendments made by that section [amending this section and sections 1423, 1433, 1441, 1443, 1445, and 1452 of this title] are effective as if included in section 407(d) of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649.

Section 310 of Pub. L. 102–232, as amended by Pub. L. 103–416, title II, §219(z)(9), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4318, provided that: “Except as otherwise specifically provided, the amendments made by (and provisions of)—

“(1) sections 302 through 308 [amending this section, sections 1102, 1105a, 1151 to 1154, 1157, 1159 to 1161, 1182, 1184, 1186a to 1188, 1201, 1221, 1226, 1227, 1229, 1251, 1252, 1252b, 1254 to 1255a, 1281, 1282, 1284, 1288, 1322, 1323, 1324a to 1324c, 1325, 1357, 1421, 1423, 1433, 1439 to 1441, 1443, 1445 to 1449, 1451, 1452, and 1455 of this title, and section 3753 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1151, 1157, 1160, 1182, 1251, 1252, 1254a, and 1255 of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1105a, 1153, 1158, 1160, 1184, 1201, 1251, 1254a, 1255, and 1421 of this title] shall take effect as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990 [Pub. L. 101–649], and

“(2) section 309(b) [amending this section and sections 1154, 1160, 1182, 1188, 1252, 1252a, 1324a, 1356, 1424, and 1455 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 1991].”

Section 2(d) of Pub. L. 102–110 provided that: “This section [amending this section and sections 1153 and 1255 of this title] shall take effect 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 1, 1991].”

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Section 161 of title I of Pub. L. 101–649, as amended by Pub. L. 102–110, §4, Oct. 1, 1991, 105 Stat. 557; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §302(e)(1), (2), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1745; Pub. L. 103–416, title II, §§218, 219(aa), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4316, 4319; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title VI, §671(f), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–724, provided that:

“(a) In General.—Except as otherwise provided in this title, this title and the amendments made by this title [enacting section 1186b of this title, amending this section, sections 1103, 1151 to 1154, 1157, 1159, 1182, 1251, 1254, 1255, and 1325 of this title, section 3304 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, and section 1382c of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1152, 1153, 1159, 1182, 1201, and 1251 of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes under section 1255 of this title] shall take effect on October 1, 1991, and apply beginning with fiscal year 1992.

“(b) Provisions Taking Effect Upon Enactment.—The following sections (and amendments made by such sections) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990] and (unless otherwise provided) apply to fiscal year 1991:

“(1) Section 103 [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1152 of this title] (relating to per country limitation for Hong Kong).

“(2) Section 104 [amending sections 1157 and 1159 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1159 of this title] (relating to asylee adjustments).

“(3) Section 124 [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1153 of this title] (relating to transition for employees of certain U.S. businesses in Hong Kong).

“(4) Section 133 [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1153 of this title] (relating to one-year diversity transition for aliens who have been notified of availability of NP–5 visas).

“(5) Section 134 [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1153 of this title] (relating to transition for displaced Tibetans).

“(6) Section 153 [amending this section and section 1251 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1251 of this title] (relating to special immigrants who are dependent on a juvenile court).

“(7) Section 154 [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1201 of this title] (permitting extension of validity of visas for certain residents of Hong Kong).

“(8) Section 155 [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1153 of this title] (relating to expedited issuance of Lebanese second and fifth preference visas).

“(9) Section 162(b) [amending section 1154 of this title] (relating to immigrant visa petitioning process), but only insofar as such section relates to visas for fiscal years beginning with fiscal year 1992.

“(c) General Transitions.—

“(1) In the case of a petition filed under section 204(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1154(a)] before October 1, 1991, for preference status under section 203(a)(3) or section 203(a)(6) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1153(a)(3), (6)] (as in effect before such date)—

“(A) in order to maintain the priority date with respect to such a petition, the petitioner must file (by not later than October 1, 1993) a new petition for classification of the employment under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of section 203(b) of such Act (as amended by this title), and

“(B) any labor certification under section 212(a)(5)(A) of such Act required with respect to the new petition shall be deemed approved if the labor certification with respect to the previous petition was previously approved under section 212(a)(14) of such Act.

In the case of a petition filed under section 204(a) of such Act before October 1, 1991, but which is not described in paragraph (4), and for which a filing fee was paid, any additional filing fee shall not exceed one-half of the fee for the filing of the new petition referred to in subparagraph (A).

“(2) Any petition filed under section 204(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act before October 1, 1991, for preference status under section 203(a)(4) or section 203(a)(5) of such Act (as in effect before such date) shall be deemed, as of such date, to be a petition filed under such section for preference status under section 203(a)(3) or section 203(a)(4), respectively, of such Act (as amended by this title).

“(3) In the case of an alien who is described in section 203(a)(8) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (as in effect before October 1, 1991) as the spouse or child of an alien admitted for permanent residence as a preference immigrant under section 203(a)(3) or 203(a)(6) of such Act (as in effect before such date) and who would be entitled to enter the United States under such section 203(a)(8) but for the amendments made by this title [see subsec. (a) above], such an alien shall be deemed to be described in section 203(d) of such Act as the spouse or child of an alien described in section 203(b)(2) or 203(b)(3)(A)(i), respectively, of such Act with the same priority date as that of the principal alien.

“(4)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), any petition filed before October 1, 1991, and approved on any date, to accord status under section 203(a)(3) or 203(a)(6) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (as in effect before such date) shall be deemed, on and after October 1, 1991 (or, if later, the date of such approval), to be a petition approved to accord status under section 203(b)(2) or under the appropriate classification under section 203(b)(3), respectively, of such Act (as in effect on and after such date). Nothing in this subparagraph shall be construed as exempting the beneficiaries of such petitions from the numerical limitations under section 203(b)(2) or 203(b)(3) of such Act.

“(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply more than two years after the date the priority date for issuance of a visa on the basis of such a petition has been reached.

“(d) Admissibility Standards.—When an immigrant, in possession of an unexpired immigrant visa issued before October 1, 1991, makes application for admission, the immigrant's admissibility under paragraph (7)(A) of section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(7)(A)] shall be determined under the provisions of law in effect on the date of the issuance of such visa.

“(e) Construction.—Nothing in this title [see subsec. (a) above] shall be construed as affecting the provisions of section 19 of Public Law 97–116 [8 U.S.C. 1151 note], section 2(c)(1) of Public Law 97–271 [8 U.S.C. 1255 note], or section 202(e) of Public Law 99–603 [8 U.S.C. 1255a note].”

[Section 219(aa) of Pub. L. 103–416 provided that the amendment made by that section to section 161(c)(3) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out above, is effective as if included in section 4 of Pub. L. 102–110, see below.]

[Section 4 of Pub. L. 102–110 provided that the amendment made by that section, adding pars. (3) and (4) to section 161(c) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out above, is effective as if included in the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649.]

Section 162(f)(3) of Pub. L. 101–649 provided that: “The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section, section 1182 of this title, and provisions set out as a note under section 1255 of this title] shall apply as though included in the enactment of the Immigration Nursing Relief Act of 1989 [Pub. L. 101–238].”

Section 203(d) of Pub. L. 101–649 provided that: “The amendments made by this section [enacting section 1288 of this title and amending this section and section 1281 of this title] shall apply to services performed on or after 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990].”

Section 231 of title II of Pub. L. 101–649 provided that: “Except as otherwise provided in this title, this title, and the amendments made by this title [enacting section 1288 of this title, amending this section and sections 1182, 1184, 1187, 1281, and 1323 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1182, 1184, 1187, and 1288 of this title], shall take effect on October 1, 1991, except that sections 222 and 223 [enacting provisions set out as notes under this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990].”

Amendment by section 407(a)(2) of Pub. L. 101–649 effective Nov. 29, 1990, with general savings provisions, see section 408(a)(3), (d) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as an Effective Date of 1990 Amendment; Savings Provisions note under section 1421 of this title.

Section 501(b) of Pub. L. 101–649 provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to offenses committed on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990], except that the amendments made by paragraphs (2) and (5) of subsection (a) shall be effective as if included in the enactment of section 7342 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 [Pub. L. 100–690].”

Section 509(b) of Pub. L. 101–649, as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §306(a)(7), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1751, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990] and shall apply to convictions occurring on or after such date, except with respect to conviction for murder which shall be considered a bar to good moral character regardless of the date of the conviction.”

Section 601(e) of Pub. L. 101–649 provided that:

“(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [amending section 1182 of this title] and by section 603(a) of this Act [amending this section and sections 1102, 1153, 1157, 1159, 1160, 1161, 1181, 1183, 1201, 1224, 1225, 1226, 1254a, 1255a, 1259, 1322, and 1327 of this title, repealing section 2691 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, amending provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1255 and 1255a of this title, and repealing provisions set out as notes under section 1182 of this title] shall apply to individuals entering the United States on or after June 1, 1991.

“(2) The amendments made by paragraphs (5) and (13) of section 603(a) [amending sections 1160 and 1255a of this title] shall apply to applications for adjustment of status made on or after June 1, 1991.”

Effective Date of 1989 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–238 applicable to classification petitions filed for nonimmigrant status only during the 5-year period beginning on the first day of the 9th month beginning after Dec. 18, 1989, see section 3(d) of Pub. L. 101–238, set out as a note under section 1182 of this title.

Section 611(b) of Pub. L. 101–162 provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 1989, upon the expiration of the similar amendment made by section 210(a) of the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 1989 (title II of Public Law 100–459, 102 Stat. 2203).”

Effective and Termination Dates of 1988 Amendments

Section 2(s) of Pub. L. 100–525 provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section, sections 1160, 1161, 1184, 1186, 1187, 1188, 1251, 1254, 1255, 1255a, 1259, 1324, 1324a, 1324b, and 1357 of this title, section 1546 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and section 1091 of Title 20, Education, amending provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1188 and 1255a of this title and section 1802 of Title 29, Labor, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 1255a of this title] shall be effective as if they were included in the enactment of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 [Pub. L. 99–603].”

Section 309(b)(15) of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that: “The amendments made by section 8 of the Immigration Technical Corrections Act of 1988 [Pub. L. 100–525, amending this section, sections 1152, 1182, 1201 to 1202, 1301, 1302, 1304, 1356, 1409, 1431 to 1433, 1452, 1481, and 1483 of this title, and section 4195 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, sections 1153, 1201, 1401, 1409, 1451, and 1481 of this title, and section 4195 of Title 22, and amending provisions set out as notes under this section and section 1153 of this title] shall be effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1986 (Public Law 99–653).”

Section 210(b) of Pub. L. 100–459 provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 315 of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 [Pub. L. 99–603] and shall expire on October 1, 1989.”

Effective Date of 1986 Amendments

Section 23(a) of Pub. L. 99–653, as added by Pub. L. 100–525, §8(r), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2618, provided that: “The amendments made by sections 2, 4, and 7 [amending this section and sections 1152, 1182, 1228, 1251, and 1356 of this title] apply to visas issued, and admissions occurring, on or after November 14, 1986.”

Amendment by section 301(a) of Pub. L. 99–603 applicable to petitions and applications filed under sections 1184(c) and 1188 of this title on or after the first day of the seventh month beginning after Nov. 6, 1986, see section 301(d) of Pub. L. 99–603, as amended, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1188 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Section 21 of Pub. L. 97–116 provided that:

“(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) and in section 5(c) [set out as a note under section 1182 of this title], the amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1981 Amendment note below] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 29, 1981].

“(b)(1) The amendments made by section 2(a) [amending this section] shall apply on and after the first day of the sixth month beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 29, 1981].

“(2) The amendment made by section 16 [amending section 1455 of this title] shall apply to fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 1981.”

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Section 204(a)–(c) of title II of Pub. L. 96–212 provided that:

“(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), this title and the amendments made by this title [enacting sections 1157, 1158, and 1159 of this title, amending this section and sections 1151 to 1153, 1181, 1182, 1253, and 1254 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1153, 1157, 1158, 1182, and 1521 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under sections 1182 and 1255 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 17, 1980], and shall apply to fiscal years beginning with the fiscal year beginning October 1, 1979.

“(b)(1)(A) Section 207(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (as added by section 201(b) of this Act) [section 1157(c) of this title] and the amendments made by subsections (b), (c), and (d) of section 203 of this Act [amending sections 1152, 1153, 1182, and 1254 of this title] shall take effect on April 1, 1980.

“(B) The amendments made by section 203(f) [amending section 1182 of this title] shall apply to aliens paroled into the United States on or after the sixtieth day after the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 17, 1980].

“(C) The amendments made by section 203(i) [amending section 1153 of this title and provisions set out as notes under section 1255 of this title] shall take effect immediately before April 1, 1980.

“(2) Notwithstanding sections 207(a) and 209(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (as added by section 201(b) of this Act) [sections 1157(a) and 1159(b) of this title], the fifty thousand and five thousand numerical limitations specified in such respective sections shall, for fiscal year 1980, be equal to 25,000 and 2,500, respectively.

“(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for fiscal year 1980—

“(A) the fiscal year numerical limitation specified in section 201(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [section 1151(a) of this title] shall be equal to 280,000, and

“(B) for the purpose of determining the number of immigrant visa and adjustments of status which may be made available under sections 203(a)(2) and 202(e)(2) of such Act [sections 1153(a)(2) and 1152(e)(2) of this title], the granting of a conditional entry or adjustment of status under section 203(a)(7) or 202(e)(7) of such Act after September 30, 1979, and before April 1, 1980, shall be considered to be the granting of an immigrant visa under section 203(a)(2) or 202(e)(2), respectively, of such Act during such period.

“(c)(1) The repeal of subsections (g) and (h) of section 203 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, made by section 203(c)(8) of this title [section 1153(g) and (h) of this title], shall not apply with respect to any individual who before April 1, 1980, was granted a conditional entry under section 203(a)(7) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (and under section 202(e)(7) of such Act [section 1152(e)(7) of this title], if applicable), as in effect immediately before such date, and it shall not apply to any alien paroled into the United States before April 1, 1980, who is eligible for the benefits of section 5 of Public Law 95–412 [set out as a note under section 1182 of this title].

“(2) An alien who, before April 1, 1980, established a date of registration at an immigration office in a foreign country on the basis of entitlement to a conditional entrant status under section 203(a)(7) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (as in effect before such date) [section 1153(a)(7) of this title], shall be deemed to be entitled to refugee status under section 207 of such Act (as added by section 201(b) of this title) [section 1157 of this title] and shall be accorded the date of registration previously established by that alien. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to preclude the acquisition by such an alien of a preference status under section 203(a) of such Act.

“(3) The provisions of paragraphs (14), (15), (20), (21), (25), and (32) if section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [former section 1182(a)(14), (15), (20), (21), (25), and (32) of this title] shall not be applicable to any alien who has entered the United States before April 1, 1980, pursuant to section 203(a)(7) of such Act [section 1153(a)(7) of this title] or who has been paroled as a refugee into the United States under section 212(d)(5) of such Act, and who is seeking adjustment of status, and the Attorney General may waive any other provision of section 212(a) of such Act (other than paragraph (27), (29), or (33) and other than so much of paragraph (23) as relates to trafficking in narcotics) with respect to such an alien for humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or when it is otherwise in the public interest.”

Effective Date of 1979 Amendment

Section 3201(d)(1) of Pub. L. 96–70 provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1182 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 27, 1979].”

Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

Section 602(d) of Pub. L. 94–484, as added by Pub. L. 95–83, title III, §307(q)(3), Aug. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 395, provided that: “This section [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1182 of this title] and the amendment made by subsection (c) [amending this section] are effective January 10, 1977, and the amendments made by subsections (b)(4) and (d) of section 601 [amending this section and section 1182 of this title] shall apply only on and after January 10, 1978, notwithstanding subsection (f) of such section [set out as an Effective Date of 1976 Amendments note under section 1182 of this title].”

Effective Date of 1976 Amendments

Section 10 of Pub. L. 94–571 provided that: “The foregoing provisions of this Act, including the amendments made by such provisions [see Short Title of 1976 Amendment note below], shall become effective on the first day of the first month which begins more than sixty days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 20, 1976].”

Amendment by section 601(b)(4) of Pub. L. 94–484 applicable only on and after Jan. 10, 1978, notwithstanding section 601(f) of Pub. L. 94–484, see section 602(d) of Pub. L. 94–484, as added by section 307(q)(3) of Pub. L. 95–83, set out as an Effective Date of 1977 Amendment note above.

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–484 effective ninety days after Oct. 12, 1976, see section 601(f) of Pub. L. 94–484, set out as a note under section 1182 of this title.

Effective Date of 1965 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 89–236, see section 20 of Pub. L. 89–236, set out as a note under section 1151 of this title.

Effective Date

Section 407 of act June 27, 1952, provided that: “Except as provided in subsection (k) of section 401 [former section 1106(k) of this title], this Act [this chapter] shall take effect at 12:01 ante meridian United States Eastern Standard Time on the one hundred eightieth day immediately following the date of its enactment [June 27, 1952].”

Short Title of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–287, §1, Nov. 30, 2010, 124 Stat. 3058, provided that: “This Act [amending this section and section 1182 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under this section] may be cited as [the] ‘International Adoption Simplification Act’.”

Short Title of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–391, §1, Oct. 10, 2008, 122 Stat. 4193, provided that: “This Act [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section] may be cited as [the] ‘Special Immigrant Nonminister Religious Worker Program Act’.”

Pub. L. 110–382, §1, Oct. 9, 2008, 122 Stat. 4087, provided that: “This Act [amending section 1439 of this title and section 271 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 271 of Title 6] may be cited as the ‘Military Personnel Citizenship Processing Act’.”

[Pub. L. 110–382, §4, Oct. 9, 2008, 122 Stat. 4089, provided that section 1 of Pub. L. 110–382, set out as a note above, is repealed 5 years after Oct. 9, 2008.]

Pub. L. 110–251, §1, June 26, 2008, 122 Stat. 2319, provided that: “This Act [enacting sections 1440f and 1440g of this title] may be cited as the ‘Kendell Frederick Citizenship Assistance Act’.”

Short Title of 2007 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–53, title VII, §711(a), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 338, provided that: “This section [amending section 1187 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1187 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Secure Travel and Counterterrorism Partnership Act of 2007’.”

Pub. L. 109–477, §1, Jan. 12, 2007, 120 Stat. 3572, provided that: “This Act [enacting and amending provisions set out as notes under section 1182 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Physicians for Underserved Areas Act’.”

Short Title of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–463, §1, Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3477, provided that: “This Act [amending section 1184 of this title] may be cited as either the ‘Creating Opportunities for Minor League Professionals, Entertainers, and Teams through Legal Entry Act of 2006’ or the ‘COMPETE Act of 2006’.”

Pub. L. 109–423, §1, Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 2900, provided that: “This Act [enacting and amending provisions set out as notes under section 1182 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas Reauthorization Act of 2005’.”

Pub. L. 109–367, §1, Oct. 26, 2006, 120 Stat. 2638, provided that: “This Act [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1701 of this title and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1103 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Secure Fence Act of 2006’.”

Pub. L. 109–162, title VIII, §831, Jan. 5, 2006, 119 Stat. 3066, provided that: “This subtitle [subtitle D (§§831–834) of title VIII of Pub. L. 109–162, enacting section 1375a of this title, amending section 1184 of this title, repealing section 1375 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1184 and 1202 of this title] may be cited as the ‘International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005’.”

Short Title of 2005 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–13, div. B, §1, May 11, 2005, 119 Stat. 302, provided that: “This division [enacting section 1778 of this title, amending this section, sections 1157 to 1159, 1182, 1184, 1227, 1229a, 1231, 1252, and 1356 of this title, and section 1028 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, sections 1157, 1158, 1182, 1184, 1227, 1252, 1712, and 1721 of this title, and section 30301 of Title 49, Transportation, amending provisions set out as notes under sections 1103, 1153, and 1184 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 30301 of Title 49] may be cited as the ‘REAL ID Act of 2005’.”

Pub. L. 109–13, div. B, title IV, §401, May 11, 2005, 119 Stat. 318, provided that: “This title [amending sections 1184 and 1356 of this title and enacting and amending provisions set out as notes under section 1184 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2005’.”

Short Title of 2004 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–447, div. J, title IV, §401, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3351, provided that: “This title [enacting sections 1380 and 1381 of this title, amending sections 1182, 1184, and 1356 of this title, section 2916a of Title 29, Labor, and section 1869c of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1182 and 1184 of this title] may be cited as the ‘L–1 Visa and H–1B Visa Reform Act’.”

Pub. L. 108–447, div. J, title IV, §411, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3351, provided that: “This subtitle [subtitle A (§§411–417) of title IV of div. J of Pub. L. 108–447, enacting section 1380 of this title, amending section 1184 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1184 of this title] may be cited as the ‘L–1 Visa (Intracompany Transferee) Reform Act of 2004’.”

Pub. L. 108–447, div. J, title IV, §421, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3353, provided that: “This subtitle [subtitle B (§§421–430) of title IV of div. J of Pub. L. 108–447, enacting section 1381 of this title, amending sections 1182, 1184, and 1356 of this title, section 2916a of Title 29, Labor, and section 1869c of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1182 and 1184 of this title] may be cited as the ‘H–1B Visa Reform Act of 2004’.”

Short Title of 2003 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–156, §1, Dec. 3, 2003, 117 Stat. 1944, provided that: “This Act [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1153 of this title and amending provisions set out as notes under sections 1153, 1324a, and 1360 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Basic Pilot Program Extension and Expansion Act of 2003’.”

Short Title of 2002 Amendments

Pub. L. 107–274, §1, Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1923, provided that: “This Act [amending this section and section 1184 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Border Commuter Student Act of 2002’.”

Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title I, §11030(a), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1836, provided that: “This section [amending section 1440–1 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Posthumous Citizenship Restoration Act of 2002’.”

Pub. L. 107–258, §1, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1738, provided that: “This Act [amending provisions set out as a note under section 1157 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Persian Gulf War POW/MIA Accountability Act of 2002’.”

Pub. L. 107–208, §1, Aug. 6, 2002, 116 Stat. 927, provided that: “This Act [amending sections 1151, 1153, 1154, 1157, and 1158 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1151 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Child Status Protection Act’.”

Pub. L. 107–150, §1, Mar. 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 74, provided that: “This Act [amending sections 1182 and 1183a of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1182 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Family Sponsor Immigration Act of 2002’.”

Pub. L. 107–128, §1, Jan. 16, 2002, 115 Stat. 2407, provided that: “This Act [enacting and amending provisions set out as notes under section 1324a of this title] may be cited as the ‘Basic Pilot Extension Act of 2001’.”

Short Title of 2000 Amendments

Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(4) [div. B, title XV, §1501], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–324, provided that: “This title [amending section 1255 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1255 of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes under this section and section 1255 of this title] may be cited as the ‘LIFE Act Amendments of 2000’.”

Pub. L. 106–553, §1(a)(2) [title XI, §1101], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2762, 2762A–142, provided that: “This title [amending this section and sections 1184, 1186a, and 1255 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section] may be cited as—

“(1) the ‘Legal Immigration Family Equity Act’; or

“(2) the ‘LIFE Act’.”

Pub. L. 106–409, §1, Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1787, provided that: “This Act [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as a note under this section] may be cited as the ‘Religious Workers Act of 2000’.”

Pub. L. 106–406, §1, Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1755, provided that: “This Act [amending section 1229c of this title] may be cited as the ‘International Patient Act of 2000’.”

Pub. L. 106–396, §1, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1637, provided that: “This Act [amending sections 1182, 1184, 1187, and 1372 of this title, enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1187 of this title and classified as a note under section 763 of Title 47, Telegraphs, Telephones, and Radiotelegraphs, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1153 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Visa Waiver Permanent Program Act’.”

Pub. L. 106–395, §1, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1631, provided that: “This Act [amending this section, sections 1182, 1227, 1431, and 1433 of this title, and sections 611 and 1015 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, repealing section 1432 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, sections 1182, 1227, and 1431 of this title, and section 611 of Title 18] may be cited as the ‘Child Citizenship Act of 2000’.”

Pub. L. 106–386, div. B, title V, §1501, Oct. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 1518, provided that: “This title [amending this section, sections 1151, 1154, 1182, 1184, 1227, 1229a, 1229b, 1255, 1367, 1430, and 1641 of this title, section 1152 of Title 20, Education, and sections 3796gg, 3796hh, and 1397l of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1229a, 1229b, and 1255 of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes under this section and section 1255 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Battered Immigrant Women Protection Act of 2000’.”

Pub. L. 106–313, title I, §101, Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat. 1251, provided that: “This title [amending sections 1152, 1154, 1182, 1184, and 1356 of this title, section 2916a of Title 29, Labor, and section 1869c of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, sections 1153, 1184, and 1356 of this title, section 2701 of Title 29, and sections 1862 and 13751 of Title 42, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1182 of this title] may be cited as the ‘American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000’.”

Pub. L. 106–215, §1, June 15, 2000, 114 Stat. 337, provided that: “This Act [amending section 1365a of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1365a of this title] may be cited as the ‘Immigration and Naturalization Service Data Management Improvement Act of 2000’.”

Short Title of 1999 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–95, §1, Nov. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1312, provided that: “This Act [amending this section and sections 1153 and 1182 of this title, enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1182 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under this section] may be cited as the ‘Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas Act of 1999’.”

Short Title of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(h) [title IX, §901], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–480, 2681–538, provided that: “This title [enacting sections 1377 and 1378 of this title and provisions set out as a note under section 1255 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998’.”

Pub. L. 105–277, div. C, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–641, provided that: “This title [enacting section 1869c of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, amending this section and sections 1182, 1184, and 1356 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1182 and 1184 of this title and sections 2701 and 2916 of Title 29, Labor] may be cited as the ‘American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998’.”

Short Title of 1997 Amendments

Section 112(a) of Pub. L. 105–119 provided that: “This section [enacting, amending, and repealing provisions set out as notes under section 1440 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Philippine Army, Scouts, and Guerilla Veterans of World War II Naturalization Act of 1997’.”

Pub. L. 105–100, title II, §201, Nov. 19, 1997, 111 Stat. 2193, provided that: “This title [amending section 1229b of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1151, 1153, 1229b, and 1255 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under this section] may be cited as the ‘Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act’.”

Short Title of 1996 Amendment

Section 1(a) of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: “This division [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996’.”

Short Title of 1994 Amendment

Section 1 of Pub. L. 103–416 provided that: “This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994’.”

Short Title of 1991 Amendments

Section 1(a) of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that: “This Act [amending this section, sections 1102, 1105a, 1151 to 1154, 1157, 1159 to 1161, 1182, 1184, 1186a to 1188, 1201, 1221, 1226, 1227, 1229, 1251, 1252, 1252a, 1252b, 1254 to 1255a, 1281, 1282, 1284, 1288, 1322, 1323, 1324a to 1324c, 1325, 1356, 1357, 1421, 1423, 1424, 1433, 1439 to 1441, 1443, 1445 to 1452, and 1455 of this title, and section 3753 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1151, 1157, 1160, 1182, 1184, 1251, 1252, 1254a, 1255, 1356, and 1421 of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1105a, 1153, 1158, 1160, 1184, 1201, 1251, 1254a, 1255, and 1421 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Miscellaneous and Technical Immigration and Naturalization Amendments of 1991’.”

Section 101 of title I of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that: “This title [amending sections 1421, 1448, 1450, and 1455 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1421 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Judicial Naturalization Ceremonies Amendments of 1991’.”

Section 201 of title II of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that: “This title [amending this section and section 1184 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 1184 of this title] may be cited as the ‘O and P Nonimmigrant Amendments of 1991’.”

Section 301(a) of title III of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that: “This title [amending this section, sections 1102, 1105a, 1151 to 1154, 1157, 1159 to 1161, 1182, 1184, 1186a to 1188, 1201, 1221, 1226, 1227, 1229, 1251, 1252, 1252a, 1252b, 1254 to 1255a, 1281, 1282, 1284, 1288, 1322, 1323, 1324a to 1324c, 1325, 1356, 1357, 1421, 1423, 1424, 1433, 1439 to 1441, 1443, 1445 to 1449, 1451, 1452, and 1455 of this title, and section 3753 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1151, 1157, 1160, 1182, 1251, 1252, 1254a, 1255, and 1356 of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1105a, 1153, 1158, 1160, 1184, 1201, 1251, 1254a, 1255, and 1421 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Immigration Technical Corrections Act of 1991’.”

Section 1 of Pub. L. 102–110 provided that: “This Act [amending this section and sections 1153, 1255, and 1524 of this title and enacting and amending provisions set out as notes under this section] may be cited as the ‘Armed Forces Immigration Adjustment Act of 1991’.”

Short Title of 1990 Amendments

Section 1(a) of Pub. L. 101–649 provided that: “This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Immigration Act of 1990’.”

Pub. L. 101–249, §1, Mar. 6, 1990, 104 Stat. 94, provided that: “This Act [enacting section 1440–1 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Posthumous Citizenship for Active Duty Service Act of 1989’.”

Short Title of 1989 Amendment

Section 1 of Pub. L. 101–238 provided that: “This Act [amending this section and sections 1160 and 1182 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1182, 1255, 1255a, and 1324a of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1255a of this title] may be cited as the ‘Immigration Nursing Relief Act of 1989’.”

Short Title of 1988 Amendments

Pub. L. 100–658, §1, Nov. 15, 1988, 102 Stat. 3908, provided that: “This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 1153 of this title and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1153 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Immigration Amendments of 1988’.”

Section 1(a) of Pub. L. 100–525 provided that: “This Act [amending this section, sections 1102, 1103, 1104, 1105a, 1152, 1154, 1157, 1160, 1161, 1182, 1184, 1186, 1186a, 1187, 1188, 1201, 1201a, 1202, 1222, 1223, 1224, 1227, 1251, 1252, 1254, 1255, 1255a, 1255b, 1259, 1301, 1302, 1304, 1305, 1324, 1324a, 1324b, 1353, 1356, 1357, 1360, 1408, 1409, 1421, 1422, 1424, 1426, 1431, 1432, 1433, 1435, 1440, 1441, 1446, 1447, 1451, 1452, 1454, 1455, 1459, 1481, 1483, 1489, 1522, 1523, and 1524 of this title, section 1546 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, section 1091 of Title 20, Education, and section 4195 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1153, 1182, 1201, 1227, 1254, 1255, 1356, 1401, 1409, 1451, 1481, and 1522 of this title and section 4195 of Title 22, amending provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1153, 1182, 1188, and 1255a of this title and section 1802 of Title 29, Labor, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 1255a of this title] may be cited as the ‘Immigration Technical Corrections Act of 1988’.”

Short Title of 1986 Amendments

Section 1(a) of Pub. L. 99–653, as amended by Pub. L. 100–525, §8(a)(1), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2617, provided that: “this Act [amending this section, sections 1152, 1182, 1201, 1202, 1228, 1251, 1301, 1302, 1304, 1401, 1409, 1431 to 1433, 1451, 1452, 1481, and 1483 of this title, and section 4195 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, and repealing section 1201a of this title and provisions set out as notes under section 1153 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1986’.”

Pub. L. 99–639, §1, Nov. 10, 1986, 100 Stat. 3537, provided that: “This Act [enacting section 1186a of this title, amending sections 1154, 1182, 1184, 1251, 1255, and 1325 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1154, 1182, 1184, and 1255 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Immigration Marriage Fraud Amendments of 1986’.”

Pub. L. 99–605, §1(a), Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3449, provided that: “This Act [amending sections 1522 to 1524 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1522 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Refugee Assistance Extension Act of 1986’.”

Section 1(a) of Pub. L. 99–603 provided that: “This Act [enacting sections 1160, 1161, 1186, 1187, 1255a, 1324a, 1324b, 1364, and 1365 of this title and section 1437r of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, amending this section, sections 1152, 1184, 1251, 1252, 1254, 1255, 1258, 1259, 1321, 1324, and 1357 of this title, section 2025 of Title 7, Agriculture, section 1546 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, sections 1091 and 1096 of Title 20, Education, sections 1802, 1813, and 1851 of Title 29, Labor, and sections 303, 502, 602, 603, 672, 673, 1203, 1320b–7, 1353, 1396b, and 1436a of Title 42, repealing section 1816 of Title 29, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1152, 1153, 1160, 1186, 1187, 1253, 1255a, 1259, 1324a, and 1324b of this title, section 1802 of Title 29, and sections 405, 502, and 1320b–7 of Title 42, and amending provisions set out as notes under this section and section 1383 of Title 42] may be cited as the ‘Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986’.”

Short Title of 1982 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–363, §1, Oct. 25, 1982, 96 Stat. 1734, provided that: “This Act [amending sections 1522, 1523, and 1524 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1522 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Refugee Assistance Amendments of 1982’.”

Short Title of 1981 Amendment

Section 1(a) of Pub. L. 97–116 provided that: “this Act [amending this section, sections 1105a, 1151, 1152, 1154, 1182, 1201, 1203, 1221, 1227, 1251, 1252, 1253, 1254, 1255, 1255b, 1258, 1305, 1324, 1356, 1361, 1401a, 1409, 1427, 1431, 1432, 1433, 1439, 1440, 1445, 1446, 1447, 1448, 1452, 1455, 1481, and 1483 of this title, and section 1429 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1151 and 1182 of this title, amending a provision set out as a note under this section, and repealing a provision set out as a note under section 1182 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1981’.”

Short Title of 1980 Amendment

Section 1 of Pub. L. 96–212 provided: “That this Act [enacting sections 1157 to 1159 and 1521 to 1525 of this title, amending this section, sections 1151 to 1153, 1181, 1182, 1253, and 1254 of this title, and section 2601 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, enacting provision set out as notes under this section and sections 1153, 1157, 1158, 1521, and 1522 of this title, amending provisions set out as notes under sections 1182 and 1255 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 2601 of Title 22] may be cited as the ‘Refugee Act of 1980’.”

Short Title of 1976 Amendment

Section 1 of Pub. L. 94–571 provided: “That this Act [amending this section and sections 1151, 1152 to 1154, 1181, 1182, 1251, 1254, and 1255 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1153 and 1255 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1976’.”

Short Title

Section 1 of act June 27, 1952, provided that such act, enacting this chapter, section 1429 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, amending sections 1353a, 1353d, 1552 of this title, sections 342b, 342c, 342e of former Title 5, Executive Departments and Government Officers and Employees, sections 1114, 1546 of Title 18, sections 618, 1446 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, sections 1, 177 of former Title 49, Transportation, sections 1952 to 1955 and 1961 of Title 50 App., War and National Defense, repealing section 530 of former Title 31, Money and Finance, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and amending provisions set out as notes under sections 1435 and 1440 of this title, may be cited as the “Immigration and Nationality Act”.

Repeal and Revival

Section 8(b) of Pub. L. 100–525 provided that: “Section 3 of INAA [Pub. L. 99–653, repealing subsec. (c)(1) of this section] is repealed and the language stricken by such section is revived as of November 14, 1986.”

Repeals

Section 403(b) of act June 27, 1952, provided that: “Except as otherwise provided in section 405 [set out below], all other laws, or parts of laws, in conflict or inconsistent with this Act [this chapter] are, to the extent of such conflict or inconsistency, repealed.”

Regulations

Pub. L. 110–391, §2(b), Oct. 10, 2008, 122 Stat. 4193, provided that: “Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 10, 2008], the Secretary of Homeland Security shall—

“(1) issue final regulations to eliminate or reduce fraud related to the granting of special immigrant status for special immigrants described in subclause (II) or (III) of section 101(a)(27)(C)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(C)(ii)); and

“(2) submit a certification to Congress and publish notice in the Federal Register that such regulations have been issued and are in effect.”

Pub. L. 109–162, title VIII, §828, Jan. 5, 2006, 119 Stat. 3066, provided that: “Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Jan. 5, 2006], the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Secretary of State shall promulgate regulations to implement the provisions contained in the Battered Immigrant Women Protection Act of 2000 (title V of Public Law 106–386) [see section 1501 of Pub. L. 106–386, set out as a Short Title of 2000 Amendments note under this section], this Act [see Tables for classification], and the amendments made by this Act.”

Section 303(a)(8) of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that: “The Secretary of Labor shall issue final or interim final regulations to implement the changes made by this section to section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) and section 212(n) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b), 1182(n)] no later than January 2, 1992.”

Pub. L. 102–140, title VI, §610, Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 832, as amended by Pub. L. 103–416, title II, §219(l)(2), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4317, provided that:

“(a) The Attorney General shall prescribe regulations under title 5, United States Code, to carry out section 404(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [act June 27, 1952, as amended, set out as a note above], including a delineation of (1) scenarios that constitute an immigration emergency, (2) the process by which the President declares an immigration emergency, (3) the role of the Governor and local officials in requesting a declaration of emergency, (4) a definition of ‘assistance as required by the Attorney General’, and (5) the process by which States and localities are to be reimbursed.

“(b) The Attorney General shall prescribe regulations under title 5, United States Code, to carry out section 404(b)(2) of such Act, including providing a definition of the terms in section 404(b)(2)(A)(ii) and a delineation of ‘in any other circumstances’ in section 404(b)(2)(A)(iii) of such Act.

“(c) The regulations under this section shall be published for comment not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 28, 1991] and issued in final form not later than 15 days after the end of the comment period.”

Savings Clause

Section 405 of act June 27, 1952, provided in part that:

“(a) Nothing contained in this Act [this chapter], unless otherwise specifically provided therein, shall be construed to affect the validity of any declaration of intention, petition for naturalization, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, warrant of arrest, order or warrant of deportation, order of exclusion, or other document or proceeding which shall be valid at the time this Act [this chapter] shall take effect; or to affect any prosecution, suit, action, or proceedings, civil or criminal, brought, or any status, condition, right in process of acquisition, act, thing, liability, obligation, or matter, civil or criminal done or existing, at the time this Act [this chapter] shall take effect; but as to all such prosecutions, suits, actions, proceedings, statutes, conditions, rights, acts, things, liabilities, obligations, or matters the statutes or parts of statutes repealed by this Act [this chapter] are, unless otherwise specifically provided therein, hereby continued in force and effect. When an immigrant, in possession of an unexpired immigrant visa issued prior to the effective date of this Act [this chapter], makes application for admission, his admissibility shall be determined under the provisions of law in effect on the date of the issuance of such visa. An application for suspension of deportation under section 19 of the Immigration Act of 1917, as amended [former section 155 of this title], or for adjustment of status under section 4 of the Displaced Persons Act of 1948, as amended [former section 1953 of Appendix to Title 50], which is pending on the date of enactment of this Act [June 27, 1952], shall be regarded as a proceeding within the meaning of this subsection.

“(b) Except as otherwise specifically provided in title III [subchapter III of this chapter], any petition for naturalization heretofore filed which may be pending at the time this Act [this chapter] shall take effect shall be heard and determined in accordance with the requirements of law in effect when such petition was filed.

“(c) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Act [this chapter], the repeal of any statute by this Act [this chapter] shall not terminate nationality heretofore lawfully acquired nor restore nationality heretofore lost under any law of the United States or any treaty to which the United States may have been a party.

“(d) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Act [this chapter], or any amendment thereto, fees, charges and prices for purposes specified in title V of the Independent Offices Appropriation Act, 1952 (Public Law 137, Eighty-second Congress, approved August 31, 1951), may be fixed and established in the manner and by the head of any Federal Agency as specified in that Act.

“(e) This Act [this chapter] shall not be construed to repeal, alter, or amend section 231(a) of the Act of April 30, 1946 (60 Stat. 148; [section 1281(a) of title 22]), the Act of June 20, 1949 (Public Law 110, section 8, Eighty-first Congress, first session; 63 Stat. 208 [section 403h of title 50]), the Act of June 5, 1950 (Public Law 535, Eighty-first Congress, second session [former section 1501 et seq. of title 22]), nor title V of the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended (Public Law 78, Eighty-second Congress, first session [former sections 1461 to 1468 of title 7]).”

Separability

Pub. L. 106–313, title I, §116, Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat. 1262, provided that: “If any provision of this title [see Short Title of 2000 Amendments note above] (or any amendment made by this title) or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the title (and the amendments made by this title) and the application of such provision to any other person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. This section be enacted [sic] 2 days after effective date.”

Section 1(e) of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: “If any provision of this division [see Tables for classification] or the application of such provision to any person or circumstances is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of this division and the application of the provisions of this division to any person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby.”

Section 406 of act June 27, 1952, provided that: “If any particular provision of this Act [this chapter], or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of the Act [this chapter] and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.”

Transfer of Functions

United States Information Agency (other than Broadcasting Board of Governors and International Broadcasting Bureau) abolished and functions transferred to Secretary of State, see sections 6531 and 6532 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.

Admission of Alaska as State

Effectiveness of amendment of this section by Pub. L. 85–508 as dependent on admission of State of Alaska into the Union, see section 8(b) of Pub. L. 85–508, set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

Admission of Hawaii as State

Admission of Hawaii into the Union was accomplished Aug. 21, 1959, on issuance of Proc. No. 3309, Aug. 25, 1959, 25 F.R. 6868, 73 Stat. c74, as required by sections 1 and 7(c) of Pub. L. 86–3, Mar. 18, 1959, 73 Stat. 4, set out as notes preceding former section 491 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

Appropriations

Section 404 of act June 27, 1952, as amended by acts Dec. 29, 1981, Pub. L. 97–116, §18(s), 95 Stat. 1621; Nov. 6, 1986, Pub. L. 99–603, title I, §113, 100 Stat. 3383; Nov. 29, 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, title VII, §705(a), 104 Stat. 5087; Dec. 12, 1991, Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §308(d), 105 Stat. 1757, provided that:

“(a) There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act [this chapter] (other than chapter 2 of title IV) [subchapter IV of this chapter].

“(b)(1) There are authorized to be appropriated (for fiscal year 1991 and any subsequent fiscal year) to an immigration emergency fund, to be established in the Treasury, an amount sufficient to provide for a balance of $35,000,000 in such fund, to be used to carry out paragraph (2) and to provide for an increase in border patrol or other enforcement activities of the Service and for reimbursement of State and localities in providing assistance as requested by the Attorney General in meeting an immigration emergency, except that no amounts may be withdrawn from such fund with respect to an emergency unless the President has determined that the immigration emergency exists and has certified such fact to the Judiciary Committees of the House of Representatives and of the Senate.

“(2)(A) Funds which are authorized to be appropriated by paragraph (1), subject to the dollar limitation contained in subparagraph (B), shall be available, by application for the reimbursement of States and localities providing assistance as required by the Attorney General, to States and localities whenever—

“(i) a district director of the Service certifies to the Commissioner that the number of asylum applications filed in the respective district during a calendar quarter exceeds by at least 1,000 the number of such applications filed in that district during the preceding calendar quarter,

“(ii) the lives, property, safety, or welfare of the residents of a State or locality are endangered, or

“(iii) in any other circumstances as determined by the Attorney General.

In applying clause (i), the providing of parole at a point of entry in a district shall be deemed to constitute an application for asylum in the district.

“(B) Not more than $20,000,000 shall be made available for all localities under this paragraph.

“(C) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the requirement of paragraph (1) that an immigration emergency be determined shall not apply.

“(D) A decision with respect to an application for reimbursement under subparagraph (A) shall be made by the Attorney General within 15 days after the date of receipt of the application.”

[Section 705(b) of Pub. L. 101–649 provided that: “Section 404(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [act June 27, 1952, set out above], as added by the amendment made by subsection (a)(5), shall apply with respect to increases in the number of asylum applications filed in a calendar quarter beginning on or after January 1, 1989. The Attorney General may not spend any amounts from the immigration emergency fund pursuant to the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending section 404 of act June 27, 1952, set out above] before October 1, 1991.”]

[Determination of President of the United States, No. 97–16, Feb. 12, 1997, 62 F.R. 13981, provided that immigration emergency determined by President in 1995 to exist with respect to smuggling into United States of illegal aliens persisted and directed use of Immigration Emergency Fund established by section 404(b)(1) of act June 27, 1952, set out above.

[Prior determination was contained in the following:

[Determination of President of the United States, No. 95–49, Sept. 28, 1995, 60 F.R. 53677.]

Fee Increases

Pub. L. 111–230, title IV, §402, Aug. 13, 2010, 124 Stat. 2487, as amended by Pub. L. 111–347, title III, §302, Jan. 2, 2011, 124 Stat. 3667, provided that:

“(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act or any other provision of law, during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 2010] and ending on September 30, 2015, the filing fee and fraud prevention and detection fee required to be submitted with an application for admission as a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(L) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(L)) shall be increased by $2,250 for applicants that employ 50 or more employees in the United States if more than 50 percent of the applicant's employees are nonimmigrants admitted pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of such Act or section 101(a)(15)(L) of such Act.

“(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act or any other provision of law, during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on September 30, 2015, the filing fee and fraud prevention and detection fee required to be submitted with an application for admission as a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)) shall be increased by $2,000 for applicants that employ 50 or more employees in the United States if more than 50 percent of the applicant's employees are such nonimmigrants or nonimmigrants described in section 101(a)(15)(L) of such Act.

“(c) During the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on September 30, 2015, all amounts collected pursuant to the fee increases authorized under this section shall be deposited in the General Fund of the Treasury.”

Afghan Allies Protection

Pub. L. 111–8, div. F, title VI, Mar. 11, 2009, 123 Stat. 807, as amended by Pub. L. 111–118, div. A, title VIII, §8120(b), Dec. 19, 2009, 123 Stat. 3457, provided that:

“SEC. 601. SHORT TITLE.

“This Act [probably should be “this title”] may be cited as the ‘Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009’.

“SEC. 602. PROTECTION FOR AFGHAN ALLIES.

“(a) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.—In this section, the term ‘appropriate committees of Congress’ means—

“(1) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate; and

“(2) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives.

“(b) Special Immigrant Status for Certain Afghans.—

“(1) In general.—Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary of Homeland Security, or, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of State in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, may provide an alien described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (2) with the status of a special immigrant under section 101(a)(27) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)), if the alien—

“(A) or an agent acting on behalf of the alien, submits a petition for classification under section 203(b)(4) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(4));

“(B) is otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa;

“(C) is otherwise admissible to the United States for permanent residence (excluding the grounds for inadmissibility specified in section 212(a)(4) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(4))[)]; and

“(D) clears a background check and appropriate screening, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

“(2) Aliens described.—

“(A) Principal aliens.—An alien is described in this subparagraph if the alien—

“(i) is a citizen or national of Afghanistan;

“(ii) was or is employed by or on behalf of the United States Government in Afghanistan on or after October 7, 2001, for not less than one year;

“(iii) provided faithful and valuable service to the United States Government, which is documented in a positive recommendation or evaluation, subject to subparagraph (D), from the employee's senior supervisor or the person currently occupying that position, or a more senior person, if the employee's senior supervisor has left the employer or has left Afghanistan; and

“(iv) has experienced or is experiencing an ongoing serious threat as a consequence of the alien's employment by the United States Government.

“(B) Spouse or child.—An alien is described in this subparagraph if the alien—

“(i) is the spouse or child of a principal alien described in subparagraph (A); and

“(ii) is accompanying or following to join the principal alien in the United States.

“(C) Surviving spouse or child.—An alien is described in this subparagraph if the alien—

“(i) was the spouse or child of a principal alien described in subparagraph (A) who had a petition for classification approved pursuant to this section or section 1059 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (Public Law 109–163; 8 U.S.C. 1101 note) which included the alien as an accompanying spouse or child; and

“(ii) due to the death of the principal alien—

     “(I) such petition was revoked or terminated (or otherwise rendered null); and

     “(II) such petition would have been approved if the principal alien had survived.

“(D) Approval by chief of mission required.—A recommendation or evaluation required under subparagraph (A)(iii) shall be accompanied by approval from the appropriate Chief of Mission, or the designee of the appropriate Chief of Mission, who shall conduct a risk assessment of the alien and an independent review of records maintained by the United States Government or hiring organization or entity to confirm employment and faithful and valuable service to the United States Government prior to approval of a petition under this section.

“(3) Numerical limitations.—

“(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the total number of principal aliens who may be provided special immigrant status under this section may not exceed 1,500 per year for each of the fiscal years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013.

“(B) Exclusion from numerical limitations.—Aliens provided special immigrant status under this subsection shall not be counted against any numerical limitation under sections 201(d), 202(a), or 203(b)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(d), 1152(a), and 1153(b)(4)).

“(C) Carry forward.—

“(i) Fiscal years 2009 through 2013.—If the numerical limitation specified in subparagraph (A) is not reached during a given fiscal year, with respect to fiscal year 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013, the numerical limitation specified in such subparagraph for the following fiscal year shall be increased by a number equal to the difference between—

     “(I) the numerical limitation specified in subparagraph (A) for the given fiscal year; and

     “(II) the number of principal aliens provided special immigrant status under this section during the given fiscal year.

“(ii) Fiscal year 2014.—If the numerical limitation determined under clause (i) is not reached in fiscal year 2013, the total number of principal aliens who may be provided special immigrant status under this subsection for fiscal year 2014 shall be equal to the difference between—

     “(I) the numerical limitation determined under clause (i) for fiscal year 2013; and

     “(II) the number of principal aliens provided such status under this section during fiscal year 2013.

“(4) Prohibition on fees.—The Secretary of Homeland Security or the Secretary of State may not charge an alien described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (2) any fee in connection with an application for, or issuance of, a special immigrant visa under this section.

“(5) Assistance with passport issuance.—The Secretary of State shall make a reasonable effort to ensure that an alien described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (2) who is issued a special immigrant visa pursuant to this subsection is provided with the appropriate series Afghan passport necessary to enter the United States.

“(6) Protection of aliens.—The Secretary of State, in consultation with the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, shall make a reasonable effort to provide an alien described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (2) who is seeking special immigrant status under this subsection protection or to immediately remove such alien from Afghanistan, if possible, if the Secretary determines, after consultation, that such alien is in imminent danger.

“(7) Other eligibility for immigrant status.—No alien shall be denied the opportunity to apply for admission under this subsection solely because such alien qualifies as an immediate relative or is eligible for any other immigrant classification.

“(8) Resettlement support.—A citizen or national of Afghanistan who is granted special immigrant status described in section 101(a)(27) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)) shall be eligible for resettlement assistance, entitlement programs, and other benefits available to refugees admitted under section 207 of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1157) to the same extent, and for the same periods of time, as such refugees.

“(9) Adjustment of status.—Notwithstanding paragraph (2), (7), or (8) of subsection (c) of section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1255), the Secretary of Homeland Security may adjust the status of an alien described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (2) of this subsection or in section 1244(b) of the Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act of 2007 (Public Law 110–181; 122 Stat. 397) [8 U.S.C. 1157 note] to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence under subsection (a) of such section 245 if the alien—

“(A) was paroled or admitted as a nonimmigrant into the United States; and

“(B) is otherwise eligible for special immigrant status under—

“(i)(I) this subsection; or

“(II) such section 1244(b); and

“(ii) the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.).

“(10) Report on implementation and authority to carry out administrative measures.—

“(A) Requirement for report.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 11, 2009], the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the implementation of this subsection.

“(B) Content of report.—The report required by subparagraph (A) shall describe actions taken, and additional administrative measures that may be needed, to ensure the integrity of the program established under this subsection and the national security interests of the United States related to such program.

“(C) Authority to carry out administrative measures.—The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State shall implement any additional administrative measures described in subparagraph (B) as they may deem necessary and appropriate to ensure the integrity of the program established under this subsection and the national security interests of the United States related to such program.

“(11) Annual report on use of special immigrant status.—

“(A) Requirement.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the number of citizens or nationals of Afghanistan or Iraq who have applied for status as special immigrants under this subsection or section 1244 of the Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act of 2007 (Public Law 110–181; 122 Stat. 396) [8 U.S.C. 1157 note].

“(B) Content.—Each report required by subparagraph (A) submitted in a fiscal year shall include the following information for the previous fiscal year:

“(i) The number of citizens or nationals of Afghanistan or Iraq who submitted an application for status as a special immigrant pursuant to this section or section 1244 of the Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act of 2007 (Public Law 110–181; 122 Stat. 396), disaggregated—

     “(I) by the number of principal aliens applying for such status; and

     “(II) by the number of spouses and children of principal aliens applying for such status.

“(ii) The number of applications referred to in clause (i) that—

     “(I) were approved; or

     “(II) were denied, including a description of the basis for each denial.

“(c) Information Regarding Citizens or Nationals of Afghanistan Employed by the United States or Federal Contractors in Afghanistan.—

“(1) Requirement to compile information.—

“(A) In general.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 11, 2009], the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of the Treasury shall—

“(i) review internal records and databases of their respective agencies for information that can be used to verify employment of citizens or nationals of Afghanistan by the United States Government; and

“(ii) request from each prime contractor or grantee that has performed work in Afghanistan since October 7, 2001, under a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement with their respective agencies that is valued in excess of $25,000, information that may be used to verify the employment of such citizens or nationals by such contractor or grantee.

“(B) Information required.—To the extent data is available, the information referred to in subparagraph (A) shall include the name and dates of employment of, biometric data for, and other data that can be used to verify the employment of each citizen or national of Afghanistan who has performed work in Afghanistan since October 7, 2001, under a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement with an executive agency.

“(2) Report on establishment of database.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of the Treasury, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report examining the options for establishing a unified and classified database of information related to contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements entered into by executive agencies for the performance of work in Afghanistan since October 7, 2001, including the information described and collected under paragraph (1), to be used by relevant Federal departments and agencies to adjudicate refugee, asylum, special immigrant visa, and other immigration claims and applications.

“(3) Report on noncompliance.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that describes—

“(A) the inability or unwillingness of any contractor or grantee to provide the information requested under paragraph (1)(A)(ii); and

“(B) the reasons that such contractor or grantee provided for failing to provide such information.

“(4) Executive agency defined.—In this subsection, the term ‘executive agency’ has the meaning given that term in section 4 of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act ([former] 41 U.S.C. 403) [see 41 U.S.C. 133].

“(d) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section may be construed to affect the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security under section 1059 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (Public Law 109–163; 8 U.S.C. 1101 note).”

Special Immigrant Status for Persons Serving as Translators With United States Armed Forces

Pub. L. 110–242, §2, June 3, 2008, 122 Stat. 1567, provided that:

“(a) In General.—The Secretary of Homeland Security or the Secretary of State may convert an approved petition for special immigrant status under section 1059 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 [Pub. L. 109–163] (8 U.S.C. 1101 note) with respect to which a visa under such section 1059 is not immediately available to an approved petition for special immigrant status under section 1244 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110–181) [8 U.S.C. 1157 note] notwithstanding any requirement of subsection (a) or (b) of such section 1244 but subject to the numerical limitations applicable under subsection (c) of such section 1244, as amended by this Act.

“(b) Duration.—The authority under subsection (a) shall be available only with respect to petitions filed before October 1, 2008.”

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title X, §1059, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3443, as amended by Pub. L. 110–28, title III, §3812, May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 151; Pub. L. 110–36, §1, June 15, 2007, 121 Stat. 227; Pub. L. 110–161, div. J, title VI, §699J, Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2373, provided that:

“(a) In General.—For purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.), subject to subsection (c)(1), the Secretary of Homeland Security may provide an alien described in subsection (b) with the status of a special immigrant under section 101(a)(27) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)), if the alien—

“(1) files with the Secretary of Homeland Security a petition under section 204 of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1154) for classification under section 203(b)(4) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(4)); and

“(2) is otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa and is otherwise admissible to the United States for permanent residence, except in determining such admissibility, the grounds for inadmissibility specified in section 212(a)(4) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(4)) shall not apply.

“(b) Aliens Described.—

“(1) Principal aliens.—An alien is described in this subsection if the alien—

“(A) is a national of Iraq or Afghanistan;

“(B) worked directly with United States Armed Forces, or under Chief of Mission authority, as a translator or interpreter for a period of at least 12 months;

“(C) obtained a favorable written recommendation from the Chief of Mission or a general or flag officer in the chain of command of the United States Armed Forces unit that was supported by the alien; and

“(D) before filing the petition described in subsection (a)(1), cleared a background check and screening, as determined by the Chief of Mission or a general or flag officer in the chain of command of the United States Armed Forces unit that was supported by the alien.

“(2) Spouses and children.—An alien is described in this subsection if the alien is the spouse or child of a principal alien described in paragraph (1), and is following or accompanying to join the principal alien.

“(c) Numerical Limitations.—

“(1) In general.—The total number of principal aliens who may be provided special immigrant status under this section—

“(A) during each of the fiscal years 2007 and 2008, shall not exceed 500; and

“(B) during any other fiscal year shall not exceed 50.

“(2) Aliens exempt from employment-based numerical limitations.—For purposes of the application of sections 201 through 203 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151–1153) in any fiscal year, aliens eligible to be provided status under this section shall be treated as special immigrants described in section 101(a)(27) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)) who are not described in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (K) of such section and shall not be counted against the numerical limitations under sections 201(d), 202(a), and 203(b)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(d), 1152(a), and 1153(b)(4)).

“(3) Carry forward.—If the numerical limitation described in paragraph (1) is not reached during a given fiscal year, the numerical limitation for the following fiscal year shall be increased by a number equal to the difference between the number of visas authorized for the given fiscal year and the number of aliens provided special immigrant status during the given fiscal year.

“(d) Adjustment of Status.—Notwithstanding paragraphs (2), (7) and (8) of section 245(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1255(c)), the Secretary of Homeland Security may adjust the status of an alien to that of a lawful permanent resident under section 245(a) of such Act if the alien—

“(1) was paroled or admitted as a nonimmigrant into the United States; and

“(2) is otherwise eligible for special immigrant status under this section and under the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.].

“(e) Naturalization.—

“(1) In general.—An absence from the United States described in paragraph (2) shall not be considered to break any period for which continuous residence in the United States is required for naturalization under title III of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.).

“(2) Absence described.—An absence described in this paragraph is an absence from the United States due to a person's employment by the Chief of Mission or United States Armed Forces, under contract with the Chief of Mission or United States Armed Forces, or by a firm or corporation under contract with the Chief of Mission or United States Armed Forces, if—

“(A) such employment involved working with the Chief of Mission or United States Armed Forces as a translator or interpreter; and

“(B) the person spent at least a portion of the time outside of the United States working directly with the Chief of Mission or United States Armed Forces as a translator or interpreter in Iraq or Afghanistan.

“(f) Application of Immigration and Nationality Act Provisions.—The definitions in subsections (a) and (b) of section 101 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101) shall apply in the administration of this section.”

[Pub. L. 110–28 and Pub. L. 110–36 made identical amendments to section 1059 of Pub. L. 109–163, set out above, except for the redesignation of subsec. (d) and addition of subsec. (e). Amendments by Pub. L. 110–36 were executed in lieu of the amendments by Pub. L. 110–28, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.]

Battered Immigrant Women; Findings and Purposes

Pub. L. 106–386, div. B, title V, §1502, Oct. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 1518, provided that:

“(a) Findings.—Congress finds that—

“(1) the goal of the immigration protections for battered immigrants included in the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 [Pub. L. 103–322, title IV, see Tables for classification] was to remove immigration laws as a barrier that kept battered immigrant women and children locked in abusive relationships;

“(2) providing battered immigrant women and children who were experiencing domestic violence at home with protection against deportation allows them to obtain protection orders against their abusers and frees them to cooperate with law enforcement and prosecutors in criminal cases brought against their abusers and the abusers of their children without fearing that the abuser will retaliate by withdrawing or threatening withdrawal of access to an immigration benefit under the abuser's control; and

“(3) there are several groups of battered immigrant women and children who do not have access to the immigration protections of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 which means that their abusers are virtually immune from prosecution because their victims can be deported as a result of action by their abusers and the Immigration and Naturalization Service cannot offer them protection no matter how compelling their case under existing law.

“(b) Purposes.—The purposes of this title [see Short Title of 2000 Amendments note above] are—

“(1) to remove barriers to criminal prosecutions of persons who commit acts of battery or extreme cruelty against immigrant women and children; and

“(2) to offer protection against domestic violence occurring in family and intimate relationships that are covered in State and tribal protection orders, domestic violence, and family law statutes.”

Protection for Certain Crime Victims Including Victims of Crimes Against Women

Pub. L. 106–386, div. B, title V, §1513(a), Oct. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 1533, provided that:

“(a) Findings and Purpose.—

“(1) Findings.—Congress makes the following findings:

“(A) Immigrant women and children are often targeted to be victims of crimes committed against them in the United States, including rape, torture, kidnaping, trafficking, incest, domestic violence, sexual assault, female genital mutilation, forced prostitution, involuntary servitude, being held hostage or being criminally restrained.

“(B) All women and children who are victims of these crimes committed against them in the United States must be able to report these crimes to law enforcement and fully participate in the investigation of the crimes committed against them and the prosecution of the perpetrators of such crimes.

“(2) Purpose.—

“(A) The purpose of this section [amending this section and sections 1182, 1184, 1255, and 1367 of this title] is to create a new nonimmigrant visa classification that will strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to detect, investigate, and prosecute cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking of aliens, and other crimes described in section 101(a)(15)(U)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(U)(iii)] committed against aliens, while offering protection to victims of such offenses in keeping with the humanitarian interests of the United States. This visa will encourage law enforcement officials to better serve immigrant crime victims and to prosecute crimes committed against aliens.

“(B) Creating a new nonimmigrant visa classification will facilitate the reporting of crimes to law enforcement officials by trafficked, exploited, victimized, and abused aliens who are not in lawful immigration status. It also gives law enforcement officials a means to regularize the status of cooperating individuals during investigations or prosecutions. Providing temporary legal status to aliens who have been severely victimized by criminal activity also comports with the humanitarian interests of the United States.

“(C) Finally, this section gives the Attorney General discretion to convert the status of such nonimmigrants to that of permanent residents when doing so is justified on humanitarian grounds, for family unity, or is otherwise in the public interest.”

Philippine Traders as Nonimmigrants

Philippine traders classifiable as nonimmigrants under subsec. (a)(15)(E) of this section, see section 1184a of this title.

Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program

Pub. L. 105–319, Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 3013, as amended by Pub. L. 107–234, §1, Oct. 4, 2002, 116 Stat. 1481; Pub. L. 108–449, §1(a), Dec. 10, 2004, 118 Stat. 3469, known as the Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998, which related to the Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program, was repealed by section 2(c)(1) of Pub. L. 105–319, effective Oct. 1, 2008.

Coordination of Amendments by Pub. L. 104–208

Section 1(b) of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: “Except as otherwise specifically provided—

“(1) whenever in this division [see Tables for classification] an amendment or repeal is expressed as the amendment or repeal of a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to that section or provision in the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.]; and

“(2) amendments to a section or other provision are to such section or other provision before any amendment made to such section or other provision elsewhere in this division.”

Applicability of Title V of Division C of Pub. L. 104–208 to Foreign Assistance

Section 592 of title V of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: “This title [see Effective Date of 1996 Amendment note above] does not apply to any Federal, State, or local governmental program, assistance, or benefits provided to an alien under any program of foreign assistance as determined by the Secretary of State in consultation with the Attorney General.”

Notification to Public and Program Recipients of Changes Regarding Eligibility for Programs

Section 593 of title V of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that:

“(a) In General.—Each agency of the Federal Government or a State or political subdivision that administers a program affected by the provisions of this title [see Effective Date of 1996 Amendment note above], shall, directly or through the States, provide general notification to the public and to program recipients of the changes regarding eligibility for any such program pursuant to this title.

“(b) Failure To Give Notice.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to require or authorize continuation of eligibility if the notice under this section is not provided.”

Report on Aliens Granted Refugee Status or Asylum Due to Persecution for Resistance to Coercive Population Control Methods

Section 601(a)(2) of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: “Not later than 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Attorney General shall submit a report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate describing the number and countries of origin of aliens granted refugee status or asylum under determinations pursuant to the amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section]. Each such report shall also contain projections regarding the number and countries of origin of aliens that are likely to be granted refugee status or asylum for the subsequent 2 fiscal years.”

Sense of Congress Regarding American-Made Products; Requirements for Notice

Section 648 of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that:

“(a) Purchase of American-Made Equipment and Products.—It is the sense of the Congress that, to the greatest extent practicable, all equipment and products purchased with funds made available under this division [see Tables for classification] should be American-made.

“(b) Notice to Recipients of Grants.—In providing grants under this division, the Attorney General, to the greatest extent practicable, shall provide to each recipient of a grant a notice describing the statement made in subsection (a) by the Congress.”

Improving Border Controls

Section 130006 of Pub. L. 103–322 provided that:

“(a) Authorization of Appropriations.—There are authorized to be appropriated for the Immigration and Naturalization Service to increase the resources for the Border Patrol, the Inspections Program, and the Deportation Branch to apprehend illegal aliens who attempt clandestine entry into the United States or entry into the United States with fraudulent documents or who remain in the country after their nonimmigrant visas expire—

“(1) $228,000,000 for fiscal year 1995;

“(2) $185,000,000 for fiscal year 1996;

“(3) $204,000,000 for fiscal year 1997; and

“(4) $58,000,000 for fiscal year 1998.

“Of the sums authorized in this section, all necessary funds shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, be allocated to increase the number of agent positions (and necessary support personnel positions) in the Border Patrol by not less than 1,000 full-time equivalent positions in each of fiscal years 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998 beyond the number funded as of October 1, 1994.

“(b) Report.—By September 30, 1996 and September 30, 1998, the Attorney General shall report to the Congress on the programs described in this section. The report shall include an evaluation of the programs, an outcome-based measurement of performance, and an analysis of the cost effectiveness of the additional resources provided under this Act [see Tables for classification].”

Visas for Officials of Taiwan

Section 221 of Pub. L. 103–416, as amended by Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §308(d)(3)(E), title VI, §671(b)(12), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–617, 3009–722, provided that: “Whenever the President of Taiwan or any other high-level official of Taiwan shall apply to visit the United States for the purposes of discussions with United States Federal or State government officials concerning—

“(1) trade or business with Taiwan that will reduce the United States-Taiwan trade deficit,

“(2) prevention of nuclear proliferation,

“(3) threats to the national security of the United States,

“(4) the protection of the global environment,

“(5) the protection of endangered species, or

“(6) regional humanitarian disasters,

the official shall be admitted to the United States, unless the official is otherwise inadmissible under the immigration laws of the United States.”

Construction of Expedited Deportation Requirements

Section 225 of Pub. L. 103–416, as amended by Pub. L. 104–132, title IV, §436(b)(2), Apr. 24, 1996, 110 Stat. 1275; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §308(c)(4)(B), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–616, provided that: “No amendment made by this Act [see Tables for classification] shall be construed to create any substantive or procedural right or benefit that is legally enforceable by any party against the United States or its agencies or officers or any other person.”

[Amendment by Pub. L. 104–132 effective as if included in enactment of Pub. L. 103–416, see section 436(b)(3) of Pub. L. 104–132 set out as an Effective Date of 1996 Amendment note under section 1252 of this title.]

Report on Admission of Certain Nonimmigrants

Section 202(b) of Pub. L. 102–232 directed Comptroller General, by not later than Oct. 1, 1994, to submit to Committees on the Judiciary of Senate and of House of Representatives a report containing information relating to the admission of artists, entertainers, athletes, and related support personnel as nonimmigrants under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(O), (P), and information on the laws, regulations, and practices in effect in other countries that affect United States citizens and permanent resident aliens in the arts, entertainment, and athletics, in order to evaluate the impact of such admissions, laws, regulations, and practices on such citizens and aliens, directed Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary of Senate to make the report available to interested parties and to hold a hearing respecting the report and directed such Committee to report to Senate its findings and any legislation it deems appropriate.

Delay Until April 1, 1992, in Implementation of Provisions Relating to Nonimmigrant Artists, Athletes, Entertainers, and Fashion Models

Section 3 of Pub. L. 102–110 provided that: “Section 214(g)(1)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1184(g)(1)(C)] shall not apply to the issuance of visas or provision of status before April 1, 1992. Aliens seeking nonimmigrant admission as artists, athletes, entertainers, or fashion models (or for the purpose of accompanying or assisting in an artistic or athletic performance) before April 1, 1992, shall not be admitted under subparagraph (O)(i), (O)(ii), (P)(i), or (P)(iii) of section 101(a)(15) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)], but may be admitted under the terms of subparagraph (H)(i)(b) of such section (as in effect on September 30, 1991).”

Commission on Immigration Reform

Section 141 of Pub. L. 101–649, as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §302(c)(1), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1744, provided that:

“(a) Establishment and Composition of Commission.—(1) Effective October 1, 1991, there is established a Commission on Immigration Reform (in this section referred to as the ‘Commission’) which shall be composed of 9 members to be appointed as follows:

“(A) One member who shall serve as Chairman, to be appointed by the President.

“(B) Two members to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives who shall select such members from a list of nominees provided by the Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives.

“(C) Two members to be appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives who shall select such members from a list of nominees provided by the ranking minority member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and International Law of the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives.

“(D) Two members to be appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate who shall select such members from a list of nominees provided by the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Immigration and Refugee Affairs of the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate.

“(E) Two members to be appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate who shall select such members from a list of nominees provided by the ranking minority member of the Subcommittee on Immigration and Refugee Affairs of the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate.

“(2) Initial appointments to the Commission shall be made during the 45-day period beginning on October 1, 1991. A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.

“(3) Members shall be appointed to serve for the life of the Commission, except that the term of the member described in paragraph (1)(A) shall expire at noon on January 20, 1993, and the President shall appoint an individual to serve for the remaining life of the Commission.

“(b) Functions of Commission.—The Commission shall—

“(1) review and evaluate the impact of this Act and the amendments made by this Act [see Tables for classification], in accordance with subsection (c); and

“(2) transmit to the Congress—

“(A) not later than September 30, 1994, a first report describing the progress made in carrying out paragraph (1), and

“(B) not later than September 30, 1997, a final report setting forth the Commission's findings and recommendations, including such recommendations for additional changes that should be made with respect to legal immigration into the United States as the Commission deems appropriate.

“(c) Considerations.—

“(1) Particular considerations.—In particular, the Commission shall consider the following:

“(A) The requirements of citizens of the United States and of aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence to be joined in the United States by immediate family members and the impact which the establishment of a national level of immigration has upon the availability and priority of family preference visas.

“(B) The impact of immigration and the implementation of the employment-based and diversity programs on labor needs, employment, and other economic and domestic conditions in the United States.

“(C) The social, demographic, and natural resources impact of immigration.

“(D) The impact of immigration on the foreign policy and national security interests of the United States.

“(E) The impact of per country immigration levels on family-sponsored immigration.

“(F) The impact of the numerical limitation on the adjustment of status of aliens granted asylum.

“(G) The impact of the numerical limitations on the admission of nonimmigrants under section 214(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1184(g)].

“(2) Diversity program.—The Commission shall analyze the information maintained under section 203(c)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1153(c)(3)] and shall report to Congress in its report under subsection (b)(2) on—

“(A) the characteristics of individuals admitted under section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and

“(B) how such characteristics compare to the characteristics of family-sponsored immigrants and employment-based immigrants.

The Commission shall include in the report an assessment of the effect of the requirement of paragraph (2) of section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act on the diversity, educational, and skill level of aliens admitted.

“(d) Compensation of Members.—(1) Each member of the Commission who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government is entitled to receive, subject to such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriations Acts, pay at the daily equivalent of the minimum annual rate of basic pay in effect for grade GS–18 of the General Schedule. Each member of the Commission who is such an officer or employee shall serve without additional pay.

“(2) While away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission, members of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence.

“(e) Meetings, Staff, and Authority of Commission.—The provisions of subsections (e) through (g) of section 304 of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 [Pub. L. 99–603, set out as a note under section 1160 of this title] shall apply to the Commission in the same manner as they apply to the Commission established under such section, except that paragraph (2) of subsection (e) thereof shall not apply.

“(f) Authorization of Appropriations.—(1) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Commission such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

“(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the authority to make payments, or to enter into contracts, under this section shall be effective only to such extent, or in such amounts, as are provided in advance in appropriations Acts.

“(g) Termination Date.—The Commission shall terminate on the date on which a final report is required to be transmitted under subsection (b)(2)(B), except that the Commission may continue to function until January 1, 1998, for the purpose of concluding its activities, including providing testimony to standing committees of Congress concerning its final report under this section and disseminating that report.

“(h) Congressional Response.—(1) No later than 90 days after the date of receipt of each report transmitted under subsection (b)(2), the Committees on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and of the Senate shall initiate hearings to consider the findings and recommendations of the report.

“(2) No later than 180 days after the date of receipt of such a report, each such Committee shall report to its respective House its oversight findings and any legislation it deems appropriate.

“(i) Presidential Report.—The President shall conduct a review and evaluation and provide for the transmittal of reports to the Congress in the same manner as the Commission is required to conduct a review and evaluation and to transmit reports under subsection (b).”

[References in laws to the rates of pay for GS–16, 17, or 18, or to maximum rates of pay under the General Schedule, to be considered references to rates payable under specified sections of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, see section 529 [title I, §101(c)(1)] of Pub. L. 101–509, set out in a note under section 5376 of Title 5.]

Special Immigrant Status for Certain Aliens Employed at United States Mission in Hong Kong (D Special Immigrants)

Section 152 of Pub. L. 101–649, as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §302(d)(1), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1744, provided that:

“(a) In General.—Subject to subsection (c), an alien described in subsection (b) shall be treated as a special immigrant described in section 101(a)(27)(D) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(D)].

“(b) Aliens Covered.—An alien is described in this subsection if—

“(1) the alien is—

“(A) an employee at the United States consulate in Hong Kong under the authority of the Chief of Mission (including employment pursuant to section 5913 of title 5, United States Code) and has performed faithful service as such an employee for a total of three years or more, or

“(B) a member of the immediate family (as defined in 6 Foreign Affairs Manual 117k as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990]) of an employee described in subparagraph (A) who has been living with the employee in the same household;

“(2) the welfare of the employee or such an immediate family member is subject to a clear threat due directly to the employee's employment with the United States Government or under a United States Government official; and

“(3) the principal officer in Hong Kong, in the officer's discretion, has recommended the granting of special immigrant status to such alien in exceptional circumstances and the Secretary of State approves such recommendation and finds that it is in the national interest to grant such status.

“(c) Expiration.—Subsection (a) shall only apply to aliens who file an application for special immigrant status under this section by not later than January 1, 2002.

“(d) Limited Waiver of Numerical Limitations.—The first 500 visas made available to aliens as special immigrants under this section shall not be counted against any numerical limitation established under section 201 or 202 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1151 or 1152].”

Inapplicability of Amendment by Pub. L. 101–649

Amendment by section 203(c) of Pub. L. 101–649 not to affect performance of longshore work in United States by citizens or nationals of United States, see section 203(a)(2) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as a note under section 1288 of this title.

Application of Treaty Trader for Certain Foreign States

Section 204(b) of Pub. L. 101–649 provided that: “Each of the following foreign states shall be considered, for purposes of section 101(a)(15)(E) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(E)], to be a foreign state described in such section if the foreign state extends reciprocal nonimmigrant treatment to nationals of the United States:

“(1) The largest foreign state in each region (as defined in section 203(c)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1153(c)(1)]) which (A) has 1 or more dependent areas (as determined for purposes of section 202 of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1152]) and (B) does not have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States.

“(2) The foreign state which (A) was identified as an adversely affected foreign state for purposes of section 314 of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 [Pub. L. 99–603, set out as a note under section 1153 of this title] and (B) does not have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States, but (C) had such a treaty with the United States before 1925.”

Clarification of Treatment of Certain International Accounting and Management Consulting Firms

Section 206(a) of Pub. L. 101–649, as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §303(a)(9), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1748; Pub. L. 106–95, §6, Nov. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1319, provided that: “In applying sections 101(a)(15)(L) and 203(b)(1)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(L), 1153(b)(1)(C)], and for no other purpose, in the case of a partnership that is organized in the United States to provide accounting or management consulting services and that markets its accounting or management consulting services under an internationally recognized name under an agreement with a worldwide coordinating organization that is collectively owned and controlled by the member accounting and management consulting firms or by the elected members (partners, shareholders, members, employees) thereof, an entity that is organized outside the United States to provide accounting or management consulting services shall be considered to be an affiliate of the United States accounting or management consulting partnership if it markets its accounting or management consulting services under the same internationally recognized name directly or indirectly under an agreement with the same worldwide coordinating organization of which the United States partnership is also a member. Those partnerships organized within the United States and entities organized outside the United States which are considered affiliates under this subsection shall continue to be considered affiliates to the extent such firms enter into a plan of association with a successor worldwide coordinating organization, which need not be collectively owned and controlled.”

Admission of Nonimmigrants for Cooperative Research, Development, and Coproduction Projects

Section 222 of Pub. L. 101–649, as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §303(b)(3), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1748, provided that:

“(a) In General.—Subject to subsection (b), the Attorney General shall provide for nonimmigrant status in the case of an alien who—

“(1) has a residence in a foreign country which the alien has no intention of abandoning, and

“(2) is coming to the United States, upon a basis of reciprocity, to perform services of an exceptional nature requiring such merit and ability relating to a cooperative research and development project or a coproduction project provided under a government-to-government agreement administered by the Secretary of Defense, but not to exceed a period of more than 10 years,

or who is the spouse or minor child of such an alien if accompanying or following to join the alien.

“(b) Numerical Limitation.—The number of aliens who may be admitted as (or otherwise be provided the status of) a nonimmigrant under this section at any time may not exceed 100.”

Establishment of Special Education Exchange Visitor Program

Section 223 of Pub. L. 101–649, as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §303(b)(4), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1748, provided that:

“(a) In General.—Subject to subsection (b), the Attorney General shall provide for nonimmigrant status in the case of an alien who—

“(1) has a residence in a foreign country which the alien has no intention of abandoning, and

“(2) is coming temporarily to the United States (for a period not to exceed 18 months) as a participant in a special education training program which provides for practical training and experience in the education of children with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities,

or who is the spouse or minor child of such an alien if accompanying or following to join the alien.

“(b) Numerical Limitation.—The number of aliens who may be admitted as (or otherwise be provided the status of) a nonimmigrant under this section in any fiscal year may not exceed 50.”

Extension of H–1 Immigration Status for Certain Nonimmigrants Employed in Cooperative Research and Development Projects and Coproduction Projects

Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title IX, §937, Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1538, provided that: “The Attorney General shall provide for the extension through December 31, 1991, of nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)) for an alien to perform temporarily services relating to a cooperative research and development project or a coproduction project provided under a government-to-government agreement administered by the Secretary of Defense in the case of an alien who has had such status for a period of at least five years if such status has not expired as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1989] but would otherwise expire during 1989, 1990, or 1991, due only to the time limitations with respect to such status.”

Extension of H–1 Status for Certain Registered Nurses Through December 31, 1989

Pub. L. 100–658, §4, Nov. 15, 1988, 102 Stat. 3909, provided that: “The Attorney General shall provide for the extension through December 31, 1989, of nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)] for an alien to perform temporarily services as a registered nurse in the case of an alien who has had such status for a period of at least 5 years if—

“(1) such status has not expired as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 15, 1988] but would otherwise expire during 1988 or 1989, due only to the time limitation with respect to such status; or

“(2)(A) the alien's status as such a nonimmigrant expired during the period beginning on January 1, 1987, and ending on the date of the enactment of this Act, due only to the time limitation with respect to such status,

“(B) the alien is present in the United States as of the date of the enactment of this Act,

“(C) the alien has been employed as a registered nurse in the United States since the date of expiration of such status, and

“(D) in the case of an alien whose status expired during 1987, the alien's employer has filed with the Immigration and Naturalization Service, before the date of the enactment of this Act, an appeal of a petition filed in connection with the alien's application for extension of such status.”

Residence Within United States Continued During Period of Absence

Section 2(o)(2) of Pub. L. 100–525 provided that: “Only for purposes of section 101(a)(27)(I) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(I)], an alien who is or was an officer or employee of an international organization (or is the unmarried son or daughter or surviving spouse of such an officer or employee or former officer or employee) is considered to be residing and physically present in the United States during a period in which the alien is residing in the United States but is absent from the United States because of the officer's or employee's need to conduct official business on behalf of the organization or because of customary leave, but only if during the period of the absence the officer or employee continues to have a duty station in the United States and, in the case of such an unmarried son or daughter, the son or daughter is not enrolled in a school outside the United States.”

Nonimmigrant Traders and Investors Under United States-Canada Free-Trade Agreement

For provisions allowing Canadian citizens to be classifiable as nonimmigrants under subsec. (a)(15)(E) of this section upon a basis of reciprocity secured by the United States-Canada Free-Trade Agreement, see section 307(a) of Pub. L. 100–449, set out in a note under section 2112 of Title 19, Customs Duties.

Amerasian Immigration

Pub. L. 100–461, title II, Oct. 1, 1988, 102 Stat. 2268–15, as amended by Pub. L. 101–167, title II, Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1211; Pub. L. 101–302, title II, May 25, 1990, 104 Stat. 228; Pub. L. 101–513, title II, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1996, provided: “That the provisions of subsection (c) of section 584 of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1988, as contained in section 101(e) of Public Law 100–202 [set out below], shall apply to an individual who (1) departs from Vietnam after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 1, 1988], and (2) is described in subsection (b) of such section, but who is issued an immigrant visa under section 201(b) or 203(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1151(b), 1153(a)] (rather than under subsection (a) of such section), or would be described in subsection (b) of such section if such section also applied to principal aliens who were citizens of the United States (rather than merely to aliens)”.

Pub. L. 100–202, §101(e) [title V, §584], Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1329–183, as amended by Pub. L. 101–167, title II, Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1211; Pub. L. 101–513, title II, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1996; Pub. L. 101–649, title VI, §603(a)(20), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5084; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §307(l)(8), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1757, provided that:

“(a)(1) Notwithstanding any numerical limitations specified in the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.], the Attorney General may admit aliens described in subsection (b) to the United States as immigrants if—

“(A) they are admissible (except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2)) as immigrants, and

“(B) they are issued an immigrant visa and depart from Vietnam on or after March 22, 1988.

“(2) The provisions of paragraphs (4), (5), and (7)(A) of section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(4), (5), and (7)(A)] shall not be applicable to any alien seeking admission to the United States under this section, and the Attorney General on the recommendation of a consular officer may waive any other provision of such section (other than paragraph (2)(C) or subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (E) of paragraph (3)) with respect to such an alien for humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or when it is otherwise in the public interest. Any such waiver by the Attorney General shall be in writing and shall be granted only on an individual basis following an investigation by a consular officer.

“(3) Notwithstanding section 221(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1201(c)], immigrant visas issued to aliens under this section shall be valid for a period of one year.

“(b)(1) An alien described in this section is an alien who, as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 1987], is residing in Vietnam and who establishes to the satisfaction of a consular officer or an officer of the Immigration and Naturalization Service after a face-to-face interview, that the alien—

“(A)(i) was born in Vietnam after January 1, 1962, and before January 1, 1976, and (ii) was fathered by a citizen of the United States (such an alien in this section referred to as a ‘principal alien’);

“(B) is the spouse or child of a principal alien and is accompanying, or following to join, the principal alien; or

“(C) subject to paragraph (2), either (i) is the principal alien's natural mother (or is the spouse or child of such mother), or (ii) has acted in effect as the principal alien's mother, father, or next-of-kin (or is the spouse or child of such an alien), and is accompanying, or following to join, the principal alien.

“(2) An immigrant visa may not be issued to an alien under paragraph (1)(C) unless the officer referred to in paragraph (1) has determined, in the officer's discretion, that (A) such an alien has a bona fide relationship with the principal alien similar to that which exists between close family members and (B) the admission of such an alien is necessary for humanitarian purposes or to assure family unity. If an alien described in paragraph (1)(C)(ii) is admitted to the United States, the natural mother of the principal alien involved shall not, thereafter, be accorded any right, privilege, or status under the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.] by virtue of such parentage.

“(3) For purposes of this section, the term ‘child’ has the meaning given such term in section 101(b)(1)(A), (B), (C), (D), and (E) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(b)(1)(A)–(E)].

“(c) Any alien admitted (or awaiting admission) to the United States under this section shall be eligible for benefits under chapter 2 of title IV of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1521 et seq.] to the same extent as individuals admitted (or awaiting admission) to the United States under section 207 of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1157] are eligible for benefits under such chapter.

“(d) The Attorney General, in cooperation with the Secretary of State, shall report to Congress 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years, after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 1987] on the implementation of this section. Each such report shall include the number of aliens who are issued immigrant visas and who are admitted to the United States under this section and number of waivers granted under subsection (a)(2) and the reasons for granting such waivers.

“(e) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this section, the definitions contained in the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.] shall apply in the administration of this section and nothing contained in this section shall be held to repeal, amend, alter, modify, effect, or restrict the powers, duties, functions, or authority of the Attorney General in the administration and enforcement of such Act or any other law relating to immigration, nationality, or naturalization. The fact that an alien may be eligible to be granted the status of having been lawfully admitted for permanent residence under this section shall not preclude the alien from seeking such status under any other provision of law for which the alien may be eligible.”

[Section 307(l)(8) of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that the amendment made by that section to section 101(e) [title V, §584(a)(2)] of Pub. L. 100–202, set out above, is effective as if included in section 603(a) of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649.]

[Pub. L. 101–513, title II, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1996, provided that the amendment made by Pub. L. 101–513 to Pub. L. 100–202, §101(e) [title V, §584(b)(2)], set out above, is effective Dec. 22, 1987.]

Authorization of Appropriations for Enforcement and Service Activities of Immigration and Naturalization Service

Section 111 of Pub. L. 99–603 provided that:

“(a) Two Essential Elements.—It is the sense of Congress that two essential elements of the program of immigration control established by this Act [see Short Title of 1986 Amendments note above] are—

“(1) an increase in the border patrol and other inspection and enforcement activities of the Immigration and Naturalization Service and of other appropriate Federal agencies in order to prevent and deter the illegal entry of aliens into the United States and the violation of the terms of their entry, and

“(2) an increase in examinations and other service activities of the Immigration and Naturalization Service and other appropriate Federal agencies in order to ensure prompt and efficient adjudication of petitions and applications provided for under the Immigration and Nationality Act [this chapter].

“(b) Increased Authorization of Appropriations for INS and EOIR.—In addition to any other amounts authorized to be appropriated, in order to carry out this Act there are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Justice—

“(1) for the Immigration and Naturalization Service, for fiscal year 1987, $422,000,000, and for fiscal year 1988, $419,000,000; and

“(2) for the Executive Office of Immigration Review, for fiscal year 1987, $12,000,000, and for fiscal year 1988, $15,000,000.

Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under paragraph (1) sufficient funds shall be available to provide for an increase in the border patrol personnel of the Immigration and Naturalization Service so that the average level of such personnel in each of fiscal years 1987 and 1988 is at least 50 percent higher than such level for fiscal year 1986.

“(c) Use of Funds for Improved Services.—Of the funds appropriated to the Department of Justice for the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Attorney General shall provide for improved immigration and naturalization services and for enhanced community outreach and in-service training of personnel of the Service. Such enhanced community outreach may include the establishment of appropriate local community taskforces to improve the working relationship between the Service and local community groups and organizations (including employers and organizations representing minorities).

“(d) Supplemental Authorization of Appropriations for Wage and Hour Enforcement.—There are authorized to be appropriated, in addition to such sums as may be available for such purposes, such sums as may be necessary to the Department of Labor for enforcement activities of the Wage and Hour Division and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs within the Employment Standards Administration of the Department in order to deter the employment of unauthorized aliens and remove the economic incentive for employers to exploit and use such aliens.”

Eligibility of H–2 Agricultural Workers for Certain Legal Assistance

Section 305 of Pub. L. 99–603 provided that: “A nonimmigrant worker admitted to or permitted to remain in the United States under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a)) for agricultural labor or service shall be considered to be an alien described in section 101(a)(20) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20)) for purposes of establishing eligibility for legal assistance under the Legal Services Corporation Act (42 U.S.C. 2996 et seq.), but only with respect to legal assistance on matters relating to wages, housing, transportation, and other employment rights as provided in the worker's specific contract under which the nonimmigrant was admitted.”

Denial of Crew Member Nonimmigrant Visa in Case of Strikes

Section 315(d) of Pub. L. 99–603 provided that:

“(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), during the one-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 6, 1986], an alien may not be admitted to the United States as an alien crewman (under section 101(a)(15)(D) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(D)) for the purpose of performing service on board a vessel or aircraft at a time when there is a strike in the bargaining unit of the employer in which the alien intends to perform such service.

“(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to an alien employee who was employed before the date of the strike concerned and who is seeking admission to enter the United States to continue to perform services as a crewman to the same extent and on the same routes as the alien performed such services before the date of the strike.”

Sense of Congress Respecting Consultation With Mexico

Section 407 of Pub. L. 99–603 provided that: “It is the sense of the Congress that the President of the United States should consult with the President of the Republic of Mexico within 90 days after enactment of this Act [Nov. 6, 1986] regarding the implementation of this Act [see Short Title of 1986 Amendments note above] and its possible effect on the United States or Mexico. After the consultation, it is the sense of the Congress that the President should report to the Congress any legislative or administrative changes that may be necessary as a result of the consultation and the enactment of this legislation.”

Commission for the Study of International Migration and Cooperative Economic Development

Section 601 of Pub. L. 99–603, as amended by Pub. L. 100–525, §2(r), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2614, provided for establishment, membership, etc., of a Commission for the Study of International Migration and Cooperative Economic Development to examine, in consultation with governments of Mexico and other sending countries in Western Hemisphere, the conditions which contribute to unauthorized migration to United States and mutually beneficial reciprocal trade and investment programs to alleviate conditions leading to such unauthorized migration and to report to President and Congress, not later than 3 years after appointment of members of Commission, on results of Commission's examination with recommendations on providing mutually beneficial reciprocal trade and investment programs to alleviate such unauthorized migration.

Treatment of Departures From Guam

Section 2 of Pub. L. 99–505 provided that: “In the administration of section 101(a)(15)(D)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(D)(ii)] (added by the amendment made by section 1 of this Act), an alien crewman shall be considered to have departed from Guam after leaving the territorial waters of Guam, without regard to whether the alien arrives in a foreign state before returning to Guam.”

Alien Employees of American University of Beirut

Priv. L. 98–53, Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 3437, provided: “That an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence shall be considered, for purposes of section 101(a)(27)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(A)), to be temporarily visiting abroad during any period (before or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 30, 1984]) in which the alien is employed by the American University of Beirut.”

Study and Evaluation of Exchange Programs for Graduate Medical Education of Alien Graduates of Foreign Medical Schools; Report to Congress Not Later Than January 15, 1983

Section 5(e) of Pub. L. 97–116 directed Secretary of Health and Human Services, after consultation with Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Director of the International Communication Agency, to evaluate effectiveness and value to foreign nations and United States of exchange programs for graduate medical education or training of aliens who were graduates of foreign medical schools, and to report to Congress, not later than Jan. 15, 1983, on such evaluation, and include such recommendations for changes in legislation and regulations as appropriate.

Adjustment of Status of Nonimmigrant Aliens Residing in the Virgin Islands to Permanent Resident Alien Status

Upon application during the one-year period beginning Sept. 30, 1982, by an alien who was inspected and admitted to the Virgin Islands of the United States either as a nonimmigrant alien worker under subsec. (a)(15)(H)(ii) of this section or as a spouse or minor child of such worker, and has resided continuously in the Virgin Islands since June 30, 1975, the Attorney General may adjust the status of such nonimmigrant alien to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, provided certain conditions are met, and such alien is not to be deported for failure to maintain nonimmigrant status until final action is taken on the alien's application for adjustment, see section 2(a), (b) of Pub. L. 97–271, set out as a note under section 1255 of this title.

Limitation on Admission of Aliens Seeking Employment in the Virgin Islands

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Attorney General not to be authorized, on or after Sept. 30, 1982, to approve any petition filed under section 1184(c) of this title in the case of importing any alien as a nonimmigrant under subsec. (a)(15)(H)(ii) of this section for employment in the Virgin Islands of the United States other than as an entertainer or as an athlete and for a period not exceeding 45 days, see section 3 of Pub. L. 97–271, set out as a note under section 1255 of this title.

Limitation on Admission of Special Immigrants

Section 3201(c) of Pub. L. 96–70 provided that notwithstanding any other provision of law, not more than 15,000 individuals could be admitted to the United States as special immigrants under subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G) of subsec. (a)(27) of this section, of which not more than 5,000 could be admitted in any fiscal year, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 103–416, title II, §212(a), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4314.

Ex. Ord. No. 12711. Policy Implementation With Respect to Nationals of People's Republic of China

Ex. Ord. No. 12711, Apr. 11, 1990, 55 F.R. 13897, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, the Attorney General and the Secretary of State are hereby ordered to exercise their authority, including that under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101–1557), as follows:

Section 1. The Attorney General is directed to take any steps necessary to defer until January 1, 1994, the enforced departure of all nationals of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and their dependents who were in the United States on or after June 5, 1989, up to and including the date of this order (hereinafter “such PRC nationals”).

Sec. 2. The Secretary of State and the Attorney General are directed to take all steps necessary with respect to such PRC nationals (a) to waive through January 1, 1994, the requirement of a valid passport and (b) to process and provide necessary documents, both within the United States and at U.S. consulates overseas, to facilitate travel across the borders of other nations and reentry into the United States in the same status such PRC nationals had upon departure.

Sec. 3. The Secretary of State and the Attorney General are directed to provide the following protections:

(a) irrevocable waiver of the 2-year home country residence requirement that may be exercised until January 1, 1994, for such PRC nationals;

(b) maintenance of lawful status for purposes of adjustment of status or change of nonimmigrant status for such PRC nationals who were in lawful status at any time on or after June 5, 1989, up to and including the date of this order;

(c) authorization for employment of such PRC nationals through January 1, 1994; and

(d) notice of expiration of nonimmigrant status (if applicable) rather than the institution of deportation proceedings, and explanation of options available for such PRC nationals eligible for deferral of enforced departure whose nonimmigrant status has expired.

Sec. 4. The Secretary of State and the Attorney General are directed to provide for enhanced consideration under the immigration laws for individuals from any country who express a fear of persecution upon return to their country related to that country's policy of forced abortion or coerced sterilization, as implemented by the Attorney General's regulation effective January 29, 1990.

Sec. 5. The Attorney General is directed to ensure that the Immigration and Naturalization Service finalizes and makes public its position on the issue of training for individuals in F–1 visa status and on the issue of reinstatement into lawful nonimmigrant status of such PRC nationals who have withdrawn their applications for asylum.

Sec. 6. The Departments of Justice and State are directed to consider other steps to assist such PRC nationals in their efforts to utilize the protections that I have extended pursuant to this order.

Sec. 7. This order shall be effective immediately.

George Bush.      

Deterring Illegal Immigration

Memorandum of President of the United States, Feb. 7, 1995, 60 F.R. 7885, provided:

Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

It is a fundamental right and duty for a nation to protect the integrity of its borders and its laws. This Administration shall stand firm against illegal immigration and the continued abuse of our immigration laws. By closing the back door to illegal immigration, we will continue to open the front door to legal immigrants.

My Administration has moved swiftly to reverse the course of a decade of failed immigration policies. Our initiatives have included increasing overall Border personnel by over 50 percent since 1993. We also are strengthening worksite enforcement and work authorization verification to deter employment of illegal aliens. Asylum rules have been reformed to end abuse by those falsely claiming asylum, while offering protection to those in genuine fear of persecution. We are cracking down on smugglers of illegal aliens and reforming criminal alien deportation for quicker removal. And we are the first Administration to obtain funding to reimburse States for a share of the costs of incarcerating criminal illegal aliens.

While we already are doing more to stem the flow of illegal immigration than has any previous Administration, more remains to be done. In conjunction with the Administration's unprecedented budget proposal to support immigration initiatives, this directive provides a blueprint of policies and priorities for this Administration's continuing work to curtail illegal immigration. With its focus on strong border deterrence backed up by effective worksite enforcement, removal of criminal and other deportable aliens and assistance to states, this program protects the security of our borders, our jobs and our communities for all Americans—citizens and legal immigrants alike.

COMPREHENSIVE BORDER CONTROL STRATEGY

A. Deterring Illegal Immigration At Our Borders

I have directed the Attorney General to move expeditiously toward full implementation of our comprehensive border control strategy, including efforts at the southwest border. To support sustained long-term strengthening of our deterrence capacity, the Administration shall seek funding to add new Border Patrol agents to reach the goal of at least 7,000 agents protecting our borders by the year 2000.

  Flexible Border Response Capacity

To further this strategy, the Department of Justice shall implement the capacity to respond to emerging situations anywhere along our national borders to deter buildups of illegal border crossers, smuggling operations, or other developing problems.

  Strategic Use of High Technology

Through the strategic use of sensors, night scopes, helicopters, light planes, all-terrain vehicles, fingerprinting and automated recordkeeping, we have freed many Border Patrol agents from long hours of bureaucratic tasks and increased the effectiveness of these highly-trained personnel. Because these tools are essential for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to do its job, I direct the Attorney General to accelerate to the greatest extent possible their utilization and enhancement to support implementation of our deterrence strategy.

  Strong Enforcement Against Repeat Illegal Crossers

The Department of Justice shall assess the effectiveness of efforts underway to deter repeat illegal crossers, such as fingerprinting and dedicating prosecution resources to enforce the new prosecution authority provided by the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 [Pub. L. 103–322, see Tables for classification].

The Department of Justice shall determine whether accelerated expansion of these techniques to additional border sectors is warranted.

B. Deterring Alien Smuggling

This Administration has had success deterring large ship-based smuggling directly to United States shores. In response, smugglers are testing new routes and tactics. Our goal: similar success in choking off these attempts by adjusting our anti-smuggling initiatives to anticipate shifting smuggling patterns.

To meet new and continuing challenges posed along transport routes and in foreign locations by smuggling organizations, we will augment diplomatic and enforcement resources at overseas locations to work with host governments, and increase related intelligence gathering efforts.

The Departments of State and Justice, in cooperation with other relevant agencies, will report to the National Security Council within 30 days on the structure of interagency coordination to achieve these objectives.

Congressional action will be important to provide U.S. law enforcement agencies with needed authority to deal with international smuggling operations. I will propose that the Congress pass legislation providing wiretap authority for investigation of alien smuggling cases and providing authorization to seize the assets of groups engaged in trafficking in human cargo.

In addition, I will propose legislation to give the Attorney General authority to implement procedures for expedited exclusion to deal with large flows of undocumented migrants, smuggling operations, and other extraordinary migration situations.

C. Visa Overstay Deterrence

Nearly half of this country's illegal immigrants come into the country legally and then stay after they are required by law to depart, often using fraudulent documentation. No Administration has ever made a serious effort to identify and deport these individuals. This Administration is committed to curtailing this form of illegal immigration.

Therefore, relevant departments and agencies are directed to review their policies and practices to identify necessary reforms to curtail visa overstayers and to enhance investigations and prosecution of those who fraudulently produce or misuse passports, visas, and other travel related documents. Recommendations for administrative initiatives and legislative reform shall be presented to the White House Interagency Working Group on Immigration by June 30, 1995.

REDUCING THE MAGNET OF WORK OPPORTUNITIES, WORKSITE ENFORCEMENT, AND DETERRENCE

Border deterrence cannot succeed if the lure of jobs in the United States remains. Therefore, a second major component of the Administration's deterrence strategy is to toughen worksite enforcement and employer sanctions. Employers who hire illegal immigrants not only obtain unfair competitive advantage over law-abiding employers, their unlawful use of illegal immigrants suppresses wages and working conditions for our country's legal workers. Our strategy, which targets enforcement efforts at employers and industries that historically have relied upon employment of illegal immigrants, will not only strengthen deterrence of illegal immigration, but better protect American workers and businesses that do not hire illegal immigrants.

Central to this effort is an effective, nondiscriminatory means of verifying the employment authorization of all new employees. The Administration fully supports the recommendation of the Commission on Legal Immigration Reform to create pilot projects to test various techniques for improving workplace verification, including a computer database test to validate a new worker's social security number for work authorization purposes. The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and Social Security Administration are directed to establish, implement, monitor, and review the pilots and provide me with an interim report on the progress of this program by March 1, 1996.

In addition, the INS is directed to finalize the Administration's reduction of the number of authorized documents to support work verification for noncitizens. Concurrently, the Administration will seek further reduction legislatively in the number of documents that are acceptable for proving identity and work authorization. The Administration will improve the security of existing documents to be used for work authorization and seek increased penalties for immigration fraud, including fraudulent production and use of documents.

The Department of Labor shall intensify its investigations in industries with patterns of labor law violations that promote illegal immigration.

I also direct the Department of Labor, INS, and other relevant Federal agencies to expand their collaboration in cracking down on those who subvert fair competition by hiring illegal aliens. This may include increased Federal authority to confiscate assets that are the fruits of that unfair competition.

The White House Interagency Working Group on Immigration shall further examine the link between immigration and employment, including illegal immigration, and recommend to me other appropriate measures.

DETENTION AND REMOVAL OF DEPORTABLE ILLEGAL ALIENS

The Administration's deterrence strategy includes strengthening the country's detention and deportation capability. No longer will criminals and other high risk deportable aliens be released back into communities because of a shortage of detention space and ineffective deportation procedures.

A. Comprehensive Deportation Process Reform

The Department of Justice, in consultation with other relevant agencies, shall develop a streamlined, fair, and effective procedure to expedite removal of deportable aliens. As necessary, additional legislative authority will be sought in this area. In addition, the Department of Justice shall increase its capacity to staff deportation and exclusion hearings to support these objectives.

B. National Detention and Removal Plan

To address the shortage of local detention space for illegal aliens, the Administration shall devise a National Detention, Transportation, and Removal Policy that will permit use of detention space across the United States and improve the ability to remove individuals with orders of deportation. The Department of Justice, in consultation with other agencies as appropriate and working under the auspices of the White House Interagency Working Group on Immigration, shall finalize this plan by April 30, 1995.

The Administration will seek support and funding from the Congress for this plan and for our efforts to double the removal of illegal aliens with final orders of deportation.

C. Identification and Removal of Criminal Aliens

The Institutional Hearing Program is successfully expediting deportation of incarcerated criminal aliens after they serve their sentences.

To further expedite removal of criminal aliens from this country and reduce costs to Federal and State governments, the Department of Justice is directed to develop an expanded program of verification of the immigration status of criminal aliens within our country's prisons. In developing this program, the viability of expanding the work of the Law Enforcement Support Center should be assessed and all necessary steps taken to increase coordination and cooperative efforts with State, and local law enforcement officers in identification of criminal aliens.

TARGETED DETERRENCE AREAS

Many of the Administration's illegal immigration enforcement initiatives are mutually reinforcing. For example, strong interior enforcement supports border control. While there have been efforts over the years at piecemeal cooperation, this Administration will examine, develop, and test a more comprehensive coordinated package of deterrence strategies in selected metropolitan areas by multiple Federal, State, and local agencies.

The White House Interagency Working Group on Immigration shall coordinate the development of this interagency and intergovernmental operation.

VERIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR BENEFITS

The law denies most government benefits to illegal aliens. The government has a duty to assure that taxpayer-supported public assistance programs are not abused. As with work authorization, enforcement of eligibility requirements relies upon a credible system of verification. The INS, working with the White House Interagency Working Group on Immigration as appropriate, shall review means of improving the existing benefits verification program. In addition, we will seek new mechanisms—including increased penalties for false information used to qualify for benefits—to protect the integrity of public programs.

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION

Our efforts to combat illegal immigration must not violate the privacy and civil rights of legal immigrants and U.S. citizens. Therefore, I direct the Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and other relevant Administration officials to vigorously protect our citizens and legal immigrants from immigration-related instances of discrimination and harassment. All illegal immigration enforcement measures shall be taken with due regard for the basic human rights of individuals and in accordance with our obligations under applicable international agreements.

ASSISTANCE TO STATES

States today face significant costs for services provided to illegal immigrants as a result of failed policies of the past. Deterring illegal immigration is the best long-term solution to protect States from growing costs for illegal immigration. This is the first Administration to address this primary responsibility squarely. We are targeting most of our Federal dollars to those initiatives that address the root causes that lead to increased burdens on States.

The Federal Government provides States with billions of dollars to provide for health care, education, and other services and benefits for immigrants. This Administration is proposing increases for immigration and immigration-related spending of 25 percent in 1996 compared to 1993 levels. In addition, this Administration is the first to obtain funding from the Congress to reimburse States for a share of the costs of incarcerated illegal aliens.

This Administration will continue to work with States to obtain more Federal help for certain State costs and will oppose inappropriate cost-shifting to the States.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

This Administration will continue to emphasize international cooperative efforts to address illegal immigration.

Pursuant to a Presidential Review Directive (PRD), the Department of State is now coordinating a study on United States policy toward international refugee and migration affairs. I hereby direct that, as part of that PRD process, this report to the National Security Council include the relationship of economic development and migration in the Western Hemisphere and, in particular, provide recommendations for further foreign economic policy measures to address causes of illegal immigration.

The Department of State shall coordinate an interagency effort to consider expanded arrangements with foreign governments for return of criminal and deportable aliens.

The Department of State also shall seek to negotiate readmission agreements for persons who could have sought asylum in the last country from which they arrived. Such agreements will take due regard of U.S. obligations under the Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees.

The Department of State further shall implement cooperative efforts with other nations receiving smuggled aliens or those used as transhipment points by smugglers. In particular, we will look to countries in our hemisphere to join us by denying their territory as bases for smuggling operations.

The Department of State shall initiate negotiations with foreign countries to secure authority for the United States Coast Guard to board source country vessels suspected of transporting smuggled aliens.

This directive shall be published in the Federal Register.

William J. Clinton.      

Definitions

Section 1(c) of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: “Except as otherwise specifically provided in this division [see Tables for classification], for purposes of titles I [enacting section 1225a of this title and section 758 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, amending this section and sections 1103, 1182, 1251, 1325, 1356, and 1357 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, sections 1103, 1182, 1221, 1325, and 1356 of this title, and section 758 of Title 18] and VI [enacting sections 1363b and 1372 to 1375 of this title and section 116 of Title 18, amending this section, sections 1105a, 1151, 1152, 1154, 1157, 1158, 1160, 1182, 1184, 1187, 1189, 1201, 1202, 1251, 1252a, 1255 to 1255b, 1258, 1288, 1483, 1323, 1324, 1324b, 1356, and 1522 of this title, section 112 of Title 32, National Guard, and section 191 of Title 50, War and National Defense, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, sections 1153, 1158, 1161, 1182, 1187, 1189, 1202, 1255, 1433, and 1448 of this title, section 301 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, section 116 of Title 18, and section 405 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and amending provisions set out as notes under sections 1159, 1182, 1252, 1255a, 1323, 1401, and 1430 of this title] of this division, the terms ‘alien’, ‘Attorney General’, ‘border crossing identification card’, ‘entry’, ‘immigrant’, ‘immigrant visa’, ‘lawfully admitted for permanent residence’, ‘national’, ‘naturalization’, ‘refugee’, ‘State’, and ‘United States’ shall have the meaning given such terms in section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)].”

Section 594 of title V of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: “Except as otherwise provided in this title [see Effective Date of 1996 Amendment note above], for purposes of this title—

“(1) the terms ‘alien’, ‘Attorney General’, ‘national’, ‘naturalization’, ‘State’, and ‘United States’ shall have the meaning given such terms in section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)]; and

“(2) the term ‘child’ shall have the meaning given such term in section 101(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.”

Section 14 of Pub. L. 85–316 provided that: “Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Act, the definitions contained in subsections (a) and (b) of section 101 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a), (b)] shall apply to sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 15 of this Act [enacting sections 1182b, 1182c, 1201a, 1205, 1251a, 1255a, and 1255b of this title and provisions set out as notes under section 1153 of this title and section 1971a of the Appendix to Title 50, War and National Defense.]”

Many of the terms listed in this section are similarly defined in section 782 of Title 50, War and National Defense.

1 See References in Text note below.

2 See References in Text note below.

3 So in original. The words “the alien” probably should not appear.

4 So in original. Probably should be followed by “; or”.

5 So in original. Probably should be preceded by “is”.

6 So in original. Probably should be followed by a semicolon.

7 See References in Text note below.

8 So in original. The phrase “of such section” probably should not appear.

§1102. Diplomatic and semidiplomatic immunities

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, for so long as they continue in the nonimmigrant classes enumerated in this section, the provisions of this chapter relating to ineligibility to receive visas and the removal of aliens shall not be construed to apply to nonimmigrants—

(1) within the class described in paragraph (15)(A)(i) of section 1101(a) of this title, except those provisions relating to reasonable requirements of passports and visas as a means of identification and documentation necessary to establish their qualifications under such paragraph (15)(A)(i), and, under such rules and regulations as the President may deem to be necessary, the provisions of subparagraphs (A) through (C) of section 1182(a)(3) of this title;

(2) within the class described in paragraph (15)(G)(i) of section 1101(a) of this title, except those provisions relating to reasonable requirements of passports and visas as a means of identification and documentation necessary to establish their qualifications under such paragraph (15)(G)(i), and the provisions of subparagraphs (A) through (C) of section 1182(a)(3) of this title; and

(3) within the classes described in paragraphs (15)(A)(ii), (15)(G)(ii), (15)(G)(iii), or (15)(G)(iv) of section 1101(a) of this title, except those provisions relating to reasonable requirements of passports and visas as a means of identification and documentation necessary to establish their qualifications under such paragraphs, and the provisions of subparagraphs (A) through (C) of section 1182(a)(3) of this title.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title I, §102, 66 Stat. 173; Pub. L. 100–525, §9(b), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2619; Pub. L. 101–649, title VI, §603(a)(2), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5082; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §307(i), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1756; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §308(d)(4)(B), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–617.)

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in introductory provisions, was in the original, “this Act”, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1996—Pub. L. 104–208 substituted “removal” for “exclusion or deportation” in introductory provisions.

1991—Pars. (1) to (3). Pub. L. 102–232 substituted “subparagraphs (A) through (C) of section 1182(a)(3) of this title” for “paragraph (3) (other than subparagraph (E)) of section 1182(a) of this title”.

1990—Pars. (1) to (3). Pub. L. 101–649 substituted “(3) (other than subparagraph (E))” for “(27)” in pars. (1) and (2), and “paragraph (3) (other than subparagraph (E))” for “paragraphs (27) and (29)” in par. (3).

1988—Par. (2). Pub. L. 100–525 substituted “documentation” for “documentaion”.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–208 effective, with certain transitional provisions, on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after Sept. 30, 1996, see section 309 of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–232 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 310(1) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–649 applicable to individuals entering United States on or after June 1, 1991, see section 601(e)(1) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Denial of Visas to Certain Representatives to United Nations

Pub. L. 101–246, title IV, §407, Feb. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 67, provided that:

“(a) In General.—The President shall use his authority, including the authorities contained in section 6 of the United Nations Headquarters Agreement Act (Public Law 80–357) [Aug. 4, 1947, ch. 482, set out as a note under 22 U.S.C. 287], to deny any individual's admission to the United States as a representative to the United Nations if the President determines that such individual has been found to have been engaged in espionage activities directed against the United States or its allies and may pose a threat to United States national security interests.

“(b) Waiver.—The President may waive the provisions of subsection (a) if the President determines, and so notifies the Congress, that such a waiver is in the national security interests of the United States.”

§1103. Powers and duties of the Secretary, the Under Secretary, and the Attorney General

(a) Secretary of Homeland Security

(1) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall be charged with the administration and enforcement of this chapter and all other laws relating to the immigration and naturalization of aliens, except insofar as this chapter or such laws relate to the powers, functions, and duties conferred upon the President, Attorney General, the Secretary of State, the officers of the Department of State, or diplomatic or consular officers: Provided, however, That determination and ruling by the Attorney General with respect to all questions of law shall be controlling.

(2) He shall have control, direction, and supervision of all employees and of all the files and records of the Service.

(3) He shall establish such regulations; prescribe such forms of bond, reports, entries, and other papers; issue such instructions; and perform such other acts as he deems necessary for carrying out his authority under the provisions of this chapter.

(4) He may require or authorize any employee of the Service or the Department of Justice to perform or exercise any of the powers, privileges, or duties conferred or imposed by this chapter or regulations issued thereunder upon any other employee of the Service.

(5) He shall have the power and duty to control and guard the boundaries and borders of the United States against the illegal entry of aliens and shall, in his discretion, appoint for that purpose such number of employees of the Service as to him shall appear necessary and proper.

(6) He is authorized to confer or impose upon any employee of the United States, with the consent of the head of the Department or other independent establishment under whose jurisdiction the employee is serving, any of the powers, privileges, or duties conferred or imposed by this chapter or regulations issued thereunder upon officers or employees of the Service.

(7) He may, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, establish offices of the Service in foreign countries; and, after consultation with the Secretary of State, he may, whenever in his judgment such action may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of this chapter, detail employees of the Service for duty in foreign countries.

(8) After consultation with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General may authorize officers of a foreign country to be stationed at preclearance facilities in the United States for the purpose of ensuring that persons traveling from or through the United States to that foreign country comply with that country's immigration and related laws.

(9) Those officers may exercise such authority and perform such duties as United States immigration officers are authorized to exercise and perform in that foreign country under reciprocal agreement, and they shall enjoy such reasonable privileges and immunities necessary for the performance of their duties as the government of their country extends to United States immigration officers.

(10) In the event the Attorney General determines that an actual or imminent mass influx of aliens arriving off the coast of the United States, or near a land border, presents urgent circumstances requiring an immediate Federal response, the Attorney General may authorize any State or local law enforcement officer, with the consent of the head of the department, agency, or establishment under whose jurisdiction the individual is serving, to perform or exercise any of the powers, privileges, or duties conferred or imposed by this chapter or regulations issued thereunder upon officers or employees of the Service.

(11) The Attorney General, in support of persons in administrative detention in non-Federal institutions, is authorized—

(A) to make payments from funds appropriated for the administration and enforcement of the laws relating to immigration, naturalization, and alien registration for necessary clothing, medical care, necessary guard hire, and the housing, care, and security of persons detained by the Service pursuant to Federal law under an agreement with a State or political subdivision of a State; and

(B) to enter into a cooperative agreement with any State, territory, or political subdivision thereof, for the necessary construction, physical renovation, acquisition of equipment, supplies or materials required to establish acceptable conditions of confinement and detention services in any State or unit of local government which agrees to provide guaranteed bed space for persons detained by the Service.

(b) Land acquisition authority

(1) The Attorney General may contract for or buy any interest in land, including temporary use rights, adjacent to or in the vicinity of an international land border when the Attorney General deems the land essential to control and guard the boundaries and borders of the United States against any violation of this chapter.

(2) The Attorney General may contract for or buy any interest in land identified pursuant to paragraph (1) as soon as the lawful owner of that interest fixes a price for it and the Attorney General considers that price to be reasonable.

(3) When the Attorney General and the lawful owner of an interest identified pursuant to paragraph (1) are unable to agree upon a reasonable price, the Attorney General may commence condemnation proceedings pursuant to section 3113 of title 40.

(4) The Attorney General may accept for the United States a gift of any interest in land identified pursuant to paragraph (1).

(c) Commissioner; appointment

The Commissioner shall be a citizen of the United States and shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. He shall be charged with any and all responsibilities and authority in the administration of the Service and of this chapter which are conferred upon the Attorney General as may be delegated to him by the Attorney General or which may be prescribed by the Attorney General. The Commissioner may enter into cooperative agreements with State and local law enforcement agencies for the purpose of assisting in the enforcement of the immigration laws.

(d) Statistical information system

(1) The Commissioner, in consultation with interested academicians, government agencies, and other parties, shall provide for a system for collection and dissemination, to Congress and the public, of information (not in individually identifiable form) useful in evaluating the social, economic, environmental, and demographic impact of immigration laws.

(2) Such information shall include information on the alien population in the United States, on the rates of naturalization and emigration of resident aliens, on aliens who have been admitted, paroled, or granted asylum, on nonimmigrants in the United States (by occupation, basis for admission, and duration of stay), on aliens who have not been admitted or have been removed from the United States, on the number of applications filed and granted for cancellation of removal, and on the number of aliens estimated to be present unlawfully in the United States in each fiscal year.

(3) Such system shall provide for the collection and dissemination of such information not less often than annually.

(e) Annual report

(1) The Commissioner shall submit to Congress annually a report which contains a summary of the information collected under subsection (d) of this section and an analysis of trends in immigration and naturalization.

(2) Each annual report shall include information on the number, and rate of denial administratively, of applications for naturalization, for each district office of the Service and by national origin group.

(f) Minimum number of agents in States

The Attorney General shall allocate to each State not fewer than 10 full-time active duty agents of the Immigration and Naturalization Service to carry out the functions of the Service, in order to ensure the effective enforcement of this chapter.

(g) Attorney General

(1) In general

The Attorney General shall have such authorities and functions under this chapter and all other laws relating to the immigration and naturalization of aliens as were exercised by the Executive Office for Immigration Review, or by the Attorney General with respect to the Executive Office for Immigration Review, on the day before the effective date of the Immigration Reform, Accountability and Security Enhancement Act of 2002.

(2) Powers

The Attorney General shall establish such regulations, prescribe such forms of bond, reports, entries, and other papers, issue such instructions, review such administrative determinations in immigration proceedings, delegate such authority, and perform such other acts as the Attorney General determines to be necessary for carrying out this section.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title I, §103, 66 Stat. 173; Pub. L. 100–525, §9(c), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2619; Pub. L. 101–649, title I, §142, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5004; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title I, §§102(d), 125, 134(a), title III, §§308(d)(4)(C), (e)(4), 372, 373, Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–555, 3009–562, 3009–564, 3009–618, 3009–620, 3009–646, 3009–647; Pub. L. 107–296, title XI, §1102, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2273; Pub. L. 108–7, div. L, §105(a)(1), (2), Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 531; Pub. L. 108–458, title V, §5505(a), Dec. 17, 2004, 118 Stat. 3741; Pub. L. 111–122, §2(a), Dec. 22, 2009, 123 Stat. 3480.)

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original, “this Act”, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.

The Immigration Reform, Accountability and Security Enhancement Act of 2002, referred to in subsec. (g)(1), was S. 2444 of the 107th Congress, as introduced on May 2, 2002, which was not enacted into law. Provisions relating to the Executive Office for Immigration Review are contained in section 521 of Title 6, Domestic Security.

Codification

“Section 3113 of title 40” substituted in subsec. (b)(3) for “the Act of August 1, 1888 (Chapter 728; 25 Stat. 357)” on authority of Pub. L. 107–217, §5(c), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1303, the first section of which enacted Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works.

Amendments

2009—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 111–122 struck out subsec. (h), which directed the Attorney General to establish within the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice an Office of Special Investigations and to consult with the Secretary of Homeland Security concerning the prosecution or extradition of certain aliens.

2004—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 108–458 added subsec. (h).

2003—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–7, §105(a)(1), amended Pub. L. 107–296, §1102(2). See 2002 Amendment notes below.

Pub. L. 108–7, §105(a)(2), which directed the amendment of Pub. L. 107–296, was executed to section 1102(2) of Pub. L. 107–296, to reflect the probable intent of Congress. See 2002 Amendment notes below.

2002—Pub. L. 107–296, §1102(1), amended section catchline generally.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–296, §1102(2)(A), as added by Pub. L. 108–7, §105(a)(1), which directed the substitution of “Secretary of Homeland Security” for “Attorney General” in heading, was executed by inserting “Secretary of Homeland Security” as heading, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–296, §1102(2)(B), as added by Pub. L. 108–7, §105(a)(1), substituted “The Secretary of Homeland Security” for “The Attorney General”.

Pub. L. 107–296, §1102(2)(C), formerly §1102(2)(A), as redesignated by Pub. L. 108–7, §105(a)(2), inserted “Attorney General,” after “President,”. See 2003 Amendment note above.

Subsec. (a)(8) to (11). Pub. L. 107–296, §1102(2)(D), formerly §1102(2)(B), as redesignated by Pub. L. 108–7, §105(a)(2), redesignated par. (8), relating to Attorney General authorization of State and local law enforcement officers in event of mass influx of aliens arriving, and par. (9), relating to Attorney General authority to support administrative detention of persons in non-Federal institutions, as pars. (10) and (11), respectively. See 2003 Amendment note above.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 107–296, §1102(3), added subsec. (g).

1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–208, §372(1), (2), inserted “(1)” before first sentence and designated each sentence after the first sentence, which included second through ninth sentences, as a separate par. with appropriate consecutive numbering and initial indentation.

Pub. L. 104–208, §125, inserted at end “After consultation with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General may authorize officers of a foreign country to be stationed at preclearance facilities in the United States for the purpose of ensuring that persons traveling from or through the United States to that foreign country comply with that country's immigration and related laws. Those officers may exercise such authority and perform such duties as United States immigration officers are authorized to exercise and perform in that foreign country under reciprocal agreement, and they shall enjoy such reasonable privileges and immunities necessary for the performance of their duties as the government of their country extends to United States immigration officers.”

Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 104–208, §372(3), added at end par. (8) relating to Attorney General authorization of State and local law enforcement officers in event of mass influx of aliens arriving.

Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 104–208, §373(1), added at end par. (9) relating to Attorney General authority to support administrative detention of persons in non-Federal institutions.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–208, §102(d)(1)(B), added subsec. (b). Former subsec. (b) redesignated (c).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–208, §373(2), inserted at end “The Commissioner may enter into cooperative agreements with State and local law enforcement agencies for the purpose of assisting in the enforcement of the immigration laws.”

Pub. L. 104–208, §102(d)(1)(A), redesignated subsec. (b) as (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–208, §102(d)(1)(A), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 104–208, §308(e)(4), which directed amendment of subsec. (c)(2) by substituting “cancellation of removal” for “suspension of deportation”, was executed by making the substitution in subsec. (d)(2) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the redesignation of subsec. (c) as (d) by Pub. L. 104–208, §102(d)(1)(A). See above.

Pub. L. 104–208, §308(d)(4)(C), which directed amendment of subsec. (c)(2) by substituting “not been admitted or have been removed” for “been excluded or deported”, was executed by making the substitution in subsec. (d)(2) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the redesignation of subsec. (c) as (d) by Pub. L. 104–208, §102(d)(1)(A). See above.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 104–208, §102(d)(2), substituted “subsection (d)” for “subsection (c)” in par. (1).

Pub. L. 104–208, §102(d)(1)(A), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 104–208, §134(a), added subsec. (f).

1990—Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 101–649 added subsecs. (c) and (d).

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–525, §9(c)(1), substituted “instructions” for “intructions” and amended fourth sentence generally. Prior to amendment, fourth sentence read as follows: “He is authorized, in accordance with the civil-service laws and regulations and the Classification Act of 1949, to appoint such employees of the Service as he deems necessary, and to delegate to them or to any officer or employee of the Department of Justice in his discretion any of the duties and powers imposed upon him in this chapter; he may require or authorize any employee of the Service or the Department of Justice to perform or exercise any of the powers, privileges, or duties conferred or imposed by this chapter or regulations issued thereunder upon any other employee of the Service.”

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–525, §9(c)(2), struck out provision that Commissioner was to receive compensation at rate of $17,500 per annum.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of the transfer of functions from the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization to officials of the Department of Homeland Security (Mar. 1, 2003), see section 1104 of Pub. L. 107–296, as added by Pub. L. 108–7, set out as an Effective Date note under section 521 of Title 6, Domestic Security.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Section 134(b) of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996].”

Amendment by section 308(d)(4)(C), (e)(4) of Pub. L. 104–208 effective, with certain transitional provisions, on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after Sept. 30, 1996, see section 309 of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–649 effective Oct. 1, 1991, and applicable beginning with fiscal year 1992, see section 161(a) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.

Fingerprint Cards

Pub. L. 105–119, title I, Nov. 26, 1997, 111 Stat. 2448, provided in part: “That beginning seven calendar days after the enactment of this Act [Nov. 26, 1997] and for each fiscal year thereafter, none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Immigration and Naturalization Service may be used by the Immigration and Naturalization Service to accept, for the purpose of conducting criminal background checks on applications for any benefit under the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.], any FD–258 fingerprint card which has been prepared by or received from any individual or entity other than an office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service with the following exceptions: (1) State and local law enforcement agencies; and (2) United States consular offices at United States embassies and consulates abroad under the jurisdiction of the Department of State or United States military offices under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense authorized to perform fingerprinting services to prepare FD–258 fingerprint cards for applicants residing abroad applying for immigration benefits”.

Improvement of Barriers at Border

Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title I, §102(a)–(c), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–554, 3009–555, as amended by Pub. L. 109–13, div. B, title I, §102, May 11, 2005, 119 Stat. 306; Pub. L. 109–367, §3, Oct. 26, 2006, 120 Stat. 2638; Pub. L. 110–161, div. E, title V, §564(a), Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2090, provided that:

“(a) In General.—The Secretary of Homeland Security shall take such actions as may be necessary to install additional physical barriers and roads (including the removal of obstacles to detection of illegal entrants) in the vicinity of the United States border to deter illegal crossings in areas of high illegal entry into the United States.

“(b) Construction of Fencing and Road Improvements Along the Border.—

“(1) Additional fencing along southwest border.—

“(A) Reinforced fencing.—In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall construct reinforced fencing along not less than 700 miles of the southwest border where fencing would be most practical and effective and provide for the installation of additional physical barriers, roads, lighting, cameras, and sensors to gain operational control of the southwest border.

“(B) Priority areas.—In carrying out this section [amending this section], the Secretary of Homeland Security shall—

“(i) identify the 370 miles, or other mileage determined by the Secretary, whose authority to determine other mileage shall expire on December 31, 2008, along the southwest border where fencing would be most practical and effective in deterring smugglers and aliens attempting to gain illegal entry into the United States; and

“(ii) not later than December 31, 2008, complete construction of reinforced fencing along the miles identified under clause (i).

“(C) Consultation.—

“(i) In general.—In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall consult with the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, States, local governments, Indian tribes, and property owners in the United States to minimize the impact on the environment, culture, commerce, and quality of life for the communities and residents located near the sites at which such fencing is to be constructed.

“(ii) Savings provision.—Nothing in this subparagraph may be construed to—

     “(I) create or negate any right of action for a State, local government, or other person or entity affected by this subsection; or

     “(II) affect the eminent domain laws of the United States or of any State.

“(D) Limitation on requirements.—Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), nothing in this paragraph shall require the Secretary of Homeland Security to install fencing, physical barriers, roads, lighting, cameras, and sensors in a particular location along an international border of the United States, if the Secretary determines that the use or placement of such resources is not the most appropriate means to achieve and maintain operational control over the international border at such location.

“(2) Prompt acquisition of necessary easements.—The Attorney General, acting under the authority conferred in section 103(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1103(b)] (as inserted by subsection (d)), shall promptly acquire such easements as may be necessary to carry out this subsection and shall commence construction of fences immediately following such acquisition (or conclusion of portions thereof).

“(3) Safety features.—The Attorney General, while constructing the additional fencing under this subsection, shall incorporate such safety features into the design of the fence system as are necessary to ensure the well-being of border patrol agents deployed within or in near proximity to the system.

“(4) Authorization of appropriations.—There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subsection. Amounts appropriated under this paragraph are authorized to remain available until expended.

“(c) Waiver.—

“(1) In general.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall have the authority to waive all legal requirements such Secretary, in such Secretary's sole discretion, determines necessary to ensure expeditious construction of the barriers and roads under this section [amending this section]. Any such decision by the Secretary shall be effective upon being published in the Federal Register.

“(2) Federal court review.—

“(A) In general.—The district courts of the United States shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear all causes or claims arising from any action undertaken, or any decision made, by the Secretary of Homeland Security pursuant to paragraph (1). A cause of action or claim may only be brought alleging a violation of the Constitution of the United States. The court shall not have jurisdiction to hear any claim not specified in this subparagraph.

“(B) Time for filing of complaint.—Any cause or claim brought pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall be filed not later than 60 days after the date of the action or decision made by the Secretary of Homeland Security. A claim shall be barred unless it is filed within the time specified.

“(C) Ability to seek appellate review.—An interlocutory or final judgment, decree, or order of the district court may be reviewed only upon petition for a writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court of the United States.”

Improved Border Equipment and Technology

Section 103 of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: “The Attorney General is authorized to acquire and use, for the purpose of detection, interdiction, and reduction of illegal immigration into the United States, any Federal equipment (including fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, four-wheel drive vehicles, sedans, night vision goggles, night vision scopes, and sensor units) determined available for transfer by any other agency of the Federal Government upon request of the Attorney General.”

Hiring and Training Standards

Section 106(a), (b) of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that:

“(a) Review of Hiring Standards.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996], the Attorney General shall complete a review of all prescreening and hiring standards used by the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization, and, where necessary, revise such standards to ensure that they are consistent with relevant standards of professionalism.

“(b) Certification.—At the conclusion of each of fiscal years 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001, the Attorney General shall certify in writing to the Committees on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and of the Senate that all personnel hired by the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization for such fiscal year were hired pursuant to the appropriate standards, as revised under subsection (a).”

Report on Border Strategy

Section 107 of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that:

“(a) Evaluation of Strategy.—The Comptroller General of the United States shall track, monitor, and evaluate the Attorney General's strategy to deter illegal entry in the United States to determine the efficacy of such strategy.

“(b) Cooperation.—The Attorney General, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense shall cooperate with the Comptroller General of the United States in carrying out subsection (a).

“(c) Report.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996], and every year thereafter for the succeeding 5 years, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a report to the Committees on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and of the Senate on the results of the activities undertaken under subsection (a) during the previous year. Each such report shall include an analysis of the degree to which the Attorney General's strategy has been effective in reducing illegal entry. Each such report shall include a collection and systematic analysis of data, including workload indicators, related to activities to deter illegal entry and recommendations to improve and increase border security at the border and ports of entry.”

Compensation for Immigration Judges

Section 371(c) of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that:

“(1) In general.—There shall be four levels of pay for immigration judges, under the Immigration Judge Schedule (designated as IJ–1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively), and each such judge shall be paid at one of those levels, in accordance with the provisions of this subsection.

“(2) Rates of pay.—

“(A) The rates of basic pay for the levels established under paragraph (1) shall be as follows:

 
  
IJ–1 70% of the next to highest rate of basic pay for the Senior Executive Service
IJ–2 80% of the next to highest rate of basic pay for the Senior Executive Service
IJ–3 90% of the next to highest rate of basic pay for the Senior Executive Service
IJ–4 92% of the next to highest rate of basic pay for the Senior Executive Service.

“(B) Locality pay, where applicable, shall be calculated into the basic pay for immigration judges.

“(3) Appointment.—

“(A) Upon appointment, an immigration judge shall be paid at IJ–1, and shall be advanced to IJ–2 upon completion of 104 weeks of service, to IJ–3 upon completion of 104 weeks of service in the next lower rate, and to IJ–4 upon completion of 52 weeks of service in the next lower rate.

“(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the Attorney General may provide for appointment of an immigration judge at an advanced rate under such circumstances as the Attorney General may determine appropriate.

“(4) Transition.—Immigration judges serving as of the effective date shall be paid at the rate that corresponds to the amount of time, as provided under paragraph (3)(A), that they have served as an immigration judge, and in no case shall be paid less after the effective date than the rate of pay prior to the effective date.”

[Section 371(d)(2) of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: “Subsection (c) [set out above] shall take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996].”]

Machine-Readable Document Border Security Program

Pub. L. 100–690, title IV, §4604, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4289, which required Department of State, United States Customs Service, and Immigration and Naturalization Service to develop a comprehensive machine-readable travel and identity document border security program that would improve border entry and departure control through automated data capture of machine-readable travel and identity documents, directed specified agencies and organizations to contribute law enforcement data for the system, authorized appropriations for the program, and required continuing full implementation in fiscal years 1990, 1991, and 1992, by all participating agencies, was repealed by Pub. L. 102–583, §6(e)(1), Nov. 2, 1992, 106 Stat. 4933.

Immigration and Naturalization Service Personnel Enhancement

Pub. L. 100–690, title VII, §7350, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4473, provided that:

“(a) Pilot Program Regarding the Identification of Certain Aliens.—

“(1) Within 6 months after the effective date of this subtitle [Nov. 18, 1988], the Attorney General shall establish, out of funds appropriated pursuant to subsection (c)(2), a pilot program in 4 cities to improve the capabilities of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (hereinafter in this section referred to as the ‘Service’) to respond to inquiries from Federal, State, and local law enforcement authorities concerning aliens who have been arrested for or convicted of, or who are the subject of any criminal investigation relating to, a violation of any law relating to controlled substances (other than an aggravated felony as defined in section 101(a)(43) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(43)], as added by section 7342 of this subtitle).

“(2) At the end of the 12-month period after the establishment of such pilot program, the Attorney General shall provide for an evaluation of its effectiveness, including an assessment by Federal, State, and local prosecutors and law enforcement agencies. The Attorney General shall submit a report containing the conclusions of such evaluation to the Committees on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and of the Senate within 60 days after the completion of such evaluation.

“(b) Hiring of Investigative Agents.—

“(1) Any investigative agent hired by the Attorney General for purposes of this section shall be employed exclusively to assist Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking and crimes of violence by aliens.

“(2) Any investigative agent hired under this section who is older than 35 years of age shall not be eligible for Federal retirement benefits made available to individuals who perform hazardous law enforcement activities.”

Pilot Program To Establish or Improve Computer Capabilities

Pub. L. 99–570, title I, §1751(e), Oct. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 3207–48, provided that:

“(1) From the sums appropriated to carry out this Act, the Attorney General, through the Investigative Division of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, shall provide a pilot program in 4 cities to establish or improve the computer capabilities of the local offices of the Service and of local law enforcement agencies to respond to inquiries concerning aliens who have been arrested or convicted for, or are the subject to criminal investigation relating to, a violation of any law relating to controlled substances. The Attorney General shall select cities in a manner that provides special consideration for cities located near the land borders of the United States and for large cities which have major concentrations of aliens. Some of the sums made available under the pilot program shall be used to increase the personnel level of the Investigative Division.

“(2) At the end of the first year of the pilot program, the Attorney General shall provide for an evaluation of the effectiveness of the program and shall report to Congress on such evaluation and on whether the pilot program should be extended or expanded.”

Emergency Plans for Regulation of Nationals of Enemy Countries

Attorney General to develop national security emergency plans for regulation of immigration, regulation of nationals of enemy countries, and plans to implement laws for control of persons entering or leaving the United States, see section 1101(4) of Ex. Ord. No. 12656, Nov. 18, 1988, 53 F.R. 47491, set out as a note under section 5195 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Ex. Ord. No. 13404. Task Force on New Americans

Ex. Ord. No. 13404, June 7, 2006, 71 F.R. 33593, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to strengthen the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security and Federal, State, and local agencies to help legal immigrants embrace the common core of American civic culture, learn our common language, and fully become Americans, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Establishment. The Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) shall immediately establish within the Department of Homeland Security (Department) a Task Force on New Americans (Task Force).

Sec. 2. Membership and Operation. (a) The Task Force shall be limited to the following members or employees designated by them at no lower than the Assistant Secretary level or its equivalent:

(i) the Secretary of Homeland Security, who shall serve as Chair;

(ii) the Secretary of State;

(iii) the Secretary of the Treasury;

(iv) the Secretary of Defense;

(v) the Attorney General;

(vi) the Secretary of Agriculture;

(vii) the Secretary of Commerce;

(viii) the Secretary of Labor;

(ix) the Secretary of Health and Human Services;

(x) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development;

(xi) the Secretary of Education;

(xii) such other officers or employees of the Department of Homeland Security as the Secretary may from time to time designate; and

(xiii) such other officers of the United States as the Secretary may designate from time to time, with the concurrence of the respective heads of departments and agencies concerned.

(b) The Secretary shall convene and preside at meetings of the Task Force, direct its work, and as appropriate, establish and direct subgroups of the Task Force that shall consist exclusively of Task Force members. The Secretary shall designate an official of the Department to serve as the Executive Secretary of the Task Force, and the Executive Secretary shall head the staff assigned to the Task Force.

Sec. 3. Functions. Consistent with applicable law, the Task Force shall:

(a) provide direction to executive departments and agencies (agencies) concerning the integration into American society of America's legal immigrants, particularly through instruction in English, civics, and history;

(b) promote public-private partnerships that will encourage businesses to offer English and civics education to workers;

(c) identify ways to expand English and civics instruction for legal immigrants, including through faith-based, community, and other groups, and ways to promote volunteer community service; and

(d) make recommendations to the President, through the Secretary, from time to time regarding:

(i) actions to enhance cooperation among agencies on the integration of legal immigrants into American society;

(ii) actions to enhance cooperation among Federal, State, and local authorities responsible for the integration of legal immigrants;

(iii) changes in rules, regulations, or policy to improve the effective integration of legal immigrants into American society; and

(iv) proposed legislation relating to the integration of legal immigrants into American society.

Sec. 4. Administration. (a) To the extent permitted by law, the Department shall provide the funding and administrative support the Task Force needs to implement this order, as determined by the Secretary.

(b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) authority granted by law to an agency or the head thereof; or

(ii) functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budget, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(c) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(d) This order is intended to improve the internal management of the Federal Government. This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or equity against the United States, its departments, agencies, entities, instrumentalities, officers, employees, agents, or any other person.

George W. Bush.      

§1104. Powers and duties of Secretary of State

(a) Powers and duties

The Secretary of State shall be charged with the administration and the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter and all other immigration and nationality laws relating to (1) the powers, duties, and functions of diplomatic and consular officers of the United States, except those powers, duties, and functions conferred upon the consular officers relating to the granting or refusal of visas; (2) the powers, duties, and functions of the Administrator; and (3) the determination of nationality of a person not in the United States. He shall establish such regulations; prescribe such forms of reports, entries and other papers; issue such instructions; and perform such other acts as he deems necessary for carrying out such provisions. He is authorized to confer or impose upon any employee of the United States, with the consent of the head of the department or independent establishment under whose jurisdiction the employee is serving, any of the powers, functions, or duties conferred or imposed by this chapter or regulations issued thereunder upon officers or employees of the Department of State or of the American Foreign Service.

(b) Designation and duties of Administrator

The Secretary of State shall designate an Administrator who shall be a citizen of the United States, qualified by experience. The Administrator shall maintain close liaison with the appropriate committees of Congress in order that they may be advised regarding the administration of this chapter by consular officers. The Administrator shall be charged with any and all responsibility and authority in the administration of this chapter which are conferred on the Secretary of State as may be delegated to the Administrator by the Secretary of State or which may be prescribed by the Secretary of State, and shall perform such other duties as the Secretary of State may prescribe.

(c) Passport Office, Visa Office, and other offices; directors

Within the Department of State there shall be a Passport Office, a Visa Office, and such other offices as the Secretary of State may deem to be appropriate, each office to be headed by a director. The Directors of the Passport Office and the Visa Office shall be experienced in the administration of the nationality and immigration laws.

(d) Transfer of duties

The functions heretofore performed by the Passport Division and the Visa Division of the Department of State shall hereafter be performed by the Passport Office and the Visa Office, respectively.

(e) General Counsel of Visa Office; appointment and duties

There shall be a General Counsel of the Visa Office, who shall be appointed by the Secretary of State and who shall serve under the general direction of the Legal Adviser of the Department of State. The General Counsel shall have authority to maintain liaison with the appropriate officers of the Service with a view to securing uniform interpretations of the provisions of this chapter.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title I, §104, 66 Stat. 174; Pub. L. 87-510, §4(a)(2), June 28, 1962, 76 Stat. 123; Pub. L. 88–426, title III, §305(43), Aug. 14, 1964, 78 Stat. 428; Pub. L. 95–105, title I, §109(b)(1), Aug. 17, 1977, 91 Stat. 847; Pub. L. 100–525, §9(d), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2620; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §162(h)(2), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 407.)

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a), (b), and (e), was in the original, “this Act”, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–236, §162(h)(2)(A), struck out “; Bureau of Consular Affairs” after “Secretary of State” in section catchline.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 103–236, §162(h)(2)(B), substituted “the Administrator” for “the Bureau of Consular Affairs”.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–236, §162(h)(2)(C), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: “There is established in the Department of State a Bureau of Consular Affairs, to be headed by an Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs. The Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs shall be a citizen of the United States, qualified by experience, and shall maintain close liaison with the appropriate committees of Congress in order that they may be advised regarding the administration of this chapter by consular officers. He shall be charged with any and all responsibility and authority in the administration of the Bureau and of this chapter which are conferred on the Secretary of State as may be delegated to him by the Secretary of State or which may be prescribed by the Secretary of State. He shall also perform such other duties as the Secretary of State may prescribe.”

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–236, §162(h)(2)(D), substituted “Department of State” for “Bureau”.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–236, §162(h)(2)(E), struck out before period at end “, of the Bureau of Consular Affairs”.

1988—Pub. L. 100–525 substituted “Bureau of Consular Affairs” for “Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs” in section catchline.

1977—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 95–105, §109(b)(1)(A), struck out “Security and” after “Bureau of”.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–105, §109(b)(1)(B), substituted “Consular Affairs, to be headed by an Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs” for “Security and Consular Affairs, to be headed by an administrator (with an appropriate title to be designated by the Secretary of State), with rank equal to that of an Assistant Secretary of State” and “Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs” for “administrator” and struck out provision that the administrator shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 95–105, §109(b)(1)(C), struck out “Security and” after “Bureau of”.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 95–105, §109(b)(1)(D), struck out subsec. (f) which placed Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs under immediate jurisdiction of Deputy Under Secretary of State for Administration.

1964—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 88–426 repealed provisions which related to compensation of Administrator. See section 5311 et seq. of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

1962—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 87–510 provided for appointment of Administrator of Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs by President by and with advice and consent of Senate.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–236 applicable with respect to officials, offices, and bureaus of Department of State when executive orders, regulations, or departmental directives implementing the amendments by sections 161 and 162 of Pub. L. 103–236 become effective, or 90 days after Apr. 30, 1994, whichever comes earlier, see section 161(b) of Pub. L. 103–236, as amended, set out as a note under section 2651a of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.

Effective Date of 1964 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 88–426 effective on first day of first pay period which begins on or after July 1, 1964, except to extent provided in section 501(c) of Pub. L. 88–426, see section 501 of Pub. L. 88–426.

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.

Authority of Secretary of State

Except as otherwise provided, Secretary of State to have and exercise any authority vested by law in any official or office of Department of State and references to such officials or offices deemed to refer to Secretary of State or Department of State, as appropriate, see section 2651a of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, and section 161(d) of Pub. L. 103–236, set out as a note under section 2651a of Title 22.

Assumption of Duties by Administrator of Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs

Section 109(b)(4) of Pub. L. 95–105 provided that: “The individual holding the position of administrator of the Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs on the date of enactment of this section [Aug. 17, 1977] shall assume the duties of the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs and shall not be required to be reappointed by reason of the enactment of this section.”

References to Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs or Administrator

Section 109(b)(5) of Pub. L. 95–105 provided that: “Any reference in any law to the Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs or to the administrator of such Bureau shall be deemed to be a reference to the Bureau of Consular Affairs or to the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, respectively.”

§1105. Liaison with internal security officers; data exchange

(a) In general

The Commissioner and the Administrator shall have authority to maintain direct and continuous liaison with the Directors of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Central Intelligence Agency and with other internal security officers of the Government for the purpose of obtaining and exchanging information for use in enforcing the provisions of this chapter in the interest of the internal and border security of the United States. The Commissioner and the Administrator shall maintain direct and continuous liaison with each other with a view to a coordinated, uniform, and efficient administration of this chapter, and all other immigration and nationality laws.

(b) Access to National Crime Information Center files

(1) The Attorney General and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall provide the Department of State and the Service access to the criminal history record information contained in the National Crime Information Center's Interstate Identification Index (NCIC-III), Wanted Persons File, and to any other files maintained by the National Crime Information Center that may be mutually agreed upon by the Attorney General and the agency receiving the access, for the purpose of determining whether or not a visa applicant or applicant for admission has a criminal history record indexed in any such file.

(2) Such access shall be provided by means of extracts of the records for placement in the automated visa lookout or other appropriate database, and shall be provided without any fee or charge.

(3) The Federal Bureau of Investigation shall provide periodic updates of the extracts at intervals mutually agreed upon with the agency receiving the access. Upon receipt of such updated extracts, the receiving agency shall make corresponding updates to its database and destroy previously provided extracts.

(4) Access to an extract does not entitle the Department of State to obtain the full content of the corresponding automated criminal history record. To obtain the full content of a criminal history record, the Department of State shall submit the applicant's fingerprints and any appropriate fingerprint processing fee authorized by law to the Criminal Justice Information Services Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

(c) Reconsideration upon development of more cost effective means of sharing information

The provision of the extracts described in subsection (b) of this section may be reconsidered by the Attorney General and the receiving agency upon the development and deployment of a more cost-effective and efficient means of sharing the information.

(d) Regulations

For purposes of administering this section, the Department of State shall, prior to receiving access to NCIC data but not later than 4 months after October 26, 2001, promulgate final regulations—

(1) to implement procedures for the taking of fingerprints; and

(2) to establish the conditions for the use of the information received from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in order—

(A) to limit the redissemination of such information;

(B) to ensure that such information is used solely to determine whether or not to issue a visa to an alien or to admit an alien to the United States;

(C) to ensure the security, confidentiality, and destruction of such information; and

(D) to protect any privacy rights of individuals who are subjects of such information.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title I, §105, 66 Stat. 175; Pub. L. 95–105, title I, §109(b)(2), Aug. 17, 1977, 91 Stat. 847; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §162(h)(3), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 408; Pub. L. 107–56, title IV, §403(a), Oct. 26, 2001, 115 Stat. 343.)

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original, “this Act”, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2001—Pub. L. 107–56 inserted “; data exchange” after “security officers” in section catchline, designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted “and border” before “security of the United States”, and added subsecs. (b) to (d).

1994—Pub. L. 103–236 substituted “Administrator” for “Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs” in two places.

1977—Pub. L. 95–105 substituted “Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs” for “administrator” in two places.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–236 applicable with respect to officials, offices, and bureaus of Department of State when executive orders, regulations, or departmental directives implementing the amendments by sections 161 and 162 of Pub. L. 103–236 become effective, or 90 days after Apr. 30, 1994, whichever comes earlier, see section 161(b) of Pub. L. 103–236, as amended, set out as a note under section 2651a of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.

Statutory Construction

Pub. L. 107–56, title IV, §403(d), Oct. 26, 2001, 115 Stat. 345, provided that: “Nothing in this section [enacting section 1379 of this title, amending this section, and enacting provisions set out as a note under this section], or in any other law, shall be construed to limit the authority of the Attorney General or the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to provide access to the criminal history record information contained in the National Crime Information Center's (NCIC) Interstate Identification Index (NCIC-III), or to any other information maintained by the NCIC, to any Federal agency or officer authorized to enforce or administer the immigration laws of the United States, for the purpose of such enforcement or administration, upon terms that are consistent with the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact Act of 1998 (subtitle A of title II of Public Law 105–251; 42 U.S.C. 14611–16) and section 552a of title 5, United States Code.”

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.

Reporting Requirement

Pub. L. 107–56, title IV, §403(b), Oct. 26, 2001, 115 Stat. 344, provided that: “Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 26, 2001], the Attorney General and the Secretary of State jointly shall report to Congress on the implementation of the amendments made by this section [amending this section].”

§1105a. Employment authorization for battered spouses of certain nonimmigrants

(a) In general

In the case of an alien spouse admitted under subparagraph (A), (E)(iii), (G), or (H) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title who is accompanying or following to join a principal alien admitted under subparagraph (A), (E)(iii), (G), or (H) of such section, respectively, the Secretary of Homeland Security may authorize the alien spouse to engage in employment in the United States and provide the spouse with an “employment authorized” endorsement or other appropriate work permit if the alien spouse demonstrates that during the marriage the alien spouse or a child of the alien spouse has been battered or has been the subject of extreme cruelty perpetrated by the spouse of the alien spouse. Requests for relief under this section shall be handled under the procedures that apply to aliens seeking relief under section 1154(a)(1)(A)(iii) of this title.

(b) Construction

The grant of employment authorization pursuant to this section shall not confer upon the alien any other form of relief.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title I, §106, as added Pub. L. 109–162, title VIII, §814(c), Jan. 5, 2006, 119 Stat. 3059.)

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1105a, act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title I, §106, as added Sept. 26, 1961, Pub. L. 87–301, §5(a), 75 Stat. 651; amended Dec. 29, 1981, Pub. L. 97–116, §18(b), 95 Stat. 1620; Oct. 24, 1988, Pub. L. 100–525, §9(e), 102 Stat. 2620; Nov. 18, 1988, Pub. L. 100–690, title VII, §7347(b), 102 Stat. 4472; Nov. 29, 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, title V, §§502(a), 513(a), 545(b), 104 Stat. 5048, 5052, 5065; Dec. 12, 1991, Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §306(a)(2), 105 Stat. 1751; Sept. 13, 1994, Pub. L. 103–322, title XIII, §130004(b), 108 Stat. 2027; Oct. 25, 1994, Pub. L. 103–416, title II, §223(b), 108 Stat. 4322; Apr. 24, 1996, Pub. L. 104–132, title IV, §§401(b), (e), 423(a), 440(a), 442(b), 110 Stat. 1267, 1268, 1272, 1276, 1280; Sept. 30, 1996, Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §§306(d), 308(g)(10)(H), 371(b)(1), title VI, §671(c)(3), (4), 110 Stat. 3009–612, 3009–625, 3009–645, 3009–722, related to judicial review of orders of deportation and exclusion, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §§306(b), (c), 309, Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–612, 3009–625, effective, with certain transitional provisions, on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after Sept. 30, 1996, but such repeal not to be considered to invalidate or to require the reconsideration of any judgment or order entered under this section. See section 1252 of this title.

§1106. Repealed. Pub. L. 91–510, title IV, §422(a), Oct. 26, 1970, 84 Stat. 1189

Section, act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §401, 66 Stat. 274, provided for establishment of Joint Committee on Immigration and Nationality, including its composition, necessity of membership on House or Senate Committee on the Judiciary, vacancies and election of chairman, functions, reports, submission of regulations to Committee, hearings and subpena, travel expenses, employment of personnel, payment of Committee expenses, and effective date.

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective immediately prior to noon on Jan. 3, 1971, see section 601(1) of Pub. L. 91–510, set out as an Effective Date of 1970 Amendment note under section 72a of Title 2, The Congress.

Abolition of Joint Committee on Immigration and Nationality

Pub. L. 91–510, title IV, §421, Oct. 26, 1970, 84 Stat. 1189, abolished the Joint Committee on Immigration and Nationality established by former subsec. (a) of this section.

§1107. Additional report

At the beginning and midpoint of each fiscal year, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the Committees on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the Senate, a written report providing a description of internal affairs operations at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, including the general state of such operations and a detailed description of investigations that are being conducted (or that were conducted during the previous six months) and the resources devoted to such investigations. The first such report shall be submitted not later than April 1, 2006.

(Pub. L. 109–177, title I, §109(c), Mar. 9, 2006, 120 Stat. 205.)

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the USA PATRIOT Improvment and Reauthorization Act of 2005, and not as part of the Immigration and Nationality Act which comprises this chapter.

SUBCHAPTER II—IMMIGRATION

Part I—Selection System

§1151. Worldwide level of immigration

(a) In general

Exclusive of aliens described in subsection (b) of this section, aliens born in a foreign state or dependent area who may be issued immigrant visas or who may otherwise acquire the status of an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence are limited to—

(1) family-sponsored immigrants described in section 1153(a) of this title (or who are admitted under section 1181(a) of this title on the basis of a prior issuance of a visa to their accompanying parent under section 1153(a) of this title) in a number not to exceed in any fiscal year the number specified in subsection (c) of this section for that year, and not to exceed in any of the first 3 quarters of any fiscal year 27 percent of the worldwide level under such subsection for all of such fiscal year;

(2) employment-based immigrants described in section 1153(b) of this title (or who are admitted under section 1181(a) of this title on the basis of a prior issuance of a visa to their accompanying parent under section 1153(b) of this title), in a number not to exceed in any fiscal year the number specified in subsection (d) of this section for that year, and not to exceed in any of the first 3 quarters of any fiscal year 27 percent of the worldwide level under such subsection for all of such fiscal year; and

(3) for fiscal years beginning with fiscal year 1995, diversity immigrants described in section 1153(c) of this title (or who are admitted under section 1181(a) of this title on the basis of a prior issuance of a visa to their accompanying parent under section 1153(c) of this title) in a number not to exceed in any fiscal year the number specified in subsection (e) of this section for that year, and not to exceed in any of the first 3 quarters of any fiscal year 27 percent of the worldwide level under such subsection for all of such fiscal year.

(b) Aliens not subject to direct numerical limitations

Aliens described in this subsection, who are not subject to the worldwide levels or numerical limitations of subsection (a) of this section, are as follows:

(1)(A) Special immigrants described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 1101(a)(27) of this title.

(B) Aliens who are admitted under section 1157 of this title or whose status is adjusted under section 1159 of this title.

(C) Aliens whose status is adjusted to permanent residence under section 1160 or 1255a of this title.

(D) Aliens whose removal is canceled under section 1229b(a) of this title.

(E) Aliens provided permanent resident status under section 1259 of this title.

(2)(A)(i) Immediate relatives.—For purposes of this subsection, the term “immediate relatives” means the children, spouses, and parents of a citizen of the United States, except that, in the case of parents, such citizens shall be at least 21 years of age. In the case of an alien who was the spouse of a citizen of the United States and was not legally separated from the citizen at the time of the citizen's death, the alien (and each child of the alien) shall be considered, for purposes of this subsection, to remain an immediate relative after the date of the citizen's death but only if the spouse files a petition under section 1154(a)(1)(A)(ii) of this title within 2 years after such date and only until the date the spouse remarries. For purposes of this clause, an alien who has filed a petition under clause (iii) or (iv) of section 1154(a)(1)(A) of this title remains an immediate relative in the event that the United States citizen spouse or parent loses United States citizenship on account of the abuse.

(ii) Aliens admitted under section 1181(a) of this title on the basis of a prior issuance of a visa to their accompanying parent who is such an immediate relative.

(B) Aliens born to an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence during a temporary visit abroad.

(c) Worldwide level of family-sponsored immigrants

(1)(A) The worldwide level of family-sponsored immigrants under this subsection for a fiscal year is, subject to subparagraph (B), equal to—

(i) 480,000, minus

(ii) the sum of the number computed under paragraph (2) and the number computed under paragraph (4), plus

(iii) the number (if any) computed under paragraph (3).


(B)(i) For each of fiscal years 1992, 1993, and 1994, 465,000 shall be substituted for 480,000 in subparagraph (A)(i).

(ii) In no case shall the number computed under subparagraph (A) be less than 226,000.

(2) The number computed under this paragraph for a fiscal year is the sum of the number of aliens described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (b)(2) of this section who were issued immigrant visas or who otherwise acquired the status of aliens lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence in the previous fiscal year.

(3)(A) The number computed under this paragraph for fiscal year 1992 is zero.

(B) The number computed under this paragraph for fiscal year 1993 is the difference (if any) between the worldwide level established under paragraph (1) for the previous fiscal year and the number of visas issued under section 1153(a) of this title during that fiscal year.

(C) The number computed under this paragraph for a subsequent fiscal year is the difference (if any) between the maximum number of visas which may be issued under section 1153(b) of this title (relating to employment-based immigrants) during the previous fiscal year and the number of visas issued under that section during that year.

(4) The number computed under this paragraph for a fiscal year (beginning with fiscal year 1999) is the number of aliens who were paroled into the United States under section 1182(d)(5) of this title in the second preceding fiscal year—

(A) who did not depart from the United States (without advance parole) within 365 days; and

(B) who (i) did not acquire the status of aliens lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence in the two preceding fiscal years, or (ii) acquired such status in such years under a provision of law (other than subsection (b) of this section) which exempts such adjustment from the numerical limitation on the worldwide level of immigration under this section.


(5) If any alien described in paragraph (4) (other than an alien described in paragraph (4)(B)(ii)) is subsequently admitted as an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, such alien shall not again be considered for purposes of paragraph (1).

(d) Worldwide level of employment-based immigrants

(1) The worldwide level of employment-based immigrants under this subsection for a fiscal year is equal to—

(A) 140,000, plus

(B) the number computed under paragraph (2).


(2)(A) The number computed under this paragraph for fiscal year 1992 is zero.

(B) The number computed under this paragraph for fiscal year 1993 is the difference (if any) between the worldwide level established under paragraph (1) for the previous fiscal year and the number of visas issued under section 1153(b) of this title during that fiscal year.

(C) The number computed under this paragraph for a subsequent fiscal year is the difference (if any) between the maximum number of visas which may be issued under section 1153(a) of this title (relating to family-sponsored immigrants) during the previous fiscal year and the number of visas issued under that section during that year.

(e) Worldwide level of diversity immigrants

The worldwide level of diversity immigrants is equal to 55,000 for each fiscal year.

(f) Rules for determining whether certain aliens are immediate relatives

(1) Age on petition filing date

Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), for purposes of subsection (b)(2)(A)(i) of this section, a determination of whether an alien satisfies the age requirement in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) of section 1101(b)(1) of this title shall be made using the age of the alien on the date on which the petition is filed with the Attorney General under section 1154 of this title to classify the alien as an immediate relative under subsection (b)(2)(A)(i) of this section.

(2) Age on parent's naturalization date

In the case of a petition under section 1154 of this title initially filed for an alien child's classification as a family-sponsored immigrant under section 1153(a)(2)(A) of this title, based on the child's parent being lawfully admitted for permanent residence, if the petition is later converted, due to the naturalization of the parent, to a petition to classify the alien as an immediate relative under subsection (b)(2)(A)(i) of this section, the determination described in paragraph (1) shall be made using the age of the alien on the date of the parent's naturalization.

(3) Age on marriage termination date

In the case of a petition under section 1154 of this title initially filed for an alien's classification as a family-sponsored immigrant under section 1153(a)(3) of this title, based on the alien's being a married son or daughter of a citizen, if the petition is later converted, due to the legal termination of the alien's marriage, to a petition to classify the alien as an immediate relative under subsection (b)(2)(A)(i) of this section or as an unmarried son or daughter of a citizen under section 1153(a)(1) of this title, the determination described in paragraph (1) shall be made using the age of the alien on the date of the termination of the marriage.

(4) Application to self-petitions

Paragraphs (1) through (3) shall apply to self-petitioners and derivatives of self-petitioners.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title II, ch. 1, §201, 66 Stat. 175; Pub. L. 89–236, §1, Oct. 3, 1965, 79 Stat. 911; Pub. L. 94–571, §2, Oct. 20, 1976, 90 Stat. 2703; Pub. L. 95–412, §1, Oct. 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 907; Pub. L. 96–212, title II, §203(a), Mar. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 106; Pub. L. 97–116, §20[(a)], Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1621; Pub. L. 101–649, title I, §101(a), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4980; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §302(a)(1), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1742; Pub. L. 103–322, title IV, §40701(b)(2), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 1954; Pub. L. 103–416, title II, §219(b)(1), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4316; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §308(e)(5), (g)(8)(A)(i), title VI, §§603, 671(d)(1)(A), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–620, 3009–624, 3009–690, 3009–723; Pub. L. 106–386, div. B, title V, §1507(a)(3), Oct. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 1530; Pub. L. 107–208, §2, Aug. 6, 2002, 116 Stat. 927; Pub. L. 109–162, title VIII, §805(b)(1), Jan. 5, 2006, 119 Stat. 3056; Pub. L. 111–83, title V, §568(c)(1), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2186.)

Amendments

2009—Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(i). Pub. L. 111–83 struck out “for at least 2 years at the time of the citizen's death” before “and was not legally separated” in second sentence.

2006—Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 109–162 added par. (4).

2002—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 107–208 added subsec. (f).

2000—Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(i). Pub. L. 106–386 inserted at end “For purposes of this clause, an alien who has filed a petition under clause (iii) or (iv) of section 1154(a)(1)(A) of this title remains an immediate relative in the event that the United States citizen spouse or parent loses United States citizenship on account of the abuse.”

1996—Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 104–208, §671(d)(1)(A), struck out “, 1161,” after “section 1160”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 104–208, §308(g)(8)(A)(i), substituted “section 1229b(a)” for “section 1254(a)”.

Pub. L. 104–208, §308(e)(5), substituted “removal is canceled” for “deportation is suspended”.

Subsec. (c)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 104–208, §603(1), amended cl. (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (ii) read as follows: “the number computed under paragraph (2), plus”.

Subsec. (c)(4), (5). Pub. L. 104–208, §603(2), added pars. (4) and (5).

1994—Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(i). Pub. L. 103–416 inserted “(and each child of the alien)” after “death, the alien” in second sentence.

Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “1154(a)(1)(A)(ii)” for “1154(a)(1)(A)”.

1991—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 102–232, §302(a)(1)(A), added subpars. (A) and (B), designated existing text as subpar. (C), and in subpar. (C) substituted “The number computed under this paragraph for a subsequent fiscal year” for “The number computed under this paragraph for a fiscal year”.

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 102–232, §302(a)(1)(B), added subpars. (A) and (B), designated existing text as subpar. (C), and in subpar. (C) substituted “The number computed under this paragraph for a subsequent fiscal year” for “The number computed under this paragraph for a fiscal year”.

1990—Pub. L. 101–649 amended section generally, substituting provisions setting forth general and worldwide levels for family-sponsored, employment-based, and diversity immigrants, for provisions setting forth numerical limitations on total lawful admissions without breakdown as to type.

1981—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–116 inserted proviso authorizing Secretary of State, to the extent that in a particular fiscal year the number of aliens who are issued immigrant visas or who otherwise acquire the status of aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence, and who are subject to the numerical limitations of this section, together with the aliens who adjust their status to aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence pursuant to section 1101(a)(27)(H) of this title or section 19 of the Immigration and Nationality Amendments of 1981, exceed the annual numerical limitation in effect, to reduce to such extent the annual numerical limitation in effect for the following fiscal year.

1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–212 inserted provisions relating to aliens admitted or granted asylums under section 1157 or 1158 of this title, struck out provisions relating to aliens entering conditionally under section 1153(a)(7) of this title, and decreased the authorized number from seventy-seven thousand to seventy-two thousand in each of the first three-quarters of any fiscal year, and from two hundred and ninety thousand to two hundred and seventy thousand in any fiscal year as the maximum number of admissions for such periods.

1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–412 substituted provisions establishing a single worldwide annual immigration ceiling of 290,000 aliens and limiting to 77,000 the number of aliens subject to such ceiling which may be admitted in each of the first three quarters of any fiscal year for provisions establishing separate annual immigration ceilings of 170,000 aliens for the Eastern Hemisphere and 120,000 aliens for the Western Hemisphere and limiting to 45,000 the number of aliens subject to the Eastern Hemisphere ceiling and to 32,000 the number of aliens subject to the Western Hemisphere ceiling which may be admitted in the first three quarters of any fiscal year.

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–571, §2(1), in amending subsec. (a) generally, designated existing provisions as cl. (1) limited to aliens born in any foreign state or dependent area located in the Eastern Hemisphere and added cl. (2).

Subsecs. (c) to (e). Pub. L. 94–571, §2(2), struck out subsec. (c) which provided for determination of unused quota numbers, subsec. (d) which provided for an immigration pool, limitation on total numbers, and allocations therefrom, and subsec. (e) which provided for termination of immigration pool on June 30, 1968, and for carryover of admissible immigrants.

1965—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–236 substituted provisions setting up a 170,000 maximum on total annual immigration and 45,000 maximum on total quarterly immigration without regard to national origins, for provisions setting an annual quota for quota areas which allowed admission of one-sixth of one per centum of portion of national population of continental United States in 1920 attributable by national origin of that quota area and setting a minimum quota of 100 for each quota area.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–236 substituted provisions defining “immediate relatives” for provisions calling for a determination of annual quota for each quota area by Secretaries of State and Commerce and Attorney General, and proclamation of quotas by President.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 89–236 substituted provisions allowing carryover through June 30, 1968, of quotas for quota areas in effect on June 30, 1965, and redistribution of unused quota numbers, for provisions which limited issuance of immigrant visas.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 89–236 substituted provisions creating an immigration pool and allocating its numbers without reference to the quotas to which an alien is chargeable, for provisions allowing issuance of an immigrant visa to an immigrant as a quota immigrant even though he might be a nonquota immigrant.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 89–236 substituted provisions terminating the immigration pool on June 30, 1968, for provisions permitting reduction of annual quotas based on national origins pursuant to Act of Congress prior to effective date of proclaimed quotas.

Effective Date of 2009 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–83, title V, §568(c)(2), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2186, provided that:

“(A) In general.—The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall apply to all applications and petitions relating to immediate relative status under section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(2)(A)(i)) pending on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 28, 2009].

“(B) Transition cases.—

“(i) In general.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an alien described in clause (ii) who seeks immediate relative status pursuant to the amendment made by paragraph (1) shall file a petition under section 204(a)(1)(A)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(A)(ii)) not later than the date that is 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

“(ii) Aliens described.—An alien is described in this clause if—

“(I) the alien's United States citizen spouse died before the date of the enactment of this Act;

“(II) the alien and the citizen spouse were married for less than 2 years at the time of the citizen spouse's death; and

“(III) the alien has not remarried.”

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–208, §8, Aug. 6, 2002, 116 Stat. 930, provided that: “The amendments made by this Act [amending this section and sections 1153, 1154, 1157, and 1158 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 6, 2002] and shall apply to any alien who is a derivative beneficiary or any other beneficiary of—

“(1) a petition for classification under section 204 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1154) approved before such date but only if a final determination has not been made on the beneficiary's application for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence pursuant to such approved petition;

“(2) a petition for classification under section 204 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1154) pending on or after such date; or

“(3) an application pending before the Department of Justice or the Department of State on or after such date.”

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by section 308(e)(5), (g)(8)(A)(i) of Pub. L. 104–208 effective, with certain transitional provisions, on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after Sept. 30, 1996, see section 309 of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–416 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 219(dd) of Pub. L. 103–416, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Section 40701(d) of Pub. L. 103–322 provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1154 of this title] shall take effect January 1, 1995.”

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–232 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 310(1) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–649 effective Oct. 1, 1991, and applicable beginning with fiscal year 1992, see section 161(a) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–116 effective Dec. 29, 1981, see section 21(a) of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–212 effective, except as otherwise provided, Mar. 17, 1980, and applicable to fiscal years beginning with the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 1979, see section 204 of Pub. L. 96–212, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–571 effective on first day of first month which begins more than sixty days after Oct. 20, 1976, see section 10 of Pub. L. 94–571, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1965 Amendment

Section 20 of Pub. L. 89–236 provided that: “This Act [amending this section and sections 1101, 1152 to 1156, 1181, 1182, 1201, 1202, 1204, 1251, 1253, 1254, 1255, 1259, 1322, and 1351 of this title, repealing section 1157 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under this section] shall become effective on the first day of the first month after the expiration of thirty days following the date of its enactment [Oct. 3, 1965] except as provided herein.”

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.

Extension of Posthumous Benefits to Surviving Spouses, Children, and Parents

Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title XVII, §1703(a)–(e), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1693, provided that:

“(a) Treatment as Immediate Relatives.—

“(1) Spouses.—Notwithstanding the second sentence of section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(2)(A)(i)), in the case of an alien who was the spouse of a citizen of the United States at the time of the citizen's death and was not legally separated from the citizen at the time of the citizen's death, if the citizen served honorably in an active duty status in the military, air, or naval forces of the United States and died as a result of injury or disease incurred in or aggravated by combat, the alien (and each child of the alien) shall be considered, for purposes of section 201(b) of such Act, to remain an immediate relative after the date of the citizen's death, but only if the alien files a petition under section 204(a)(1)(A)(ii) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(A)(ii)] within 2 years after such date and only until the date the alien remarries. For purposes of such section 204(a)(1)(A)(ii), an alien granted relief under the preceding sentence shall be considered an alien spouse described in the second sentence of section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) of such Act.

“(2) Children.—

“(A) In general.—In the case of an alien who was the child of a citizen of the United States at the time of the citizen's death, if the citizen served honorably in an active duty status in the military, air, or naval forces of the United States and died as a result of injury or disease incurred in or aggravated by combat, the alien shall be considered, for purposes of section 201(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)), to remain an immediate relative after the date of the citizen's death (regardless of changes in age or marital status thereafter), but only if the alien files a petition under subparagraph (B) within 2 years after such date.

“(B) Petitions.—An alien described in subparagraph (A) may file a petition with the Secretary of Homeland Security for classification of the alien under section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(2)(A)(i)). For purposes of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.], such a petition shall be considered a petition filed under section 204(a)(1)(A) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(A)).

“(3) Parents.—

“(A) In general.—In the case of an alien who was the parent of a citizen of the United States at the time of the citizen's death, if the citizen served honorably in an active duty status in the military, air, or naval forces of the United States and died as a result of injury or disease incurred in or aggravated by combat, the alien shall be considered, for purposes of section 201(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)), to remain an immediate relative after the date of the citizen's death (regardless of changes in age or marital status thereafter), but only if the alien files a petition under subparagraph (B) within 2 years after such date.

“(B) Petitions.—An alien described in subparagraph (A) may file a petition with the Secretary of Homeland Security for classification of the alien under section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(2)(A)(i)). For purposes of such Act, such a petition shall be considered a petition filed under section 204(a)(1)(A) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(A)).

“(C) Exception.—Notwithstanding section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(2)(A)(i)), for purposes of this paragraph, a citizen described in subparagraph (A) does not have to be 21 years of age for a parent to benefit under this paragraph.

“(b) Applications for Adjustment of Status by Surviving Spouses, Children, and Parents.—

“(1) In general.—Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (c) of section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1255), any alien who was the spouse, child, or parent of an alien described in paragraph (2), and who applied for adjustment of status prior to the death described in paragraph (2)(B), may have such application adjudicated as if such death had not occurred.

“(2) Alien described.—An alien is described in this paragraph if the alien—

“(A) served honorably in an active duty status in the military, air, or naval forces of the United States;

“(B) died as a result of injury or disease incurred in or aggravated by combat; and

“(C) was granted posthumous citizenship under section 329A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1440–1).

“(c) Spouses and Children of Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens.—

“(1) Treatment as immediate relatives.—

“(A) In general.—A spouse or child of an alien described in paragraph (3) who is included in a petition for classification as a family-sponsored immigrant under section 203(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(a)(2)) that was filed by such alien, shall be considered (if the spouse or child has not been admitted or approved for lawful permanent residence by such date) a valid petitioner for immediate relative status under section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(2)(A)(i)). Such spouse or child shall be eligible for deferred action, advance parole, and work authorization.

“(B) Petitions.—An alien spouse or child described in subparagraph (A) may file a petition with the Secretary of Homeland Security for classification of the alien under section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(2)(A)(i)). For purposes of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.], such a petition shall be considered a petition filed under section 204(a)(1)(A) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(A)).

“(2) Self-petitions.—Any spouse or child of an alien described in paragraph (3) who is not a beneficiary of a petition for classification as a family-sponsored immigrant may file a petition for such classification under section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(2)(A)(i)) with the Secretary of Homeland Security, but only if the spouse or child files a petition within 2 years after such date. Such spouse or child shall be eligible for deferred action, advance parole, and work authorization.

“(3) Alien described.—An alien is described in this paragraph if the alien—

“(A) served honorably in an active duty status in the military, air, or naval forces of the United States;

“(B) died as a result of injury or disease incurred in or aggravated by combat; and

“(C) was granted posthumous citizenship under section 329A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1440–1).

“(d) Parents of Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens.—

“(1) Self-petitions.—Any parent of an alien described in paragraph (2) may file a petition for classification under section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(2)(A)(i)), but only if the parent files a petition within 2 years after such date. For purposes of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.], such petition shall be considered a petition filed under section 204(a)(1)(A) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(A)). Such parent shall be eligible for deferred action, advance parole, and work authorization.

“(2) Alien described.—An alien is described in this paragraph if the alien—

“(A) served honorably in an active duty status in the military, air, or naval forces of the United States;

“(B) died as a result of injury or disease incurred in or aggravated by combat; and

“(C) was granted posthumous citizenship under section 329A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1440–1).

“(e) Waiver of Ground for Inadmissibility.—In determining the admissibility of any alien accorded an immigration benefit under this section for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.], the ground for inadmissibility specified in section 212(a)(4) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(4)) shall not apply.”

[Section 1703 of Pub. L. 108–136, set out above, effective as if enacted on Sept. 11, 2001, see section 1705(a) of Pub. L. 108–136, set out as an Effective Date of 2003 Amendment note under section 1439 of this title.]

Temporary Reduction in Diversity Visas

Pub. L. 105–100, title II, §203(d), Nov. 19, 1997, 111 Stat. 2199, as amended by Pub. L. 105–139, §1(d), Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2644, provided that:

“(1) Beginning in fiscal year 1999, subject to paragraph (2), the number of visas available for a fiscal year under section 201(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1151(e)] shall be reduced by 5,000 from the number of visas otherwise available under that section for such fiscal year.

“(2) In no case shall the reduction under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year exceed the amount by which—

“(A) one-half of the total number of individuals described in subclauses (I), (II), (III), and (IV) of section 309(c)(5)(C)(i) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 [Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title] who have adjusted their status to that of aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act [title II of Pub. L. 105–100, see Short Title of 1997 Amendments note set out under section 1101 of this title] as of the end of the previous fiscal year; exceeds

“(B) the total of the reductions in available visas under this subsection for all previous fiscal years.”

Transition Relating to Death of Citizen Spouse

Section 101(c) of Pub. L. 101–649, as added by Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §302(a)(2), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1742, provided that: “In applying the second sentence of section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(2)(A)(i)] (as amended by subsection (a)) in the case of a [sic] alien whose citizen spouse died before the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990], notwithstanding the deadline specified in such sentence the alien spouse may file the classification petition referred to in such sentence within 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.”

Inapplicability of Numerical Limitations for Certain Aliens Residing in the United States Virgin Islands

The numerical limitations described in subsec. (a) of this section not to apply in the case of certain aliens residing in the Virgin Islands seeking adjustment of their status to permanent resident alien status, and such adjustment of status not to result in any reduction in the number of aliens who may acquire the status of aliens lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under this chapter, see section 2(c)(1) of Pub. L. 97–271, set out as a note under section 1255 of this title.

Exemption From Numerical Limitations for Certain Aliens Who Applied for Adjustment to Status of Permanent Resident Aliens on or Before June 1, 1978

Section 19 of Pub. L. 97–116 provided that: “The numerical limitations contained in sections 201 and 202 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [sections 1151 and 1152 of this title] shall not apply to any alien who is present in the United States and who, on or before June 1, 1978—

“(1) qualified as a nonpreference immigrant under section 203(a)(8) of such Act [section 1153(a)(8) of this title] (as in effect on June 1, 1978);

“(2) was determined to be exempt from the labor certification requirement of section 212(a)(14) of such Act [former section 1182(a)(14) of this title] because the alien had actually invested, before such date, capital in an enterprise in the United States of which the alien became a principal manager and which employed a person or persons (other than the spouse or children of the alien) who are citizens of the United States or aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence; and

“(3) applied for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.”

Select Commission on Immigration and Refugee Policy

Section 4 of Pub. L. 95–412, as amended by Pub. L. 96–132, §23, Nov. 30, 1979, 93 Stat. 1051, provided for the establishment of a Select Commission on Immigration and Refugee Policy to study and evaluate existing laws, policies, and procedures governing the admission of immigrants and refugees to the United States, to make such administrative and legislative recommendations to the President and Congress as appropriate, and to submit a final report no later than Mar. 1, 1981, at which time it ceased to exist although it was authorized to function for up to 60 days thereafter to wind up its affairs.

Select Commission on Western Hemisphere Immigration

Section 21(a)–(d) and (f)–(h) of Pub. L. 89–236 established a Select Commission on Western Hemisphere Immigration to study the operation of the immigration laws of the United States as they pertain to Western Hemisphere nations, with emphasis on the adequacy of such laws from the standpoint of fairness and the impact of such laws on employment and working conditions within the United States, and to make a final report to the President on or before Jan. 15, 1968, and terminate not later than 60 days after filing the final report.

Termination of Quota Deductions

Section 10 of Pub. L. 85–316, Sept. 11, 1957, 71 Stat. 642, provided that the quota deductions required under the provisions of former subsec. (e) of this section, the Displaced Persons Act of 1948, as amended, the act of June 30, 1950, and the act of April 9, 1952 were terminated effective July 1, 1957.

§1151a. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–571, §7(g), Oct. 20, 1976, 90 Stat. 2706

Section, Pub. L. 89–236, §21(e), Oct. 3, 1965, 79 Stat. 921, limited total number of special immigrants under section 1101(a)(27)(A) of this title, less certain exclusions, to 120,000 for fiscal years beginning July 1, 1968, or later.

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective on first day of first month which begins more than 60 days after Oct. 20, 1976, see section 10 of Pub. L. 94–571, set out as an Effective Date of 1976 Amendment note under section 1101 of this title.

§1152. Numerical limitations on individual foreign states

(a) Per country level

(1) Nondiscrimination

(A) Except as specifically provided in paragraph (2) and in sections 1101(a)(27), 1151(b)(2)(A)(i), and 1153 of this title, no person shall receive any preference or priority or be discriminated against in the issuance of an immigrant visa because of the person's race, sex, nationality, place of birth, or place of residence.

(B) Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to limit the authority of the Secretary of State to determine the procedures for the processing of immigrant visa applications or the locations where such applications will be processed.

(2) Per country levels for family-sponsored and employment-based immigrants

Subject to paragraphs (3), (4), and (5), the total number of immigrant visas made available to natives of any single foreign state or dependent area under subsections (a) and (b) of section 1153 of this title in any fiscal year may not exceed 7 percent (in the case of a single foreign state) or 2 percent (in the case of a dependent area) of the total number of such visas made available under such subsections in that fiscal year.

(3) Exception if additional visas available

If because of the application of paragraph (2) with respect to one or more foreign states or dependent areas, the total number of visas available under both subsections (a) and (b) of section 1153 of this title for a calendar quarter exceeds the number of qualified immigrants who otherwise may be issued such a visa, paragraph (2) shall not apply to visas made available to such states or areas during the remainder of such calendar quarter.

(4) Special rules for spouses and children of lawful permanent resident aliens

(A) 75 percent of 2nd preference set-aside for spouses and children not subject to per country limitation

(i) In general

Of the visa numbers made available under section 1153(a) of this title to immigrants described in section 1153(a)(2)(A) of this title in any fiscal year, 75 percent of the 2–A floor (as defined in clause (ii)) shall be issued without regard to the numerical limitation under paragraph (2).

(ii) “2–A floor” defined

In this paragraph, the term “2–A floor” means, for a fiscal year, 77 percent of the total number of visas made available under section 1153(a) of this title to immigrants described in section 1153(a)(2) of this title in the fiscal year.

(B) Treatment of remaining 25 percent for countries subject to subsection (e)

(i) In general

Of the visa numbers made available under section 1153(a) of this title to immigrants described in section 1153(a)(2)(A) of this title in any fiscal year, the remaining 25 percent of the 2–A floor shall be available in the case of a state or area that is subject to subsection (e) of this section only to the extent that the total number of visas issued in accordance with subparagraph (A) to natives of the foreign state or area is less than the subsection (e) ceiling (as defined in clause (ii)).

(ii) “Subsection (e) ceiling” defined

In clause (i), the term “subsection (e) ceiling” means, for a foreign state or dependent area, 77 percent of the maximum number of visas that may be made available under section 1153(a) of this title to immigrants who are natives of the state or area under section 1153(a)(2) of this title consistent with subsection (e) of this section.

(C) Treatment of unmarried sons and daughters in countries subject to subsection (e)

In the case of a foreign state or dependent area to which subsection (e) of this section applies, the number of immigrant visas that may be made available to natives of the state or area under section 1153(a)(2)(B) of this title may not exceed—

(i) 23 percent of the maximum number of visas that may be made available under section 1153(a) of this title to immigrants of the state or area described in section 1153(a)(2) of this title consistent with subsection (e) of this section, or

(ii) the number (if any) by which the maximum number of visas that may be made available under section 1153(a) of this title to immigrants of the state or area described in section 1153(a)(2) of this title consistent with subsection (e) of this section exceeds the number of visas issued under section 1153(a)(2)(A) of this title,


whichever is greater.

(D) Limiting pass down for certain countries subject to subsection (e)

In the case of a foreign state or dependent area to which subsection (e) of this section applies, if the total number of visas issued under section 1153(a)(2) of this title exceeds the maximum number of visas that may be made available to immigrants of the state or area under section 1153(a)(2) of this title consistent with subsection (e) of this section (determined without regard to this paragraph), in applying paragraphs (3) and (4) of section 1153(a) of this title under subsection (e)(2) of this section all visas shall be deemed to have been required for the classes specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of such section.

(5) Rules for employment-based immigrants

(A) Employment-based immigrants not subject to per country limitation if additional visas available

If the total number of visas available under paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) of section 1153(b) of this title for a calendar quarter exceeds the number of qualified immigrants who may otherwise be issued such visas, the visas made available under that paragraph shall be issued without regard to the numerical limitation under paragraph (2) of this subsection during the remainder of the calendar quarter.

(B) Limiting fall across for certain countries subject to subsection (e) of this section

In the case of a foreign state or dependent area to which subsection (e) of this section applies, if the total number of visas issued under section 1153(b) of this title exceeds the maximum number of visas that may be made available to immigrants of the state or area under section 1153(b) of this title consistent with subsection (e) of this section (determined without regard to this paragraph), in applying subsection (e) of this section all visas shall be deemed to have been required for the classes of aliens specified in section 1153(b) of this title.

(b) Rules for chargeability

Each independent country, self-governing dominion, mandated territory, and territory under the international trusteeship system of the United Nations, other than the United States and its outlying possessions, shall be treated as a separate foreign state for the purposes of a numerical level established under subsection (a)(2) of this section when approved by the Secretary of State. All other inhabited lands shall be attributed to a foreign state specified by the Secretary of State. For the purposes of this chapter the foreign state to which an immigrant is chargeable shall be determined by birth within such foreign state except that (1) an alien child, when accompanied by or following to join his alien parent or parents, may be charged to the foreign state of either parent if such parent has received or would be qualified for an immigrant visa, if necessary to prevent the separation of the child from the parent or parents, and if immigration charged to the foreign state to which such parent has been or would be chargeable has not reached a numerical level established under subsection (a)(2) of this section for that fiscal year; (2) if an alien is chargeable to a different foreign state from that of his spouse, the foreign state to which such alien is chargeable may, if necessary to prevent the separation of husband and wife, be determined by the foreign state of the spouse he is accompanying or following to join, if such spouse has received or would be qualified for an immigrant visa and if immigration charged to the foreign state to which such spouse has been or would be chargeable has not reached a numerical level established under subsection (a)(2) of this section for that fiscal year; (3) an alien born in the United States shall be considered as having been born in the country of which he is a citizen or subject, or, if he is not a citizen or subject of any country, in the last foreign country in which he had his residence as determined by the consular officer; and (4) an alien born within any foreign state in which neither of his parents was born and in which neither of his parents had a residence at the time of such alien's birth may be charged to the foreign state of either parent.

(c) Chargeability for dependent areas

Any immigrant born in a colony or other component or dependent area of a foreign state overseas from the foreign state, other than an alien described in section 1151(b) of this title, shall be chargeable for the purpose of the limitation set forth in subsection (a) of this section, to the foreign state.

(d) Changes in territory

In the case of any change in the territorial limits of foreign states, the Secretary of State shall, upon recognition of such change issue appropriate instructions to all diplomatic and consular offices.

(e) Special rules for countries at ceiling

If it is determined that the total number of immigrant visas made available under subsections (a) and (b) of section 1153 of this title to natives of any single foreign state or dependent area will exceed the numerical limitation specified in subsection (a)(2) of this section in any fiscal year, in determining the allotment of immigrant visa numbers to natives under subsections (a) and (b) of section 1153 of this title, visa numbers with respect to natives of that state or area shall be allocated (to the extent practicable and otherwise consistent with this section and section 1153 of this title) in a manner so that—

(1) the ratio of the visa numbers made available under section 1153(a) of this title to the visa numbers made available under section 1153(b) of this title is equal to the ratio of the worldwide level of immigration under section 1151(c) of this title to such level under section 1151(d) of this title;

(2) except as provided in subsection (a)(4) of this section, the proportion of the visa numbers made available under each of paragraphs (1) through (4) of section 1153(a) of this title is equal to the ratio of the total number of visas made available under the respective paragraph to the total number of visas made available under section 1153(a) of this title, and

(3) except as provided in subsection (a)(5) of this section, the proportion of the visa numbers made available under each of paragraphs (1) through (5) of section 1153(b) of this title is equal to the ratio of the total number of visas made available under the respective paragraph to the total number of visas made available under section 1153(b) of this title.


Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as limiting the number of visas that may be issued to natives of a foreign state or dependent area under section 1153(a) or 1153(b) of this title if there is insufficient demand for visas for such natives under section 1153(b) or 1153(a) of this title, respectively, or as limiting the number of visas that may be issued under section 1153(a)(2)(A) of this title pursuant to subsection (a)(4)(A) of this section.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title II, ch. 1, §202, 66 Stat. 176; Pub. L. 87–301, §9, Sept. 26, 1961, 75 Stat. 654; Pub. L. 89–236, §2, Oct. 3, 1965, 79 Stat. 911; Pub. L. 94–571, §3, Oct. 20, 1976, 90 Stat. 2703; Pub. L. 95–412, §2, Oct. 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 907; Pub. L. 96–212, title II, §203(b), Mar. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 107; Pub. L. 97–116, §§18(c), 20(b), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1620, 1622; Pub. L. 99–603, title III, §311(a), Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3434; Pub. L. 99–653, §4, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3655; Pub. L. 100–525, §§8(c), 9(f), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2617, 2620; Pub. L. 101–649, title I, §102, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4982; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §302(a)(3), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1742; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title VI, §633, Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–701; Pub. L. 106–313, title I, §104(a), (b), Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat. 1252, 1253.)

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original, “this Act”, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2000—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 106–313, §104(b)(1), substituted “paragraphs (3), (4), and (5)” for “paragraphs (3) and (4)”.

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 106–313, §104(a), added par. (5).

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 106–313, §104(b)(2), substituted “except as provided in subsection (a)(5) of this section, the proportion of the visa numbers” for “the proportion of the visa numbers”.

1996—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 104–208 designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and added subpar. (B).

1991—Subsec. (a)(4)(A). Pub. L. 102–232 struck out “minimum” before “2nd preference set-aside” in heading.

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649, §102(1), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: “No person shall receive any preference or priority or be discriminated against in the issuance of an immigrant visa because of his race, sex, nationality, place of birth, or place of residence, except as specifically provided in sections 1101(a)(27), 1151(b), and 1153 of this title: Provided, That the total number of immigrant visas made available to natives of any single foreign state under paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 1153(a) of this title shall not exceed 20,000 in any fiscal year: And provided further, That to the extent that in a particular fiscal year the number of such natives who are issued immigrant visas or who may otherwise acquire the status of aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence and who are subject to the numerical limitations of this section, together with the aliens from the same foreign state who adjust their status to aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence pursuant to subparagraph (H) of section 1101(a)(27) of this title or section 19 of the Immigration and Nationality Amendments Act of 1981, exceed the numerical limitation in effect for such year pursuant to this section, the Secretary of State shall reduce to such extent the numerical limitation in effect for the natives of the same foreign state pursuant to this section for the following fiscal year.”

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–649, §102(2), inserted heading and substituted reference to numerical level established under subsec. (a)(2) of this section for reference to numerical limitation set forth in proviso to subsec. (a) of this section, wherever appearing.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–649, §102(3), inserted heading and substituted “an alien described in section 1151(b) of this title” for “a special immigrant, as defined in section 1101(a)(27) of this title, or an immediate relative of a United States citizen, as defined in section 1151(b) of this title” and struck out “, and the number of immigrant visas available to each such colony or other component or dependent area shall not exceed 5,000 in any one fiscal year” after “to the foreign state”.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–649, §102(4), inserted heading.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 101–649, §102(5), amended subsec. (e) generally, substituting provisions relating to special rules for countries at ceiling for provisions relating to availability and allocation of additional visas.

1988—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–525, §8(c), amended Pub. L. 99–653, §4. See 1986 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–525, §9(f)(1), substituted “subsection (a)” for “section 202(a)” in original, which for purposes of codification had been translated as “subsection (a) of this section”.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–525, §9(f)(2), substituted “this section” for “section 202” in original, which for purposes of codification had been translated as “this section”.

1986—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–653, as amended by Pub. L. 100–525, §8(c), amended subsec. (b) generally, substituting “outlying possessions, shall” for “outlying possessions shall”, in cl. (1) substituting “when accompanied by or following to join his alien” for “when accompanied by his alien”, “charged to the foreign state of either parent” for “charged to the same foreign state as the accompanying parent or of either accompanying parent”, “from the parent” for “from the accompanying parent”, “and if immigration charged to the foreign state to which such parent has been or would be chargeable has not reached the numerical” for “and if the foreign state to which such parent has been or would be chargeable has not exceeded the numerical”, in cl. (2) substituting “of his spouse” for “of his accompanying spouse”, “of the spouse he is accompanying or following to join” for “of the accompanying spouse”, “and if immigration charged to the foreign state to which such spouse has been or would be chargeable has not reached the numerical” for “and if the foreign state to which such spouse has been or would be chargeable has not exceeded the numerical”, and in cl. (3) substituting “subject, or, if” for “subject, or if” and “country, in” for “country then in”.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–603, §311(a)(1), substituted “5,000” for “six hundred”.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 99–603, §311(a)(2), substituted “5,000” for “600” in provisions preceding par. (1).

1981—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–116, §20(b), inserted proviso authorizing Secretary of State, to the extent that in a particular fiscal year the number of natives who are issued visas or who otherwise acquire the status of aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence, and who are subject to the numerical limitation of this section, together with the aliens from the same foreign state who adjust their status to aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence pursuant to section 1101(a)(27)(H) of this title and section 19 of the Immigration and Nationality Amendments of 1981, exceed the annual numerical limitation in effect for such year, to reduce to such extent the numerical limitation in effect for the natives of the same foreign state for the following fiscal year.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–116, §18(c), inserted “and” before “(4)”.

1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–212, §203(b)(1), (2), substituted “through (7)” for “through (8)”, and struck out “and the number of conditional entries” after “visas”.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 96–212, §203(b)(3)–(7), in introductory text struck out provisions relating to applicability to conditional entries, in par. (2) substituted “(26)” for “(20)”, struck out par. (7) relating to availability of conditional entries, and redesignated par. (8) as (7) and substituted “through (6)” for “through (7)”.

1978—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 95–412 substituted “limitation set forth in subsection (a) of this section, to the foreign state,” for “limitations set forth in section 1151(a) and subsection (a) of this section, to the hemisphere in which such colony or other component or dependent area is located, and to the foreign state, respectively,” and “six hundred” for “600”.

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–571, §3(1), struck out last proviso which read: “Provided further, That the foregoing proviso shall not operate to reduce the number of immigrants who may be admitted under the quota of any quota area before June 30, 1968”.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 94–571, §3(2), in revising provisions, substituted “overseas from the foreign state, other than a special immigrant, as defined in section 1101(a)(27) of this title, or an immediate relative of a United States citizen, as defined in section 1151(b) of this title, shall be chargeable for the purpose of the limitations set forth in section 1151(a) of this title and subsection (a) of this section, to the hemisphere in which such colony or other component or dependent area is located, and to the foreign state, respectively, and the number of immigrant visas available to each such colony or other component or dependent area shall not exceed 600 in any one fiscal year” for “unless a special immigrant as provided in section 1101(a)(27) of this title or an immediate relative of a United States citizen as specified in section 1151(b) of this title, shall be chargeable, for the purpose of limitation set forth in subsection (a) of this section, to the foreign state, except that the number of persons born in any such colony or other component or dependent area overseas from the foreign state chargeable to the foreign state in any one fiscal year shall not exceed 1 per centum of the maximum number of immigrant visas available to such foreign state”.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 94–571, §3(3), added subsec. (e).

1965—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–236 substituted provisions prohibiting preferences or priorities or discrimination in the issuance of an immigrant visa because of race, sex, nationality, place of birth, or place of residence, setting a limit of 20,000 per year on the total number of entries available to natives of any single foreign state, and prohibiting the 20,000 limitation from reducing the number of immigrants under the quota of any quota area before June 30, 1968, for provisions calling for the charging of immigrants, with certain exceptions, to the annual quota of the quota area of his birth.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–236 substituted provisions calling for treatment of each independent country, self-governing dominion, mandated territory, and trusteeship territory as a separate foreign state for purposes of determining the numerical limitation imposed on each foreign state, and chargeability of immigrants to the country of their birth except where such chargeability would cause the family unit to be divided, for provisions setting up the Asia-Pacific triangle and providing for the special treatment of quota chargeability thereunder on the basis of racial ancestry.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 89–236 substituted provisions making immigrants born in colonies or other component or dependent areas of a foreign state chargeable to the foreign state and placing a limitation on the number of such immigrants of 1 per centum of the maximum number of visas available to the foreign state, for provisions making immigrants born in colonies for which no specific quota are set chargeable to the governing country and placing a limit of 100 on such immigrants from each governing country each year, with special application to the Asia-Pacific triangle.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 89–236 substituted provisions requiring Secretary of State, upon a change in the territorial limits of foreign states, to issue appropriate instructions to all diplomatic and consular offices, for provisions that the terms of an immigration quota for a quota area do not constitute recognition of the transfer of territory or of a government not recognized by the United States.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 89–236 repealed subsec. (e) which allowed revision of quotas.

1961—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 87–301 provided that if an area undergoes a change of administrative arrangements, boundaries, or other political change, the annual quota of the newly established area, or the visas authorized to be issued shall not be less than the total of quotas in effect or visas authorized for the area immediately preceding the change, and deleted provisions which in the event of an increase in minimum quota areas above twenty in the Asia-Pacific triangle, would proportionately decrease each quota of the area so the sum of all area quotas did not exceed two thousand.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–232 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 310(1) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–649 effective Oct. 1, 1991, and applicable beginning with fiscal year 1992, see section 161(a) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by section 8(c) of Pub. L. 100–525 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1986, Pub. L. 99–653, see section 309(b)(15) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1988 Amendments note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–653 applicable to visas issued, and admissions occurring, on or after Nov. 14, 1986, see section 23(a) of Pub. L. 99–653, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Section 311(b) of Pub. L. 99–603 provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to fiscal years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 6, 1986].”

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–116 effective Dec. 29, 1981, see section 21(a) of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–212 effective, except as otherwise provided, Apr. 1, 1980, see section 204 of Pub. L. 96–212, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–571 effective on first day of first month which begins more than sixty days after Oct. 20, 1976, see section 10 of Pub. L. 94–571, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1965 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 89–236, see section 20 of Pub. L. 89–236, set out as a note under section 1151 of this title.

Treatment of Hong Kong Under Per Country Levels

Section 103 of Pub. L. 101–649 provided that: “The approval referred to in the first sentence of section 202(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1152(b)] shall be considered to have been granted, effective beginning with fiscal year 1991, with respect to Hong Kong as a separate foreign state, and not as a colony or other component or dependent area of another foreign state, except that the total number of immigrant visas made available to natives of Hong Kong under subsections (a) and (b) of section 203 of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1153(a), (b)] in each of fiscal years 1991, 1992, and 1993 may not exceed 10,000.”

[Section 103 of Pub. L. 101–649 effective Nov. 29, 1990, and (unless otherwise provided) applicable to fiscal year 1991, see section 161(b) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as an Effective Date of 1990 Amendment note under section 1101 of this title.]

Inapplicability of Numerical Limitations for Certain Aliens Residing in the United States Virgin Islands

The numerical limitations described in text not to apply in the case of certain aliens residing in the Virgin Islands seeking adjustment of their status to permanent resident alien status, and such adjustment of status not to result in any reduction in the number of aliens who may acquire the status of aliens lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under this chapter, see section 2(c)(1) of Pub. L. 97–271, set out as a note under section 1255 of this title.

Exemption From Numerical Limitations for Certain Aliens Who Applied for Adjustment to Status of Permanent Resident Aliens on or Before June 1, 1978

For provisions rendering inapplicable the numerical limitations contained in this section to certain aliens who had applied for adjustment to the status of permanent resident alien on or before June 1, 1978, see section 19 of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1151 of this title.

Approval by Secretary of State Treating Taiwan (China) as Separate Foreign State for Purposes of Numerical Limitation on Immigrant Visas

Pub. L. 97–113, title VII, §714, Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1548, provided that: “The approval referred to in the first sentence of section 202(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [subsec. (b) of this section] shall be considered to have been granted with respect to Taiwan (China).”

§1153. Allocation of immigrant visas

(a) Preference allocation for family-sponsored immigrants

Aliens subject to the worldwide level specified in section 1151(c) of this title for family-sponsored immigrants shall be allotted visas as follows:

(1) Unmarried sons and daughters of citizens

Qualified immigrants who are the unmarried sons or daughters of citizens of the United States shall be allocated visas in a number not to exceed 23,400, plus any visas not required for the class specified in paragraph (4).

(2) Spouses and unmarried sons and unmarried daughters of permanent resident aliens

Qualified immigrants—

(A) who are the spouses or children of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or

(B) who are the unmarried sons or unmarried daughters (but are not the children) of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence,


shall be allocated visas in a number not to exceed 114,200, plus the number (if any) by which such worldwide level exceeds 226,000, plus any visas not required for the class specified in paragraph (1); except that not less than 77 percent of such visa numbers shall be allocated to aliens described in subparagraph (A).

(3) Married sons and married daughters of citizens

Qualified immigrants who are the married sons or married daughters of citizens of the United States shall be allocated visas in a number not to exceed 23,400, plus any visas not required for the classes specified in paragraphs (1) and (2).

(4) Brothers and sisters of citizens

Qualified immigrants who are the brothers or sisters of citizens of the United States, if such citizens are at least 21 years of age, shall be allocated visas in a number not to exceed 65,000, plus any visas not required for the classes specified in paragraphs (1) through (3).

(b) Preference allocation for employment-based immigrants

Aliens subject to the worldwide level specified in section 1151(d) of this title for employment-based immigrants in a fiscal year shall be allotted visas as follows:

(1) Priority workers

Visas shall first be made available in a number not to exceed 28.6 percent of such worldwide level, plus any visas not required for the classes specified in paragraphs (4) and (5), to qualified immigrants who are aliens described in any of the following subparagraphs (A) through (C):

(A) Aliens with extraordinary ability

An alien is described in this subparagraph if—

(i) the alien has extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics which has been demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim and whose achievements have been recognized in the field through extensive documentation,

(ii) the alien seeks to enter the United States to continue work in the area of extraordinary ability, and

(iii) the alien's entry into the United States will substantially benefit prospectively the United States.

(B) Outstanding professors and researchers

An alien is described in this subparagraph if—

(i) the alien is recognized internationally as outstanding in a specific academic area,

(ii) the alien has at least 3 years of experience in teaching or research in the academic area, and

(iii) the alien seeks to enter the United States—

(I) for a tenured position (or tenure-track position) within a university or institution of higher education to teach in the academic area,

(II) for a comparable position with a university or institution of higher education to conduct research in the area, or

(III) for a comparable position to conduct research in the area with a department, division, or institute of a private employer, if the department, division, or institute employs at least 3 persons full-time in research activities and has achieved documented accomplishments in an academic field.

(C) Certain multinational executives and managers

An alien is described in this subparagraph if the alien, in the 3 years preceding the time of the alien's application for classification and admission into the United States under this subparagraph, has been employed for at least 1 year by a firm or corporation or other legal entity or an affiliate or subsidiary thereof and the alien seeks to enter the United States in order to continue to render services to the same employer or to a subsidiary or affiliate thereof in a capacity that is managerial or executive.

(2) Aliens who are members of the professions holding advanced degrees or aliens of exceptional ability

(A) In general

Visas shall be made available, in a number not to exceed 28.6 percent of such worldwide level, plus any visas not required for the classes specified in paragraph (1), to qualified immigrants who are members of the professions holding advanced degrees or their equivalent or who because of their exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business, will substantially benefit prospectively the national economy, cultural or educational interests, or welfare of the United States, and whose services in the sciences, arts, professions, or business are sought by an employer in the United States.

(B) Waiver of job offer

(i) National interest waiver

Subject to clause (ii), the Attorney General may, when the Attorney General deems it to be in the national interest, waive the requirements of subparagraph (A) that an alien's services in the sciences, arts, professions, or business be sought by an employer in the United States.

(ii) Physicians working in shortage areas or veterans facilities

(I) In general

The Attorney General shall grant a national interest waiver pursuant to clause (i) on behalf of any alien physician with respect to whom a petition for preference classification has been filed under subparagraph (A) if—

(aa) the alien physician agrees to work full time as a physician in an area or areas designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services as having a shortage of health care professionals or at a health care facility under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and

(bb) a Federal agency or a department of public health in any State has previously determined that the alien physician's work in such an area or at such facility was in the public interest.

(II) Prohibition

No permanent resident visa may be issued to an alien physician described in subclause (I) by the Secretary of State under section 1154(b) of this title, and the Attorney General may not adjust the status of such an alien physician from that of a nonimmigrant alien to that of a permanent resident alien under section 1255 of this title, until such time as the alien has worked full time as a physician for an aggregate of 5 years (not including the time served in the status of an alien described in section 1101(a)(15)(J) of this title), in an area or areas designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services as having a shortage of health care professionals or at a health care facility under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

(III) Statutory construction

Nothing in this subparagraph may be construed to prevent the filing of a petition with the Attorney General for classification under section 1154(a) of this title, or the filing of an application for adjustment of status under section 1255 of this title, by an alien physician described in subclause (I) prior to the date by which such alien physician has completed the service described in subclause (II).

(IV) Effective date

The requirements of this subsection do not affect waivers on behalf of alien physicians approved under subsection (b)(2)(B) of this section before the enactment date of this subsection. In the case of a physician for whom an application for a waiver was filed under subsection (b)(2)(B) of this section prior to November 1, 1998, the Attorney General shall grant a national interest waiver pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(B) of this section except that the alien is required to have worked full time as a physician for an aggregate of 3 years (not including time served in the status of an alien described in section 1101(a)(15)(J) of this title) before a visa can be issued to the alien under section 1154(b) of this title or the status of the alien is adjusted to permanent resident under section 1255 of this title.

(C) Determination of exceptional ability

In determining under subparagraph (A) whether an immigrant has exceptional ability, the possession of a degree, diploma, certificate, or similar award from a college, university, school, or other institution of learning or a license to practice or certification for a particular profession or occupation shall not by itself be considered sufficient evidence of such exceptional ability.

(3) Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers

(A) In general

Visas shall be made available, in a number not to exceed 28.6 percent of such worldwide level, plus any visas not required for the classes specified in paragraphs (1) and (2), to the following classes of aliens who are not described in paragraph (2):

(i) Skilled workers

Qualified immigrants who are capable, at the time of petitioning for classification under this paragraph, of performing skilled labor (requiring at least 2 years training or experience), not of a temporary or seasonal nature, for which qualified workers are not available in the United States.

(ii) Professionals

Qualified immigrants who hold baccalaureate degrees and who are members of the professions.

(iii) Other workers

Other qualified immigrants who are capable, at the time of petitioning for classification under this paragraph, of performing unskilled labor, not of a temporary or seasonal nature, for which qualified workers are not available in the United States.

(B) Limitation on other workers

Not more than 10,000 of the visas made available under this paragraph in any fiscal year may be available for qualified immigrants described in subparagraph (A)(iii).

(C) Labor certification required

An immigrant visa may not be issued to an immigrant under subparagraph (A) until the consular officer is in receipt of a determination made by the Secretary of Labor pursuant to the provisions of section 1182(a)(5)(A) of this title.

(4) Certain special immigrants

Visas shall be made available, in a number not to exceed 7.1 percent of such worldwide level, to qualified special immigrants described in section 1101(a)(27) of this title (other than those described in subparagraph (A) or (B) thereof), of which not more than 5,000 may be made available in any fiscal year to special immigrants described in subclause (II) or (III) of section 1101(a)(27)(C)(ii) of this title, and not more than 100 may be made available in any fiscal year to special immigrants, excluding spouses and children, who are described in section 1101(a)(27)(M) of this title.

(5) Employment creation

(A) In general

Visas shall be made available, in a number not to exceed 7.1 percent of such worldwide level, to qualified immigrants seeking to enter the United States for the purpose of engaging in a new commercial enterprise (including a limited partnership)—

(i) in which such alien has invested (after November 29, 1990) or, is actively in the process of investing, capital in an amount not less than the amount specified in subparagraph (C), and

(ii) which will benefit the United States economy and create full-time employment for not fewer than 10 United States citizens or aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence or other immigrants lawfully authorized to be employed in the United States (other than the immigrant and the immigrant's spouse, sons, or daughters).

(B) Set-aside for targeted employment areas

(i) In general

Not less than 3,000 of the visas made available under this paragraph in each fiscal year shall be reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in a new commercial enterprise described in subparagraph (A) which will create employment in a targeted employment area.

(ii) “Targeted employment area” defined

In this paragraph, the term “targeted employment area” means, at the time of the investment, a rural area or an area which has experienced high unemployment (of at least 150 percent of the national average rate).

(iii) “Rural area” defined

In this paragraph, the term “rural area” means any area other than an area within a metropolitan statistical area or within the outer boundary of any city or town having a population of 20,000 or more (based on the most recent decennial census of the United States).

(C) Amount of capital required

(i) In general

Except as otherwise provided in this subparagraph, the amount of capital required under subparagraph (A) shall be $1,000,000. The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of State, may from time to time prescribe regulations increasing the dollar amount specified under the previous sentence.

(ii) Adjustment for targeted employment areas

The Attorney General may, in the case of investment made in a targeted employment area, specify an amount of capital required under subparagraph (A) that is less than (but not less than ½ of) the amount specified in clause (i).

(iii) Adjustment for high employment areas

In the case of an investment made in a part of a metropolitan statistical area that at the time of the investment—

(I) is not a targeted employment area, and

(II) is an area with an unemployment rate significantly below the national average unemployment rate,


 the Attorney General may specify an amount of capital required under subparagraph (A) that is greater than (but not greater than 3 times) the amount specified in clause (i).

(D) Full-time employment defined

In this paragraph, the term “full-time employment” means employment in a position that requires at least 35 hours of service per week at any time, regardless of who fills the position.

(6) Special rules for “K” special immigrants

(A) Not counted against numerical limitation in year involved

Subject to subparagraph (B), the number of immigrant visas made available to special immigrants under section 1101(a)(27)(K) of this title in a fiscal year shall not be subject to the numerical limitations of this subsection or of section 1152(a) of this title.

(B) Counted against numerical limitations in following year

(i) Reduction in employment-based immigrant classifications

The number of visas made available in any fiscal year under paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) shall each be reduced by 1/3 of the number of visas made available in the previous fiscal year to special immigrants described in section 1101(a)(27)(K) of this title.

(ii) Reduction in per country level

The number of visas made available in each fiscal year to natives of a foreign state under section 1152(a) of this title shall be reduced by the number of visas made available in the previous fiscal year to special immigrants described in section 1101(a)(27)(K) of this title who are natives of the foreign state.

(iii) Reduction in employment-based immigrant classifications within per country ceiling

In the case of a foreign state subject to section 1152(e) of this title in a fiscal year (and in the previous fiscal year), the number of visas made available and allocated to each of paragraphs (1) through (3) of this subsection in the fiscal year shall be reduced by 1/3 of the number of visas made available in the previous fiscal year to special immigrants described in section 1101(a)(27)(K) of this title who are natives of the foreign state.

(c) Diversity immigrants

(1) In general

Except as provided in paragraph (2), aliens subject to the worldwide level specified in section 1151(e) of this title for diversity immigrants shall be allotted visas each fiscal year as follows:

(A) Determination of preference immigration

The Attorney General shall determine for the most recent previous 5-fiscal-year period for which data are available, the total number of aliens who are natives of each foreign state and who (i) were admitted or otherwise provided lawful permanent resident status (other than under this subsection) and (ii) were subject to the numerical limitations of section 1151(a) of this title (other than paragraph (3) thereof) or who were admitted or otherwise provided lawful permanent resident status as an immediate relative or other alien described in section 1151(b)(2) of this title.

(B) Identification of high-admission and low-admission regions and high-admission and low-admission states

The Attorney General—

(i) shall identify—

(I) each region (each in this paragraph referred to as a “high-admission region”) for which the total of the numbers determined under subparagraph (A) for states in the region is greater than 1/6 of the total of all such numbers, and

(II) each other region (each in this paragraph referred to as a “low-admission region”); and


(ii) shall identify—

(I) each foreign state for which the number determined under subparagraph (A) is greater than 50,000 (each such state in this paragraph referred to as a “high-admission state”), and

(II) each other foreign state (each such state in this paragraph referred to as a “low-admission state”).

(C) Determination of percentage of worldwide immigration attributable to high-admission regions

The Attorney General shall determine the percentage of the total of the numbers determined under subparagraph (A) that are numbers for foreign states in high-admission regions.

(D) Determination of regional populations excluding high-admission states and ratios of populations of regions within low-admission regions and high-admission regions

The Attorney General shall determine—

(i) based on available estimates for each region, the total population of each region not including the population of any high-admission state;

(ii) for each low-admission region, the ratio of the population of the region determined under clause (i) to the total of the populations determined under such clause for all the low-admission regions; and

(iii) for each high-admission region, the ratio of the population of the region determined under clause (i) to the total of the populations determined under such clause for all the high-admission regions.

(E) Distribution of visas

(i) No visas for natives of high-admission states

The percentage of visas made available under this paragraph to natives of a high-admission state is 0.

(ii) For low-admission states in low-admission regions

Subject to clauses (iv) and (v), the percentage of visas made available under this paragraph to natives (other than natives of a high-admission state) in a low-admission region is the product of—

(I) the percentage determined under subparagraph (C), and

(II) the population ratio for that region determined under subparagraph (D)(ii).

(iii) For low-admission states in high-admission regions

Subject to clauses (iv) and (v), the percentage of visas made available under this paragraph to natives (other than natives of a high-admission state) in a high-admission region is the product of—

(I) 100 percent minus the percentage determined under subparagraph (C), and

(II) the population ratio for that region determined under subparagraph (D)(iii).

(iv) Redistribution of unused visa numbers

If the Secretary of State estimates that the number of immigrant visas to be issued to natives in any region for a fiscal year under this paragraph is less than the number of immigrant visas made available to such natives under this paragraph for the fiscal year, subject to clause (v), the excess visa numbers shall be made available to natives (other than natives of a high-admission state) of the other regions in proportion to the percentages otherwise specified in clauses (ii) and (iii).

(v) Limitation on visas for natives of a single foreign state

The percentage of visas made available under this paragraph to natives of any single foreign state for any fiscal year shall not exceed 7 percent.

(F) “Region” defined

Only for purposes of administering the diversity program under this subsection, Northern Ireland shall be treated as a separate foreign state, each colony or other component or dependent area of a foreign state overseas from the foreign state shall be treated as part of the foreign state, and the areas described in each of the following clauses shall be considered to be a separate region:

(i) Africa.

(ii) Asia.

(iii) Europe.

(iv) North America (other than Mexico).

(v) Oceania.

(vi) South America, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

(2) Requirement of education or work experience

An alien is not eligible for a visa under this subsection unless the alien—

(A) has at least a high school education or its equivalent, or

(B) has, within 5 years of the date of application for a visa under this subsection, at least 2 years of work experience in an occupation which requires at least 2 years of training or experience.

(3) Maintenance of information

The Secretary of State shall maintain information on the age, occupation, education level, and other relevant characteristics of immigrants issued visas under this subsection.

(d) Treatment of family members

A spouse or child as defined in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D), or (E) of section 1101(b)(1) of this title shall, if not otherwise entitled to an immigrant status and the immediate issuance of a visa under subsection (a), (b), or (c) of this section, be entitled to the same status, and the same order of consideration provided in the respective subsection, if accompanying or following to join, the spouse or parent.

(e) Order of consideration

(1) Immigrant visas made available under subsection (a) or (b) of this section shall be issued to eligible immigrants in the order in which a petition in behalf of each such immigrant is filed with the Attorney General (or in the case of special immigrants under section 1101(a)(27)(D) of this title, with the Secretary of State) as provided in section 1154(a) of this title.

(2) Immigrant visa numbers made available under subsection (c) of this section (relating to diversity immigrants) shall be issued to eligible qualified immigrants strictly in a random order established by the Secretary of State for the fiscal year involved.

(3) Waiting lists of applicants for visas under this section shall be maintained in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of State.

(f) Authorization for issuance

In the case of any alien claiming in his application for an immigrant visa to be described in section 1151(b)(2) of this title or in subsection (a), (b), or (c) of this section, the consular officer shall not grant such status until he has been authorized to do so as provided by section 1154 of this title.

(g) Lists

For purposes of carrying out the Secretary's responsibilities in the orderly administration of this section, the Secretary of State may make reasonable estimates of the anticipated numbers of visas to be issued during any quarter of any fiscal year within each of the categories under subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this section and to rely upon such estimates in authorizing the issuance of visas. The Secretary of State shall terminate the registration of any alien who fails to apply for an immigrant visa within one year following notification to the alien of the availability of such visa, but the Secretary shall reinstate the registration of any such alien who establishes within 2 years following the date of notification of the availability of such visa that such failure to apply was due to circumstances beyond the alien's control.

(h) Rules for determining whether certain aliens are children

(1) In general

For purposes of subsections (a)(2)(A) and (d) of this section, a determination of whether an alien satisfies the age requirement in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) of section 1101(b)(1) of this title shall be made using—

(A) the age of the alien on the date on which an immigrant visa number becomes available for such alien (or, in the case of subsection (d) of this section, the date on which an immigrant visa number became available for the alien's parent), but only if the alien has sought to acquire the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence within one year of such availability; reduced by

(B) the number of days in the period during which the applicable petition described in paragraph (2) was pending.

(2) Petitions described

The petition described in this paragraph is—

(A) with respect to a relationship described in subsection (a)(2)(A) of this section, a petition filed under section 1154 of this title for classification of an alien child under subsection (a)(2)(A) of this section; or

(B) with respect to an alien child who is a derivative beneficiary under subsection (d) of this section, a petition filed under section 1154 of this title for classification of the alien's parent under subsection (a), (b), or (c) of this section.

(3) Retention of priority date

If the age of an alien is determined under paragraph (1) to be 21 years of age or older for the purposes of subsections (a)(2)(A) and (d) of this section, the alien's petition shall automatically be converted to the appropriate category and the alien shall retain the original priority date issued upon receipt of the original petition.

(4) Application to self-petitions

Paragraphs (1) through (3) shall apply to self-petitioners and derivatives of self-petitioners.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title II, ch. 1, §203, 66 Stat. 178; Pub. L. 85–316, §3, Sept. 11, 1957, 71 Stat. 639; Pub. L. 86–363, §§1–3, Sept. 22, 1959, 73 Stat. 644; Pub. L. 89–236, §3, Oct. 3, 1965, 79 Stat. 912; Pub. L. 94–571, §4, Oct. 20, 1976, 90 Stat. 2705; Pub. L. 95–412, §3, Oct. 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 907; Pub. L. 95–417, §1, Oct. 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 917; Pub. L. 96–212, title II, §203(c), (i), Mar. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 107, 108; Pub. L. 101–649, title I, §§111, 121(a), 131, 162(a)(1), title VI, §603(a)(3), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4986, 4987, 4997, 5009, 5082; Pub. L. 102–110, §2(b), Oct. 1, 1991, 105 Stat. 555; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §302(b)(2), (e)(3), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1743, 1745; Pub. L. 103–416, title II, §§212(b), 219(c), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4314, 4316; Pub. L. 106–95, §5, Nov. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1318; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(1) [title I, §117], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1535, 1501A–21; Pub. L. 106–536, §1(b)(1), Nov. 22, 2000, 114 Stat. 2560; Pub. L. 107–208, §3, Aug. 6, 2002, 116 Stat. 928; Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title I, §§11035, 11036(a), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1846; Pub. L. 109–162, title VIII, §805(b)(2), Jan. 5, 2006, 119 Stat. 3056.)

References in Text

The enactment date of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(B)(ii)(IV), probably means the date of enactment of Pub. L. 106–95, which amended subsec. (b)(2)(B) of this section generally, and which was approved Nov. 12, 1999.

Amendments

2006—Subsec. (h)(4). Pub. L. 109–162 added par. (4).

2002—Subsec. (b)(5)(A). Pub. L. 107–273, §11036(a)(1)(A), substituted “enterprise (including a limited partnership)—” for “enterprise—” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(5)(A)(i) to (iii). Pub. L. 107–273, §11036(a)(1)(B), (C), redesignated cls. (ii) and (iii) as (i) and (ii), respectively, and struck out former cl. (i) which read as follows: “which the alien has established,”.

Subsec. (b)(5)(B)(i). Pub. L. 107–273, §11036(a)(2), substituted “invest in” for “establish”.

Subsec. (b)(5)(D). Pub. L. 107–273, §11035, added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 107–208 added subsec. (h).

2000—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 106–536 inserted before period at end “, and not more than 100 may be made available in any fiscal year to special immigrants, excluding spouses and children, who are described in section 1101(a)(27)(M) of this title”.

1999—Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 106–95 and Pub. L. 106–113 amended subpar. (B) generally in substantially identical manner. Pub. L. 106–95 provided headings. Text is based on Pub. L. 106–113. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The Attorney General may, when he deems it to be in the national interest, waive the requirement of subparagraph (A) that an alien's services in the sciences, arts, professions, or business be sought by an employer in the United States.”

1994—Subsec. (b)(5)(B), (C). Pub. L. 103–416, §219(c), substituted “Targeted” and “targeted” for “Targetted” and “targetted”, respectively, wherever appearing in headings and text.

Subsec. (b)(6)(C). Pub. L. 103–416, §212(b), struck out subpar. (C) which related to application of separate numerical limitations.

1991—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–232, §302(b)(2)(A), substituted “28.6 percent of such worldwide level” for “40,000”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 102–232, §302(b)(2)(B), substituted “the alien seeks” for “who seeks”.

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 102–232, §302(b)(2)(A), substituted “28.6 percent of such worldwide level” for “40,000”.

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 102–232, §302(b)(2)(D), inserted “professions,” after “arts,”.

Subsec. (b)(3)(A). Pub. L. 102–232, §302(b)(2)(A), substituted “28.6 percent of such worldwide level” for “40,000”.

Subsec. (b)(4), (5)(A). Pub. L. 102–232, §302(b)(2)(C), substituted “7.1 percent of such worldwide level” for “10,000”.

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 102–110 added par. (6).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 102–232, §302(e)(3), substituted “Authorization for issuance” for “Presumption” in heading, struck out at beginning “Every immigrant shall be presumed not to be described in subsection (a) or (b) of this section, section 1101(a)(27) of this title, or section 1151(b)(2) of this title, until the immigrant establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer and the immigration officer that the immigrant is so described.”, and substituted “1151(b)(2) of this title or in subsection (a), (b), or (c)” for “1151(b)(1) of this title or in subsection (a) or (b)”.

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649, §111(2), added subsec. (a) and struck out former subsec. (a) which related to allocation of visas of aliens subject to section 1151(a) limitations.

Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 101–649, §603(a)(3), substituted “section 1182(a)(5) of this title” for “section 1182(a)(14) of this title”.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–649, §§111(1), 121(a), added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (d).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–649, §§111(1), 131, added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (e).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–649, §162(a)(1), added subsec. (d) and struck out former subsec. (d) which related to order of consideration given applications for immigrant visas.

Pub. L. 101–649, §111(1), redesignated former subsec. (b) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (f).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 101–649, §162(a)(1), added subsec. (e) and struck out former subsec. (e) which related to order of issuance of immigrant visas.

Pub. L. 101–649, §111(1), redesignated subsec. (c) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (g).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–649, §162(a)(1), added subsec. (f) and struck out former subsec. (f) which related to presumption of nonpreference status and grant of status by consular officers.

Pub. L. 101–649, §111(1), redesignated subsec. (d) as (f).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 101–649, §162(a)(1), added subsec. (g) and struck out former subsec. (g) which related to estimates of anticipated numbers of visas to be issued, termination and reinstatement of registration of aliens, and revocation of approval of petition.

Pub. L. 101–649, §111(1), redesignated subsec. (e) as (g).

1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–212, §203(c)(1)–(6), in introductory text struck out applicability to conditional entry, in par. (2) substituted “(26)” for “(20)”, struck out par. (7) relating to availability of conditional entries, redesignated former par. (8) as (7) and struck out applicability to number of conditional entries and visas available under former par. (7), and redesignated former par. (9) as (8) and substituted provisions relating to applicability of pars. (1) to (7) to visas, for provisions relating to applicability of pars. (1) to (8) to conditional entries.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 96–212, §203(c)(7), substituted “preference status under paragraphs (1) through (6)” for “preference status under paragraphs (1) through (7)”.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 96–212, §203(c)(8), struck out subsec. (f) which related to reports to Congress of refugees conditionally entering the United States.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 96–212, §203(c)(8), struck out subsec. (g) which set forth provisions respecting inspection and examination of refugees after one year.

Pub. L. 96–212, §203(i), substituted provisions relating to inspection and examination of refugees after one year for provisions relating to inspection and examination of refugees after two years.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 96–212, §203(c)(8), struck out subsec. (h) which related to the retroactive readjustment of refugee status as an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

1978—Subsec. (a)(1) to (7). Pub. L. 95–412 substituted “1151(a) of this title” for “1151(a)(1) or (2) of this title” wherever appearing.

Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 95–417 inserted provisions requiring a valid adoption home-study prior to the granting of a nonpreference visa for children adopted abroad or coming for adoption by United States citizens and requiring that no other nonpreference visa be issued to an unmarried child under the age of 16 unless accompanying or following to join his natural parents.

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–571, §4(1)–(3), substituted “section 1151(a)(1) or (2) of this title” for “section 1151(a)(ii) of this title” in pars. (1) to (7); made visas available, in par. (3), to qualified immigrants whose services in the professions, sciences, or arts are sought by an employer in the United States; and required, in par. (5), that the United States citizens be at least twenty-one years of age.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 94–571, §4(4), substituted provision requiring Secretary of State to terminate the registration of an alien who fails to apply for an immigrant visa within one year following notification of the availability of such visa, including provision for reinstatement of a registration upon establishment within two years following the notification that the failure to apply was due to circumstances beyond the alien's control for prior provision for discretionary termination of the registration on a waiting list of an alien failing to evidence continued intention to apply for a visa as prescribed by regulation and inserted provision for automatic revocation of approval of a petition approved under section 1154(b) of this title upon such termination.

1965—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–236 substituted provisions setting up preference priorities and percentage allocations of the total numerical limitation for the admission of qualified immigrants, consisting of unmarried sons or daughters of U.S. citizens (20 percent), husbands, wives, and unmarried sons or daughters of alien residents (20 percent plus any unused portion of class 1), members of professions, scientists, and artists (10 percent), married sons or daughters of U.S. citizens (10 percent plus any unused portions of classes 1–3), brothers or sisters of U.S. citizens (24 percent plus any unused portions of classes 1 through 4), skilled or unskilled persons capable of filling labor shortages in the United States (10 percent), refugees (6 percent), otherwise qualified immigrants (portion not used by classes 1 through 7), and allowing a spouse or child to be given the same status and order of consideration as the spouse or parent, for provisions spelling out the preferences under the quotas based on the previous national origins quota systems.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–236 substituted provisions requiring that consideration be given applications for immigrant visas in the order in which the classes of which they are members are listed in subsec. (a), for provisions allowing issuance of quota immigrant visas under the previous national origins quota system in the order of filing in the first calendar month after receipt of notice of approval for which a quota number was available.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 89–236 substituted provisions requiring issuance of immigrant visas pursuant to paragraphs (1) through (6) of subsection (a) of this section in the order of filing of the petitions therefor with the Attorney General, for provisions which related to issuance of quota immigrant visas in designated classes in the order of registration in each class on quota waiting lists.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 89–236 substituted provisions requiring each immigrant to establish his preference as claimed and prohibiting consular officers from granting status of immediate relative of a United States citizen or preference until authorized to do so, for provisions spelling out the order for consideration of applications for quota immigrant visas under the various prior classes.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 89–236 substituted provisions authorizing Secretary of State to make estimates of anticipated members of visas issued and to terminate the waiting-list registration of any registrant failing to evidence a continued intention to apply for a visa, for provisions establishing a presumption of quota status for immigrants and requiring the immigrant to establish any claim to a preference.

Subsecs. (f) to (h). Pub. L. 89–236 added subsecs. (f) to (h).

1959—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 86–363, §1, accorded adult unmarried sons or daughters of United States citizens second preference in the allocation of immigrant visas within quotas.

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 86–363, §2, substituted “unmarried sons or daughters” for “children”.

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 86–363, §3, substituted “married sons or married daughters” for “sons, or daughters”, increased percentage limitation from 25 to 50 per centum, and made preference available to spouses and children of qualified quota immigrants if accompanying them.

1957—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 85–316 substituted “or following to join him” for “him”.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendments

Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title I, §11036(c), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1847, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1186b of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 2, 2002] and shall apply to aliens having any of the following petitions pending on or after the date of the enactment of this Act:

“(1) A petition under section 204(a)(1)(H) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(H)) (or any predecessor provision), with respect to status under section 203(b)(5) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5)).

“(2) A petition under section 216A(c)(1)(A) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1186b(c)(1)(A)) to remove the conditional basis of an alien's permanent resident status.”

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–208 effective Aug. 6, 2002, and applicable to certain beneficiary aliens, see section 8 of Pub. L. 107–208, set out as a note under section 1151 of this title.

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–536, §1(b)(2), Nov. 22, 2000, 114 Stat. 2561, provided that: “The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall apply to visas made available in any fiscal year beginning on or after October 1, 2000.”

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by section 219(c) of Pub. L. 103–416 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 219(dd) of Pub. L. 103–416, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–232 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 310(1) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–110 effective 60 days after Oct. 1, 1991, see section 2(d) of Pub. L. 102–110, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by sections 111, 121(a), 131, 162(a)(1) of Pub. L. 101–649 effective Oct. 1, 1991, and applicable beginning with fiscal year 1992, with general transition provisions, see section 161(a), (c) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Amendment by section 603(a)(3) of Pub. L. 101–649 applicable to individuals entering United States on or after June 1, 1991, see section 601(e)(1) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by section 203(c) of Pub. L. 96–212 effective, except as otherwise provided, Apr. 1, 1980, and amendment by section 203(i) of Pub. L. 96–212 effective immediately before Apr. 1, 1980, see section 204 of Pub. L. 96–212, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–571 effective on first day of first month which begins more than sixty days after Oct. 20, 1976, see section 10 of Pub. L. 94–571, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1965 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 89–236, see section 20 of Pub. L. 89–236, set out as a note under section 1151 of this title.

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.

GAO Study

Pub. L. 108–156, §5, Dec. 3, 2003, 117 Stat. 1945, as amended by Pub. L. 108–271, §8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814, provided that:

“(a) In General.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 3, 2003], the Government Accountability Office shall report to Congress on the immigrant investor program created under section 203(b)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5)).

“(b) Contents.—The report described in subsection (a) shall include information regarding—

“(1) the number of immigrant investors that have received visas under the immigrant investor program in each year since the inception of the program;

“(2) the country of origin of the immigrant investors;

“(3) the localities where the immigrant investors are settling and whether those investors generally remain in the localities where they initially settle;

“(4) the number of immigrant investors that have sought to become citizens of the United States;

“(5) the types of commercial enterprises that the immigrant investors have established; and

“(6) the types and number of jobs created by the immigrant investors.”

Recapture of Unused Employment-Based Immigrant Visas

Pub. L. 106–313, title I, §106(d), Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat. 1254, as amended by Pub. L. 109–13, div. B, title V, §502, May 11, 2005, 119 Stat. 322, provided that:

“(1) In general.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the number of employment-based visas (as defined in paragraph (3)) made available for a fiscal year (beginning with fiscal year 2001) shall be increased by the number described in paragraph (2). Visas made available under this subsection shall only be available in a fiscal year to employment-based immigrants under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of section 203(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1153(b)] and any such visa that is made available due to the difference between the number of employment-based visas that were made available in fiscal year 2001, 2002, 2003, or 2004 and the number of such visas that were actually used in such fiscal year shall be available only to employment-based immigrants (and their family members accompanying or following to join under section 203(d) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(d))) whose immigrant worker petitions were approved based on schedule A, as defined in section 656.5 of title 20, Code of Federal Regulations, as promulgated by the Secretary of Labor.

“(2) Number available.—

“(A) In general.—Subject to subparagraph (B), the number described in this paragraph is the difference between the number of employment-based visas that were made available in fiscal years 1999 through 2004 and the number of such visas that were actually used in such fiscal years.

“(B)(i) Reduction.—The number described in subparagraph (A) shall be reduced, for each fiscal year after fiscal year 2001, by the cumulative number of immigrant visas actually used under paragraph (1) for previous fiscal years.

“(ii) Maximum.—The total number of visas made available under paragraph (1) from unused visas from the fiscal years 2001 through 2004 may not exceed 50,000.

“(C) Construction.—Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as affecting the application of section 201(c)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(c)(3)(C)).

“(3) Employment-based visas defined.—For purposes of this subsection, the term ‘employment-based visa’ means an immigrant visa which is issued pursuant to the numerical limitation under section 203(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)).”

Temporary Reduction in Workers’ Visas

Pub. L. 105–100, title II, §203(e), Nov. 19, 1997, 111 Stat. 2199, as amended by Pub. L. 105–139, §1(e), Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2645, provided that:

“(1) Beginning in the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which a visa has been made available under section 203(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(3)(A)(iii)] for all aliens who are the beneficiary of a petition approved under section 204 of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1154] as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 19, 1997] for classification under section 203(b)(3)(A)(iii) of such Act, subject to paragraph (2), visas available under section 203(b)(3)(A)(iii) of that Act shall be reduced by 5,000 from the number of visas otherwise available under that section for such fiscal year.

“(2) In no case shall the reduction under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year exceed the amount by which—

“(A) the number computed under subsection (d)(2)(A) [section 203(d)(2)(A) of Pub. L. 105–100, 8 U.S.C. 1151 note]; exceeds

“(B) the total of the reductions in available visas under this subsection for all previous fiscal years.”

Diversity Immigrant Lottery Fee

Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title VI, §636, Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–703, provided that: “The Secretary of State may establish a fee to be paid by each applicant for an immigrant visa described in section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1153(c)]. Such fee may be set at a level that will ensure recovery of the cost to the Department of State of allocating visas under such section, including the cost of processing all applications thereunder. All fees collected under this section shall be used for providing consular services. All fees collected under this section shall be deposited as an offsetting collection to any Department of State appropriation and shall remain available for obligations until expended. The provisions of the Act of August 18, 1856 (11 Stat. 58; 22 U.S.C. 4212–4214), concerning accounting for consular fees, shall not apply to fees collected under this section.”

Eligibility for Visas for Polish Applicants for 1995 Diversity Immigrant Program

Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title VI, §637, Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–704, provided that:

“(a) In General.—The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall include among the aliens selected for diversity immigrant visas for fiscal year 1997 pursuant to section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1153(c)] any alien who, on or before September 30, 1995—

“(1) was selected as a diversity immigrant under such section for fiscal year 1995;

“(2) applied for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence pursuant to section 245 of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1255] during fiscal year 1995, and whose application, and any associated fees, were accepted by the Attorney General, in accordance with applicable regulations;

“(3) was not determined by the Attorney General to be excludable under section 212 of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1182] or ineligible under section 203(c)(2) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1153(c)(2)]; and

“(4) did not become an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence during fiscal year 1995.

“(b) Priority.—The aliens selected under subsection (a) shall be considered to have been selected for diversity immigrant visas for fiscal year 1997 prior to any alien selected under any other provision of law.

“(c) Reduction of Immigrant Visa Number.—For purposes of applying the numerical limitations in sections 201 and 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1151, 1153(c)], aliens selected under subsection (a) who are granted an immigrant visa shall be treated as aliens granted a visa under section 203(c) of such Act.”

Soviet Scientists Immigration

Pub. L. 107–228, div. B, title XIII, §1304(d), Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1437, provided that: “The Attorney General shall consult with the Secretary, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Energy, and the heads of other appropriate agencies of the United States regarding—

“(1) previous experience in implementing the Soviet Scientists Immigration Act of 1992 [Pub. L. 102–509 set out below]; and

“(2) any changes that those officials would recommend in the regulations prescribed under that Act.”

[For definition of “Secretary” as used in section 1304(d) of Pub. L. 107–228, set out above, see section 3 of Pub. L. 107–228, set out as a note under section 2651 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.]

Pub. L. 102–509, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3316, as amended by Pub. L. 107–228, div. B, title XIII, §1304(a)–(c), Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1436, 1437, provided that:

“SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

“This Act may be cited as the ‘Soviet Scientists Immigration Act of 1992’.

“SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

“For purposes of this Act—

“(1) the term ‘Baltic states’ means the sovereign nations of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia;

“(2) the term ‘independent states of the former Soviet Union’ means the sovereign nations of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan; and

“(3) the term ‘eligible independent states and Baltic scientists’ means aliens—

“(A) who are nationals of any of the independent states of the former Soviet Union or the Baltic states; and

“(B) who are scientists or engineers who have expertise in nuclear, chemical, biological or other high technology fields or who are working on nuclear, chemical, biological or other high-technology defense projects, as defined by the Attorney General.

“SEC. 3. WAIVER OF JOB OFFER REQUIREMENT.

“The requirement in section 203(b)(2)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(2)(A)) that an alien's services in the sciences, arts, or business be sought by an employer in the United States shall not apply to any eligible independent states or Baltic scientist who is applying for admission to the United States for permanent residence in accordance with that section.

“SEC. 4. CLASSIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT STATES SCIENTISTS AS HAVING EXCEPTIONAL ABILITY.

“(a) In General.—The Attorney General shall designate a class of eligible independent states and Baltic scientists, based on their level of expertise, as aliens who possess ‘exceptional ability in the sciences’, for purposes of section 203(b)(2)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(2)(A)), whether or not such scientists possess advanced degrees. A scientist is not eligible for designation under this subsection if the scientist has previously been granted the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence (as defined in section 101(a)(20) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20)).

“(b) Regulations.—The Attorney General shall prescribe regulations to carry out subsection (a).

“(c) Limitation.—Not more than 950 eligible independent states and Baltic scientists (excluding spouses and children if accompanying or following to join) within the class designated under subsection (a) may be allotted visas under section 203(b)(2)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(2)(A)).

“(d) Duration of Authority.—The authority under subsection (a) shall be in effect during the following periods:

“(1) The period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 24, 1992] and ending 4 years after such date.

“(2) The period beginning on the date of the enactment of the Security Assistance Act of 2002 [Sept. 30, 2002] and ending 4 years after such date.”

Pilot Immigration Program

Pub. L. 110–329, div. A, §144, Sept. 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 3581, as amended by Pub. L. 111–8, div. J, §101, Mar. 11, 2009, 123 Stat. 988, provided that: “The requirement set forth in section 610(b) of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 [Pub. L. 102–395] (8 U.S.C. 1153 note) shall continue through September 30, 2009.”

Pub. L. 102–395, title VI, §610, Oct. 6, 1992, 106 Stat. 1874, as amended by Pub. L. 105–119, title I, §116(a), Nov. 26, 1997, 111 Stat. 2467; Pub. L. 106–396, §402, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1647; Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title I, §11037(a), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1847; Pub. L. 108–156, §4, Dec. 3, 2003, 117 Stat. 1945; Pub. L. 111–83, title V, §548, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2177, provided that:

“(a) Of the visas otherwise available under section 203(b)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5)), the Secretary of State, together with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall set aside visas for a pilot program to implement the provisions of such section. Such pilot program shall involve a regional center in the United States, designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security on the basis of a general proposal, for the promotion of economic growth, including increased export sales, improved regional productivity, job creation, or increased domestic capital investment. A regional center shall have jurisdiction over a limited geographic area, which shall be described in the proposal and consistent with the purpose of concentrating pooled investment in defined economic zones. The establishment of a regional center may be based on general predictions, contained in the proposal, concerning the kinds of commercial enterprises that will receive capital from aliens, the jobs that will be created directly or indirectly as a result of such capital investments, and the other positive economic effects such capital investments will have.

“(b) For purposes of the pilot program established in subsection (a), beginning on October 1, 1992, but no later than October 1, 1993, the Secretary of State, together with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall set aside 3,000 visas annually until September 30, 2012 to include such aliens as are eligible for admission under section 203(b)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5)] and this section, as well as spouses or children which are eligible, under the terms of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.], to accompany or follow to join such aliens.

“(c) In determining compliance with section 203(b)(5)(A)(iii)[(ii)] of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5)(A)(iii)[(ii)]], and notwithstanding the requirements of 8 CFR 204.6, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall permit aliens admitted under the pilot program described in this section to establish reasonable methodologies for determining the number of jobs created by the pilot program, including such jobs which are estimated to have been created indirectly through revenues generated from increased exports, improved regional productivity, job creation, or increased domestic capital investment resulting from the pilot program.

“(d) In processing petitions under section 204(a)(1)(H) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(H)) for classification under section 203(b)(5) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5)), the Secretary of Homeland Security may give priority to petitions filed by aliens seeking admission under the pilot program described in this section. Notwithstanding section 203(e) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(e)), immigrant visas made available under such section 203(b)(5) may be issued to such aliens in an order that takes into account any priority accorded under the preceding sentence.”

[Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title I, §11037(b), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1848, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending section 610 of Pub. L. 102–395, set out above] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 2, 2002] and shall apply to—

“(1) any proposal for a regional center pending before the Attorney General (whether for an initial decision or on appeal) on or after the date of the enactment of this Act; and

“(2) any of the following petitions, if filed on or after the date of the enactment of this Act:

“(A) A petition under section 204(a)(1)(H) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(H)) (or any predecessor provision) (or any predecessor provision), with respect to status under section 203(b)(5) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5)).

“(B) A petition under section 216A(c)(1)(A) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1186b(c)(1)(A)) to remove the conditional basis of an alien's permanent resident status.”]

[Section 116(b) of Pub. L. 105–119 provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a)(2) [amending section 610 of Pub. L. 102–395, set out above] shall be deemed to have become effective on October 6, 1992.”]

Transition for Spouses and Minor Children of Legalized Aliens

Section 112 of Pub. L. 101–649, as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §302(b)(1), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1743, provided that:

“(a) Additional Visa Numbers.—

“(1) In general.—In addition to any immigrant visas otherwise available, immigrant visa numbers shall be available in each of fiscal years 1992, 1993, and 1994 for spouses and children of eligible, legalized aliens (as defined in subsection (c)) in a number equal to 55,000 minus the number (if any) computed under paragraph (2) for the fiscal year.

“(2) Offset.—The number computed under this paragraph for a fiscal year is the number (if any) by which—

“(A) the sum of the number of aliens described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 201(b)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(2)] (or, for fiscal year 1992, section 201(b) of such Act) who were issued immigrant visas or otherwise acquired the status of aliens lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence in the previous fiscal year, exceeds

“(B) 239,000.

“(b) Order.—Visa numbers under this section shall be made available in the order in which a petition, in behalf of each such immigrant for classification under section 203(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1153(a)(2)], is filed with the Attorney General under section 204 of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1154].

“(c) Legalized Alien Defined.—In this section, the term ‘legalized alien’ means an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence who was provided—

“(1) temporary or permanent residence status under section 210 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1160],

“(2) temporary or permanent residence status under section 245A of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1255a], or

“(3) permanent residence status under section 202 of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 [Pub. L. 99–603, set out as a note under section 1255a of this title].

“(d) Definitions.—The definitions in the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.] shall apply in the administration of this section.”

Transition for Employees of Certain United States Businesses Operating in Hong Kong

Section 124 of Pub. L. 101–649, as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §302(b)(5), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1743, provided that:

“(a) Additional Visa Numbers.—

“(1) Treatment of principals.—In the case of any alien described in paragraph (3) (or paragraph (2) as the spouse or child of such an alien) with respect to whom a classification petition has been filed and approved under subsection (b), there shall be made available, in addition to the immigrant visas otherwise available in each of fiscal years 1991 through 1993 and without regard to section 202(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1152(a)], up to 12,000 additional immigrant visas. If the full number of such visas are not made available in fiscal year 1991 or 1992, the shortfall shall be added to the number of such visas to be made available under this section in the succeeding fiscal year.

“(2) Derivative relatives.—A spouse or child (as defined in section 101(b)(1)(A), (B), (C), (D), or (E) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(b)(1)(A), (B), (C), (D), (E)]) shall, if not otherwise entitled to an immigrant status and the immediate issuance of a visa under this section, be entitled to the same status, and the same order of consideration, provided under this section, if accompanying, or following to join, the alien's spouse or parent.

“(3) Employees of certain united states businesses operating in hong kong.—An alien is described in this paragraph if the alien—

“(A) is a resident of Hong Kong and is employed in Hong Kong except for temporary absences at the request of the employer and has been employed in Hong Kong for at least 12 consecutive months as an officer or supervisor or in a capacity that is managerial, executive, or involves specialized knowledge, by a business entity which (i) is owned and organized in the United States (or is the subsidiary or affiliate of a business owned and organized in the United States), (ii) employs at least 100 employees in the United States and at least 50 employees outside the United States, and (iii) has a gross annual income of at least $50,000,000, and

“(B) has an offer of employment from such business entity in the United States as an officer or supervisor or in a capacity that is managerial, executive, or involves specialized knowledge, which offer (i) is effective from the time of filing the petition for classification under this section through and including the time of entry into the United States and (ii) provides for salary and benefits comparable to the salary and benefits provided to others with similar responsibilities and experience within the same company.

“(b) Petitions.—Any employer desiring and intending to employ within the United States an alien described in subsection (a)(3) may file a petition with the Attorney General for such classification. No visa may be issued under subsection (a)(1) until such a petition has been approved.

“(c) Allocation.—Visa numbers made available under subsection (a) shall be made available in the order which petitions under subsection (b) are filed with the Attorney General.

“(d) Definitions.—In this section:

“(1) Executive capacity.—The term ‘executive capacity’ has the meaning given such term in section 101(a)(44)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(44)(B)], as added by section 123 of this Act.

“(2) Managerial capacity.—The term ‘managerial capacity’ has the meaning given such term in section 101(a)(44)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as added by section 123 of this Act.

“(3) Officer.—The term ‘officer’ means, with respect to a business entity, the chairman or vice-chairman of the board of directors of the entity, the chairman or vice-chairman of the executive committee of the board of directors, the president, any vice-president, any assistant vice-president, any senior trust officer, the secretary, any assistant secretary, the treasurer, any assistant treasurer, any trust officer or associate trust officer, the controller, any assistant controller, or any other officer of the entity customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above officers.

“(4) Specialized knowledge.—The term ‘specialized knowledge’ has the meaning given such term in section 214(c)(2)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(2)(B)], as amended by section 206(b)(2) of this Act.

“(5) Supervisor.—The term ‘supervisor’ means any individual having authority, in the interest of the employer, to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward, or discipline other employees, or responsibility to direct them, or to adjust their grievances, or effectively recommend such action, if in connection with the foregoing the exercise of such authority is not merely of a routine or clerical nature, but requires the use of independent judgment.”

[Section 124 of Pub. L. 101–649 effective Nov. 29, 1990, and (unless otherwise provided) applicable to fiscal year 1991, see section 161(b) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as an Effective Date of 1990 Amendment note under section 1101 of this title.]

Diversity Transition for Aliens Who Are Natives of Certain Adversely Affected Foreign States

Section 217(b) of Pub. L. 103–416 provided that:

“(1) Eligibility.—For the purpose of carrying out the extension of the diversity transition program under the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending section 132 of Pub. L. 101–649, set out below], applications for natives of diversity transition countries submitted for fiscal year 1995 for diversity immigrants under section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1153(c)] shall be considered applications for visas made available for fiscal year 1995 for the diversity transition program under section 132 of the Immigration Act of 1990 [section 132 of Pub. L. 101–649]. No application period for the fiscal year 1995 diversity transition program shall be established and no new applications may be accepted for visas made available under such program for fiscal year 1995. Applications for visas in excess of the minimum available to natives of the country specified in section 132(c) of the Immigration Act of 1990 shall be selected for qualified applicants within the several regions defined in section 203(c)(1)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act in proportion to the region's share of visas issued in the diversity transition program during fiscal years 1992 and 1993.

“(2) Notification.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 25, 1994], notification of the extension of the diversity transition program for fiscal year 1995 and the provision of visa numbers shall be made to each eligible applicant under paragraph (1).

“(3) Requirements.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for the purpose of carrying out the extension of the diversity transition program under the amendments made by subsection (a), the requirement of section 132(b)(2) of the Immigration Act of 1990 shall not apply to applicants under such extension and the requirement of section 203(c)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act shall apply to such applicants.”

Section 132 of Pub. L. 101–649, as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §302(b)(6), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1743; Pub. L. 103–416, title II, §217(a), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4315, provided that:

“(a) In General.—Notwithstanding the numerical limitations in sections 201 and 202 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1151, 1152], there shall be made available to qualified immigrants described in subsection (b) (or in subsection (d) as the spouse or child of such an alien) 40,000 immigrant visas in each of fiscal years 1992, 1993, and 1994 and in fiscal year 1995 a number of immigrant visas equal to the number of such visas provided (but not made available) under this section in previous fiscal years. If the full number of such visas are not made available in fiscal year 1992 or 1993, the shortfall shall be added to the number of such visas to be made available under this section in the succeeding fiscal year.

“(b) Qualified Alien Described.—An alien described in this subsection is an alien who—

“(1) is a native of a foreign state that was identified as an adversely affected foreign state for purposes of section 314 of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 [Pub. L. 99–603, set out below],

“(2) has a firm commitment for employment in the United States for a period of at least 1 year (beginning on the date of admission under this section), and

“(3) except as provided in subsection (c), is admissible as an immigrant.

“(c) Distribution of Visa Numbers.—The Secretary of State shall provide for making immigrant visas provided under subsection (a) available strictly in a random order among those who qualify during the application period for each fiscal year established by the Secretary of State, except that at least 40 percent of the number of such visas in each fiscal year shall be made available to natives of the foreign state the natives of which received the greatest number of visas issued under section 314 of the Immigration Reform and Control Act [of 1986] (or to aliens described in subsection (d) who are the spouses or children of such natives) and except that if more than one application is submitted for any fiscal year (beginning with fiscal year 1993) with respect to any alien all such applications submitted with respect to the alien and fiscal year shall be voided. If the minimum number of such visas are not made available in fiscal year 1992, 1993, or 1994 to such natives, the shortfall shall be added to the number of such visas to be made available under this section to such natives in the succeeding fiscal year. In applying this section, natives of Northern Ireland shall be deemed to be natives of Ireland.

“(d) Derivative Status for Spouses and Children.—A spouse or child (as defined in section 101(b)(1)(A), (B), (C), (D), or (E) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(b)(1)(A), (B), (C), (D), (E)]) shall, if not otherwise entitled to an immigrant status and the immediate issuance of a visa under this section, be entitled to the same status, and the same order of consideration, provided under this section, if accompanying, or following to join, his spouse or parent.

“(e) Waivers of Grounds of Exclusion.—In determining the admissibility of an alien provided a visa number under this section, the Attorney General shall waive the ground of exclusion specified in paragraph (6)(C) of section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1182(a)], unless the Attorney General finds that such a waiver is not in the national interest. In addition, the provisions of section 212(e) of such Act shall not apply so as to prevent an individual's application for a visa or admission under this section.

“(f) Application Fee.—The Secretary of State shall require payment of a reasonable fee for the filing of an application under this section in order to cover the costs of processing applications under this section.”

[Section 302(b)(6)(C) of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that the amendment made by that section to section 132(b)(1) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out above, is effective after fiscal year 1992.]

[Section 302(b)(6)(D)(i) of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that the amendment made by that section to section 132(c) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out above, is effective beginning with fiscal year 1993.]

One-Year Diversity Transition for Aliens Who Have Been Notified of Availability of NP–5 Visas

Section 133 of Pub. L. 101–649 provided that, notwithstanding numerical limitations in sections 1151 and 1152 of this title, there were to be made available in fiscal year 1991, immigrant visa numbers for qualified immigrants who were notified by Secretary of State before May 1, 1990, of their selection for issuance of visa under section 314 of Pub. L. 99–603, formerly set out as a note below, and were qualified for issuance of such visa but for numerical and fiscal year limitations on issuance of such visas, former section 1182(a)(19) of this title or section 1182(e) of this title, or fact that immigrant was a national, but not a native, of foreign state described in section 314 of Pub. L. 99–603.

Transition for Displaced Tibetans

Section 134 of Pub. L. 101–649, as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §302(b)(7), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1744, provided that, notwithstanding numerical limitations in sections 1151 and 1152 of this title, there were to be made available to qualified displaced Tibetans who were natives of Tibet and had been continuously residing in India or Nepal since Nov. 29, 1990, 1,000 immigrant visas in the 3-fiscal-year period beginning with fiscal year 1991.

Expedited Issuance of Lebanese Second and Fifth Preference Visas

Section 155 of Pub. L. 101–649, as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §302(d)(5), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1745, provided that:

“(a) In General.—In the issuance of immigrant visas to certain Lebanese immigrants described in subsection (b) in fiscal years 1991 and 1992 and notwithstanding section 203(c) (or section 203(e), in the case of fiscal year 1992) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1153(c), (e)] (to the extent inconsistent with this section), the Secretary of State shall provide that immigrant visas which would otherwise be made available in the fiscal year shall be made available as early as possible in the fiscal year.

“(b) Lebanese Immigrants Covered.—Lebanese immigrants described in this subsection are aliens who—

“(1) are natives of Lebanon,

“(2) are not firmly resettled in any foreign country outside Lebanon, and

“(3) as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990], are the beneficiaries of a petition approved to accord status under section 203(a)(2) or 203(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1153(a)(2), (5)] (as in effect as of the date of the enactment of this Act),

or who are the spouse or child of such an alien if accompanying or following to join the alien.”

[Section 155 of Pub. L. 101–649 effective Nov. 29, 1990, and (unless otherwise provided) applicable to fiscal year 1991, see section 161(b) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as an Effective Date of 1990 Amendment note under section 1101 of this title.]

Order of Consideration

Section 162(a)(2) of Pub. L. 101–649 provided that: “Nothing in this Act [see Tables for classification] may be construed as continuing the availability of visas under section 203(a)(7) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1153(a)(7)], as in effect before the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990].”

Making Visas Available to Immigrants From Underrepresented Countries To Enhance Diversity in Immigration

Pub. L. 100–658, §3, Nov. 15, 1988, 102 Stat. 3908, provided that, notwithstanding numerical limitations in section 1151(a) of this title, but subject to numerical limitations in section 1152 of this title, there were to be made available to qualified immigrants who were natives of underrepresented countries, 10,000 visa numbers in each of fiscal years 1990 and 1991.

Making Visas Available to Nonpreference Immigrants

Pub. L. 99–603, title III, §314, Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3439, as amended by Pub. L. 100–658, §2(a), Nov. 15, 1988, 102 Stat. 3908, provided that, notwithstanding numerical limitations in section 1151(a) of this title, but subject to numerical limitations in section 1152 of this title, there were to be made available to qualified immigrants described in section 1153(a)(7) of this title, 5,000 visa numbers in each of fiscal years 1987 and 1988 and 15,000 visa numbers in each of fiscal years 1989 and 1990.

References to Conditional Entry Requirements of Subsection (a)(7) of This Section in Other Federal Laws

Section 203(h) of Pub. L. 96–212 provided that: “Any reference in any law (other than the Immigration and Nationality Act [this chapter] or this Act [see Short Title of 1980 Amendment note set out under section 1101 of this title]) in effect on April 1, 1980, to section 203(a)(7) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [subsec. (a)(7) of this section] shall be deemed to be a reference to such section as in effect before such date and to sections 207 and 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [sections 1157 and 1158 of this title].”

Retroactive Adjustment of Refugee Status

For adjustment of the status of refugees paroled into the United States pursuant to section 1182(d)(5) of this title, see section 5 of Pub. L. 95–412, set out as a note under section 1182 of this title.

Entitlement to Preferential Status

Section 9 of Pub. L. 94–571 provided that:

“(a) The amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1976 Amendment note set out under section 1101 of this title] shall not operate to effect the entitlement to immigrant status or the order of consideration for issuance of an immigrant visa of an alien entitled to a preference status, under section 203(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [subsec. (a) of this section] as in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act [see Effective Date of 1976 Amendment note set out under section 1101 of this title], on the basis of a petition filed with the Attorney General prior to such effective date.

“(b) An alien chargeable to the numerical limitation contained in section 21(e) of the Act of October 3, 1965 (79 Stat. 921) [which provided that unless legislation inconsistent therewith was enacted on or before June 30, 1968, the number of special immigrants within the meaning of section 1101(a)(27)(A) of this title, exclusive of special immigrants who were immediate relatives of United States citizens as described in section 1151(b) of this title, should not, in the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1968, or in any fiscal year thereafter, exceed a total of 120,000] who established a priority date at a consular office on the basis of entitlement to immigrant status under statutory or regulatory provisions in existence on the day before the effective date of this Act [see Effective Date of 1976 Amendment note under section 1101 of this title] shall be deemed to be entitled to immigrant status under section 203(a)(8) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [subsec. (a)(8) of this section] and shall be accorded the priority date previously established by him. Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude the acquisition by such an alien of a preference status under section 203(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [subsec. (a) of this section], as amended by section 4 of this Act. Any petition filed by, or in behalf of, such an alien to accord him a preference status under section 203(a) [subsec. (a) of this section] shall, upon approval, be deemed to have been filed as of the priority date previously established by such alien. The numerical limitation to which such an alien shall be chargeable shall be determined as provided in sections 201 and 202 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [sections 1151 and 1152 of this title], as amended by this Act [see Short Title of 1976 Amendment note set out under section 1101 of this title].”

Nonquota Immigrant Status of Certain Relatives of United States Citizens; Issuance of Nonquota Immigrant Visas on Basis of Petitions Filed Prior to January 1, 1962

Pub. L. 87–885, §1, Oct. 24, 1962, 76 Stat. 1247, which provided that certain alien relatives of United States citizens registered on a consular waiting list under priority date earlier than March 31, 1954, and eligible for a quota immigrant status on a basis of a petition filed with the Attorney General prior to January 1, 1962, and the spouse and children of such alien, be held to be nonquota immigrants and be issued nonquota immigrant visas, was repealed by Pub. L. 99–653, §11, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3657, as amended by Pub. L. 100–525, §8(j)(1), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2617, eff. Nov. 14, 1986.

Nonquota Immigrant Status of Skilled Specialists; Issuance of Nonquota Immigrant Visas on Basis of Petitions Filed Prior to April 1, 1962

Pub. L. 87–885, §2, Oct. 24, 1962, 76 Stat. 1247, which provided that certain alien skilled specialists eligible for a quota immigrant status on the basis of a petition filed with the Attorney General prior to April 1, 1962, be held to be nonquota immigrants and be issued nonquota immigrant visas, was repealed by Pub. L. 99–653, §11, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3657, as amended by Pub. L. 100–525, §8(j)(1), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2617, eff. Nov. 14, 1986.

Issuance of Nonquota Immigrant Visas to Certain Eligible Orphans

Pub. L. 87–301, §25, Sept. 26, 1961, 75 Stat. 657, as amended by Pub. L. 99–653, §11, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3657; Pub. L. 100–525, §8(j)(2), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2617, provided that: “At any time prior to the expiration of the one hundred and eightieth day immediately following the enactment of this Act [Sept. 26, 1961] a special nonquota immigrant visa may be issued to an eligible orphan as defined in section 4 of the Act of September 11, 1957, as amended (8 U.S.C. 1205; 71 Stat. 639, 73 Stat. 490, 74 Stat. 505), if a visa petition filed in behalf of such eligible orphan was (A) approved by the Attorney General prior to September 30, 1961, or (B) pending before the Attorney General prior to September 30, 1961, and the Attorney General approves such petition.”

[Section 23(c) of Pub. L. 99–653, as added by Pub. L. 100–525, §8(r), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2619, provided that: “The amendments made by section 11 [amending section 25 of Pub. L. 87–301 set out above and repealing sections 1 and 2 of Pub. L. 87–885] take effect on November 14, 1986.”]

Adopted Sons or Adopted Daughters, Preference Status

Section 5(c) of Pub. L. 86–363 provided that aliens granted a preference pursuant to petitions approved by the Attorney General on the ground that they were the adopted sons or adopted daughters of United States citizens were to remain in that status notwithstanding the provisions of section 1 of Pub. L. 86–363, unless they acquired a different immigrant status pursuant to a petition approved by the Attorney General.

Issuance of Nonquota Immigrant Visas on Basis of Petitions Approved Prior to July 1, 1958

Section 12A of Pub. L. 85–316, as added by section 2 of Pub. L. 85–700, Aug. 21, 1958, 72 Stat. 699, providing that aliens eligible for quota immigrant status on basis of a petition approved prior to July 1, 1958, shall be held to be nonquota immigrants and issued visas, was repealed by Pub. L. 87–301, §24(a)(6), Sept. 26, 1961, 75 Stat. 657.

Repeal of section 12A of Pub. L. 85–316 effective upon expiration of the one hundred and eightieth day immediately following Sept. 26, 1961, see section 24(b) of Pub. L. 87–301, set out as a note under former section 1255a of this title.

Issuance of Nonquota Immigrant Visas on Basis of Petitions Approved Prior to July 1, 1957

Section 12 of Pub. L. 85–316 providing that aliens eligible for quota immigrant status on basis of a petition approved prior to July 1, 1957, shall be held to be nonquota immigrants, and if otherwise admissible, be issued visas, was repealed by Pub. L. 87–301, §24(a)(5), Sept. 26, 1961, 75 Stat. 657.

Repeal of section 12 of Pub. L. 85–316 effective upon expiration of the one hundred and eightieth day immediately following Sept. 26, 1961, see section 24(b) of Pub. L. 87–301, set out as a note under former section 1255a of this title.

Special Nonquota Immigrant Visas for Refugees

Section 6 of Pub. L. 86–363 authorizing issuance of nonquota immigrant visas to aliens eligible to enter for permanent residence if the alien was the beneficiary of a visa petition approved by the Attorney General, and such petition was filed by a person admitted under former section 1971 et seq., of Title 50, Appendix, was repealed by Pub. L. 87–301, §24(a)(7), Sept. 26, 1961, 75 Stat. 657.

Repeal of section 6 of Pub. L. 86–363 effective upon expiration of the one hundred and eightieth day immediately following Sept. 26, 1961, see section 24(b) of Pub. L. 87–301, set out as a note under former section 1255a of this title.

Nonquota Immigrant Status of Spouses and Children of Certain Aliens

Section 4 of Pub. L. 86–363 providing that an alien registered on a consular waiting list was eligible for quota immigrant status on basis of a petition approved prior to Jan. 1, 1959, along with the spouse and children of such alien, was repealed by Pub. L. 87–301, §24(a)(7), Sept. 26, 1961.

Repeal of section 4 of Pub. L. 86–363 effective upon expiration of the one hundred and eightieth day immediately following Sept. 26, 1961, see section 24(b) of Pub. L. 87–301, set out as a note under former section 1255a of this title.

§1154. Procedure for granting immigrant status

(a) Petitioning procedure

(1)(A)(i) Except as provided in clause (viii), any citizen of the United States claiming that an alien is entitled to classification by reason of a relationship described in paragraph (1), (3), or (4) of section 1153(a) of this title or to an immediate relative status under section 1151(b)(2)(A)(i) of this title may file a petition with the Attorney General for such classification.

(ii) An alien spouse described in the second sentence of section 1151(b)(2)(A)(i) of this title also may file a petition with the Attorney General under this subparagraph for classification of the alien (and the alien's children) under such section.

(iii)(I) An alien who is described in subclause (II) may file a petition with the Attorney General under this clause for classification of the alien (and any child of the alien) if the alien demonstrates to the Attorney General that—

(aa) the marriage or the intent to marry the United States citizen was entered into in good faith by the alien; and

(bb) during the marriage or relationship intended by the alien to be legally a marriage, the alien or a child of the alien has been battered or has been the subject of extreme cruelty perpetrated by the alien's spouse or intended spouse.


(II) For purposes of subclause (I), an alien described in this subclause is an alien—

(aa)(AA) who is the spouse of a citizen of the United States;

(BB) who believed that he or she had married a citizen of the United States and with whom a marriage ceremony was actually performed and who otherwise meets any applicable requirements under this chapter to establish the existence of and bona fides of a marriage, but whose marriage is not legitimate solely because of the bigamy of such citizen of the United States; or

(CC) who was a bona fide spouse of a United States citizen within the past 2 years and—

(aaa) whose spouse died within the past 2 years;

(bbb) whose spouse lost or renounced citizenship status within the past 2 years related to an incident of domestic violence; or

(ccc) who demonstrates a connection between the legal termination of the marriage within the past 2 years and battering or extreme cruelty by the United States citizen spouse;


(bb) who is a person of good moral character;

(cc) who is eligible to be classified as an immediate relative under section 1151(b)(2)(A)(i) of this title or who would have been so classified but for the bigamy of the citizen of the United States that the alien intended to marry; and

(dd) who has resided with the alien's spouse or intended spouse.


(iv) An alien who is the child of a citizen of the United States, or who was a child of a United States citizen parent who within the past 2 years lost or renounced citizenship status related to an incident of domestic violence, and who is a person of good moral character, who is eligible to be classified as an immediate relative under section 1151(b)(2)(A)(i) of this title, and who resides, or has resided in the past, with the citizen parent may file a petition with the Attorney General under this subparagraph for classification of the alien (and any child of the alien) under such section if the alien demonstrates to the Attorney General that the alien has been battered by or has been the subject of extreme cruelty perpetrated by the alien's citizen parent. For purposes of this clause, residence includes any period of visitation.

(v) An alien who—

(I) is the spouse, intended spouse, or child living abroad of a citizen who—

(aa) is an employee of the United States Government;

(bb) is a member of the uniformed services (as defined in section 101(a) of title 10); or

(cc) has subjected the alien or the alien's child to battery or extreme cruelty in the United States; and


(II) is eligible to file a petition under clause (iii) or (iv),


shall file such petition with the Attorney General under the procedures that apply to self-petitioners under clause (iii) or (iv), as applicable.

(vi) For the purposes of any petition filed under clause (iii) or (iv), the denaturalization, loss or renunciation of citizenship, death of the abuser, divorce, or changes to the abuser's citizenship status after filing of the petition shall not adversely affect the approval of the petition, and for approved petitions shall not preclude the classification of the eligible self-petitioning spouse or child as an immediate relative or affect the alien's ability to adjust status under subsections (a) and (c) of section 1255 of this title or obtain status as a lawful permanent resident based on the approved self-petition under such clauses.

(vii) An alien may file a petition with the Secretary of Homeland Security under this subparagraph for classification of the alien under section 1151(b)(2)(A)(i) of this title if the alien—

(I) is the parent of a citizen of the United States or was a parent of a citizen of the United States who, within the past 2 years, lost or renounced citizenship status related to an incident of domestic violence or died;

(II) is a person of good moral character;

(III) is eligible to be classified as an immediate relative under section 1151(b)(2)(A)(i) of this title;

(IV) resides, or has resided, with the citizen daughter or son; and

(V) demonstrates that the alien has been battered or subject to extreme cruelty by the citizen daughter or son.


(viii)(I) Clause (i) shall not apply to a citizen of the United States who has been convicted of a specified offense against a minor, unless the Secretary of Homeland Security, in the Secretary's sole and unreviewable discretion, determines that the citizen poses no risk to the alien with respect to whom a petition described in clause (i) is filed.

(II) For purposes of subclause (I), the term “specified offense against a minor” is defined as in section 16911 of title 42.

(B)(i)(I) Except as provided in subclause (II), any alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence claiming that an alien is entitled to a classification by reason of the relationship described in section 1153(a)(2) of this title may file a petition with the Attorney General for such classification.

(I) 1 Subclause (I) shall not apply in the case of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence who has been convicted of a specified offense against a minor (as defined in subparagraph (A)(viii)(II)), unless the Secretary of Homeland Security, in the Secretary's sole and unreviewable discretion, determines that such person poses no risk to the alien with respect to whom a petition described in subclause (I) is filed.

(ii)(I) An alien who is described in subclause (II) may file a petition with the Attorney General under this clause for classification of the alien (and any child of the alien) if such a child has not been classified under clause (iii) of section 1153(a)(2)(A) of this title and if the alien demonstrates to the Attorney General that—

(aa) the marriage or the intent to marry the lawful permanent resident was entered into in good faith by the alien; and

(bb) during the marriage or relationship intended by the alien to be legally a marriage, the alien or a child of the alien has been battered or has been the subject of extreme cruelty perpetrated by the alien's spouse or intended spouse.


(II) For purposes of subclause (I), an alien described in this paragraph is an alien—

(aa)(AA) who is the spouse of a lawful permanent resident of the United States; or

(BB) who believed that he or she had married a lawful permanent resident of the United States and with whom a marriage ceremony was actually performed and who otherwise meets any applicable requirements under this chapter to establish the existence of and bona fides of a marriage, but whose marriage is not legitimate solely because of the bigamy of such lawful permanent resident of the United States; or

(CC) who was a bona fide spouse of a lawful permanent resident within the past 2 years and—

(aaa) whose spouse lost status within the past 2 years due to an incident of domestic violence; or

(bbb) who demonstrates a connection between the legal termination of the marriage within the past 2 years and battering or extreme cruelty by the lawful permanent resident spouse;


(bb) who is a person of good moral character;

(cc) who is eligible to be classified as a spouse of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence under section 1153(a)(2)(A) of this title or who would have been so classified but for the bigamy of the lawful permanent resident of the United States that the alien intended to marry; and

(dd) who has resided with the alien's spouse or intended spouse.


(iii) An alien who is the child of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or who was the child of a lawful permanent resident who within the past 2 years lost lawful permanent resident status due to an incident of domestic violence, and who is a person of good moral character, who is eligible for classification under section 1153(a)(2)(A) of this title, and who resides, or has resided in the past, with the alien's permanent resident alien parent may file a petition with the Attorney General under this subparagraph for classification of the alien (and any child of the alien) under such section if the alien demonstrates to the Attorney General that the alien has been battered by or has been the subject of extreme cruelty perpetrated by the alien's permanent resident parent.

(iv) An alien who—

(I) is the spouse, intended spouse, or child living abroad of a lawful permanent resident who—

(aa) is an employee of the United States Government;

(bb) is a member of the uniformed services (as defined in section 101(a) of title 10); or

(cc) has subjected the alien or the alien's child to battery or extreme cruelty in the United States; and


(II) is eligible to file a petition under clause (ii) or (iii),


shall file such petition with the Attorney General under the procedures that apply to self-petitioners under clause (ii) or (iii), as applicable.

(v)(I) For the purposes of any petition filed or approved under clause (ii) or (iii), divorce, or the loss of lawful permanent resident status by a spouse or parent after the filing of a petition under that clause shall not adversely affect approval of the petition, and, for an approved petition, shall not affect the alien's ability to adjust status under subsections (a) and (c) of section 1255 of this title or obtain status as a lawful permanent resident based on an approved self-petition under clause (ii) or (iii).

(II) Upon the lawful permanent resident spouse or parent becoming or establishing the existence of United States citizenship through naturalization, acquisition of citizenship, or other means, any petition filed with the Immigration and Naturalization Service and pending or approved under clause (ii) or (iii) on behalf of an alien who has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty shall be deemed reclassified as a petition filed under subparagraph (A) even if the acquisition of citizenship occurs after divorce or termination of parental rights.

(C) Notwithstanding section 1101(f) of this title, an act or conviction that is waivable with respect to the petitioner for purposes of a determination of the petitioner's admissibility under section 1182(a) of this title or deportability under section 1227(a) of this title shall not bar the Attorney General from finding the petitioner to be of good moral character under subparagraph (A)(iii), (A)(iv), (B)(ii), or (B)(iii) if the Attorney General finds that the act or conviction was connected to the alien's having been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty.

(D)(i)(I) Any child who attains 21 years of age who has filed a petition under clause (iv) of subsection (a)(1)(A) of this section or subsection (a)(1)(B)(iii) of this section that was filed or approved before the date on which the child attained 21 years of age shall be considered (if the child has not been admitted or approved for lawful permanent residence by the date the child attained 21 years of age) a petitioner for preference status under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of section 1153(a) of this title, whichever paragraph is applicable, with the same priority date assigned to the self-petition filed under clause (iv) of subsection (a)(1)(A) of this section or subsection (a)(1)(B)(iii) of this section. No new petition shall be required to be filed.

(II) Any individual described in subclause (I) is eligible for deferred action and work authorization.

(III) Any derivative child who attains 21 years of age who is included in a petition described in clause (ii) that was filed or approved before the date on which the child attained 21 years of age shall be considered (if the child has not been admitted or approved for lawful permanent residence by the date the child attained 21 years of age) a VAWA self-petitioner with the same priority date as that assigned to the petitioner in any petition described in clause (ii). No new petition shall be required to be filed.

(IV) Any individual described in subclause (III) and any derivative child of a petition described in clause (ii) is eligible for deferred action and work authorization.

(ii) The petition referred to in clause (i)(III) is a petition filed by an alien under subparagraph (A)(iii), (A)(iv), (B)(ii) or (B)(iii) in which the child is included as a derivative beneficiary.

(iii) Nothing in the amendments made by the Child Status Protection Act shall be construed to limit or deny any right or benefit provided under this subparagraph.

(iv) Any alien who benefits from this subparagraph may adjust status in accordance with subsections (a) and (c) of section 1255 of this title as an alien having an approved petition for classification under subparagraph (A)(iii), (A)(iv), (B)(ii), or (B)(iii).

(v) For purposes of this paragraph, an individual who is not less than 21 years of age, who qualified to file a petition under subparagraph (A)(iv) or (B)(iii) as of the day before the date on which the individual attained 21 years of age, and who did not file such a petition before such day, shall be treated as having filed a petition under such subparagraph as of such day if a petition is filed for the status described in such subparagraph before the individual attains 25 years of age and the individual shows that the abuse was at least one central reason for the filing delay. Clauses (i) through (iv) of this subparagraph shall apply to an individual described in this clause in the same manner as an individual filing a petition under subparagraph (A)(iv) or (B)(iii).

(E) Any alien desiring to be classified under section 1153(b)(1)(A) of this title, or any person on behalf of such an alien, may file a petition with the Attorney General for such classification.

(F) Any employer desiring and intending to employ within the United States an alien entitled to classification under section 1153(b)(1)(B), 1153(b)(1)(C), 1153(b)(2), or 1153(b)(3) of this title may file a petition with the Attorney General for such classification.

(G)(i) Any alien (other than a special immigrant under section 1101(a)(27)(D) of this title) desiring to be classified under section 1153(b)(4) of this title, or any person on behalf of such an alien, may file a petition with the Attorney General for such classification.

(ii) Aliens claiming status as a special immigrant under section 1101(a)(27)(D) of this title may file a petition only with the Secretary of State and only after notification by the Secretary that such status has been recommended and approved pursuant to such section.

(H) Any alien desiring to be classified under section 1153(b)(5) of this title may file a petition with the Attorney General for such classification.

(I)(i) Any alien desiring to be provided an immigrant visa under section 1153(c) of this title may file a petition at the place and time determined by the Secretary of State by regulation. Only one such petition may be filed by an alien with respect to any petitioning period established. If more than one petition is submitted all such petitions submitted for such period by the alien shall be voided.

(ii)(I) The Secretary of State shall designate a period for the filing of petitions with respect to visas which may be issued under section 1153(c) of this title for the fiscal year beginning after the end of the period.

(II) Aliens who qualify, through random selection, for a visa under section 1153(c) of this title shall remain eligible to receive such visa only through the end of the specific fiscal year for which they were selected.

(III) The Secretary of State shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this clause.

(iii) A petition under this subparagraph shall be in such form as the Secretary of State may by regulation prescribe and shall contain such information and be supported by such documentary evidence as the Secretary of State may require.

(J) In acting on petitions filed under clause (iii) or (iv) of subparagraph (A) or clause (ii) or (iii) of subparagraph (B), or in making determinations under subparagraphs (C) and (D), the Attorney General shall consider any credible evidence relevant to the petition. The determination of what evidence is credible and the weight to be given that evidence shall be within the sole discretion of the Attorney General.

(K) Upon the approval of a petition as a VAWA self-petitioner, the alien—

(i) is eligible for work authorization; and

(ii) may be provided an “employment authorized” endorsement or appropriate work permit incidental to such approval.


(L) Notwithstanding the previous provisions of this paragraph, an individual who was a VAWA petitioner or who had the status of a nonimmigrant under subparagraph (T) or (U) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title may not file a petition for classification under this section or section 1184 of this title to classify any person who committed the battery or extreme cruelty or trafficking against the individual (or the individual's child) which established the individual's (or individual's child 2) eligibility as a VAWA petitioner or for such nonimmigrant status.

(2)(A) The Attorney General may not approve a spousal second preference petition for the classification of the spouse of an alien if the alien, by virtue of a prior marriage, has been accorded the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence as the spouse of a citizen of the United States or as the spouse of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, unless—

(i) a period of 5 years has elapsed after the date the alien acquired the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or

(ii) the alien establishes to the satisfaction of the Attorney General by clear and convincing evidence that the prior marriage (on the basis of which the alien obtained the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence) was not entered into for the purpose of evading any provision of the immigration laws.


In this subparagraph, the term “spousal second preference petition” refers to a petition, seeking preference status under section 1153(a)(2) of this title, for an alien as a spouse of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to a petition filed for the classification of the spouse of an alien if the prior marriage of the alien was terminated by the death of his or her spouse.

(b) Investigation; consultation; approval; authorization to grant preference status

After an investigation of the facts in each case, and after consultation with the Secretary of Labor with respect to petitions to accord a status under section 1153(b)(2) or 1153(b)(3) of this title, the Attorney General shall, if he determines that the facts stated in the petition are true and that the alien in behalf of whom the petition is made is an immediate relative specified in section 1151(b) of this title or is eligible for preference under subsection (a) or (b) of section 1153 of this title, approve the petition and forward one copy thereof to the Department of State. The Secretary of State shall then authorize the consular officer concerned to grant the preference status.

(c) Limitation on orphan petitions approved for a single petitioner; prohibition against approval in cases of marriages entered into in order to evade immigration laws; restriction on future entry of aliens involved with marriage fraud

Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) of this section no petition shall be approved if (1) the alien has previously been accorded, or has sought to be accorded, an immediate relative or preference status as the spouse of a citizen of the United States or the spouse of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, by reason of a marriage determined by the Attorney General to have been entered into for the purpose of evading the immigration laws, or (2) the Attorney General has determined that the alien has attempted or conspired to enter into a marriage for the purpose of evading the immigration laws.

(d) Recommendation of valid home-study

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section no petition may be approved on behalf of a child defined in subparagraph (F) or (G) of section 1101(b)(1) of this title unless a valid home-study has been favorably recommended by an agency of the State of the child's proposed residence, or by an agency authorized by that State to conduct such a study, or, in the case of a child adopted abroad, by an appropriate public or private adoption agency which is licensed in the United States.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section, no petition may be approved on behalf of a child defined in section 1101(b)(1)(G) of this title unless the Secretary of State has certified that the central authority of the child's country of origin has notified the United States central authority under the convention referred to in such section 1101(b)(1)(G) of this title that a United States citizen habitually resident in the United States has effected final adoption of the child, or has been granted custody of the child for the purpose of emigration and adoption, in accordance with such convention and the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 [42 U.S.C. 14901 et seq.].

(e) Subsequent finding of non-entitlement to preference classification

Nothing in this section shall be construed to entitle an immigrant, in behalf of whom a petition under this section is approved, to be admitted 3 the United States as an immigrant under subsection (a), (b), or (c) of section 1153 of this title or as an immediate relative under section 1151(b) of this title if upon his arrival at a port of entry in the United States he is found not to be entitled to such classification.

(f) Preferential treatment for children fathered by United States citizens and born in Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Kampuchea, or Thailand after 1950 and before October 22, 1982

(1) Any alien claiming to be an alien described in paragraph (2)(A) of this subsection (or any person on behalf of such an alien) may file a petition with the Attorney General for classification under section 1151(b), 1153(a)(1), or 1153(a)(3) of this title, as appropriate. After an investigation of the facts of each case the Attorney General shall, if the conditions described in paragraph (2) are met, approve the petition and forward one copy to the Secretary of State.

(2) The Attorney General may approve a petition for an alien under paragraph (1) if—

(A) he has reason to believe that the alien (i) was born in Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Kampuchea, or Thailand after 1950 and before October 22, 1982, and (ii) was fathered by a United States citizen;

(B) he has received an acceptable guarantee of legal custody and financial responsibility described in paragraph (4); and

(C) in the case of an alien under eighteen years of age, (i) the alien's placement with a sponsor in the United States has been arranged by an appropriate public, private, or State child welfare agency licensed in the United States and actively involved in the intercountry placement of children and (ii) the alien's mother or guardian has in writing irrevocably released the alien for emigration.


(3) In considering petitions filed under paragraph (1), the Attorney General shall—

(A) consult with appropriate governmental officials and officials of private voluntary organizations in the country of the alien's birth in order to make the determinations described in subparagraphs (A) and (C)(ii) of paragraph (2); and

(B) consider the physical appearance of the alien and any evidence provided by the petitioner, including birth and baptismal certificates, local civil records, photographs of, and letters or proof of financial support from, a putative father who is a citizen of the United States, and the testimony of witnesses, to the extent it is relevant or probative.


(4)(A) A guarantee of legal custody and financial responsibility for an alien described in paragraph (2) must—

(i) be signed in the presence of an immigration officer or consular officer by an individual (hereinafter in this paragraph referred to as the “sponsor”) who is twenty-one years of age or older, is of good moral character, and is a citizen of the United States or alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, and

(ii) provide that the sponsor agrees (I) in the case of an alien under eighteen years of age, to assume legal custody for the alien after the alien's departure to the United States and until the alien becomes eighteen years of age, in accordance with the laws of the State where the alien and the sponsor will reside, and (II) to furnish, during the five-year period beginning on the date of the alien's acquiring the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or during the period beginning on the date of the alien's acquiring the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence and ending on the date on which the alien becomes twenty-one years of age, whichever period is longer, such financial support as is necessary to maintain the family in the United States of which the alien is a member at a level equal to at least 125 per centum of the current official poverty line (as established by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, under section 9902(2) of title 42 and as revised by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under the second and third sentences of such section) for a family of the same size as the size of the alien's family.


(B) A guarantee of legal custody and financial responsibility described in subparagraph (A) may be enforced with respect to an alien against his sponsor in a civil suit brought by the Attorney General in the United States district court for the district in which the sponsor resides, except that a sponsor or his estate shall not be liable under such a guarantee if the sponsor dies or is adjudicated a bankrupt under title 11.

(g) Restriction on petitions based on marriages entered while in exclusion or deportation proceedings

Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, except as provided in section 1255(e)(3) of this title, a petition may not be approved to grant an alien immediate relative status or preference status by reason of a marriage which was entered into during the period described in section 1255(e)(2) of this title, until the alien has resided outside the United States for a 2-year period beginning after the date of the marriage.

(h) Survival of rights to petition

The legal termination of a marriage may not be the sole basis for revocation under section 1155 of this title of a petition filed under subsection (a)(1)(A)(iii) of this section or a petition filed under subsection (a)(1)(B)(ii) of this section pursuant to conditions described in subsection (a)(1)(A)(iii)(I) of this section. Remarriage of an alien whose petition was approved under subsection (a)(1)(B)(ii) or (a)(1)(A)(iii) of this section or marriage of an alien described in clause (iv) or (vi) of subsection (a)(1)(A) of this section or in subsection (a)(1)(B)(iii) of this section shall not be the basis for revocation of a petition approval under section 1155 of this title.

(i) Professional athletes

(1) In general

A petition under subsection (a)(4)(D) 4 of this section for classification of a professional athlete shall remain valid for the athlete after the athlete changes employers, if the new employer is a team in the same sport as the team which was the employer who filed the petition.

(2) “Professional athlete” defined

For purposes of paragraph (1), the term “professional athlete” means an individual who is employed as an athlete by—

(A) a team that is a member of an association of 6 or more professional sports teams whose total combined revenues exceed $10,000,000 per year, if the association governs the conduct of its members and regulates the contests and exhibitions in which its member teams regularly engage; or

(B) any minor league team that is affiliated with such an association.

(j) Job flexibility for long delayed applicants for adjustment of status to permanent residence

A petition under subsection (a)(1)(D) of this section for an individual whose application for adjustment of status pursuant to section 1255 of this title has been filed and remained unadjudicated for 180 days or more shall remain valid with respect to a new job if the individual changes jobs or employers if the new job is in the same or a similar occupational classification as the job for which the petition was filed.

(k) Procedures for unmarried sons and daughters of citizens

(1) In general

Except as provided in paragraph (2), in the case of a petition under this section initially filed for an alien unmarried son or daughter's classification as a family-sponsored immigrant under section 1153(a)(2)(B) of this title, based on a parent of the son or daughter being an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, if such parent subsequently becomes a naturalized citizen of the United States, such petition shall be converted to a petition to classify the unmarried son or daughter as a family-sponsored immigrant under section 1153(a)(1) of this title.

(2) Exception

Paragraph (1) does not apply if the son or daughter files with the Attorney General a written statement that he or she elects not to have such conversion occur (or if it has occurred, to have such conversion revoked). Where such an election has been made, any determination with respect to the son or daughter's eligibility for admission as a family-sponsored immigrant shall be made as if such naturalization had not taken place.

(3) Priority date

Regardless of whether a petition is converted under this subsection or not, if an unmarried son or daughter described in this subsection was assigned a priority date with respect to such petition before such naturalization, he or she may maintain that priority date.

(4) Clarification

This subsection shall apply to a petition if it is properly filed, regardless of whether it was approved or not before such naturalization.

(l) Surviving relative consideration for certain petitions and applications

(1) In general

An alien described in paragraph (2) who resided in the United States at the time of the death of the qualifying relative and who continues to reside in the United States shall have such petition described in paragraph (2), or an application for adjustment of status to that of a person admitted for lawful permanent residence based upon the family relationship described in paragraph (2), and any related applications, adjudicated notwithstanding the death of the qualifying relative, unless the Secretary of Homeland Security determines, in the unreviewable discretion of the Secretary, that approval would not be in the public interest.

(2) Alien described

An alien described in this paragraph is an alien who, immediately prior to the death of his or her qualifying relative, was—

(A) the beneficiary of a pending or approved petition for classification as an immediate relative (as described in section 1151(b)(2)(A)(i) of this title);

(B) the beneficiary of a pending or approved petition for classification under section 1153(a) or (d) of this title;

(C) a derivative beneficiary of a pending or approved petition for classification under section 1153(b) of this title (as described in section 1153(d) of this title);

(D) the beneficiary of a pending or approved refugee/asylee relative petition under section 1157 or 1158 of this title;

(E) an alien admitted in “T” nonimmigrant status as described in section 1101(a)(15)(T)(ii) of this title or in “U” nonimmigrant status as described in section 1101(a)(15)(U)(ii) of this title; or

(F) an asylee (as described in section 1158(b)(3) of this title).

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title II, ch. 1, §204, 66 Stat. 179; Pub. L. 87–885, §3, Oct. 24, 1962, 76 Stat. 1247; Pub. L. 89–236, §4, Oct. 3, 1965, 79 Stat. 915; Pub. L. 94–571, §7(b), Oct. 20, 1976, 90 Stat. 2706; Pub. L. 95–417, §§2, 3, Oct. 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 917; Pub. L. 96–470, title II, §207, Oct. 19, 1980, 94 Stat. 2245; Pub. L. 97–116, §§3, 18(d), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1611, 1620; Pub. L. 97–359, Oct. 22, 1982, 96 Stat. 1716; Pub. L. 99–639, §§2(c), 4(a), 5(b), Nov. 10, 1986, 100 Stat. 3541, 3543; Pub. L. 100–525, §9(g), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2620; Pub. L. 101–649, title I, §162(b), title VII, §702(b), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5010, 5086; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §§302(e)(4), (5), 308(b), 309(b)(5), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1745, 1746, 1757, 1758; Pub. L. 103–322, title IV, §40701(a), (b)(1), (c), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 1953, 1954; Pub. L. 103–416, title II, §219(b)(2), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4316; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §308(e)(1)(A), (f)(2)(A), title VI, §624(b), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–619, 3009–621, 3009–699; Pub. L. 106–279, title III, §302(b), Oct. 6, 2000, 114 Stat. 839; Pub. L. 106–313, title I, §106(c)(1), Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat. 1254; Pub. L. 106–386, div. B, title V, §§1503(b)–(d), 1507(a)(1), (2), (b), Oct. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 1518–1521, 1529, 1530; Pub. L. 107–208, §§6, 7, Aug. 6, 2002, 116 Stat. 929; Pub. L. 109–162, title VIII, §§805(a),(c), 814(b),(e), 816, Jan. 5, 2006, 119 Stat. 3056, 3059, 3060; Pub. L. 109–248, title IV, §402(a), July 27, 2006, 120 Stat. 622; Pub. L. 109–271, §6(a), Aug. 12, 2006, 120 Stat. 762; Pub. L. 111–83, title V, §568(d)(1), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2187.)

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(A)(iii)(II)(aa)(BB), (B)(ii)(II)(aa)(BB), was in the original, “this Act”, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.

The Child Status Protection Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(D)(iii), is Pub. L. 107–208, Aug. 6, 2002, 116 Stat. 927, which amended this section and sections 1151, 1153, 1157, and 1158 of this title and enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 1101 and 1151 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2002 Amendments note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.

The Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000, referred to in subsec. (d)(2), is Pub. L. 106–279, Oct. 6, 2000, 114 Stat. 825, which is classified principally to chapter 143 (§14901 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 14901 of Title 42 and Tables.

Amendments

2009—Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 111–83 added subsec. (l).

2006—Subsec. (a)(1)(A)(i). Pub. L. 109–248, §402(a)(1), substituted “Except as provided in clause (viii), any” for “Any”.

Subsec. (a)(1)(A)(vii). Pub. L. 109–162, §816, added cl. (vii).

Subsec. (a)(1)(A)(viii). Pub. L. 109–248, §402(a)(2), added cl. (viii).

Subsec. (a)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 109–248, §402(a)(3), redesignated cl. (i) as first subcl. (I), substituted “Except as provided in subclause (II), any alien” for “Any alien”, and added a second subcl. (I).

Subsec. (a)(1)(D)(v). Pub. L. 109–271, which directed insertion of “or (B)(iii)” after “(A)(iv)”, was executed by making the insertion after “(A)(iv)” both places it appeared, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 109–162, §805(c)(1), added cl. (v).

Subsec. (a)(1)(D)(i)(I). Pub. L. 109–162, §805(a)(1)(A), inserted “or subsection (a)(1)(B)(iii) of this section” after “subsection (a)(1)(A) of this section” in two places.

Subsec. (a)(1)(D)(i)(III). Pub. L. 109–162, §805(a)(1)(B), substituted “a VAWA self-petitioner” for “a petitioner for preference status under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of section 1153(a) of this title, whichever paragraph is applicable,”.

Subsec. (a)(1)(D)(iv). Pub. L. 109–162, §805(a)(2), added cl. (iv).

Subsec. (a)(1)(K). Pub. L. 109–162, §814(b), added subpar. (K).

Subsec. (a)(1)(L). Pub. L. 109–162, §814(e), added subpar. (L).

2002—Subsec. (a)(1)(D)(iii). Pub. L. 107–208, §7, added cl. (iii).

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 107–208, §6, added subsec. (k).

2000—Subsec. (a)(1)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 106–386, §1503(b)(1)(A), amended cl. (iii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (iii) read as follows: “An alien who is the spouse of a citizen of the United States, who is a person of good moral character, who is eligible to be classified as an immediate relative under section 1151(b)(2)(A)(i) of this title, and who has resided in the United States with the alien's spouse may file a petition with the Attorney General under this subparagraph for classification of the alien (and any child of the alien if such a child has not been classified under clause (iv)) under such section if the alien demonstrates to the Attorney General that—

“(I) the alien is residing in the United States, the marriage between the alien and the spouse was entered into in good faith by the alien, and during the marriage the alien or a child of the alien has been battered by or has been the subject of extreme cruelty perpetrated by the alien's spouse; and

“(II) the alien is a person whose removal, in the opinion of the Attorney General, would result in extreme hardship to the alien or a child of the alien.”

Subsec. (a)(1)(A)(iv). Pub. L. 106–386, §1503(b)(2), amended cl. (iv) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (iv) read as follows: “An alien who is the child of a citizen of the United States, who is a person of good moral character, who is eligible to be classified as an immediate relative under section 1151(b)(2)(A)(i) of this title, and who has resided in the United States with the citizen parent may file a petition with the Attorney General under this subparagraph for classification of the alien under such section if the alien demonstrates to the Attorney General that—

“(I) the alien is residing in the United States and during the period of residence with the citizen parent the alien has been battered by or has been the subject of extreme cruelty perpetrated by the alien's citizen parent; and

“(II) the alien is a person whose removal, in the opinion of the Attorney General, would result in extreme hardship to the alien.”

Subsec. (a)(1)(A)(v). Pub. L. 106–386, §1503(b)(3), added cl. (v).

Subsec. (a)(1)(A)(vi). Pub. L. 106–386, §1507(a)(1), added cl. (vi).

Subsec. (a)(1)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 106–386, §1503(c)(1), amended cl. (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (ii) read as follows: “An alien who is the spouse of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, who is a person of good moral character, who is eligible for classification under section 1153(a)(2)(A) of this title, and who has resided in the United States with the alien's legal permanent resident spouse may file a petition with the Attorney General under this subparagraph for classification of the alien (and any child of the alien if such a child has not been classified under clause (iii)) under such section if the alien demonstrates to the Attorney General that the conditions described in subclauses (I) and (II) of subparagraph (A)(iii) are met with respect to the alien.”

Subsec. (a)(1)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 106–386, §1503(c)(2), amended cl. (iii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (iii) read as follows: “An alien who is the child of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, who is a person of good moral character, who is eligible for classification under section 1153(a)(2)(A) of this title, and who has resided in the United States with the alien's permanent resident alien parent may file a petition with the Attorney General under this subparagraph for classification of the alien under such section if the alien demonstrates to the Attorney General that—

“(I) the alien is residing in the United States and during the period of residence with the permanent resident parent the alien has been battered by or has been the subject of extreme cruelty perpetrated by the alien's permanent resident parent; and

“(II) the alien is a person whose removal, in the opinion of the Attorney General, would result in extreme hardship to the alien.”

Subsec. (a)(1)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 106–386, §1503(c)(3), added cl. (iv).

Subsec. (a)(1)(B)(v). Pub. L. 106–386, §1507(a)(2), added cl. (v).

Subsec. (a)(1)(C) to (I). Pub. L. 106–386, §1503(d)(1), (2), added subpars. (C) and (D) and redesignated former subpars. (C) to (G) as (E) to (I), respectively. Former subpar. (H) redesignated (J).

Subsec. (a)(1)(J). Pub. L. 106–386, §1503(d)(1), (3), redesignated subpar. (H) as (J) and inserted “or in making determinations under subparagraphs (C) and (D),” after “subparagraph (B),”.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106–279 designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted “subparagraph (F) or (G) of section 1101(b)(1)” for “section 1101(b)(1)(F)”, and added par. (2).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 106–386, §1507(b), inserted at end “Remarriage of an alien whose petition was approved under subsection (a)(1)(B)(ii) or (a)(1)(A)(iii) of this section or marriage of an alien described in clause (iv) or (vi) of subsection (a)(1)(A) of this section or in subsection (a)(1)(B)(iii) of this section shall not be the basis for revocation of a petition approval under section 1155 of this title.”

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 106–313 added subsec. (j).

1996—Subsec. (a)(1)(A)(iii)(II), (iv)(II), (B)(iii)(II). Pub. L. 104–208, §308(e)(1)(A), substituted “removal” for “deportation”.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 104–208, §308(f)(2)(A), substituted “be admitted” for “enter”.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 104–208, §624(b), added subsec. (i).

1994—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103–322, §40701(a), in subpar. (A), designated first sentence as cl. (i) and second sentence as cl. (ii) and added cls. (iii) and (iv), in subpar. (B), designated existing provisions as cl. (i) and added cls. (ii) and (iii), and added subpar. (H).

Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 103–416 in second sentence inserted “spouse” after “alien” and “of the alien (and the alien's children)” after “for classification”.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 103–322, §40701(b)(1), in subpar. (A), substituted “for the classification of the spouse of an alien if the alien,” for “filed by an alien who,” in introductory provisions and in subpar. (B), substituted “for the classification of the spouse of an alien if the prior marriage of the alien” for “by an alien whose prior marriage”.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 103–322, §40701(c), added subsec. (h).

1991—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 102–232, §302(e)(4)(A), inserted sentence at end authorizing filing of petitions by aliens described in second sentence of section 1151(b)(2)(A)(i) of this title.

Subsec. (a)(1)(F). Pub. L. 102–232, §302(e)(4)(B), substituted “Attorney General” for “Secretary of State”.

Subsec. (a)(1)(G)(iii). Pub. L. 102–232, §302(e)(4)(C), struck out “or registration” after “petition”.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–232, §302(e)(5), substituted “as an immigrant” for “as a immigrant”.

Subsec. (f)(4)(A)(ii)(II). Pub. L. 102–232, §309(b)(5), substituted “the second and third sentences of such section” for “section 9847 of title 42”.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 102–232, §308(b), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 101–649, §702(b). See 1990 Amendment note below.

1990—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 101–649, §162(b)(1), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: “Any citizen of the United States claiming that an alien is entitled to a preference status by reason of a relationship described in paragraph (1), (4), or (5) of section 1153(a) of this title, or to an immediate relative status under section 1151(b) of this title, or any alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence claiming that an alien is entitled to a preference status by reason of the relationship described in section 1153(a)(2) of this title, or any alien desiring to be classified as a preference immigrant under section 1153(a)(3) of this title (or any person on behalf of such an alien), or any person desiring and intending to employ within the United States an alien entitled to classification as a preference immigrant under section 1153(a)(6) of this title, may file a petition with the Attorney General for such classification. The petition shall be in such form as the Attorney General may by regulations prescribe and shall contain such information and be supported by such documentary evidence as the Attorney General may require. The petition shall be made under oath administered by any individual having authority to administer oaths, if executed in the United States, but, if executed outside the United States, administered by a consular officer or an immigration officer.”

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–649, §162(b)(2), substituted reference to section 1153(b)(2) or 1153(b)(3) of this title for reference to section 1153(a)(3) or (6) of this title, and reference to preference under section 1153(a) or (b) of this title for reference to a preference status under section 1153(a) of this title.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 101–649, §162(b)(3), substituted “immigrant under subsection (a), (b), or (c) of section 1153 of this title” for “preference immigrant under section 1153(a) of this title”.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–649, §162(b)(5), (6), redesignated subsec. (g) as (f) and struck out former subsec. (f) which related to applicability of provisions to qualified immigrants specified in section 1152(e) of this title.

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 101–649, §162(b)(4), substituted reference to section 1153(a)(3) of this title for reference to section 1153(a)(4) of this title.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 101–649, §702(b), as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, §308(b), inserted “except as provided in section 1255(e)(3) of this title,” after “Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section,”.

Pub. L. 101–649, §162(b)(6), redesignated subsec. (h) as (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated as (f).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 101–649, §162(b)(6), redesignated subsec. (h) as (g).

1988—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–525, §9(g)(1), substituted “an immediate relative” for “a nonquota”.

Subsec. (g)(3)(A). Pub. L. 100–525, §9(g)(2), substituted “(C)(ii) of paragraph (2)” for “(C)(i) of paragraph 2”.

1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–639, §2(c), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–639, §4(a), inserted “(1)” after “if” and “, or has sought to be accorded,” and added cl. (2).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 99–639, §5(b), added subsec. (h).

1982—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 97–359 added subsec. (g).

1981—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–116, §18(d), substituted “of a relationship described in paragraph” for “of the relationships described in paragraphs”.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–116, §3, redesignated subsec. (e) as (d). Former subsec. (d), directing that the Attorney General forward to the Congress a Statistical summary of petitions for immigrant status approved by him under section 1153(a)(3) or 1153(a)(6) of this title and that the reports be submitted to Congress on the first and fifteenth day of each calendar month in which Congress was in session, was struck out.

Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 97–116, §3, redesignated as subsec. (e) the subsec. (f) relating to subsequent finding of non-entitlement. See 1978 Amendment note below. Former subsec. (e) redesignated (d).

1980—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 96–470 substituted provision requiring the Attorney General to forward to Congress a statistical summary of approved petitions for professional or occupational preferences for provision requiring the Attorney General to forward to Congress a report on each petition approved for professional or occupational preference stating the basis for his approval and the facts pertinent in establishing qualifications for preferential status.

1978—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 95–417, §2, struck out “no more than two petitions may be approved for one petitioner on behalf of a child as defined in section 1101(b)(1)(E) or 1101(b)(1)(F) of this title unless necessary to prevent the separation of brothers and sisters and” after “subsection (b) of this section”.

Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 95–417, §3, added subsec. (e) and redesignated former subsec. (e), relating to subsequent finding of non-entitlement, as subsec. (f) without regard to existing subsec. (f), relating to provisions applicable to qualified immigrants, added by Pub. L. 94–571.

1976—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 94–571 added subsec. (f).

1965—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–236 substituted provisions spelling out the statutory grounds for filing a petition for preference status and prescribing the authority of the Attorney General to require documentary evidence in support and the form of the petition, for provisions prohibiting consular officers from granting preference status before being authorized to do so in cases of applications based on membership in the ministry of a religious denomination or high education, technical training, or specialized experience which would be substantially beneficial to the United States.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–236 substituted provisions authorizing investigation of petitions by the Attorney General, consultation with the Secretary of Labor, and authorization to consular officers, for provisions specifying the form of application for preference status on the basis of membership in the ministry of a religious denomination or high education, technical training, or specialized experience which would be substantially beneficial to the United States and the circumstances making an application appropriate.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 89–236 substituted provisions limiting the number of orphan petitions which may be approved for one petitioner and prohibiting approval of any petition of an alien whose prior marriage was determined by the Attorney General to have been entered into for the purpose of evading the immigration laws, for provisions which related to investigation of facts by the Attorney General and submission of reports to Congress covering the granting of preferential status.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 89–236 substituted provisions requiring the Attorney General to submit reports to Congress on each approved petition for professional or occupational preference, for provisions prohibiting a statutory construction of the section which would entitle an immigrant to preferential classification if, upon arrival at the port of entry, he was found not to be entitled to such classification.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 89–236 added subsec. (e).

1962—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 87–885 provided for submission of reports to Congress.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–208 effective Aug. 6, 2002, and applicable to certain beneficiary aliens, see section 8 of Pub. L. 107–208, set out as a note under section 1151 of this title.

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–279 effective Apr. 1, 2008, see section 505(a)(2), (b) of Pub. L. 106–279, set out as an Effective Dates; Transition Rule note under section 14901 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by section 308(e)(1)(A), (f)(2)(A) of Pub. L. 104–208 effective, with certain transitional provisions, on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after Sept. 30, 1996, see section 309 of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–416 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 219(dd) of Pub. L. 103–416, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–322 effective Jan. 1, 1995, see section 40701(d) of Pub. L. 103–322, set out as a note under section 1151 of this title.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by sections 302(e)(4), (5) and 308(b) of Pub. L. 102–232 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 310(1) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by section 162(b) of Pub. L. 101–649 effective Nov. 29, 1990, but only insofar as section 162(b) relates to visas for fiscal years beginning with fiscal year 1992, with general transition provisions, see section 161(b), (c) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Section 702(c) of Pub. L. 101–649 provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending sections 1154 and 1255 of this title] shall apply to marriages entered into before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990].”

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Section 4(b) of Pub. L. 99–639 provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to petitions filed on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 10, 1986].”

Section 5(c) of Pub. L. 99–639 provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1255 of this title] shall apply to marriages entered into on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 10, 1986].”

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–116 effective Dec. 29, 1981, see section 21(a) of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–571 effective on first day of first month which begins more than sixty days after Oct. 20, 1976, see section 10 of Pub. L. 94–571, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1965 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 89–236, see section 20 of Pub. L. 89–236, set out as a note under section 1151 of this title.

Construction of 2009 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–83, title V, §568(d)(2), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2187, provided that: “Nothing in the amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] may be construed to limit or waive any ground of removal, basis for denial of petition or application, or other criteria for adjudicating petitions or applications as otherwise provided under the immigration laws of the United States other than ineligibility based solely on the lack of a qualifying family relationship as specifically provided by such amendment.”

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.

Alien Sheepherders

Act Sept. 3, 1954, ch. 1254, §§1–3, 68 Stat. 1145, provided for the importation of skilled alien sheepherders upon approval by the Attorney General, certification to the Secretary of State by the Attorney General of names and addresses of sheepherders whose applications for importation were approved, and issuance of not more than 385 special nonquota immigrant visas. Provisions of said act expired on Sept. 3, 1955, by terms of section 1 thereof.

1 So in original. Probably should be “(II)”.

2 So in original. Probably should be “child's”.

3 So in original. Probably should be followed by “to”.

4 So in original. Probably should be subsection “(a)(1)(D)”.

§1155. Revocation of approval of petitions; effective date

The Secretary of Homeland Security may, at any time, for what he deems to be good and sufficient cause, revoke the approval of any petition approved by him under section 1154 of this title. Such revocation shall be effective as of the date of approval of any such petition.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title II, ch. 1, §205, 66 Stat. 180; Pub. L. 86–363, §5(a), (b), Sept. 22, 1959, 73 Stat. 644, 645; Pub. L. 87–301, §§3, 10, Sept. 26, 1961, 75 Stat. 650, 654; Pub. L. 89–236, §5, Oct. 3, 1965, 79 Stat. 916; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §308(g)(3)(A), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–622; Pub. L. 108–458, title V, §5304(c), Dec. 17, 2004, 118 Stat. 3736.)

Amendments

2004—Pub. L. 108–458 substituted “Secretary of Homeland Security” for “Attorney General” and struck out at end “In no case, however, shall such revocation have effect unless there is mailed to the petitioner's last known address a notice of the revocation and unless notice of the revocation is communicated through the Secretary of State to the beneficiary of the petition before such beneficiary commences his journey to the United States. If notice of revocation is not so given, and the beneficiary applies for admission to the United States, his admissibility shall be determined in the manner provided for by sections 1225 and 1229a of this title.”

1996—Pub. L. 104–208 substituted “1229a” for “1226”.

1965—Pub. L. 89–236 struck out entire section which had set out, in subsecs. (a) to (d), the procedure for granting nonquota status or preference by reason of relationship and inserted in its place, with minor changes, provisions formerly contained in section 1156 of this title authorizing the Attorney General to revoke his approval of petitions for good and sufficient cause.

1961—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 87–301, §3(a), provided that no petition for quota immigration status or a preference shall be approved if the beneficiary is an alien defined in section 1101(b)(1)(F) of this title, established requirements to be met by petitioners before a petition for nonquota immigrant status for a child as defined in section 1101(b)(1)(F) can be approved by the Attorney General, and authorized the administration of oaths by immigration officers when the petition is executed outside the United States.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 87–301, §§3(b), 10, substituted “section 1101(b)(1)(E) or (F)” for “section 1101(b)(1)(E)”, and provided that no petition shall be approved if the alien had previously been accorded a nonquota status under section 1101(a)(27)(A) of this title or a preference quota status under section 1153(a)(3) of this title, by reason of marriage entered into to evade the immigration laws.

1959—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 86–363, §5(a), authorized filing of petitions by any United States citizen claiming that an immigrant is his unmarried son or unmarried daughter, by any alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence claiming that an immigrant is his unmarried son or unmarried daughter instead of child, or by any United States citizen claiming that an immigrant is his married son or married daughter instead of son or daughter, and prohibited approval of petition for quota immigrant status or preference of alien without proof of parent relationship of the petitioner to such alien.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 86–363, §5(b), limited approval to two petitions for one petitioner in behalf of a child as defined in section 1101(b)(1)(E) of this title unless necessary to prevent separation of brothers and sisters.

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–458, title V, §5304(d), Dec. 17, 2004, 118 Stat. 3736, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 1201 and 1227 of this title] shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 17, 2004] and shall apply to revocations under sections 205 and 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1155, 1201(i)) made before, on, or after such date.”

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–208 effective, with certain transitional provisions, on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after Sept. 30, 1996, see section 309 of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1965 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 89–236, see section 20 of Pub. L. 89–236, set out as a note under section 1151 of this title.

§1156. Unused immigrant visas

If an immigrant having an immigrant visa is denied admission to the United States and removed, or does not apply for admission before the expiration of the validity of his visa, or if an alien having an immigrant visa issued to him as a preference immigrant is found not to be a preference immigrant, an immigrant visa or a preference immigrant visa, as the case may be, may be issued in lieu thereof to another qualified alien.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title II, ch. 1, §206, 66 Stat. 181; Pub. L. 89–236, §6, Oct. 3, 1965, 79 Stat. 916; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §308(d)(4)(D), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–618.)

Amendments

1996—Pub. L. 104–208 substituted “denied admission to the United States and removed” for “excluded from admission to the United States and deported”.

1965—Pub. L. 89–236 substituted provisions allowing immigrant visas or preference immigrant visas to be issued to another qualified alien in lieu of immigrants excluded or deported, immigrants failing to apply for admission, or immigrants found not to be preference immigrants, for provisions relating to revocation of approval of petitions which, with minor amendments, were transferred to section 1155 of this title.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–208 effective, with certain transitional provisions, on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after Sept. 30, 1996, see section 309 of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1965 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 89–236, see section 20 of Pub. L. 89–236, set out as a note under section 1151 of this title.

§1157. Annual admission of refugees and admission of emergency situation refugees

(a) Maximum number of admissions; increases for humanitarian concerns; allocations

(1) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the number of refugees who may be admitted under this section in fiscal year 1980, 1981, or 1982, may not exceed fifty thousand unless the President determines, before the beginning of the fiscal year and after appropriate consultation (as defined in subsection (e) of this section), that admission of a specific number of refugees in excess of such number is justified by humanitarian concerns or is otherwise in the national interest.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the number of refugees who may be admitted under this section in any fiscal year after fiscal year 1982 shall be such number as the President determines, before the beginning of the fiscal year and after appropriate consultation, is justified by humanitarian concerns or is otherwise in the national interest.

(3) Admissions under this subsection shall be allocated among refugees of special humanitarian concern to the United States in accordance with a determination made by the President after appropriate consultation.

(4) In the determination made under this subsection for each fiscal year (beginning with fiscal year 1992), the President shall enumerate, with the respective number of refugees so determined, the number of aliens who were granted asylum in the previous year.

(b) Determinations by President respecting number of admissions for humanitarian concerns

If the President determines, after appropriate consultation, that (1) an unforeseen emergency refugee situation exists, (2) the admission of certain refugees in response to the emergency refugee situation is justified by grave humanitarian concerns or is otherwise in the national interest, and (3) the admission to the United States of these refugees cannot be accomplished under subsection (a) of this section, the President may fix a number of refugees to be admitted to the United States during the succeeding period (not to exceed twelve months) in response to the emergency refugee situation and such admissions shall be allocated among refugees of special humanitarian concern to the United States in accordance with a determination made by the President after the appropriate consultation provided under this subsection.

(c) Admission by Attorney General of refugees; criteria; admission status of spouse or child; applicability of other statutory requirements; termination of refugee status of alien, spouse or child

(1) Subject to the numerical limitations established pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the Attorney General may, in the Attorney General's discretion and pursuant to such regulations as the Attorney General may prescribe, admit any refugee who is not firmly resettled in any foreign country, is determined to be of special humanitarian concern to the United States, and is admissible (except as otherwise provided under paragraph (3)) as an immigrant under this chapter.

(2)(A) A spouse or child (as defined in section 1101(b)(1)(A), (B), (C), (D), or (E) of this title) of any refugee who qualifies for admission under paragraph (1) shall, if not otherwise entitled to admission under paragraph (1) and if not a person described in the second sentence of section 1101(a)(42) of this title, be entitled to the same admission status as such refugee if accompanying, or following to join, such refugee and if the spouse or child is admissible (except as otherwise provided under paragraph (3)) as an immigrant under this chapter. Upon the spouse's or child's admission to the United States, such admission shall be charged against the numerical limitation established in accordance with the appropriate subsection under which the refugee's admission is charged.

(B) An unmarried alien who seeks to accompany, or follow to join, a parent granted admission as a refugee under this subsection, and who was under 21 years of age on the date on which such parent applied for refugee status under this section, shall continue to be classified as a child for purposes of this paragraph, if the alien attained 21 years of age after such application was filed but while it was pending.

(3) The provisions of paragraphs (4), (5), and (7)(A) of section 1182(a) of this title shall not be applicable to any alien seeking admission to the United States under this subsection, and the Attorney General may waive any other provision of such section (other than paragraph (2)(C) or subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (E) of paragraph (3)) with respect to such an alien for humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or when it is otherwise in the public interest. Any such waiver by the Attorney General shall be in writing and shall be granted only on an individual basis following an investigation. The Attorney General shall provide for the annual reporting to Congress of the number of waivers granted under this paragraph in the previous fiscal year and a summary of the reasons for granting such waivers.

(4) The refugee status of any alien (and of the spouse or child of the alien) may be terminated by the Attorney General pursuant to such regulations as the Attorney General may prescribe if the Attorney General determines that the alien was not in fact a refugee within the meaning of section 1101(a)(42) of this title at the time of the alien's admission.

(d) Oversight reporting and consultation requirements

(1) Before the start of each fiscal year the President shall report to the Committees on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and of the Senate regarding the foreseeable number of refugees who will be in need of resettlement during the fiscal year and the anticipated allocation of refugee admissions during the fiscal year. The President shall provide for periodic discussions between designated representatives of the President and members of such committees regarding changes in the worldwide refugee situation, the progress of refugee admissions, and the possible need for adjustments in the allocation of admissions among refugees.

(2) As soon as possible after representatives of the President initiate appropriate consultation with respect to the number of refugee admissions under subsection (a) of this section or with respect to the admission of refugees in response to an emergency refugee situation under subsection (b) of this section, the Committees on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and of the Senate shall cause to have printed in the Congressional Record the substance of such consultation.

(3)(A) After the President initiates appropriate consultation prior to making a determination under subsection (a) of this section, a hearing to review the proposed determination shall be held unless public disclosure of the details of the proposal would jeopardize the lives or safety of individuals.

(B) After the President initiates appropriate consultation prior to making a determination, under subsection (b) of this section, that the number of refugee admissions should be increased because of an unforeseen emergency refugee situation, to the extent that time and the nature of the emergency refugee situation permit, a hearing to review the proposal to increase refugee admissions shall be held unless public disclosure of the details of the proposal would jeopardize the lives or safety of individuals.

(e) “Appropriate consultation” defined

For purposes of this section, the term “appropriate consultation” means, with respect to the admission of refugees and allocation of refugee admissions, discussions in person by designated Cabinet-level representatives of the President with members of the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and of the House of Representatives to review the refugee situation or emergency refugee situation, to project the extent of possible participation of the United States therein, to discuss the reasons for believing that the proposed admission of refugees is justified by humanitarian concerns or grave humanitarian concerns or is otherwise in the national interest, and to provide such members with the following information:

(1) A description of the nature of the refugee situation.

(2) A description of the number and allocation of the refugees to be admitted and an analysis of conditions within the countries from which they came.

(3) A description of the proposed plans for their movement and resettlement and the estimated cost of their movement and resettlement.

(4) An analysis of the anticipated social, economic, and demographic impact of their admission to the United States.

(5) A description of the extent to which other countries will admit and assist in the resettlement of such refugees.

(6) An analysis of the impact of the participation of the United States in the resettlement of such refugees on the foreign policy interests of the United States.

(7) Such additional information as may be appropriate or requested by such members.


To the extent possible, information described in this subsection shall be provided at least two weeks in advance of discussions in person by designated representatives of the President with such members.

(f) Training

(1) The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall provide all United States officials adjudicating refugee cases under this section with the same training as that provided to officers adjudicating asylum cases under section 1158 of this title.

(2) Such training shall include country-specific conditions, instruction on the internationally recognized right to freedom of religion, instruction on methods of religious persecution practiced in foreign countries, and applicable distinctions within a country between the nature of and treatment of various religious practices and believers.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title II, ch. 1, §207, as added Pub. L. 96–212, title II, §201(b), Mar. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 103; amended Pub. L. 100–525, §9(h), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2620; Pub. L. 101–649, title I, §104(b), title VI, §603(a)(4), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4985, 5082; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §307(l)(1), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1756; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title VI, §601(b), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–689; Pub. L. 105–292, title VI, §602(a), Oct. 27, 1998, 112 Stat. 2812; Pub. L. 107–208, §5, Aug. 6, 2002, 116 Stat. 929; Pub. L. 109–13, div. B, title I, §101(g)(2), May 11, 2005, 119 Stat. 305.)

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), (2)(A), was in the original, “this Act”, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1157, act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title II, ch. 1, §207, 66 Stat. 181, prohibited issuance of immigrant visas to other immigrants in lieu of immigrants excluded from admission, immigrants deported, immigrants failing to apply for admission to the United States, or immigrants found to be nonquota immigrants after having previously been found to be quota immigrants, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 89–236, §7, Oct. 3, 1965, 79 Stat. 916.

Amendments

2005—Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 109–13 struck out par. (5) which read as follows: “For any fiscal year, not more than a total of 1,000 refugees may be admitted under this subsection or granted asylum under section 1158 of this title pursuant to a determination under the third sentence of section 1101(a)(42) of this title (relating to persecution for resistance to coercive population control methods).”

2002—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 107–208 designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and added subpar. (B).

1998—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105–292 added subsec. (f).

1996—Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 104–208 added par. (5).

1991—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 102–232 substituted “subparagraph (A)” for “subparagraphs (A)”.

1990—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 101–649, §104(b), added par. (4).

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 101–649, §603(a)(4), substituted “(4), (5), and (7)(A)” for “(14), (15), (20), (21), (25), and (32)” and “(other than paragraph (2)(C) or subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), or (E) of paragraph (3))” for “(other than paragraph (27), (29), or (33) and other than so much of paragraph (23) as relates to trafficking in narcotics)”.

1988—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 100–525 substituted “otherwise” for “otherwide”.

Effective Date of 2005 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–13, div. B, title I, §101(h)(5), May 11, 2005, 119 Stat. 306, provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (g) [amending this section and section 1159 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this division [May 11, 2005].”

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–208 effective Aug. 6, 2002, and applicable to certain beneficiary aliens, see section 8 of Pub. L. 107–208, set out as a note under section 1151 of this title.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Section 307(l) of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that the amendments made by that section [amending this section, sections 1159, 1161, 1187, 1188, 1254a, 1255a, and 1322 of this title, and provisions set out as notes under sections 1101 and 1255 of this title] are effective as if included in section 603(a) of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by section 104(b) of Pub. L. 101–649 effective Nov. 29, 1990, and (unless otherwise provided) applicable to fiscal year 1991, see section 161(b) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Amendment by section 603(a)(4) of Pub. L. 101–649 applicable to individuals entering United States on or after June 1, 1991, see section 601(e)(1) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date

Section (with the exception of subsec. (c) which is effective Apr. 1, 1980) effective, except as otherwise provided, Mar. 17, 1980, and applicable to fiscal years beginning with the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 1979, see section 204 of Pub. L. 96–212, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 1101 of this title.

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.

Delegation of Functions

For delegation of Congressional reporting functions of President under subsec. (d) of this section, see section 1 of Ex. Ord. No. 13313, July 31, 2003, 68 F.R. 46073, set out as a note under section 301 of Title 3, The President.

Iraq Refugee Crisis

Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title XII, subtitle C, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 395, as amended by Pub. L. 110–242, §1, June 3, 2008, 122 Stat. 1567; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title VIII, §813(d), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2407; Pub. L. 111–118, div. A, title VIII, §8120(a), Dec. 19, 2009, 123 Stat. 3457; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(f)(9), (10), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4376, provided that:

“SEC. 1241. SHORT TITLE.

“This subtitle may be cited as the ‘Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act of 2007’.

“SEC. 1242. PROCESSING MECHANISMS.

“(a) In General.—The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall establish or use existing refugee processing mechanisms in Iraq and in countries, where appropriate, in the region in which—

“(1) aliens described in section 1243 may apply and interview for admission to the United States as refugees; and

“(2) aliens described in section 1244(b) may apply and interview for admission to United States as special immigrants.

“(b) Suspension.—If such is determined necessary, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, may suspend in-country processing under subsection (a) for a period not to exceed 90 days. Such suspension may be extended by the Secretary of State upon notification to the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate. The Secretary of State shall submit to such committees a report outlining the basis of any such suspension and any extensions thereof.

“(c) Report.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 28, 2008], the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall submit to the committees specified in subsection (b) a report that—

“(1) describes the Secretary of State's plans to establish the processing mechanisms required under subsection (a);

“(2) contains an assessment of in-country processing that makes use of videoconferencing; and

“(3) describes the Secretary of State's diplomatic efforts to improve issuance of exit permits to Iraqis who have been provided special immigrant status under section 1244 and Iraqi refugees under section 1243.

“SEC. 1243. UNITED STATES REFUGEE PROGRAM PROCESSING PRIORITIES.

“(a) In General.—Refugees of special humanitarian concern eligible for Priority 2 processing under the refugee resettlement priority system who may apply directly to the United States Admission Program shall include—

“(1) Iraqis who were or are employed by the United States Government, in Iraq;

“(2) Iraqis who establish to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State that they are or were employed in Iraq by—

“(A) a media or nongovernmental organization headquartered in the United States; or

“(B) an organization or entity closely associated with the United States mission in Iraq that has received United States Government funding through an official and documented contract, award, grant, or cooperative agreement; and

“(3) spouses, children, and parents whether or not accompanying or following to join, and sons, daughters, and siblings of aliens described in paragraph (1), paragraph (2), or section 1244(b)(1); and

“(4) Iraqis who are members of a religious or minority community, have been identified by the Secretary of State, or the designee of the Secretary, as a persecuted group, and have close family members (as described in section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) or 203(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(2)(A)(i) and 1153(a))) in the United States.

“(b) Identification of Other Persecuted Groups.—The Secretary of State, or the designee of the Secretary, is authorized to identify other Priority 2 groups of Iraqis, including vulnerable populations.

“(c) Ineligible Organizations and Entities.—Organizations and entities described in subsection (a)(2) shall not include any that appear on the Department of the Treasury's list of Specially Designated Nationals or any entity specifically excluded by the Secretary of Homeland Security, after consultation with the Secretary of State and the heads of relevant elements of the intelligence community (as defined in section 3(4) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 401a(4))).

“(d) Applicability of Other Requirements.—Aliens under this section who qualify for Priority 2 processing under the refugee resettlement priority system shall satisfy the requirements of section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1157) for admission to the United States.

“(e) Numerical Limitations.—In determining the number of Iraqi refugees who should be resettled in the United States under paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of subsection (a) and subsection (b) of section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1157), the President shall consult with the heads of nongovernmental organizations that have a presence in Iraq or experience in assessing the problems faced by Iraqi refugees.

“(f) Eligibility for Admission as Refugee.—No alien shall be denied the opportunity to apply for admission under this section solely because such alien qualifies as an immediate relative or is eligible for any other immigrant classification.

“SEC. 1244. SPECIAL IMMIGRANT STATUS FOR CERTAIN IRAQIS.

“(a) In General.—Subject to subsection (c), the Secretary of Homeland Security, or, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of State in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, may provide an alien described in subsection (b) with the status of a special immigrant under section 101(a)(27) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)), if the alien—

“(1) or an agent acting on behalf of the alien, submits a petition for classification under section 203(b)(4) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(4));

“(2) is otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa;

“(3) is otherwise admissible to the United States for permanent residence (excluding the grounds for inadmissibility specified in section 212(a)(4) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(4))); and

“(4) cleared a background check and appropriate screening, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

“(b) Aliens Described.—

“(1) Principal aliens.—An alien is described in this subsection if the alien—

“(A) is a citizen or national of Iraq;

“(B) was or is employed by or on behalf of the United States Government in Iraq, on or after March 20, 2003, for not less than one year;

“(C) provided faithful and valuable service to the United States Government, which is documented in a positive recommendation or evaluation, subject to paragraph (4), from the employee's senior supervisor or the person currently occupying that position, or a more senior person, if the employee's senior supervisor has left the employer or has left Iraq; and

“(D) has experienced or is experiencing an ongoing serious threat as a consequence of the alien's employment by the United States Government.

“(2) Spouses and children.—An alien is described in this subsection if the alien—

“(A) is the spouse or child of a principal alien described in paragraph (1); and

“(B) is accompanying or following to join the principal alien in the United States.

“(3) Treatment of surviving spouse or child.—An alien is described in subsection (b) if the alien—

“(A) was the spouse or child of a principal alien described in paragraph (1) who had a petition for classification approved pursuant to this section or section 1059 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (Public Law 109–163; 8 U.S.C. 1101 note), which included the alien as an accompanying spouse or child; and

“(B) due to the death of the principal alien—

“(i) such petition was revoked or terminated (or otherwise rendered null); and

“(ii) such petition would have been approved if the principal alien had survived.

“(4) Approval by chief of mission required.—A recommendation or evaluation required under paragraph (1)(C) shall be accompanied by approval from the Chief of Mission, or the designee of the Chief of Mission, who shall conduct a risk assessment of the alien and an independent review of records maintained by the United States Government or hiring organization or entity to confirm employment and faithful and valuable service to the United States Government prior to approval of a petition under this section.

“(c) Numerical Limitations.—

“(1) In general.—The total number of principal aliens who may be provided special immigrant status under this section may not exceed 5,000 per year for fiscal years 2008 through 2012.

“(2) Exclusion from numerical limitations.—Aliens provided special immigrant status under this section shall not be counted against any numerical limitation under sections 201(d), 202(a), or 203(b)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(d), 1152(a), and 1153(b)(4)).

“(3) Carry forward.—

“(A) Fiscal years 2008 through 2011.—If the numerical limitation specified in paragraph (1) is not reached during a given fiscal year referred to in such paragraph (with respect to fiscal years 2008 through 2011), the numerical limitation specified in such paragraph for the following fiscal year shall be increased by a number equal to the difference between—

“(i) the numerical limitation specified in paragraph (1) for the given fiscal year; and

“(ii) the number of principal aliens provided special immigrant status under this section during the given fiscal year.

“(B) Fiscal years 2012 and 2013.—If the numerical limitation specified in paragraph (1) is not reached in fiscal year 2012, the total number of principal aliens who may be provided special immigrant status under this section for fiscal year 2013 shall be equal to the difference between—

“(i) the numerical limitation specified in paragraph (1) for fiscal year 2012; and

“(ii) the number of principal aliens provided such status under this section during fiscal year 2012.

“(d) Visa and Passport Issuance and Fees.—Neither the Secretary of State nor the Secretary of Homeland Security may charge an alien described in subsection (b) any fee in connection with an application for, or issuance of, a special immigrant visa. The Secretary of State shall make a reasonable effort to ensure that aliens described in this section who are issued special immigrant visas are provided with the appropriate series Iraqi passport necessary to enter the United States.

“(e) Protection of Aliens.—The Secretary of State, in consultation with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall make a reasonable effort to provide an alien described in this section who is applying for a special immigrant visa with protection or the immediate removal from Iraq, if possible, of such alien if the Secretary determines after consultation that such alien is in imminent danger.

“(f) Eligibility for Admission Under Other Classification.—No alien shall be denied the opportunity to apply for admission under this section solely because such alien qualifies as an immediate relative or is eligible for any other immigrant classification.

“(g) Resettlement Support.—Iraqi aliens granted special immigrant status described in section 101(a)(27) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)) shall be eligible for resettlement assistance, entitlement programs, and other benefits available to refugees admitted under section 207 of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1157) to the same extent, and for the same periods of time, as such refugees.

“(h) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section may be construed to affect the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security under section 1059 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 [Pub. L. 109–163, 8 U.S.C. 1101 note].

“SEC. 1245. SENIOR COORDINATOR FOR IRAQI REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS.

“(a) Designation in Iraq.—The Secretary of State shall designate in the embassy of the United States in Baghdad, Iraq, a Senior Coordinator for Iraqi Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (referred to in this section as the ‘Senior Coordinator’).

“(b) Responsibilities.—The Senior Coordinator shall be responsible for the oversight of processing for the resettlement in the United States of refugees of special humanitarian concern, special immigrant visa programs in Iraq, and the development and implementation of other appropriate policies and programs concerning Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons. The Senior Coordinator shall have the authority to refer persons to the United States refugee resettlement program.

“(c) Designation of Additional Senior Coordinators.—The Secretary of State shall designate in the embassies of the United States in Cairo, Egypt, Amman, Jordan, Damascus, Syria, and Beirut, Lebanon, a Senior Coordinator to oversee resettlement in the United States of refugees of special humanitarian concern in those countries to ensure their applications to the United States refugee resettlement program are processed in an orderly manner and without delay.

“SEC. 1246. COUNTRIES WITH SIGNIFICANT POPULATIONS OF IRAQI REFUGEES.

“With respect to each country with a significant population of Iraqi refugees, including Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Turkey, and Lebanon, the Secretary of State shall—

“(1) as appropriate, consult with the appropriate government officials of such countries and other countries and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees regarding resettlement of the most vulnerable members of such refugee populations; and

“(2) as appropriate, except where otherwise prohibited by the laws of the United States, develop mechanisms in and provide assistance to countries with a significant population of Iraqi refugees to ensure the well-being and safety of such populations in their host environments.

“SEC. 1247. MOTION TO REOPEN DENIAL OR TERMINATION OF ASYLUM.

“An alien who applied for asylum or withholding of removal and whose claim was denied on or after March 1, 2003, by an asylum officer or an immigration judge solely, or in part, on the basis of changed country conditions may, notwithstanding any other provision of law, file a motion to reopen such claim in accordance with subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 240(c)(7) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1229a(c)(7)) not later than six months after the date of the enactment of the Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act [of 2007] [Jan. 28, 2008] if the alien—

“(1) is a citizen or national of Iraq; and

“(2) has remained in the United States since the date of such denial.

“SEC. 1248. REPORTS.

“(a) Secretary of Homeland Security.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 28, 2008], the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a report containing plans to expedite the processing of Iraqi refugees for resettlement, including information relating to—

“(1) expediting the processing of Iraqi refugees for resettlement, including through temporary expansion of the Refugee Corps of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services;

“(2) increasing the number of personnel of the Department of Homeland Security devoted to refugee processing in Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Turkey, and Lebanon;

“(3) enhancing existing systems for conducting background and security checks of persons applying for special immigrant status and of persons considered Priority 2 refugees of special humanitarian concern under the refugee resettlement priority system, which enhancements shall support immigration security and provide for the orderly processing of such applications without delay; and

“(4) the projections of the Secretary, per country and per month, for the number of refugee interviews that will be conducted in fiscal year 2008 and fiscal year 2009.

“(b) President.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 28, 2008], and annually thereafter through 2013, the President shall submit to Congress an unclassified report, with a classified annex if necessary, which includes—

“(1) an assessment of the financial, security, and personnel considerations and resources necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle;

“(2) the number of aliens described in section 1243(a)(1);

“(3) the number of such aliens who have applied for special immigrant visas;

“(4) the date of such applications; and

“(5) in the case of applications pending for longer than six months, the reasons that such visas have not been expeditiously processed.

“(c) Report on Iraqi Citizens and Nationals Employed by the United States Government or Federal Contractors in Iraq.—

“(1) In general.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 28, 2008], the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall—

“(A) review internal records and databases of their respective agencies for information that can be used to verify employment of Iraqi nationals by the United States Government; and

“(B) request from each prime contractor or grantee that has performed work in Iraq since March 20, 2003, under a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement with their respective agencies that is valued in excess of $100,000 information that can be used to verify the employment of Iraqi nationals by such contractor or grantee.

“(2) Information required.—To the extent data is available, the information referred to in paragraph (1) shall include the name and dates of employment of, biometric data for, and other data that can be used to verify the employment of each Iraqi citizen or national who has performed work in Iraq since March 20, 2003, under a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement with an executive agency.

“(3) Executive agency defined.—In this subsection, the term ‘executive agency’ has the meaning given the term in section 4(1) of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act ([former] 41 U.S.C. 403(1)) [now 41 U.S.C. 133].

“(d) Report on Establishment of Database.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 28, 2008], the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall submit to Congress a report examining the options for establishing a unified, classified database of information related to contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements entered into by executive agencies for the performance of work in Iraq since March 20, 2003, including the information described and collected under subsection (c), to be used by relevant Federal departments and agencies to adjudicate refugee, asylum, special immigrant visa, and other immigration claims and applications.

“(e) Noncompliance Report.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 28, 2008], the President shall submit a report to Congress that describes—

“(1) the inability or unwillingness of any contractor or grantee to provide the information requested under subsection (c)(1)(B); and

“(2) the reasons for failing to provide such information.

“SEC. 1249. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

“There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subtitle.”

[Pub. L. 110–242, §1(1), which directed amendment of section 1244(c)(1) of Pub. L. 110–181, set out above, by substituting “fiscal years 2008 through 2012” for “each of the five years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act”, was executed by making the substitution for “each of the five fiscal years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.]

Bring Them Home Alive Program

Pub. L. 106–484, Nov. 9, 2000, 114 Stat. 2195, as amended by Pub. L. 107–258, §2, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1738, provided that:

“SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

“This Act may be cited as the ‘Bring Them Home Alive Act of 2000’.

“SEC. 2. AMERICAN VIETNAM WAR POW/MIA ASYLUM PROGRAM.

“(a) Asylum for Eligible Aliens.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Attorney General shall grant refugee status in the United States to any alien described in subsection (b), upon the application of that alien.

“(b) Eligibility.—Refugee status shall be granted under subsection (a) to—

“(1) any alien who—

“(A) is a national of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China, or any of the independent states of the former Soviet Union; and

“(B) personally delivers into the custody of the United States Government a living American Vietnam War POW/MIA; and

“(2) any parent, spouse, or child of an alien described in paragraph (1).

“(c) Definitions.—In this section:

“(1) American vietnam war pow/mia.—

“(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term ‘American Vietnam War POW/MIA’ means an individual—

“(i) who is a member of a uniformed service (within the meaning of section 101(3) of title 37, United States Code) in a missing status (as defined in section 551(2) of such title and this subsection) as a result of the Vietnam War; or

“(ii) who is an employee (as defined in section 5561(2) of title 5, United States Code) in a missing status (as defined in section 5561(5) of such title) as a result of the Vietnam War.

“(B) Exclusion.—Such term does not include an individual with respect to whom it is officially determined under section 552(c) of title 37, United States Code, that such individual is officially absent from such individual's post of duty without authority.

“(2) Missing status.—The term ‘missing status’, with respect to the Vietnam War, means the status of an individual as a result of the Vietnam War if immediately before that status began the individual—

“(A) was performing service in Vietnam; or

“(B) was performing service in Southeast Asia in direct support of military operations in Vietnam.

“(3) Vietnam war.—The term ‘Vietnam War’ means the conflict in Southeast Asia during the period that began on February 28, 1961, and ended on May 7, 1975.

“SEC. 3. AMERICAN KOREAN WAR POW/MIA ASYLUM PROGRAM.

“(a) Asylum for Eligible Aliens.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Attorney General shall grant refugee status in the United States to any alien described in subsection (b), upon the application of that alien.

“(b) Eligibility.—Refugee status shall be granted under subsection (a) to—

“(1) any alien—

“(A) who is a national of North Korea, China, or any of the independent states of the former Soviet Union; and

“(B) who personally delivers into the custody of the United States Government a living American Korean War POW/MIA; and

“(2) any parent, spouse, or child of an alien described in paragraph (1).

“(c) Definitions.—In this section:

“(1) American korean war pow/mia.—

“(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term ‘American Korean War POW/MIA’ means an individual—

“(i) who is a member of a uniformed service (within the meaning of section 101(3) of title 37, United States Code) in a missing status (as defined in section 551(2) of such title and this subsection) as a result of the Korean War; or

“(ii) who is an employee (as defined in section 5561(2) of title 5, United States Code) in a missing status (as defined in section 5561(5) of such title) as a result of the Korean War.

“(B) Exclusion.—Such term does not include an individual with respect to whom it is officially determined under section 552(c) of title 37, United States Code, that such individual is officially absent from such individual's post of duty without authority.

“(2) Korean war.—The term ‘Korean War’ means the conflict on the Korean peninsula during the period that began on June 27, 1950, and ended January 31, 1955.

“(3) Missing status.—The term ‘missing status’, with respect to the Korean War, means the status of an individual as a result of the Korean War if immediately before that status began the individual—

“(A) was performing service in the Korean peninsula; or

“(B) was performing service in Asia in direct support of military operations in the Korean peninsula.

“SEC. 3A. AMERICAN PERSIAN GULF WAR POW/MIA ASYLUM PROGRAM.

“(a) Asylum for Eligible Aliens.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Attorney General shall grant refugee status in the United States to any alien described in subsection (b), upon the application of that alien.

“(b) Eligibility.—

“(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), an alien described in this subsection is—

“(A) any alien who—

“(i) is a national of Iraq or a nation of the Greater Middle East Region (as determined by the Attorney General in consultation with the Secretary of State); and

“(ii) personally delivers into the custody of the United States Government a living American Persian Gulf War POW/MIA; and

“(B) any parent, spouse, or child of an alien described in subparagraph (A).

“(2) Exceptions.—An alien described in this subsection does not include a terrorist, a persecutor, a person who has been convicted of a serious criminal offense, or a person who presents a danger to the security of the United States, as set forth in clauses (i) through (v) of section 208(b)(2)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1158(b)(2)(A)).

“(c) Definitions.—In this section:

“(1) American persian gulf war pow/mia.—

“(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term ‘American Persian Gulf War POW/MIA’ means an individual—

“(i) who is a member of a uniformed service (within the meaning of section 101(3) of title 37, United States Code) in a missing status (as defined in section 551(2) of such title and this subsection) as a result of the Persian Gulf War, or any successor conflict, operation, or action; or

“(ii) who is an employee (as defined in section 5561(2) of title 5, United States Code) in a missing status (as defined in section 5561(5) of such title) as a result of the Persian Gulf War, or any successor conflict, operation, or action.

“(B) Exclusion.—Such term does not include an individual with respect to whom it is officially determined under section 552(c) of title 37, United States Code, that such individual is officially absent from such individual's post of duty without authority.

“(2) Missing status.—The term ‘missing status’, with respect to the Persian Gulf War, or any successor conflict, operation, or action, means the status of an individual as a result of the Persian Gulf War, or such conflict, operation, or action, if immediately before that status began the individual—

“(A) was performing service in Kuwait, Iraq, or another nation of the Greater Middle East Region; or

“(B) was performing service in the Greater Middle East Region in direct support of military operations in Kuwait or Iraq.

“(3) Persian gulf war.—The term ‘Persian Gulf War’ means the period beginning on August 2, 1990, and ending on the date thereafter prescribed by Presidential proclamation or by law.”

“SEC. 4. BROADCASTING INFORMATION ON THE ‘BRING THEM HOME ALIVE’ PROGRAM.

“(a) Requirement.—

“(1) In general.—The International Broadcasting Bureau shall broadcast, through WORLDNET Television and Film Service and Radio, VOA–TV, VOA Radio, or otherwise, information that promotes the ‘Bring Them Home Alive’ refugee program under this Act to foreign countries covered by paragraph (2).

“(2) Covered countries.—The foreign countries covered by paragraph (1) are—

“(A) Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China, and North Korea;

“(B) Russia and the other independent states of the former Soviet Union; and

“(C) Iraq, Kuwait, or any other country of the Greater Middle East Region (as determined by the International Broadcasting Bureau in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of State).

“(b) Level of Programming.—The International Broadcasting Bureau shall broadcast—

“(1) at least 20 hours of the programming described in subsection (a)(1) during the 30-day period that begins 15 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 9, 2000]; and

“(2) at least 10 hours of the programming described in subsection (a)(1) in each calendar quarter during the period beginning with the first calendar quarter that begins after the date of enactment of this Act and ending five years after the date of enactment of this Act.

“(c) Availability of Information on the Internet.—The International Broadcasting Bureau shall ensure that information regarding the ‘Bring Them Home Alive’ refugee program under this Act is readily available on the World Wide Web sites of the Bureau.

“(d) Sense of Congress.—It is the sense of Congress that RFE/RL, Incorporated, Radio Free Asia, and any other recipient of Federal grants that engages in international broadcasting to the countries covered by subsection (a)(2) should broadcast information similar to the information required to be broadcast by subsection (a)(1).

“(e) Definition.—The term ‘International Broadcasting Bureau’ means the International Broadcasting Bureau of the United States Information Agency or, on and after the effective date of title XIII of the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (as contained in division G of Public Law 105–277) [see Effective Date note set out under section 6531 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse], the International Broadcasting Bureau of the Broadcasting Board of Governors.

“SEC. 5. INDEPENDENT STATES OF THE FORMER SOVIET UNION DEFINED.

“In this Act, the term ‘independent states of the former Soviet Union’ has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the FREEDOM Support Act (22 U.S.C. 5801).”

Gender-Related Persecution Task Force

Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title II, §254], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A–432, provided that:

“(a) Establishment of Task Force.—The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Attorney General and other appropriate Federal agencies, shall establish a task force with the goal of determining eligibility guidelines for women seeking refugee status overseas due to gender-related persecution.

“(b) Report.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1999], the Secretary of State shall prepare and submit to the Congress a report outlining the guidelines determined by the task force under subsection (a).”

Establishing Categories of Aliens for Purposes of Refugee Determinations

Pub. L. 101–167, title V, §599D, Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1261, as amended by Pub. L. 101–513, title V, §598(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2063; Pub. L. 102–391, title V, §582(a)(1), (b)(1), (c), Oct. 6, 1992, 106 Stat. 1686; Pub. L. 102–511, title IX, §905(a), (b)(1), (c), Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3356; Pub. L. 103–236, title V, §512(1), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 466; Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(c) [title V, §575(1)], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–121, 3009–168; Pub. L. 104–319, title I, §101(1), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3865; Pub. L. 105–118, title V, §574(1), Nov. 26, 1997, 111 Stat. 2432; Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VII, §705(1)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681–389; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(4) [title II, §214(1)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1535, 1501A–240; Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(1) [title II, §212(1)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–27; Pub. L. 107–116, title II, §213(1), Jan. 10, 2002, 115 Stat. 2200; Pub. L. 108–7, div. G, title II, §213(1), Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 324; Pub. L. 108–199, div. E, title II, §213(1), Jan. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 253; Pub. L. 108–447, div. F, title II, §213(1), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3139; Pub. L. 109–102, title V, §534(m)(1), Nov. 14, 2005, 119 Stat. 2211; Pub. L. 109–289, div. B, title II, §20412(b)(1), as added by Pub. L. 110–5, §2, Feb. 15, 2007, 121 Stat. 25; Pub. L. 110–161, div. J, title VI, §634(k)(1), Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2329; Pub. L. 111–8, div. H, title VII, §7034(g)(1), Mar. 11, 2009, 123 Stat. 878; Pub. L. 111–117, div. F, title VII, §7034(f)(1), Dec. 16, 2009, 123 Stat. 3361; Pub. L. 112–10, div. B, title XI, §2121(m)(1), Apr. 15, 2011, 125 Stat. 186; Pub. L. 112–74, div. I, title VII, §7034(r)(1), Dec. 23, 2011, 125 Stat. 1218, provided that:

“(a) In General.—In the case of an alien who is within a category of aliens established under subsection (b), the alien may establish, for purposes of admission as a refugee under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1157], that the alien has a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion by asserting such a fear and asserting a credible basis for concern about the possibility of such persecution.

“(b) Establishment of Categories.—

“(1) For purposes of subsection (a), the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Coordinator for Refugee Affairs, shall establish—

“(A) one or more categories of aliens who are or were nationals and residents of an independent state of the former Soviet Union or of Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania and who share common characteristics that identify them as targets of persecution in that state on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion,[;]

“(B) one or more categories of aliens who are or were nationals and residents of Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia and who share common characteristics that identify them as targets of persecution in such respective foreign state on such an account; and

“(C) one or more categories of aliens who are or were nationals and residents of the Islamic Republic or Iran who, as members of a religious minority in Iran, share common characteristics that identify them as targets of persecution in that state on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

“(2)(A) Aliens who are (or were) nationals and residents of an independent state of the former Soviet Union or of Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania and who are Jews or Evangelical Christians shall be deemed a category of alien established under paragraph (1)(A).

“(B) Aliens who are (or were) nationals of an independent state of the former Soviet Union or of Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania and who are current members of, and demonstrate public, active, and continuous participation (or attempted participation) in the religious activities of, the Ukrainian Catholic Church or the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, shall be deemed a category of alien established under paragraph (1)(A).

“(C) Aliens who are (or were) nationals and residents of Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia and who are members of categories of individuals determined, by the Attorney General in accordance with ‘Immigration and Naturalization Service Worldwide Guidelines for Overseas Refugee Processing’ (issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service in August 1983) shall be deemed a category of alien established under paragraph (1)(B).

“(3) Within the number of admissions of refugees allocated for for [sic] each of fiscal years 1990, 1991, and 1992 for refugees who are nationals of the Soviet Union under section 207(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1157(a)(3)] and within the number of such admissions allocated for each of fiscal years 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 for refugees who are nationals of the independent states of the former Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania under such section, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the President shall allocate one thousand of such admissions for such fiscal year to refugees who are within the category of aliens described in paragraph (2)(B).

“(c) Written Reasons for Denials of Refugee Status.—Each decision to deny an application for refugee status of an alien who is within a category established under this section shall be in writing and shall state, to the maximum extent feasible, the reason for the denial.

“(d) Permitting Certain Aliens Within Categories to Reapply for Refugee Status.—Each alien who is within a category established under this section and who (after August 14, 1988, and before the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 21, 1989]) was denied refugee status shall be permitted to reapply for such status. Such an application shall be determined taking into account the application of this section.

“(e) Period of Application.—

“(1) Subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 21, 1989] and shall only apply to applications for refugee status submitted before October 1, 2012.

“(2) Subsection (c) shall apply to decisions made after the date of the enactment of this Act and before October 1, 2012.

“(3) Subsection (d) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall only apply to reapplications for refugee status submitted before October 1, 2012.”

[Pub. L. 109–102, §534(m)(1)(A), which directed amendment of section 599D(b)(3) of Pub. L. 101–167, set out above, by substituting “2005, and 2006” for “and 2005”, could not be executed.]

[Pub. L. 108–447, §213(1)(A), which directed amendment of section 599D(b)(3) of Pub. L. 101–167, set out above, by substituting “1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006” for “1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005”, was executed by making the substitution for “1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.]

[Pub. L. 108–199, §213(1)(A), which directed amendment of section 599D(b)(3) of Pub. L. 101–167, set out above, by substituting “1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004” for “1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003”, was executed by making the substitution for “1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.]

[Pub. L. 108–7, §213(1)(A), which directed amendment of section 599D(b)(3) of Pub. L. 101–167, set out above, by substituting “1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003” for “1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001”, was executed by making the substitution for “1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.]

[Except as otherwise provided, Secretary of State to have and exercise any authority vested by law in any official or office of Department of State and references to such officials or offices deemed to refer to Secretary of State or Department of State, as appropriate, see section 2651a of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, and section 161(d) of Pub. L. 103–236, set out as a note under section 2651a of Title 22.]

El Salvadoran Refugees

Pub. L. 97–113, title VII, §731, Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1557, provided that: “It is the sense of the Congress that the administration should continue to review, on a case-by-case basis, petitions for extended voluntary departure made by citizens of El Salvador who claim that they are subject to persecution in their homeland, and should take full account of the civil strife in El Salvador in making decisions on such petitions.”

Time for Determinations by President for Fiscal Year 1980

Section 204(d)(1) of Pub. L. 96–212 provided that: “Notwithstanding section 207(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (as added by section 201(b) of this title [subsec. (a) of this section], the President may make the determination described in the first sentence of such section not later than forty-five days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 17, 1980] for fiscal year 1980.”

Presidential Determination Concerning Admission and Adjustment of Status of Refugees

Determinations by the President pursuant to this section concerning the admission and adjustment of status of refugees for particular fiscal years were contained in the following Presidential Determinations:

Presidential Determination No. 2011–17, Sept. 30, 2011, 76 F.R. 62597.

Presidential Determination No. 2011–02, Oct. 8, 2010, 75 F.R. 75851.

Presidential Determination No. 2009–32, Sept. 30, 2009, 74 F.R. 52385.

Presidential Determination No. 2008–29, Sept. 30, 2008, 73 F.R. 58865.

Presidential Determination No. 2008–1, Oct. 2, 2007, 72 F.R. 58991.

Presidential Determination No. 2007–1, Oct. 11, 2006, 71 F.R. 64435.

Presidential Determination No. 2006–3, Oct. 24, 2005, 70 F.R. 65825.

Presidential Determination No. 2004–53, Sept. 30, 2004, 69 F.R. 60943.

Presidential Determination No. 2004–06, Oct. 21, 2003, 68 F.R. 63979.

Presidential Determination No. 03–02, Oct. 16, 2002, 67 F.R. 65469.

Presidential Determination No. 02–04, Nov. 21, 2001, 66 F.R. 63487.

Presidential Determination No. 2000–32, Sept. 29, 2000, 65 F.R. 59697.

Presidential Determination No. 99–45, Sept. 30, 1999, 64 F.R. 54505.

Presidential Determination No. 99–33, Aug. 12, 1999, 64 F.R. 47341.

Presidential Determination No. 98–39, Sept. 30, 1998, 63 F.R. 55001.

Presidential Determination No. 97–37, Sept. 30, 1997, 62 F.R. 53219.

Presidential Determination No. 96–59, Sept. 30, 1996, 61 F.R. 56869.

Presidential Determination No. 95–48, Sept. 29, 1995, 60 F.R. 53091.

Presidential Determination No. 95–1, Oct. 1, 1994, 59 F.R. 52393.

Presidential Determination No. 94–1, Oct. 1, 1993, 58 F.R. 52213.

Presidential Determination No. 93–1, Oct. 2, 1992, 57 F.R. 47253.

Presidential Determination No. 92–2, Oct. 9, 1991, 56 F.R. 51633.

Presidential Determination No. 91–3, Oct. 12, 1990, 55 F.R. 41979.

Presidential Determination No. 90–2, Oct. 6, 1989, 54 F.R. 43035.

Presidential Determination No. 89–15, June 19, 1989, 54 F.R. 31493.

Presidential Determination No. 89–2, Oct. 5, 1988, 53 F.R. 45249.

Presidential Determination No. 88–16, May 20, 1988, 53 F.R. 21405.

Presidential Determination No. 88–01, Oct. 5, 1987, 52 F.R. 42073.

Presidential Determination No. 87–1, Oct. 17, 1986, 51 F.R. 39637.

Presidential Determination No. 83–2, Oct. 11, 1982, 47 F.R. 46483.

Presidential Determination No. 82–1, Oct. 10, 1981, 46 F.R. 55233.

Presidential Determination No. 80–28, Sept. 30, 1980, 45 F.R. 68365.

Ex. Ord. No. 12208. Consultations on the Admission of Refugees

Ex. Ord. No. 12208, Apr. 15, 1980, 45 F.R. 25789, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12608, Sept. 9, 1987, 52 F.R. 34617; Ex. Ord. No. 13286, §49, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10628, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, including the Refugee Act of 1980 (P.L. 96–212; 8 U.S.C. 1101 note), the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.), and Section 301 of Title 3 of the United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows:

1–101. Exclusive of the functions otherwise delegated, or reserved to the President, by this Order, there are hereby delegated to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security, or either of them, the functions of initiating and carrying out appropriate consultations with members of the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and of the House of Representatives for purposes of Sections 101(a)(42)(B) and 207(a), (b), (d), and (e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(42)(B) and 1157(a), (b), (d), and (e)).

1–102. There are reserved to the President the following functions under the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.].

(a) To specify special circumstances for purposes of qualifying persons as refugees under Section 101(a)(42)(B) [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(42)(B)].

(b) To make determinations under Sections 207(a)(1), 207(a)(2), 207(a)(3) and 207(b) [8 U.S.C. 1157(a)(1) to (3) and (b)].

(c) To fix the number of refugees to be admitted under Section 207(b).

1–103. Except to the extent inconsistent with this Order, all actions previously taken pursuant to any function delegated or assigned by this Order shall be deemed to have been taken and authorized by this Order.

§1158. Asylum

(a) Authority to apply for asylum

(1) In general

Any alien who is physically present in the United States or who arrives in the United States (whether or not at a designated port of arrival and including an alien who is brought to the United States after having been interdicted in international or United States waters), irrespective of such alien's status, may apply for asylum in accordance with this section or, where applicable, section 1225(b) of this title.

(2) Exceptions

(A) Safe third country

Paragraph (1) shall not apply to an alien if the Attorney General determines that the alien may be removed, pursuant to a bilateral or multilateral agreement, to a country (other than the country of the alien's nationality or, in the case of an alien having no nationality, the country of the alien's last habitual residence) in which the alien's life or freedom would not be threatened on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, and where the alien would have access to a full and fair procedure for determining a claim to asylum or equivalent temporary protection, unless the Attorney General finds that it is in the public interest for the alien to receive asylum in the United States.

(B) Time limit

Subject to subparagraph (D), paragraph (1) shall not apply to an alien unless the alien demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that the application has been filed within 1 year after the date of the alien's arrival in the United States.

(C) Previous asylum applications

Subject to subparagraph (D), paragraph (1) shall not apply to an alien if the alien has previously applied for asylum and had such application denied.

(D) Changed circumstances

An application for asylum of an alien may be considered, notwithstanding subparagraphs (B) and (C), if the alien demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Attorney General either the existence of changed circumstances which materially affect the applicant's eligibility for asylum or extraordinary circumstances relating to the delay in filing an application within the period specified in subparagraph (B).

(E) Applicability

Subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall not apply to an unaccompanied alien child (as defined in section 279(g) of title 6).

(3) Limitation on judicial review

No court shall have jurisdiction to review any determination of the Attorney General under paragraph (2).

(b) Conditions for granting asylum

(1) In general

(A) Eligibility

The Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General may grant asylum to an alien who has applied for asylum in accordance with the requirements and procedures established by the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General under this section if the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General determines that such alien is a refugee within the meaning of section 1101(a)(42)(A) of this title.

(B) Burden of proof

(i) In general

The burden of proof is on the applicant to establish that the applicant is a refugee, within the meaning of section 1101(a)(42)(A) of this title. To establish that the applicant is a refugee within the meaning of such section, the applicant must establish that race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion was or will be at least one central reason for persecuting the applicant.

(ii) Sustaining burden

The testimony of the applicant may be sufficient to sustain the applicant's burden without corroboration, but only if the applicant satisfies the trier of fact that the applicant's testimony is credible, is persuasive, and refers to specific facts sufficient to demonstrate that the applicant is a refugee. In determining whether the applicant has met the applicant's burden, the trier of fact may weigh the credible testimony along with other evidence of record. Where the trier of fact determines that the applicant should provide evidence that corroborates otherwise credible testimony, such evidence must be provided unless the applicant does not have the evidence and cannot reasonably obtain the evidence.

(iii) Credibility determination

Considering the totality of the circumstances, and all relevant factors, a trier of fact may base a credibility determination on the demeanor, candor, or responsiveness of the applicant or witness, the inherent plausibility of the applicant's or witness's account, the consistency between the applicant's or witness's written and oral statements (whenever made and whether or not under oath, and considering the circumstances under which the statements were made), the internal consistency of each such statement, the consistency of such statements with other evidence of record (including the reports of the Department of State on country conditions), and any inaccuracies or falsehoods in such statements, without regard to whether an inconsistency, inaccuracy, or falsehood goes to the heart of the applicant's claim, or any other relevant factor. There is no presumption of credibility, however, if no adverse credibility determination is explicitly made, the applicant or witness shall have a rebuttable presumption of credibility on appeal.

(2) Exceptions

(A) In general

Paragraph (1) shall not apply to an alien if the Attorney General determines that—

(i) the alien ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in the persecution of any person on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion;

(ii) the alien, having been convicted by a final judgment of a particularly serious crime, constitutes a danger to the community of the United States;

(iii) there are serious reasons for believing that the alien has committed a serious nonpolitical crime outside the United States prior to the arrival of the alien in the United States;

(iv) there are reasonable grounds for regarding the alien as a danger to the security of the United States;

(v) the alien is described in subclause (I), (II), (III), (IV), or (VI) of section 1182(a)(3)(B)(i) of this title or section 1227(a)(4)(B) of this title (relating to terrorist activity), unless, in the case only of an alien described in subclause (IV) of section 1182(a)(3)(B)(i) of this title, the Attorney General determines, in the Attorney General's discretion, that there are not reasonable grounds for regarding the alien as a danger to the security of the United States; or

(vi) the alien was firmly resettled in another country prior to arriving in the United States.

(B) Special rules

(i) Conviction of aggravated felony

For purposes of clause (ii) of subparagraph (A), an alien who has been convicted of an aggravated felony shall be considered to have been convicted of a particularly serious crime.

(ii) Offenses

The Attorney General may designate by regulation offenses that will be considered to be a crime described in clause (ii) or (iii) of subparagraph (A).

(C) Additional limitations

The Attorney General may by regulation establish additional limitations and conditions, consistent with this section, under which an alien shall be ineligible for asylum under paragraph (1).

(D) No judicial review

There shall be no judicial review of a determination of the Attorney General under subparagraph (A)(v).

(3) Treatment of spouse and children

(A) In general

A spouse or child (as defined in section 1101(b)(1)(A), (B), (C), (D), or (E) of this title) of an alien who is granted asylum under this subsection may, if not otherwise eligible for asylum under this section, be granted the same status as the alien if accompanying, or following to join, such alien.

(B) Continued classification of certain aliens as children

An unmarried alien who seeks to accompany, or follow to join, a parent granted asylum under this subsection, and who was under 21 years of age on the date on which such parent applied for asylum under this section, shall continue to be classified as a child for purposes of this paragraph and section 1159(b)(3) of this title, if the alien attained 21 years of age after such application was filed but while it was pending.

(C) Initial jurisdiction

An asylum officer (as defined in section 1225(b)(1)(E) of this title) shall have initial jurisdiction over any asylum application filed by an unaccompanied alien child (as defined in section 279(g) of title 6), regardless of whether filed in accordance with this section or section 1225(b) of this title.

(c) Asylum status

(1) In general

In the case of an alien granted asylum under subsection (b) of this section, the Attorney General—

(A) shall not remove or return the alien to the alien's country of nationality or, in the case of a person having no nationality, the country of the alien's last habitual residence;

(B) shall authorize the alien to engage in employment in the United States and provide the alien with appropriate endorsement of that authorization; and

(C) may allow the alien to travel abroad with the prior consent of the Attorney General.

(2) Termination of asylum

Asylum granted under subsection (b) of this section does not convey a right to remain permanently in the United States, and may be terminated if the Attorney General determines that—

(A) the alien no longer meets the conditions described in subsection (b)(1) of this section owing to a fundamental change in circumstances;

(B) the alien meets a condition described in subsection (b)(2) of this section;

(C) the alien may be removed, pursuant to a bilateral or multilateral agreement, to a country (other than the country of the alien's nationality or, in the case of an alien having no nationality, the country of the alien's last habitual residence) in which the alien's life or freedom would not be threatened on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, and where the alien is eligible to receive asylum or equivalent temporary protection;

(D) the alien has voluntarily availed himself or herself of the protection of the alien's country of nationality or, in the case of an alien having no nationality, the alien's country of last habitual residence, by returning to such country with permanent resident status or the reasonable possibility of obtaining such status with the same rights and obligations pertaining to other permanent residents of that country; or

(E) the alien has acquired a new nationality and enjoys the protection of the country of his or her new nationality.

(3) Removal when asylum is terminated

An alien described in paragraph (2) is subject to any applicable grounds of inadmissibility or deportability under section 1 1182(a) and 1227(a) of this title, and the alien's removal or return shall be directed by the Attorney General in accordance with sections 1229a and 1231 of this title.

(d) Asylum procedure

(1) Applications

The Attorney General shall establish a procedure for the consideration of asylum applications filed under subsection (a) of this section. The Attorney General may require applicants to submit fingerprints and a photograph at such time and in such manner to be determined by regulation by the Attorney General.

(2) Employment

An applicant for asylum is not entitled to employment authorization, but such authorization may be provided under regulation by the Attorney General. An applicant who is not otherwise eligible for employment authorization shall not be granted such authorization prior to 180 days after the date of filing of the application for asylum.

(3) Fees

The Attorney General may impose fees for the consideration of an application for asylum, for employment authorization under this section, and for adjustment of status under section 1159(b) of this title. Such fees shall not exceed the Attorney General's costs in adjudicating the applications. The Attorney General may provide for the assessment and payment of such fees over a period of time or by installments. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to require the Attorney General to charge fees for adjudication services provided to asylum applicants, or to limit the authority of the Attorney General to set adjudication and naturalization fees in accordance with section 1356(m) of this title.

(4) Notice of privilege of counsel and consequences of frivolous application

At the time of filing an application for asylum, the Attorney General shall—

(A) advise the alien of the privilege of being represented by counsel and of the consequences, under paragraph (6), of knowingly filing a frivolous application for asylum; and

(B) provide the alien a list of persons (updated not less often than quarterly) who have indicated their availability to represent aliens in asylum proceedings on a pro bono basis.

(5) Consideration of asylum applications

(A) Procedures

The procedure established under paragraph (1) shall provide that—

(i) asylum cannot be granted until the identity of the applicant has been checked against all appropriate records or databases maintained by the Attorney General and by the Secretary of State, including the Automated Visa Lookout System, to determine any grounds on which the alien may be inadmissible to or deportable from the United States, or ineligible to apply for or be granted asylum;

(ii) in the absence of exceptional circumstances, the initial interview or hearing on the asylum application shall commence not later than 45 days after the date an application is filed;

(iii) in the absence of exceptional circumstances, final administrative adjudication of the asylum application, not including administrative appeal, shall be completed within 180 days after the date an application is filed;

(iv) any administrative appeal shall be filed within 30 days of a decision granting or denying asylum, or within 30 days of the completion of removal proceedings before an immigration judge under section 1229a of this title, whichever is later; and

(v) in the case of an applicant for asylum who fails without prior authorization or in the absence of exceptional circumstances to appear for an interview or hearing, including a hearing under section 1229a of this title, the application may be dismissed or the applicant may be otherwise sanctioned for such failure.

(B) Additional regulatory conditions

The Attorney General may provide by regulation for any other conditions or limitations on the consideration of an application for asylum not inconsistent with this chapter.

(6) Frivolous applications

If the Attorney General determines that an alien has knowingly made a frivolous application for asylum and the alien has received the notice under paragraph (4)(A), the alien shall be permanently ineligible for any benefits under this chapter, effective as of the date of a final determination on such application.

(7) No private right of action

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to create any substantive or procedural right or benefit that is legally enforceable by any party against the United States or its agencies or officers or any other person.

(e) Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

The provisions of this section and section 1159(b) of this title shall apply to persons physically present in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or arriving in the Commonwealth (whether or not at a designated port of arrival and including persons who are brought to the Commonwealth after having been interdicted in international or United States waters) only on or after January 1, 2014.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title II, ch. 1, §208, as added Pub. L. 96–212, title II, §201(b), Mar. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 105; amended Pub. L. 101–649, title V, §515(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5053; Pub. L. 103–322, title XIII, §130005(b), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2028; Pub. L. 104–132, title IV, §421(a), Apr. 24, 1996, 110 Stat. 1270; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title VI, §604(a), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–690; Pub. L. 107–56, title IV, §411(b)(2), Oct. 26, 2001, 115 Stat. 348; Pub. L. 107–208, §4, Aug. 6, 2002, 116 Stat. 928; Pub. L. 109–13, div. B, title I, §101(a), (b), May 11, 2005, 119 Stat. 302, 303; Pub. L. 110–229, title VII, §702(j)(4), May 8, 2008, 122 Stat. 866; Pub. L. 110–457, title II, §235(d)(7), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5080.)

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (d)(5)(B), (6), was in the original, “this Act”, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2008—Subsec. (a)(2)(E). Pub. L. 110–457, §235(d)(7)(A), added subpar. (E).

Subsec. (b)(3)(C). Pub. L. 110–457, §235(d)(7)(B), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110–229 added subsec. (e).

2005—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 109–13, §101(a)(1), (2), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted subpar. heading, and substituted “The Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General” for “The Attorney General” and “the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General” for “the Attorney General” in two places.

Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 109–13, §101(a)(3), added subpar. (B)

Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(v). Pub. L. 109–13, §101(b), substituted “described in” for “inadmissible under” in two places and struck out “removable under” before “section 1227(a)(4)(B)”.

2002—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 107–208 reenacted heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “A spouse or child (as defined in section 1101(b)(1)(A), (B), (C), (D), or (E) of this title) of an alien who is granted asylum under this subsection may, if not otherwise eligible for asylum under this section, be granted the same status as the alien if accompanying, or following to join, such alien.”

2001—Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(v). Pub. L. 107–56 substituted “(III), (IV), or (VI)” for “(III), or (IV)”.

1996—Pub. L. 104–208 substituted “Asylum” for “Asylum procedure” as section catchline and amended text generally, substituting subsecs. (a) to (d) for former subsecs. (a) to (e).

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–132, §421(a), inserted at end “The Attorney General may not grant an alien asylum if the Attorney General determines that the alien is excludable under subclause (I), (II), or (III) of section 1182(a)(3)(B)(i) of this title or deportable under section 1251(a)(4)(B) of this title, unless the Attorney General determines, in the discretion of the Attorney General, that there are not reasonable grounds for regarding the alien as a danger to the security of the United States.”

1994—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103–322 added subsec. (e).

1990—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–649 added subsec. (d).

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–229 effective on the transition program effective date described in section 1806 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions, see section 705(b) of Pub. L. 110–229, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1806 of Title 48.

Effective Date of 2005 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–13, div. B, title I, §101(h)(1), (2), May 11, 2005, 119 Stat. 305, provided that:

“(1) The amendments made by paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect as if enacted on March 1, 2003.

“(2) The amendments made by subsections (a)(3), (b), (c), and (d) [amending this section and sections 1229a and 1231 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this division [May 11, 2005] and shall apply to applications for asylum, withholding, or other relief from removal made on or after such date.”

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–208 effective Aug. 6, 2002, and applicable to certain beneficiary aliens, see section 8 of Pub. L. 107–208, set out as a note under section 1151 of this title.

Effective Date of 2001 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–56 effective Oct. 26, 2001, and applicable to actions taken by an alien before, on, or after Oct. 26, 2001, and to all aliens, regardless of date of entry or attempted entry into the United States, in removal proceedings on or after such date (except for proceedings in which there has been a final administrative decision before such date) or seeking admission to the United States on or after such date, with special rules and exceptions, see section 411(c) of Pub. L. 107–56, set out as a note under section 1182 of this title.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendments

Section 604(c) of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to applications for asylum filed on or after the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996].

Section 421(b) of Pub. L. 104–132 provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Apr. 24, 1996] and apply to asylum determinations made on or after such date.”

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Section 515(b) of Pub. L. 101–649, as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §306(a)(13), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1752, provided that:

“(1) The amendment made by subsection (a)(1) [amending this section] shall apply to convictions entered before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990] and to applications for asylum made on or after such date.

“(2) The amendment made by subsection (a)(2) [amending section 1253 of this title] shall apply to convictions entered before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990] and to applications for withholding of deportation made on or after such date.”

Effective Date

Section effective Mar. 17, 1980, and applicable to fiscal years beginning with the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 1979, see section 204 of Pub. L. 96–212, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 1101 of this title.

Regulations

Pub. L. 110–340, §2(d), Oct. 3, 2008, 122 Stat. 3736, provided that:

“(1) Issuance of regulations.—Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 3, 2008], the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall promulgate final regulations establishing that, for purposes of sections 241(b)(3)(B)(iii) and 208(b)(2)(A)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1231(b)(3)(B)(iii); 8 U.S.C. 1158(b)(2)(A)(iii)), an alien who is deportable under section 237(a)(4)(F) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(4)(F)) or inadmissible under section 212(a)(3)(G) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3)(G)) shall be considered an alien with respect to whom there are serious reasons to believe that the alien committed a serious nonpolitical crime.

“(2) Authority to waive certain regulatory requirements.—The requirements of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the ‘Administrative Procedure Act’), chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly referred to as the ‘Paperwork Reduction Act’), or any other law relating to rulemaking, information collection, or publication in the Federal Register, shall not apply to any action to implement paragraph (1) to the extent the Attorney General or the Secretary Homeland of [sic] Security determines that compliance with any such requirement would impede the expeditious implementation of such paragraph.”

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.

Expeditious Removal for Denied Asylum Applicants

Section 130005 of Pub. L. 103–322, as amended by Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §308(e)(1)(P), (17), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–620, 3009–621, provided:

“(a) In General.—The Attorney General may provide for the expeditious adjudication of asylum claims and the expeditious removal of asylum applicants whose applications have been finally denied, unless the applicant remains in an otherwise valid nonimmigrant status.

“(b) Employment Authorization.—[Amended this section.]

“(c) Authorization of Appropriations.—There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—

“(1) $64,000,000 for fiscal year 1995;

“(2) $90,000,000 for fiscal year 1996;

“(3) $93,000,000 for fiscal year 1997; and

“(4) $91,000,000 for fiscal year 1998.”

Time for Establishment of Asylum Procedure by Attorney General

Section 204(d)(2) of Pub. L. 96–212 provided that: “The Attorney General shall establish the asylum procedure referred to in section 208(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (as added by section 201(b) of this title) [former subsec. (a) of this section] not later than June 1, 1980.”

1 So in original. Probably should be “sections”.

§1159. Adjustment of status of refugees

(a) Inspection and examination by Department of Homeland Security

(1) Any alien who has been admitted to the United States under section 1157 of this title—

(A) whose admission has not been terminated by the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General pursuant to such regulations as the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General may prescribe,

(B) who has been physically present in the United States for at least one year, and

(C) who has not acquired permanent resident status,


shall, at the end of such year period, return or be returned to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security for inspection and examination for admission to the United States as an immigrant in accordance with the provisions of sections 1225, 1229a, and 1231 of this title.

(2) Any alien who is found upon inspection and examination by an immigration officer pursuant to paragraph (1) or after a hearing before an immigration judge to be admissible (except as otherwise provided under subsection (c) of this section) as an immigrant under this chapter at the time of the alien's inspection and examination shall, notwithstanding any numerical limitation specified in this chapter, be regarded as lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence as of the date of such alien's arrival into the United States.

(b) Requirements for adjustment

The Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General, in the Secretary's or the Attorney General's discretion and under such regulations as the Secretary or the Attorney General may prescribe, may adjust to the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence the status of any alien granted asylum who—

(1) applies for such adjustment,

(2) has been physically present in the United States for at least one year after being granted asylum,

(3) continues to be a refugee within the meaning of section 1101(a)(42)(A) of this title or a spouse or child of such a refugee,

(4) is not firmly resettled in any foreign country, and

(5) is admissible (except as otherwise provided under subsection (c) of this section) as an immigrant under this chapter at the time of examination for adjustment of such alien.


Upon approval of an application under this subsection, the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General shall establish a record of the alien's admission for lawful permanent residence as of the date one year before the date of the approval of the application.

(c) Coordination with section 1182

The provisions of paragraphs (4), (5), and (7)(A) of section 1182(a) of this title shall not be applicable to any alien seeking adjustment of status under this section, and the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General may waive any other provision of such section (other than paragraph (2)(C) or subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (E) of paragraph (3)) with respect to such an alien for humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or when it is otherwise in the public interest.

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title II, ch. 1, §209, as added Pub. L. 96–212, title II, §201(b), Mar. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 105; amended Pub. L. 101–649, title I, §104(a)(1), title VI, §603(a)(4), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4985, 5082; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §307(l)(1), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1756; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §§308(g)(3)(A), (4)(A), 371(b)(2), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–622, 3009–645; Pub. L. 109–13, div. B, title I, §101(g)(1), May 11, 2005, 119 Stat. 305.)

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a)(2) and (b)(5), was in the original, “this Act”, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2005—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 109–13, §101(g)(1)(A)(i), substituted “Department of Homeland Security” for “Service” in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 109–13, §101(g)(1)(A)(ii), substituted “Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General” for “Attorney General” in two places.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–13, §101(g)(1)(B)(ii), substituted “Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General” for “Attorney General” in concluding provisions.

Pub. L. 109–13, §101(g)(1)(B)(i), added introductory provisions and struck out former introductory provisions which read as follows: “Not more than 10,000 of the refugee admissions authorized under section 1157(a) of this title in any fiscal year may be made available by the Attorney General, in the Attorney General's discretion and under such regulations as the Attorney General may prescribe, to adjust to the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence the status of any alien granted asylum who—”.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–13, §101(g)(1)(C), substituted “Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General” for “Attorney General”.

1996—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 104–208, §308(g)(3)(A), (4)(A), substituted “1229a” for “1226” and “1231” for “1227” in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 104–208, §371(b)(2), substituted “an immigration judge” for “a special inquiry officer”.

1991—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–232 substituted “subparagraph (A)” for “subparagraphs (A)”.

1990—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–649, §104(a)(1), substituted “10,000” for “five thousand”.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–649, §603(a)(4), substituted “(4), (5), and (7)(A)” for “(14), (15), (20), (21), (25), and (32)” and “(other than paragraph (2)(C) or subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), or (E) of paragraph (3))” for “(other than paragraph (27), (29), or (33) and other than so much of paragraph (23) as relates to trafficking in narcotics)”.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by section 308(g)(3)(A), (4)(A) of Pub. L. 104–208 effective, with certain transitional provisions, on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after Sept. 30, 1996, see section 309 of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Amendment by section 371(b)(2) of Pub. L. 104–208 effective Sept. 30, 1996, see section 371(d)(1) of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Section 307(l) of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that the amendment made by that section is effective as if included in section 603(a) of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Section 104(a)(2) of Pub. L. 101–649 provided that: “The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall apply to fiscal years beginning with fiscal year 1991 and the President is authorized, without the need for appropriate consultation, to increase the refugee determination previously made under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1157] for fiscal year 1991 in order to make such amendment effective for such fiscal year.”

Amendment by section 603(a)(4) of Pub. L. 101–649 applicable to individuals entering United States on or after June 1, 1991, see section 601(e)(1) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective, except as otherwise provided, Mar. 17, 1980, and applicable to fiscal years beginning with the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 1979, see section 204 of Pub. L. 96–212, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 1101 of this title.

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.

Waiver of Numerical Limitation for Certain Current Asylees; Adjustment of Certain Former Asylees

Section 104(c), (d) of Pub. L. 101–649, as amended by Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title VI, §604(b)(2), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–694, provided that:

“(c) Waiver of Numerical Limitation for Certain Current Asylees.—The numerical limitation on the number of aliens whose status may be adjusted under section 209(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1159(b)] shall not apply to an alien described in subsection (d) or to an alien who has applied for adjustment of status under such section on or before June 1, 1990.

“(d) Adjustment of Certain Former Asylees.—

“(1) In general.—Subject to paragraph (2), the provisions of section 209(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1159(b)] shall also apply to an alien—

“(A) who was granted asylum before the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990] (regardless of whether or not such asylum has been terminated under section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1158]),

“(B) who is no longer a refugee because of a change in circumstances in a foreign state, and

“(C) who was (or would be) qualified for adjustment of status under section 209(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act as of the date of the enactment of this Act but for paragraphs (2) and (3) thereof and but for any numerical limitation under such section.

“(2) Application of per country limitations.—The number of aliens who are natives of any foreign state who may adjust status pursuant to paragraph (1) in any fiscal year shall not exceed the difference between the per country limitation established under section 202(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1152(a)] and the number of aliens who are chargeable to that foreign state in the fiscal year under section 202 of such Act.”

[Section 104(c), (d) of Pub. L. 101–649 effective Nov. 29, 1990, and (unless otherwise provided) applicable to fiscal year 1991, see section 161(b) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as an Effective Date of 1990 Amendment note under section 1101 of this title.]

§1160. Special agricultural workers

(a) Lawful residence

(1) In general

The Attorney General shall adjust the status of an alien to that of an alien lawfully admitted for temporary residence if the Attorney General determines that the alien meets the following requirements:

(A) Application period

The alien must apply for such adjustment during the 18-month period beginning on the first day of the seventh month that begins after November 6, 1986.

(B) Performance of seasonal agricultural services and residence in the United States

The alien must establish that he has—

(i) resided in the United States, and

(ii) performed seasonal agricultural services in the United States for at least 90 man-days,


during the 12-month period ending on May 1, 1986. For purposes of the previous sentence, performance of seasonal agricultural services in the United States for more than one employer on any one day shall be counted as performance of services for only 1 man-day.

(C) Admissible as immigrant

The alien must establish that he is admissible to the United States as an immigrant, except as otherwise provided under subsection (c)(2) of this section.

(2) Adjustment to permanent residence

The Attorney General shall adjust the status of any alien provided lawful temporary resident status under paragraph (1) to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence on the following date:

(A) Group 1

Subject to the numerical limitation established under subparagraph (C), in the case of an alien who has established, at the time of application for temporary residence under paragraph (1), that the alien performed seasonal agricultural services in the United States for at least 90 man-days during each of the 12-month periods ending on May 1, 1984, 1985, and 1986, the adjustment shall occur on the first day after the end of the one-year period that begins on the later of (I) the date the alien was granted such temporary resident status, or (II) the day after the last day of the application period described in paragraph (1)(A).

(B) Group 2

In the case of aliens to which subparagraph (A) does not apply, the adjustment shall occur on the day after the last day of the two-year period that begins on the later of (I) the date the alien was granted such temporary resident status, or (II) the day after the last day of the application period described in paragraph (1)(A).

(C) Numerical limitation

Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to more than 350,000 aliens. If more than 350,000 aliens meet the requirements of such subparagraph, such subparagraph shall apply to the 350,000 aliens whose applications for adjustment were first filed under paragraph (1) and subparagraph (B) shall apply to the remaining aliens.

(3) Termination of temporary residence

(A) During the period of temporary resident status granted an alien under paragraph (1), the Attorney General may terminate such status only upon a determination under this chapter that the alien is deportable.

(B) Before any alien becomes eligible for adjustment of status under paragraph (2), the Attorney General may deny adjustment to permanent status and provide for termination of the temporary resident status granted such alien under paragraph (1) if—

(i) the Attorney General finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the adjustment to temporary resident status was the result of fraud or willful misrepresentation as set out in section 1182(a)(6)(C)(i) of this title, or

(ii) the alien commits an act that (I) makes the alien inadmissible to the United States as an immigrant, except as provided under subsection (c)(2) of this section, or (II) is convicted of a felony or 3 or more misdemeanors committed in the United States.

(4) Authorized travel and employment during temporary residence

During the period an alien is in lawful temporary resident status granted under this subsection, the alien has the right to travel abroad (including commutation from a residence abroad) and shall be granted authorization to engage in employment in the United States and shall be provided an “employment authorized” endorsement or other appropriate work permit, in the same manner as for aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

(5) In general

Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, an alien who acquires the status of an alien lawfully admitted for temporary residence under paragraph (1), such status not having changed, is considered to be an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence (as described in section 1101(a)(20) of this title), other than under any provision of the immigration laws.

(b) Applications for adjustment of status

(1) To whom may be made

(A) Within the United States

The Attorney General shall provide that applications for adjustment of status under subsection (a) may be filed—

(i) with the Attorney General, or

(ii) with a designated entity (designated under paragraph (2)), but only if the applicant consents to the forwarding of the application to the Attorney General.

(B) Outside the United States

The Attorney General, in cooperation with the Secretary of State, shall provide a procedure whereby an alien may apply for adjustment of status under subsection (a)(1) of this section at an appropriate consular office outside the United States. If the alien otherwise qualifies for such adjustment, the Attorney General shall provide such documentation of authorization to enter the United States and to have the alien's status adjusted upon entry as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

(2) Designation of entities to receive applications

For purposes of receiving applications under this section, the Attorney General—

(A) shall designate qualified voluntary organizations and other qualified State, local, community, farm labor organizations, and associations of agricultural employers, and

(B) may designate such other persons as the Attorney General determines are qualified and have substantial experience, demonstrated competence, and traditional long-term involvement in the preparation and submittal of applications for adjustment of status under section 1159 or 1255 of this title, Public Law 89–732 [8 U.S.C. 1255 note], or Public Law 95–145 [8 U.S.C. 1255 note].

(3) Proof of eligibility

(A) In general

An alien may establish that he meets the requirement of subsection (a)(1)(B)(ii) of this section through government employment records, records supplied by employers or collective bargaining organizations, and such other reliable documentation as the alien may provide. The Attorney General shall establish special procedures to credit properly work in cases in which an alien was employed under an assumed name.

(B) Documentation of work history

(i) An alien applying for adjustment of status under subsection (a)(1) of this section has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that the alien has worked the requisite number of man-days (as required under subsection (a)(1)(B)(ii) of this section).

(ii) If an employer or farm labor contractor employing such an alien has kept proper and adequate records respecting such employment, the alien's burden of proof under clause (i) may be met by securing timely production of those records under regulations to be promulgated by the Attorney General.

(iii) An alien can meet such burden of proof if the alien establishes that the alien has in fact performed the work described in subsection (a)(1)(B)(ii) of this section by producing sufficient evidence to show the extent of that employment as a matter of just and reasonable inference. In such a case, the burden then shifts to the Attorney General to disprove the alien's evidence with a showing which negates the reasonableness of the inference to be drawn from the evidence.

(4) Treatment of applications by designated entities

Each designated entity must agree to forward to the Attorney General applications filed with it in accordance with paragraph (1)(A)(ii) but not to forward to the Attorney General applications filed with it unless the applicant has consented to such forwarding. No such entity may make a determination required by this section to be made by the Attorney General.

(5) Limitation on access to information

Files and records prepared for purposes of this section by designated entities operating under this section are confidential and the Attorney General and the Service shall not have access to such files or records relating to an alien without the consent of the alien, except as allowed by a court order issued pursuant to paragraph (6) of this subsection.

(6) Confidentiality of information

(A) In general

Except as provided in this paragraph, neither the Attorney General, nor any other official or employee of the Department of Justice, or bureau or agency thereof, may—

(i) use the information furnished by the applicant pursuant to an application filed under this section for any purpose other than to make a determination on the application, including a determination under subsection (a)(3)(B) of this section, or for enforcement of paragraph (7);

(ii) make any publication whereby the information furnished by any particular individual can be identified; or

(iii) permit anyone other than the sworn officers and employees of the Department or bureau or agency or, with respect to applications filed with a designated entity, that designated entity, to examine individual applications.

(B) Required disclosures

The Attorney General shall provide information furnished under this section, and any other information derived from such furnished information, to a duly recognized law enforcement entity in connection with a criminal investigation or prosecution, when such information is requested in writing by such entity, or to an official coroner for purposes of affirmatively identifying a deceased individual (whether or not such individual is deceased as a result of a crime).

(C) Construction

(i) In general

Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to limit the use, or release, for immigration enforcement purposes or law enforcement purposes of information contained in files or records of the Service pertaining to an application filed under this section, other than information furnished by an applicant pursuant to the application, or any other information derived from the application, that is not available from any other source.

(ii) Criminal convictions

Information concerning whether the applicant has at any time been convicted of a crime may be used or released for immigration enforcement or law enforcement purposes.

(D) Crime

Whoever knowingly uses, publishes, or permits information to be examined in violation of this paragraph shall be fined not more than $10,000.

(7) Penalties for false statements in applications

(A) Criminal penalty

Whoever—

(i) files an application for adjustment of status under this section and knowingly and willfully falsifies, conceals, or covers up a material fact or makes any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations, or makes or uses any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry, or

(ii) creates or supplies a false writing or document for use in making such an application,


shall be fined in accordance with title 18 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

(B) Exclusion

An alien who is convicted of a crime under subparagraph (A) shall be considered to be inadmissible to the United States on the ground described in section 1182(a)(6)(C)(i) of this title.

(c) Waiver of numerical limitations and certain grounds for exclusion

(1) Numerical limitations do not apply

The numerical limitations of sections 1151 and 1152 of this title shall not apply to the adjustment of aliens to lawful permanent resident status under this section.

(2) Waiver of grounds for exclusion