Syrian Refugee Legislation

Helpful resources to respond to these bills:

H.R.4731 — The Refugee Program Integrity Restoration Act of 2016 would impose a sharp reduction in refugee admissions by capping resettlement at 60,000 refugees per year and making any increase nearly impossible. The bill would also reverse long-established refugee law that holds that while individuals must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution, they do not need to prove that they would be “singled out.” The impossibly high bar mandated by H.R. 4731 would deny protection to many of the world’s most vulnerable refugees. By mandating that the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) prioritize religious minorities, H.R. 4731 attempts, not-so-subtlety, to prevent Muslim refugees from being resettled to the United States. H.R. 4731 would, for the first time in U.S. history, prioritize one of those five grounds above the others. This would result in the United States denying access to protection for the most vulnerable individuals solely because they share a religion with the majority of their country’s population, even if they are fleeing persecution based on differences in interpretation or practice of that religion. Such policies would discriminate against Christian refugees fleeing political persecution in the Central African Republic, as well as ethnic minorities who are persecuted in Burma but practice Buddhism. This legislation would also mandate expensive and redundant measures within the refugee screening processes, despite the fact that refugees are already the most vetted individuals to enter the United States. H.R. 4731 would complicate the process, waste resources and likely grind to a halt the very time-sensitive screenings, despite the fact that robust national security measures are currently in place. H.R. 4731 would triple the length of time a refugee must wait before applying for lawful permanent residency (LPR) from one year to three years, which would be a significant barrier to integration and family reunification. By increasing barriers to integration, H.R. 4731 would injure communities in which refugees are trying to start new businesses, buy their first homes, and attain recertification in their advanced degrees. This bill would also place refugees under continual surveillance after they have arrived in the United States. U.S. law enforcement and national security agencies can already investigate any individual when there is cause to do so. H.R. 4731 would revoke the refugee status of any refugee who returns to their country of origin, even though current law already allows DHS to terminate refugee status on a case-by-case basis due to a refugee’s travel. This legislation would allow state and local governments who “disapprove” of refugees to stop resettlement in their localities. This would violate anti-discrimination laws and infringe on the federal government’s jurisdiction over immigration policy set forth in the U.S. Constitution. Sponsors: Rep. Labrador, Raul R. [R-ID-1] and co-sponsored by Rep. Goodlatte, Bob [R-VA-6] Rep. Gowdy, Trey [R-SC-4] Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-21] Rep. Collins, Doug [R-GA-9] and 11 Republican Representatives

H.R.6110 – The Allow State Sovereignty Upon Refugee Entry (ASSURE) Act would effectively decimate the U.S. refugee resettlement program by requiring the federal government’s Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to submit a state plan to states welcoming refugees that includes expected housing, health care, and education costs, health records, criminal history, or suspected ties to terrorist organizations; that plan must be ratified by a state’s legislature and signed by the state governor, all before refugees could be resettled in that state. The bill would also prohibit federal funding for any position that supports refugee resettlement in that state. Instead, the state would contract with entities to resettle refugees after the ratification of the state plan. This xenophobic bill serves only to spread fear and hatred and does not represent the welcoming communities across the United States, helping refugees integrate and thrive each day. Sponsors: Rep. Perry, Scott [R-PA-4] and co-sponsored by Rep. Brooks, Mo [R-AL-5] Rep. Duncan, Jeff [R-SC-3] and 1 Republican Representative

S. 2708 – The Religious Persecution Relief Act of 2016 would prioritize the resettlement of Syrian religious minorities in the United States and would permit the U.S. government to admit up to 10,000 Syrian religious minorities as refugees each year. This bill is an effort to prevent Muslim refugees from being resettled to the United States. It is paramount that the USRAP stay true to its mission to resettle the most vulnerable individuals who face persecution due to any of the five grounds: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Sponsor: Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR]

H.R.3314 — Resettlement Accountability National Security Act of 2015 would prohibit the admission of refugees into the United States until Congress passed a joint resolution giving the Department of Homeland Security authority to resume admitting refugees. It also requires the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on refugees who received benefits under any of the following programs: Medicare, Medicaid, disability insurance under title II of the Social Security Act, the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly the food stamp program), and section 8 rental assistance. Sponsors: Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36] and co-sponsored by 84 Republican Representatives

H.Con.Res.94 — Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the treatment of State Governors who have made a determination with respect to Syrian refugees. In the case that a governor should deem it necessary to bar refugees from entering their state, no federal official may take action or withhold funding in order to entice the governor to reverse their decision. Sponsors: Rep. Meadows, Mark [R-NC-11] and co-sponsored by 6 Republican Representatives

H.R.4078 — Give States a Chance Act of 2015 would authorize the governor of any state to refuse entry of a refugee for any of these reasons: the governor was not properly informed of the sponsorship process, the area of resettlement has too high a ratio of refugees to other entrants, or the vetting process did not return an adequately satisfactory guarantee of the refugee’s lack of risk to U.S. National Security. Also, a covered refugee may not be admitted to the United States until the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) certifies to Congress that he or she is not a U.S. security threat. This applies to refugees who are a national or resident of Iraq or Syria, no nationality and whose last habitual residence was in Iraq or Syria, or were present in Iraq or Syria at any time on or after March 1, 2011. The Inspector General of DHS must review 20% of all certifications made each fiscal year. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) must ensure that each covered refugee receives a thorough background investigation before admission, and a covered refugee may not be admitted until the FBI certifies that such an investigation has been done. Sponsors: Rep. Yoho, Ted S. [R-FL-3] and co-sponsored by Rep. Jones, Walter B., Jr. [R-NC-3] Rep. Posey, Bill [R-FL-8] and 10 Republican Representatives

H.R.3573 —Refugee Resettlement Oversight and Security Act of 2015 would require the President, after meeting with various congressional committees, to recommend to Congress how many refugees may be admitted during the year. Other than an extreme emergency, no refugees may begin to enter the country until Congress has made a joint resolution to set the total number allowed for that year. Furthermore, the admissibility of said refugees would be determined by the Department of Homeland Security, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. From 2016 to 2020, the President, in considering the admission of refugees from Iraq or Syria, would give priority to those who are suffering persecution as a religious minority. This process would be reported by the Government Accountability Office to assess the effectiveness of the screening, and how it protects National Security. Sponsors: Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10] and co-sponsored by Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36] and 103 Republican Representatives

H.R.4218 — To suspend the admission to the United States of refugees, and for other purposes would prohibit the federal government from providing any type of funding for refugee admissions into the United States until a thorough background check is complete. It would require the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to send a report, which includes a report on the total cost of providing assistance, federal public benefits, and the estimated cost of federal public benefits during the duration of the refugee’s life, to Congress. Federal agencies which would be required to review all prior records of spending since from 2001- to- date and assess how much money was allocated depending upon the amount of refugees admitted into the United States. As a result, this bill would effectively halt federal agencies use of federal money and resources to aid refugees allowed for resettlement in the United States. Sponsors: Rep. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN-10] and co-sponsored by  Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-21] Rep. Barletta, Lou [R-PA-11] Rep. DesJarlais, Scott [R-TN-4] and 2 Republican Representatives

H.R.4048 — Syrian Refugee Verification and Safety Act would prohibit Syrian refugees from entering the United States and would prohibit the use of federal funding for U.S. refugee resettlement application of Syrian refugees coming to, or already in, the United States. These prohibitions halt the Syrian refugee resettlement process in the United States, until Congress has received a report from the Administration that adequate protocols were established and there is not a threat to U.S. national security. As a result, the resettlement system would not be accessible to Syrians seeking safety. Sponsors: Rep. Graves, Garret [R-LA-6] and co-sponsored by Rep. Boustany, Charles W., Jr. [R-LA-3] Rep. Abraham, Ralph Lee [R-LA-5] Rep. Fleming, John [R-LA-4] and 1 Republican Representative

H.R.4032 — States’ Right of Refugee Refusal Act of 2015 would permit U.S. governors to deny access to refugees who are looking for resettlement and to deny refugees’ access to resources. Sponsors: Rep. Poe, Ted [R-TX-2] and co-sponsored by Rep. Sessions, Pete [R-TX-32] Rep. Duncan, Jeff [R-SC-3] Rep. Blum, Rod [R-IA-1] Rep. Loudermilk, Barry [R-GA-11] Rep. Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4] Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-21] Rep. Farenthold, Blake [R-TX-27] Rep. LaMalfa, Doug [R-CA-1] Rep. Salmon, Matt [R-AZ-5] Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36] Rep. Weber, Randy K., Sr. [R-TX-14] Rep. Collins, Doug [R-GA-9] Rep. Conaway, K. Michael [R-TX-11] Rep. Massie, Thomas [R-KY-4] and 37 Republican Representatives

H.R.4143 — Terrorist Refugee Infiltration Prevention Act of 2015 would prohibit people from Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen from entering the United States. This bill would require a review process by the U.S. government of the refugee’s background and nationality, and assessing whether there are any links to the terrorist organizations that inhabit these countries. As a result, the resettlement system would be backed up significantly, halting refugee resettlement. Sponsors: Rep. DeSantis, Ron [R-FL-6] and co-sponsored by 1 Republican Representative

H.R.4030 — To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that refugees may not be resettled in any State where the governor of that State has taken any action formally disapproving of the resettlement of refugees in that State, and for other purposes would allow state governors and states to reject refugees from entering its state. This bill would permit the state to withhold any and all funding towards refugee resettlement programs, or to reduce the amount of funding received. Doing this would halt the refugee resettlement program and prevent refugees from finding a safe and secure location to live. Sponsor: Rep. Palazzo, Steven M. [R-MS-4]

H.R.4038 — American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act of 2015 (American SAFE Act) would put a halt to the refugee resettlement program and passed the House in November 2015. This bill would  effectively halt the U.S. refugee program by requiring unanimous agreement by the Department of Homeland Security, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Director of National Intelligence, and the appropriate congressional committee to admit a refugee from Syria or Iraq into the United States. Both the DHS Secretary and FBI Director would be required to personally certify refugees from Syria and Iraq. That information would then go to the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security and would be reviewed annually, with monthly meetings with those who fit into the above categories. Refugees already go through an extensive vetting process that takes two years. This bill would further endanger the lives of those trying to fleeing persecution and halt the refugee resettlement system in the United States. Sponsors: Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10] and co-sponsored by Rep. Hudson, Richard [R-NC-8] and 102 Republican Representatives

H.R.4197 — State Refugee Security Act of 2015 would allow a state governor to reject the resettlement of a refugee unless there is assurance that the refugee does not present a risk to both U.S. state and national security. This bill would achieve this by requiring the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to notify the state agency that is in charge of refugee resettlement no more than 21 days after the refugee arrives. Then ORR must confirm that the refugee is of no risk to the state in which they reside. Sponsors: Rep. Poe, Ted [R-TX-2] and co-sponsored by Rep. Farenthold, Blake [R-TX-27] Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36] Rep. Weber, Randy K., Sr. [R-TX-14] Rep. Barton, Joe [R-TX-6] Rep. Olson, Pete [R-TX-22] Rep. Sessions, Pete [R-TX-32] Rep. Rogers, Mike D. [R-AL-3] Rep. Salmon, Matt [R-AZ-5] Rep. Loudermilk, Barry [R-GA-11] Rep. Zinke, Ryan K. [R-MT-At Large] Rep. Abraham, Ralph Lee [R-LA-5] Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-21] Rep. Bridenstine, Jim [R-OK-1] Rep. Neugebauer, Randy [R-TX-19] Rep. Pittenger, Robert [R-NC-9] Rep. Jones, Walter B., Jr. [R-NC-3] Rep. Gowdy, Trey [R-SC-4] Rep. King, Steve [R-IA-4] Rep. Blum, Rod [R-IA-1] Rep. Burgess, Michael C. [R-TX-26] Rep. Collins, Doug [R-GA-9] Rep. Duncan, Jeff [R-SC-3] Rep. Culberson, John Abney [R-TX-7] Rep. Hice, Jody B. [R-GA-10] Rep. Posey, Bill [R-FL-8] Rep. Harris, Andy [R-MD-1] Rep. Conaway, K. Michael [R-TX-11] Rep. Palmer, Gary J. [R-AL-6] Rep. Carter, John R. [R-TX-31] Rep. Flores, Bill [R-TX-17] and 18 Republican Representatives

H.R.4079 — Secure Refugee Process Act of 2015 would require that a supplemental certification and identity verification be completed prior to admitting a refugee. After performing a vigorous background check by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and once DHS confirms that the individual is not a threat to national security, they could then be admitted as a refugee through this certification. DHS would be required to conduct monthly check-ins to confirm this information to several congressional committees. This bill would limit the refugee’s rights and sense of security in the United States. Sponsors: Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2] and co-sponsored by Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-19] Rep. Conyers, John, Jr. [D-MI-13] Rep. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ-7] Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-33] Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6] Rep. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL-8] Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9] Rep. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA-28] and 26 Republican Representatives

H.R.4025 — To prohibit obligation of Federal funds for admission of refugees from Syria and for other purposes would prohibit the obligatory use of federal funds for the admission of any refugees who are a Syrian national, or whose last country of habitation was Syria. This would be achieved by having the Attorney General overseeing refugee admissions, as well as admissions of family members, into the United States. Sponsors: Rep. Ross, Dennis A. [R-FL-15] and co-sponsored by Rep. Posey, Bill [R-FL-8] Rep. Tipton, Scott R. [R-CO-3] Rep. Collins, Chris [R-NY-27] and 6 Republican Representatives

H.R.4044 — To prohibit obligation of Federal funds for admission of refugees from certain countries would prohibit federal funds for the admission of any refugees who are a national of Syria, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, or Yemen, or whose last country of residence was any of those countries. The Attorney General would be required to oversee refugee admissions and the admissions status of various family members. Effectively, this bill would prohibit these populations from entering the U.S refugee resettlement system. Sponsor: Rep. Clawson, Curt [R-FL-19]

H.R.4033 — Refugee Relocation Security Act would temporarily suspend the admission of refugees from Syria and Iraq into the United States and give the U.S. authority to reject admission of refugees into its territory. This would end once Congress passes a joint resolution giving the Secretary of State the authority to resume admitting refugees. In the meantime, this bill would put a complete halt to the resettlement program. Sponsors: Rep. Crawford, Eric A. “Rick” [R-AR-1] and co-sponsored by 1 Republican Representative

H.R.4031 — Defund the Syria Refugee Resettlement Program Act would prohibit federal funds for the admission of Syrian refugees into the United States. This bill would prohibit anyone from Syria (or last place of residence being Syria) from accessing the U.S. resettlement process. Doing this would endanger the lives of those seeking refuge and protection. Sponsors: Rep. Byrne, Bradley [R-AL-1] and co-sponsored by 5 Republican Representatives

S.2363—State Refugee Security Act of 2015 would direct the Office of Refugee Resettlement to notify the state agency responsible for coordinating the placement of a refugee no later than 21 days before their arrival in the state. No refugee would be allowed to enter into a state if the governor determines that there isn’t an adequate enough assurance that the refugee poses no security threat. Sponsors: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX] and co-sponsored by 1 Republican Representative

H.R.4244— Refugee Resettlement Fund Act of 2015 would permit an alien applying for U.S. Refugee admission who is referred for resettlement by the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR) to be admitted only after the Department of the Treasury, in coordination with the revenue agency of the state and a representative of the local government in which the refugee is to be resettled, determines that any admission and resettlement cost incurred by the federal, state, or local government is financed by a Refugee Resettlement Fund payment. The bill would establish the Refugee Resettlement Fund in the Treasury, for deposit of only those amounts received from the UNHCR for refugee resettlement purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Perry, Scott [R-PA-4]

H.R.4267 — Resettlement REFORM (Re-Evaluation of Financing Our Refugee Mission) Act would give a state authorization to refuse refugee resettlement assistance funds for refugees. However, a state may not refuse to assist an Iraqi national who was employed by the United States and is now facing severe threats for said employment. Sponsorship: Rep. Collins, Chris [R-NY-27] and co-sponsored by Rep. Kinzinger, Adam [R-IL-16] Rep. Johnson, Bill [R-OH-6] Rep. Bucshon, Larry [R-IN-8] Rep. Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5]

H.R.4086— Security Verification for Refugees Act would require the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Bureau of Investigation to conduct background checks of all refugees before entering the United States. The Inspector General of DHS would also conduct annual risk-based reviews of all certifications. DHS would report monthly to Congress on the total number of admission applications for which a certification was made and the number of refugees for whom such a certification was not made for the preceding month. The Department of State would submit annually to Congress: a list of each country, a national or resident of which submitted an application for U.S. Refugee admission; an evaluation of the threat posed by refugees who are nationals or residents of each listed country; and a description of any presence of terrorism, human rights violations, human trafficking, drug trafficking, religious persecution, or other violations of international law, any presence of al Qaeda, Islamic State, or other terrorist groups, or any presence of transnational criminal organizations. Sponsors: Rep. Hill, J. French [R-AR-2] and co-sponsored by 1 Republican Representative and 1 Democrat Representative

H.Res.533— Expressing disapproval of the President’s plan to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees disapproves of the President’s plan to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees. Sponsor: Rep. Williams, Roger [R-TX-25]

H.R.4074— To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to collect data regarding foreign travel, or repatriation, to the country of nationality or last habitual residence by an alien admitted to the United States as a refugee, and for other purposes would direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to collect data, and report annually to Congress, regarding instances in which any refugee admitted to the United States returns temporarily or permanently: to the country of his/her nationality at the time of such admission or last habitually lived. The bill would prohibit DHS from admitting refugees into the United States until Congress passes a joint resolution giving DHS authority to resume. Sponsor: Rep. Scott, Austin [R-GA-8]

H.Res.531— Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4038) to require that supplemental certifications and background investigations be completed prior to the admission of certain aliens as refugees, and for other purposes sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4038) to require that supplemental certifications and background investigations be completed prior to the admission of certain refugees. Sponsor: Rep. Collins, Doug [R-GA-9]

S.2284 — Syrian Refugee Verification and Safety Act would prohibit the U.S. refugee admission of refugees from Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen. These refugees may be admitted into the United States only if he/she: satisfies refugee admission requirements; is a member of a group that has been designated by the State Department or by an Act of Congress as a victim of genocide (and such group does not pose a risk to U.S. Security); has undergone the highest level of security screening of any category of traveler to the United States, including full multi-modal biometrics; and the State Department, the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) certify that each refugee is not a threat to U.S. national security. These requirements would not apply to refugees who: provided substantial assistance to the United States, and would face a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury because of that assistance if not admitted to the United States. The State Department may designate as a country containing terrorist-controlled territory or any country containing territory that is controlled, in substantial part, by a foreign terrorist organization to the exclusion of that country’s recognized government. The State Department shall maintain and continually update a list of: the countries containing terrorist-controlled territory, and groups identified as victims of genocide. Sponsors: Sen. Vitter, David [R-LA] and co-sponsored by Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT] Sen. Tillis, Thom [R-NC] Sen. Perdue, David [R-GA] Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA] Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY] and 2 Republican Representatives

H.R.3829 — UNRWA Anti-Incitement and Anti-Terrorism Act would withhold U.S. contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) or to any successor or related entity, or to the regular budget of the United Nations (U.N.) for the support of UNRWA, unless the Department of State certifies to Congress that: no UNRWA official, employee, representative, or affiliate is a member of a foreign terrorist organization, has propagated anti-American, anti-Israel, or anti-Semitic rhetoric, or has used UNRWA resources to propagate political materials regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; no UNRWA facility is used by a foreign terrorist organization; no UNRWA school uses educational materials that propagates anti-American, anti-Israel, or anti-Semitic rhetoric; no recipient of UNRWA funds or loans is a member of a foreign terrorist organization; UNRWA is subject to auditing oversight; and UNRWA holds no accounts or other affiliations with financial institutions deemed by the United States to be complicit in money laundering and terror financing. U.S. contributions to UNRWA would be limited during the period for which a certification is in effect. The President and the State Department should lead a diplomatic effort to encourage other nations to withhold contributions to UNRWA, or to the regular budget of the U.N. for the support of UNRWA, until UNRWA has met these conditions. Sponsors: Rep. Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana [R-FL-27] and co-sponsored by 2 Republican Representatives

H.R.4291 — Secure Accountability for Emigres and Refugees Act of 2015 or the SAFER Act of 2015 would require that, before the U.S. refugee admission, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would ensure that such person: has passed a lie detector test; has submitted to DHS biometric identification information, including DNA, which DHS has compared against all relevant databases and determined that the person has no known history of terrorist activity; and does not pose a threat to U.S. national security based on a background check that includes a review of the person’s Internet interactions, including social media services. Sponsors: Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-42] and co-sponsored by Rep. Hunter, Duncan D. [R-CA-50] Rep. Knight, Stephen [R-CA-25] Rep. Rohrabacher, Dana [R-CA-48] and 1 Republican Representative

S.2284 — Syrian Refugee Verification and Safety Act would declare that: no covered alien may be admitted to the United States as a refugee, and no funds could support refugee processing or resettlement by the Department of State or the Department of Health and Human Services in the United States. These restrictions would remain in effect until 30 days after the President certifies to Congress regarding: protocols and interagency coordination to adjudicate such U.S. admissions and resettlement; evaluation and review of such protocols and coordination by the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community; State Department submission to Congress of an updated Congressional Presentation Document of the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration for Fiscal Year 2016 that reflects security or other risks posed by covered aliens; and a State Department briefing to Congress on the increase in refugee admissions, including information on any terrorist conduct. Sponsors: Sen. Vitter, David [R-LA] and co-sponsored by Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT] Sen. Tillis, Thom [R-NC] Sen. Perdue, David [R-GA] Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA] Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY] and 2 Republican Representatives

S.2441, H.R.4247 — Cuban Immigrant Work Opportunity Act of 2016 would make Cuban nationals who enter the United States ineligible for refugee/parolee assistance. The Inspector General of the Social Security Administration would report to Congress on methods for enforcing the loss of eligibility under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act by persons who are absent from the United States for at least one month. Sponsors: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]; Rep. Curbelo, Carlos [R-FL-26] and co-sponsored by 8 Democrat Representatives and 22 Republican Representatives

S.2435 — Defend America Act of 2015 would prohibit, until the President certifies that specified provisions of this Act have been carried out, the refugee admission of certain refugees, or their spouse or child. The would be required to FBI certify to DHS and the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) that he or she has received a background investigation sufficient to determine whether the person is a U.S. security threat, and whether the person has provided support to any foreign terrorist organization; and only be admitted to the United States after DHS, with the unanimous concurrence of the FBI and the DNI, certifies to Congress that the person is not such a threat. The Inspector General of DHS would conduct annual risk-based reviews of all certifications. The bill would also require the State Department, before a refugee’s resettlement in a state, to give the governor specified personal information about the person. The use of social media to promote terrorism would be a grounds for inadmissibility. Any refugee would be ineligible for visa waiver program participation who: has been present, at any time on or after March 1, 2011, in Iraq or Syria, in a country designated as one that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism, or in any other country or area of concern designated by DHS; and regardless of whether the refugee is a national of a visa waiver program country, is a national of Iraq or Syria, a country designated as a country that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism, or any other country or area of concern. Such prohibitions would not apply to someone who was present in such a country to perform military or official government service for a program country. DHS may waive these prohibitions if it were in U.S. law enforcement or national security interests. DHS would review annually whether such prohibitions would apply to any country or area. A program country would: screen travelers to determine if they are using stolen or lost travel documents; report the loss or theft of one of its national’s passports to the United States within 24 hours; with certain exceptions, certify to DHS that it is screening each entering or departing non-citizen or non-national for unlawful activity by using Interpol databases and notices, or other means designated by DHS; enter into and comply with an agreement with the United States to assist in the operation of an air marshal program; comply with U.S. aviation and airport security standards; and by October 1, 2016, certify that it issues to its citizens machine-readable, electronic passports that comply with the biometric and document identifying standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization. DHS may terminate a country’s program status for noncompliance. By April 1, 2016, every citizen or national of a visa waiver program country who is cleared to travel to the United States under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would possess a valid, unexpired, tamper-resistant, machine-readable passport that incorporates complying biometric and document authentication identifiers. In determining whether to designate a country as a program country or whether a program country should retain its designation, DHS would consider specified questions. DHS would: evaluate program countries to identify those from which the admission of nationals would present a high risk to U.S. national security; research opportunities to incorporate anti-fraud/deception technology into ESTA; and collect from an applicant information on any additional or previous countries of citizenship, and consider such information when making admissions determinations. The International Civil Aviation Organization should establish electronic passport standards and obligate member countries of the United Nations to utilize them as soon as possible, and these passports should be a combined paper and electronic passport that contains biographic and biometric information that can be used to authenticate identity through an embedded chip. The State Department would prioritize the issuance of special immigrant visas for certain Iraqi and Afghan translators who worked with the U.S. government or Armed Forces. Sponsors: Sen. Kirk, Mark Steven [R-IL] and co-sponsored by Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV] Sen. Isakson, Johnny [R-GA] Sen. Tillis, Thom [R-NC] Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS] Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK]

S.2329— Stop Extremists Coming Under Refugee Entry Act or the SECURE Act would direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to notify each refugee or asylee that he or she must register with and be interviewed and fingerprinted by DHS. DHS would screen, perform a security review, and monitor all individuals seeking asylum or refugee status to ensure that they do not present a national security or terrorism risk. The Department of State may not approve a refugee application and DHS may not approve an asylum application for any national from the following high risk countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, or the Palestinian Territories. This moratorium would be lifted when specified conditions are met. DHS, in cooperation with the State Department, would ensure that any new visa application is not approved: for at least 30 days, and until completion of an enhanced security screening. DHS may not approve any application for U.S. entry from anyone (other than a trusted traveler) who is a national of, or who is applying from, a high-risk country until: completion of the congressional review process, and enactment of a law authorizing termination of the visa moratorium. DHS, the State Department, and the Director of National Intelligence would certify jointly to Congress that: a national security screening process has been implemented that significantly improves the government’s ability to identify security risks posed by aliens from high-risk countries, the biometric entry-exit control system has been implemented, and a policy has been implemented to remove aliens who have overstayed their period of lawful U.S. presence. In order to carry out 100% land exit tracking, DHS would integrate the records collected through the automated entry-exit control system into an interoperable data system and any other database necessary to correlate an alien’s entry and exit data. DHS may not: process travel documents of U.S. citizens (with certain exceptions) while documenting the departure of outbound individuals at each land point of entry along the Southern or Northern border; or designate an outbound U.S. citizen for secondary inspection or collect biometric information from a U.S. citizen under outbound inspection procedures unless criminal or other prohibited activity has been detected or is strongly suspected. An individual would not be permitted to leave the United States if, during outbound inspection, DHS detects previous unresolved criminal activity by the individual. Any individual in asylum status, refugee status, legal permanent resident status, or any other permanent or temporary visa status who: intends to remain in the United States in such status for longer than six months would submit to DHS a signed affidavit stating that the alien has not voted in any federal election, and would not register to vote or vote in any such election while in such status; or illegally registers to vote or votes in any federal election after receiving such status or visa would not be eligible to apply for permanent residence or citizenship, or would lose permanent residence status if ready granted it and be subject to deportation. State and local governments: would require individuals registering to vote in federal elections to provide proof of citizenship, may not accept an affirmation of citizenship as proof of citizenship for voter registration purposes, and may require identification information from voter registration applicants. Beginning one year after admission, a refuge or asylee: is ineligible for assistance under specified federal means-tested programs, and may not claim the earned income tax credit. An alien who applies for and receives such assistance or who claims and is allowed such credit would be permanently prohibited from U.S. Naturalization. Sponsor: Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY]

S.2337— Visa Waiver Program Security Enhancement Act would prohibit a national of a program country who has traveled to Iraq or Syria at any time during the most recent five-year period from traveling to the United States without a visa. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may prohibit a national of a program country from traveling to the United States under the program if the national has traveled during the past five years to a country in which: a designated foreign terrorist organization has a significant presence, and prohibiting the national from traveling to the United States under the program is in U.S. national security interests. An alien must, at the time of application for program admission, have a valid, unexpired, tamper-resistant, machine-readable passport that incorporates biometric and document authentication identifiers that comply with standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization. Any alien applying for program admission must have a passport that meets these requirements. (The exception for pre-October 26, 2005, passports under the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002 is eliminated.) A program country must: enter into and comply with an agreement with the United States to assist in the operation of an air marshal program, and comply with U.S. aviation and airport security standards. A country that does not fully implement information sharing agreements would be terminated from the program. In determining whether to designate a country as a program country or whether a program country should retain its designation DHS would consider: the country’s capacity to collect, analyze, and share data concerning dangerous individuals; the country’s screening and sharing of lost or stolen passport information; whether the country collects, analyzes, and shares biometric and other information about individuals other than U.S. nationals who are applying for asylum, refugee status, or another form of non-refoulement protection in such country; and whether a country shares intelligence about foreign fighters with the United States and with multilateral organizations. DHS would: ensure that each alien traveling to the United States under an approved electronic system for travel authorization has submitted biometric information, including photographs and fingerprints, before boarding a U.S.-bound conveyance; prioritize implementation of these biometric requirements in program countries that have a significant number of nationals who have traveled to fight with, or to assist, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL); and ensure within five years that such biometric information includes photographs and fingerprints. DHS may determine that a program country is in compliance with such biometric requirements if the country implements an agreement meeting specified criteria. Program fee provisions are revised. Sponsors: Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] co-sponsored by Sen. Flake, Jeff [R-AZ] Sen. Heitkamp, Heidi [D-ND] Sen. Coats, Daniel [R-IN] Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM] Sen. Johnson, Ron [R-WI] Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO] Sen. Ayotte, Kelly [R-NH] Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA] Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI] Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT] Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME] Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN] Sen. Boxer, Barbara [D-CA] Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT] Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME] Sen. Franken, Al [D-MN] and 9 Republican Representatives

S.Amdt. 2899 — Purpose: To prevent the entry of extremists into the United States under the refugee program, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY]