[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 883 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
118th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 883
To establish the National Office of New Americans, to reduce obstacles
to United States citizenship, to support the integration of immigrants
into the social, cultural, economic, and civic life of the United
States, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 21, 2023
Mr. Markey (for himself and Ms. Warren) introduced the following bill;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To establish the National Office of New Americans, to reduce obstacles
to United States citizenship, to support the integration of immigrants
into the social, cultural, economic, and civic life of the United
States, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``New Deal for New
Americans Act of 2023''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
TITLE I--NEW AMERICANS AND INTEGRATION
Sec. 101. Definitions.
Sec. 102. National Office of New Americans.
Sec. 103. Federal Initiative on New Americans.
TITLE II--PROGRAMS TO PROMOTE CITIZENSHIP, INTEGRATION, AND PROSPERITY
Sec. 201. Definitions.
Sec. 202. Sense of Congress on access to legal counsel.
Sec. 203. Legal Services and Immigration Assistance grant program.
Sec. 204. English as a Gateway to Integration grant program.
Sec. 205. Workforce Development and Shared Prosperity grant program.
Sec. 206. Department of Homeland Security grants.
Sec. 207. United States Citizenship and Integration Foundation.
Sec. 208. Pilot program to promote immigrant integration at State and
local levels.
Sec. 209. Authorization of appropriations for Foundation and pilot
program.
TITLE III--REDUCING BARRIERS TO CITIZENSHIP
Sec. 301. Sense of Congress.
Sec. 302. Immigration service fees.
Sec. 303. Waiver of English requirement for senior new Americans.
Sec. 304. Reduce financial obstacles to naturalization.
Sec. 305. Naturalization for certain United States high school
graduates.
Sec. 306. Family integration.
Sec. 307. Revision of grounds for deportation.
Sec. 308. Waiver to ensure access to citizenship.
Sec. 309. Naturalization ceremonies.
Sec. 310. Proud to Be a United States Citizen Program.
Sec. 311. Mission of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Sec. 312. Automatic registration of eligible individuals.
Sec. 313. Department of Homeland Security assistance in registration.
Sec. 314. Voter protection and security in automatic registration.
Sec. 315. Effective date.
TITLE IV--REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT AND INTEGRATION
Sec. 401. Definition of Secretary.
Sec. 402. Minimum number of refugees to be admitted.
Sec. 403. Pre-arrival English language and work orientation training
for approved refugee applicants.
Sec. 404. Update of reception and placement grants.
Sec. 405. Case management grant program.
Sec. 406. Increase in cash payments.
TITLE V--PROTECTIONS FOR IMMIGRANTS
Sec. 501. Personally identifiable information.
Sec. 502. Voluntary participation in integration and inclusion
activities.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Immigrant.--The term ``immigrant'' means an individual
who--
(A) is not a citizen or national of the United
States;
(B) is present in the United States; and
(C)(i) is in any status under the immigration laws;
or
(ii)(I) is not in any status under the immigration
laws; and
(II) intends to resident permanently in the United
States.
(2) Immigration laws.--The term ``immigration laws'' has
the meaning given the term in section 101(a) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)).
(3) Refugee.--The term ``refugee'' has the meaning given
the term in section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)).
TITLE I--NEW AMERICANS AND INTEGRATION
SEC. 101. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the National Office of New Americans.
(2) Federal agency.--The term ``Federal agency'' has the
meaning given the term ``agency'' in section 551 of title 5,
United States Code.
(3) Office.--The term ``Office'' means the National Office
of New Americans established by section 102(a).
SEC. 102. NATIONAL OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS.
(a) Establishment of the National Office of New Americans.--There
is established within the Executive Office of the President an office
to be known as the ``National Office of New Americans''.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Office are the following:
(1) To welcome and support immigrants and refugees in the
United States.
(2) To promote and support immigrant and refugee
integration into, and inclusion in, the social, cultural,
economic, and civic life of the United States.
(3) To ensure that the Federal Government and Federal
agencies promote the pursuit of United States citizenship among
immigrants and refugees.
(4) To ensure access to quality English language learning
programs that support the successful integration of immigrant
adults, including by enhancing--
(A) employment and career prospects and economic
integration; and
(B) social integration in local communities and
participation in civic life, including engagement with
State and local governments, schools, and private and
nonprofit community institutions.
(5) To improve access to workforce development programs,
including by ensuring that such programs meet the demand and
the unique language, training, and educational needs of
immigrants and refugees.
(6) To coordinate the efforts of Federal, State, and local
entities to support the effective social, economic, linguistic,
and civic integration of immigrants, refugees, and the children
of immigrants and refugees.
(7) To provide advice and leadership to the President,
Members of Congress, and other Federal Government officials on
the challenges and opportunities facing such entities with
respect to immigrant and refugee integration.
(8) To evaluate the scale, quality, and effectiveness of
Federal Government efforts with respect to immigrant and
refugee social and economic integration, including access to
United States citizenship, English language learning,
education, and workforce development programs.
(9) To identify the anticipated effects of new Federal
policies on existing integration efforts and advise the
President on how to address potential integration needs and the
effects of such policies.
(10) With respect to immigrant and refugee integration
efforts, to consult on a biannual basis with State and local
government officials on challenges and opportunities presented
by such efforts.
(11) With respect to the activities described in paragraphs
(8) through (10), to ensure the inclusion of the perspectives
of immigrants and refugees.
(12) With respect to the administration of the grant
programs under title II, to consult with the applicable heads
of Federal agencies.
(13) To submit to the President and the appropriate
committees of Congress a biannual report that describes the
activities of the Office and the results of the consultation
processes described in paragraphs (10) through (12).
(c) Director.--
(1) In general.--The Office shall be headed by a Director,
who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice
and consent of the Senate.
(2) Responsibilities.--The Director shall--
(A) establish policies, objectives, and priorities
for the Office with respect to immigrant and refugee
integration;
(B) with the assistance of the Deputy Director for
Citizenship and Inclusion, the Deputy Director for
Workforce and the Economy, the Deputy Director for
Children's Integration Success, and the Associate
Director of State and Local Affairs, carry out the
purposes of the Office, as described in subsection (b);
(C) serve as the Chair of the Federal Initiative
for New Americans established under section 103;
(D) make recommendations to the President on
changes in the organization, management, programs, and
budget of the Federal agencies to promote the
integration of immigrants and refugees;
(E) with respect to efforts to promote United
States citizenship and the integration of immigrants
and refugees, consult, support, and coordinate with
State and local governments; and
(F) serve as a member of the Domestic Policy
Council and the National Economic Council.
(3) Powers of the director.--In carrying out the
responsibilities under paragraph (2) and the purposes under
subsection (b), the Director may--
(A) select, appoint, employ, and fix compensation
of such officers and employees as may be necessary to
carry out such responsibilities and purposes;
(B) with the concurrence of the head of the
applicable Federal agency, direct the temporary
reassignment within the Federal Government of personnel
employed by such Federal agency;
(C) use for administrative purposes, on a
reimbursable basis, the available services, equipment,
personnel, and facilities of Federal, State, and local
agencies;
(D) procure the services of experts and
consultants, in accordance with section 3109 of title
5, United States Code (relating to appointments in the
Federal service) at rates of compensation for
individuals not to exceed the daily equivalent of the
rate of pay payable for level GS-18 of the General
Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States
Code;
(E) accept and use donations of property from
Federal, State, and local government agencies;
(F) use the mail in the same manner as other
Federal agencies; and
(G) monitor the implementation of immigrant and
refugee integration-related activities of the Federal
Government, including by--
(i) conducting program and performance
audits and evaluations of each Federal agency;
and
(ii) requesting assistance from the
Inspector General of the applicable Federal
agency in such audits and evaluations.
(d) Deputy Directors.--
(1) In general.--There shall be in the Office a Deputy
Director for Citizenship and Inclusion, a Deputy Director for
Workforce and the Economy, and a Deputy Director for Children's
Integration and Success, each of whom shall be appointed by the
President, in consultation with the Director.
(2) Responsibilities.--
(A) Deputy director for citizenship and
inclusion.--The Deputy Director for Citizenship and
Inclusion shall, among other duties as assigned by the
Director, assist the Director in promoting--
(i) inclusion of immigrants and refugees in
the social, economic, and civic life of their
communities and the United States; and
(ii) access to United States citizenship.
(B) Deputy director for workforce and the
economy.--The Deputy Director for Workforce and the
Economy shall, among other duties as assigned by the
Director, assist the Director in--
(i) promoting participation of immigrants
and refugees in the United States workforce;
and
(ii) increasing the contributions of
immigrants and refugees to the United States
economy.
(C) Deputy director for children's integration
success.--The Deputy Director for Children's
Integration Success shall, among other duties as
assigned by the Director, assist the Director in
ensuring that Federal policies and programs intended to
support the healthy development and educational success
of children are effective in reaching and serving the
children of immigrant families.
(e) Bureau of State and Local Affairs.--
(1) In general.--There is established within the Office a
Bureau of State and Local Affairs.
(2) Associate director.--
(A) In general.--The Bureau of State and Local
Affairs shall be headed by an Associate Director of
State and Local Affairs, who shall be appointed by the
President, in consultation with the Director.
(B) Duties.--The Associate Director of State and
Local Affairs shall, among other duties as assigned by
the Director, assist the Director in coordinating the
efforts of State and local entities to support the
economic, linguistic, and civic integration of
immigrants, refugees, and the children of immigrants
and refugees.
(f) Limitation.--An individual may not serve as Director, Deputy
Director for Citizenship and Inclusion, Deputy Director for Workforce
and the Economy, Deputy Director for Children's Integration Success, or
Associate Director of State and Local Affairs while serving in any
other position in the Federal Government.
(g) Access by Congress.--The establishment of the Office within the
Executive Office of the President shall not affect access to the Office
by a Member of Congress or any member of a committee of the Senate or
the House of Representatives, including access to--
(1) any information, document, or study in the possession
of, or conducted by or at the direction of, the Director; or
(2) personnel of the Office.
SEC. 103. FEDERAL INITIATIVE ON NEW AMERICANS.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the confirmation
of the Director of the Office, the Director shall establish within the
Office a Federal Initiative on New Americans (referred to in this
section as the ``Initiative'').
(b) Purpose.--The purposes of the Initiative are--
(1) to welcome and support immigrants and refugees in the
United States;
(2) to establish a coordinated Federal program to respond
effectively to immigrant and refugee integration issues; and
(3) to advise and assist the Director in identifying and
implementing the necessary policies to carry out such program.
(c) Membership.--The Initiative shall be composed of--
(1) the Director, who shall serve as chairperson;
(2) the Secretary of the Treasury;
(3) the Attorney General;
(4) the Secretary of Commerce;
(5) the Secretary of Labor;
(6) the Secretary of Health and Human Services;
(7) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development;
(8) the Secretary of Education;
(9) the Secretary of Homeland Security;
(10) the Secretary of State;
(11) the Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement;
(12) the Director of the Small Business Administration;
(13) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget;
(14) the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial
Protection; and
(15) any other individual--
(A) invited by the Director to participate; and
(B) who occupies a position listed under level I or
II of the Executive Schedule, as provided in sections
5312 and 5313 of title 5, United States Code.
(d) Duties.--
(1) In general.--The Initiative shall meet at the call of
the chairperson and perform such duties as the chairperson
reasonably requires.
(2) Coordinated response to immigrant and refugee issues.--
The Initiative shall join with Federal agencies in providing a
coordinated Federal response to adequately address matters that
affect the lives of immigrant and refugee families and local
communities with growing immigrant and refugee populations,
including access to--
(A) English language learning;
(B) adult education and workforce training;
(C) occupational licensure;
(D) early childhood care and education;
(E) elementary, secondary, and postsecondary
education;
(F) health care;
(G) naturalization;
(H) civic engagement;
(I) immigration assistance and legal services;
(J) economic development;
(K) language access services; and
(L) other services the Director identifies as
aiding the integration of immigrants and refugees into
the social, cultural, economic, and civic life of the
United States.
(3) Liaison with federal agencies.--
(A) In general.--Each member of the Initiative
shall serve as a liaison to the Federal agency of the
member to ensure that the Federal agency coordinates
with and responds to the recommendations of the
Initiative in a timely and meaningful manner.
(B) Duties of a liaison.--The duties of each member
as a Federal agency liaison include--
(i) developing, for the applicable Federal
agency, immigrant and refugee integration goals
and indicators;
(ii) implementing the biannual consultation
process described in section 102(b)(10) by
consulting with the State and local
counterparts of the Federal agency;
(iii) reporting to the Initiative on the
progress made by the Federal agency in
achieving the goals and indicators described in
clause (i); and
(iv) upon request by the Director and
subject to laws governing disclosure of
information, providing such information as may
be required to carry out the responsibilities
of the Director and the functions of the
Office.
(4) Recommendations of the initiative.--Not later than 1
year after the date on which the Initiative becomes fully
operational, and every 2 years thereafter, the Director shall
submit to Congress a report that includes the following:
(A) Findings from the consultation process
described in section 102(b)(10), including a
description of the immigrant and refugee integration
opportunities offered by, and integration challenges
facing, State and local governments.
(B) An assessment of the effects of, and
recommendations with respect to, pending legislation
and executive branch policy proposals.
(C) A description of the possible effects of
pending legislation and executive branch policy
proposals on immigrant and refugee integration.
(D) An identification of any Federal program or
policy that has a negative impact on immigrants,
refugees, and local communities with growing immigrant
and refugee populations, as compared to the general
population, and recommendations for changes to any such
program or policy.
(E) Recommendations on legislative solutions to
better support the successful integration of immigrants
and refugees and the children of immigrants and
refugees.
TITLE II--PROGRAMS TO PROMOTE CITIZENSHIP, INTEGRATION, AND PROSPERITY
SEC. 201. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Foundation.--The term ``Foundation'' means the United
States Citizenship and Integration Foundation established under
section 207.
(2) Service area.--The term ``service area'' means the
jurisdiction or geographical area in which an entity carries
out activities using funds awarded under this title.
(3) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several
States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa,
and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
SEC. 202. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON ACCESS TO LEGAL COUNSEL.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) immigration law is so complex that it is nearly
impossible, and therefore unjust, for immigrants to navigate
the immigration system without legal assistance or represent
themselves in immigration court;
(2) immigrants without legal counsel are far more likely,
as compared to immigrants with legal counsel, to be denied
immigration benefits or be deported, which may result in dire
consequences, including--
(A) the denial of lawful immigration status or
United States citizenship;
(B) loss of livelihood;
(C) the separation of an immigrant from, or the
inability of an immigrant to support, his or her
family;
(D) life-threatening danger in the country of
origin of an immigrant; and
(E) a long-term or permanent ban on reentering the
United States; and
(3) consistent with the United States values of fairness
and justice and the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution of the
United States, which guarantees all individuals the due process
of law, any individual subject to immigration proceedings or
the appeal of a proceeding before an immigration judge or the
Attorney General should have the right to be represented by
counsel, including Government-funded counsel, regardless of the
ability of the individual to pay.
SEC. 203. LEGAL SERVICES AND IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Attorney General, acting through the Director
of the Executive Office for Immigration Review, in consultation with
the Director of the National Office of New Americans, shall award legal
services and immigration assistance grants to eligible entities.
(b) Eligibility Criteria.--An entity eligible to receive a grant
under this section is a State or unit of local government, a Tribal
government, a private organization, a community-based organization, or
a nonprofit organization that--
(1) provides authorized direct legal assistance to
immigrants;
(2) in the case of an entity that has previously been
awarded a grant under this section, uses matching funds from
non-Federal sources, which may include in-kind contributions,
equal to 25 percent of the amount received under this section;
(3) provides immigration education, outreach, and quality
paralegal services to immigrants, in coordination with
immigration attorneys or representatives accredited by the
Recognition and Accreditation Program of the Executive Office
for Immigration Review; and
(4) submits to the Director of the Executive Office for
Immigration Review an application at such time, in such manner,
and containing such information as the Director may reasonably
require.
(c) Use of Funds.--
(1) In general.--Funds awarded under this section shall be
used to provide to eligible immigrants legal assistance
relating to the immigration status of such immigrants, or
related services, which may include--
(A) outreach and education to identify and support
immigrants in need of legal services;
(B) liaison services to connect immigrants with
trusted legal service providers, social service
organizations, and government representatives;
(C) screening to assess the eligibility of an
immigrant for any status under the immigration laws;
(D) completing applications for immigration
benefits;
(E) translation and interpretation services;
(F) gathering documents, including documents
relating to proof of identification, employment,
residence, family relationships, and tax payment;
(G) completing applications for any waiver under
the immigration laws for which an eligible immigrant
and qualifying family members may be eligible; and
(H) with respect to applications relating to United
States citizenship, assistance with application
preparation and the naturalization process, including
preparation for the English and civics exams.
(2) Eligible immigrants.--An immigrant shall be eligible to
receive the assistance described in paragraph (1) if the
immigrant is seeking--
(A) to become a lawful permanent resident or
naturalized citizen of the United States;
(B) to establish that he or she has derived or
acquired United States citizenship; or
(C) relief from removal and authorization to remain
lawfully in the United States.
(d) Conditions.--As a condition of receiving a grant under this
section, a participating entity shall--
(1) submit to the Attorney General a certification that the
proposed uses of grant funds by the entity--
(A) are consistent with this section; and
(B) meet the criteria determined by the Attorney
General, in consultation with the Director of the
National Office of New Americans; and
(2) make a reasonable effort to estimate the number of
immigrants who live in the service area.
(e) Annual Report and Evaluation.--Not later than 90 days after the
end of each fiscal year for which an entity receives grant funds under
this section, the entity shall submit to the Director of the Executive
Office for Immigration Review the following:
(1) A report that describes--
(A) each activity carried out by the entity funded
entirely or partially by the grant funds;
(B) the service area;
(C) the estimate made under subsection (d)(2);
(D) the number of immigrants who received legal
assistance funded entirely or partially by the grant
funds;
(E) a disaggregation of the costs of each service
provided using the grant funds and the average per
capita cost of providing the service; and
(F) the primary languages spoken in the service
area.
(2) An evaluation of any program of the entity for which
grant funds were used, including--
(A) an assessment of the effectiveness of the
program;
(B) recommendations for improving the program;
(C) an assessment of whether the legal services
needs of the service area have been met; and
(D) in the case of an assessment under subparagraph
(C) that such needs have not been met, a description of
the additional assistance required to meet such needs.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000 for fiscal years
2024 through 2025.
(g) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Service area.--The term ``service area'' means the
jurisdiction or geographical area in which an entity carries
out activities using funds awarded under this section.
(2) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several
States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa,
and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
SEC. 204. ENGLISH AS A GATEWAY TO INTEGRATION GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Authorization.--The Assistant Secretary for Career, Technical,
and Adult Education at the Department of Education and the Assistant
Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families at the
Department of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as
the ``Assistant Secretaries''), in consultation with the Director of
the National Office of New Americans, shall award English as a Gateway
to Integration grants to eligible entities.
(b) Eligibility.--An entity eligible to receive a grant under this
section is a State or unit of local government, a Tribal government, a
private organization, an educational institution, a community-based
organization, or a nonprofit organization that--
(1) in the case of any applicant that has previously
received a grant under this section, uses matching funds from
non-Federal sources, which may include in-kind contributions,
equal to 25 percent of the amount received from the English as
a Gateway to Integration program to carry out such program;
(2) submits to the Assistant Secretaries an application at
such time, in such manner, and containing such information as
the Assistant Secretaries may reasonably require, including--
(A) a description of the target population to be
served, including demographics, literacy levels,
integration needs, and English language levels of the
target population; and
(B) the assessment and performance measures that
the grant recipient plans to use to evaluate the
integration and English language learning progress of
students and overall success of the instruction and
program;
(3) demonstrates collaboration with public and private
entities to provide the instruction and assistance described in
subsection (c)(1);
(4) provides integration-focused English language programs
that--
(A) teach integration and English language skills
to--
(i) lower-educated individuals;
(ii) limited English proficient (LEP)
individuals; and
(iii) parents and others who are caretakers
of young children;
(B) support and promote the social, economic, and
civic integration of adult English language learners
and their families; and
(C) equip adult English language learners for
ongoing independent study and learning beyond classroom
or formal instruction; and
(5)(A) is located in 1 of the 10 States with the highest
rate of foreign-born residents; or
(B) is located in an area that has experienced a large
increase in the population of immigrants during the most recent
10-year period relative to past migration patterns, based on
data compiled by the Office of Immigration Statistics or the
United States Census Bureau.
(c) Use of Funds.--
(1) In general.--Funds awarded under this section shall be
used to provide English language and integration knowledge and
skill instruction along with student guidance and navigation
services to learners. Such instruction shall advance the
integration of students in order to help them--
(A) build their knowledge of United States history
and civics;
(B) prepare for United States citizenship and the
naturalization process;
(C) gain digital literacy;
(D) understand and support children's success
within the early childhood, K-12, and postsecondary
education systems;
(E) gain financial literacy;
(F) build an understanding of the housing market
and systems in the United States;
(G) learn about and access the United States,
State, and local health care systems;
(H) prepare for a high school equivalency diploma
or postsecondary training or education; and
(I) prepare for and secure employment.
(2) Design of program.--Funds awarded under this section
shall be used to support program designs that may include the
following elements:
(A) English language and integration knowledge and
skill instruction in a classroom setting, along with
associated guidance and navigation supports provided
that such setting is in a geographic location
accessible to the population served.
(B) English language and integration knowledge and
skill instruction programs that may incorporate online
and digital components, such as the use of mobile
phones, computers, and blended or distance learning
platforms.
(C) Educational support and specialized instruction
for adult English language learners with low levels of
literacy in their first language.
(D) Two-generation approaches designed to support
children's school success and lift family integration
trajectories.
(d) Certification.--In order to receive a payment under this
section, a participating entity shall submit to the Assistant
Secretaries a certification that the proposed uses of grant funds by
the entity are consistent with this section and meet all necessary
criteria determined by the Assistant Secretaries.
(e) Annual Report and Evaluation.--Not later than 90 days after the
end of each fiscal year for which an entity receives grant funds under
this section, the entity shall submit to the Assistant Secretaries the
following:
(1) A report that describes--
(A) the activities undertaken by the entity that
were funded entirely or partially by the grant funds;
(B) the service area;
(C) the number of immigrants in the service area;
(D) the primary languages spoken in the service
area;
(E) the number of adult English language learners
receiving assistance that was funded entirely or
partially by grant funds received by the entity under
this section; and
(F) a breakdown of the costs of the program
services provided and the average per capita cost of
providing such instruction.
(2) An evaluation of any program of the entity using grant
funds under this section, including--
(A) an assessment of--
(i) the effectiveness of such program and
recommendations for improving the program; and
(ii) whether the English language and
integration knowledge and skill instruction
needs of the service area have been met;
(B) in the case of an assessment under subparagraph
(A)(ii) that such needs have not been met, a
description of the additional assistance required to
meet such needs; and
(C) the results of any assessment or evaluation of
progress or success described in subsection (b)(2)(B).
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Adult english language learner.--The term ``adult
English language learner'' refers to an individual age 16 or
older who is not enrolled in secondary school and who is
limited English proficient.
(2) English language learner; limited english proficient.--
The terms ``English language learner'' and ``limited English
proficient'' describe an individual who does not speak English
as their primary language and who has a limited ability to
read, speak, write, or understand English.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000 for fiscal years
2024 through 2025.
SEC. 205. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND SHARED PROSPERITY GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Declaration of Policy.--It is the policy of the United States--
(1) that adults shall have equitable access to education
and workforce programs that--
(A) help them learn basic skills in reading,
writing, mathematics, and the English language; and
(B) equip them with occupational skills needed to
secure or advance in employment, fill employer needs,
and support themselves and their families;
(2) to strengthen the economy by helping adults with
limited skills to attain recognized postsecondary credentials
(as defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102)); and
(3) that workforce programs for adults with limited skills
use a pre-apprenticeship or integrated education and training
approach that allows adults to acquire basic skills while
pursuing occupational or industry-specific training.
(b) Authorization.--The Assistant Secretary for Career, Technical,
and Adult Education at the Department of Education and the Assistant
Secretary for Employment and Training at the Department of Labor
(referred to in this section as the ``Assistant Secretaries''), in
consultation with the Director of the National Office of New Americans,
shall award Workforce Development and Shared Prosperity grants, on a
competitive basis, to State, local, and Tribal governments or other
qualifying entities described in subsection (c), in collaboration with
State and local governments.
(c) Qualifying Entities.--Qualifying entities under this section
may include--
(1) an educational institution;
(2) a private organization;
(3) a community-based organization; or
(4) a nonprofit organization.
(d) Eligibility.--A State, local, or Tribal government or
qualifying entity in collaboration with a State, local, or Tribal
government is eligible to receive a grant under this section provided
that the State, local, or Tribal government or entity--
(1) supports and promotes the economic integration of
immigrants;
(2) has expertise in workforce development and adult
education for the purpose of developing and implementing pre-
apprenticeship programs or integrated education and training
programs;
(3) in carrying out the grant program, includes at least
one entity--
(A) with expertise in providing training in a
workforce sector in which immigrant workers are heavily
represented or in which there is a demonstrated need
for immigrant workers to fill jobs; and
(B) with expertise in providing adult basic
education services to immigrants;
(4) uses matching funds from non-Federal sources, which may
include in-kind contributions, equal to 25 percent of the
amount received from the Workforce Development and Shared
Prosperity grants program to carry out such program; and
(5) submits to the Assistant Secretaries an application at
such time, in such manner, and containing such information as
the Assistant Secretaries may reasonably require, including--
(A) a description of the target population to be
served, including demographics, and English
proficiency, educational, and skill levels of the
target population;
(B) the specific integrated education and training
model to be implemented;
(C) how the program will be designed and
implemented by educators with expertise in adult
education, English language instruction and
occupational skills training;
(D) the occupation or industry for which the
program will prepare students for employment and the
education and training progress or employer-recognized
credentials the program is designed to support
participants in achieving;
(E) evidence of employer demand for the skills or
occupational training offered by the grant program;
(F) how the program will provide student support
services including guidance counseling in order to
promote student success; and
(G) the assessment and performance measures that
the grant recipient plans to use to evaluate--
(i) the progress of adult learners in
acquiring basic skills such as reading,
writing, mathematics, and the English language;
and
(ii) the success of the grant program in
preparing students for employment and in
helping them find employment or advance in
employment.
(e) Certification.--In order to receive a payment under this
section, a participating entity shall submit to the Assistant
Secretaries a certification that the proposed uses of grant funds by
the entity are consistent with this section and meet all necessary
criteria determined by the Assistant Secretaries in consultation with
the Director of the National Office of New Americans.
(f) Annual Report and Evaluation.--Not later than 90 days after the
end of each fiscal year for which an entity receives grant funds under
this section, the entity shall submit to the Assistant Secretaries the
following:
(1) A report that describes--
(A) the activities undertaken by the entity that
were funded entirely or partially by the grant funds;
(B) the service area;
(C) the number of immigrants in the service area;
(D) the primary languages spoken in the service
area; and
(E) a breakdown of the costs of each of the
services provided and the average per capita cost of
providing such services.
(2) An evaluation of any program of the entity using grant
funds under this section, including--
(A) an assessment of--
(i) the effectiveness of such program and
recommendations for improving the program; and
(ii) whether the adult education and
workforce development needs of the service area
have been met and if not, what further
assistance is required to meet such need;
(B) in the case of an assessment under subparagraph
(A)(ii) that such needs have not been met, a
description of the additional assistance required to
meet such needs; and
(C) the results of any assessment or evaluation of
progress or success described in subsection (d)(5)(G).
(g) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Adult education.--The term ``adult education'' means
academic instruction and education services below the
postsecondary level that increase an individual's ability to
read, write, and speak English and perform mathematics or other
activities necessary for the attainment of a secondary school
diploma or its recognized equivalent, transition to
postsecondary education and training, or obtain employment.
(2) Integrated education and training.--The term
``integrated education and training'' means instruction that
provides adult education, literacy and English language
activities concurrently and contextually with workforce
preparation activities and workforce training for a specific
occupation or occupational cluster for the purpose of
educational and career advancement.
(3) Pre-apprenticeship program.--The term ``pre-
apprenticeship program'' means a program or set of services
designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a
registered apprenticeship program.
(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000 for fiscal years
2024 through 2025.
SEC. 206. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY GRANTS.
(a) Consideration of Grant Recipients.--With respect to grants
administered and awarded to public or private nonprofit organizations
by the Secretary of Homeland Security, unless otherwise required by
law, in making determinations about such grants, the Secretary shall
not consider enrollment in or use by such organizations of the E-Verify
Program described in section 403(a) of the Illegal Immigration Reform
and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1324a note).
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated $25,000,000 to the Secretary of Homeland Security for the
Citizenship and Integration Grant Program of U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services to award grants to public or private nonprofit
organizations.
SEC. 207. UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP AND INTEGRATION FOUNDATION.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Homeland Security, acting
through the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and
in coordination with the Director of the National Office of New
Americans, shall establish a nonprofit corporation or a not-for-profit,
public benefit, or similar entity, which shall be known as the ``United
States Citizenship and Integration Foundation''.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Foundation shall be--
(1) to spur innovation in the promotion and expansion of
citizenship preparation programs for individuals lawfully
admitted for permanent residence (as defined in section 101(a)
of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)));
(2) to evaluate and identify best practices in citizenship
promotion and preparation and to make recommendations to the
Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the
Director of the National Office for New Americans about how to
bring such best practices to scale;
(3) to support direct assistance for immigrants seeking
lawful permanent resident status (within the meaning of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.)), or
naturalization as a United States citizen; and
(4) to support immigrant integration efforts in partnership
with State and local entities.
(c) Gifts to Foundation.--To carry out the purposes described in
subsection (b), the Foundation may--
(1) solicit, accept, and make gifts of money and other
property, in accordance with section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986;
(2) engage in coordinated work with the Department of
Homeland Security, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services, and the National Office of New Americans; and
(3) accept, hold, administer, invest, and spend any gift,
devise, or bequest of real or personal property made to the
Foundation.
(d) Activities.--The Foundation shall carry out the purposes
described in subsection (b) by--
(1) making United States citizenship instruction and
naturalization application services accessible to low-income
and other underserved lawful permanent resident populations;
(2) developing, identifying, and sharing best practices in
United States citizenship promotion and preparation;
(3) supporting innovative and creative solutions to
barriers faced by individuals seeking--
(A) to become naturalized citizens of the United
States; or
(B) to obtain certificates of citizenship;
(4) increasing the use of, and access to, technology in
United States citizenship preparation programs;
(5) engaging communities in the process of United States
citizenship and civic integration;
(6) fostering public education and awareness;
(7) coordinating the immigrant integration efforts of the
Foundation with the integration efforts of U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services and the National Office of New Americans;
and
(8) awarding grants to State and local governments
consistent with such purposes.
(e) Council of Directors.--To the extent consistent with section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Foundation shall
have a council of directors (referred to in this section as the
``Council''), which shall be comprised of--
(1) the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services;
(2) the Director of the National Office of New Americans;
(3) the head of the Domestic Policy Council; and
(4) 10 individuals from national private and public
nonprofit organizations that promote and assist lawful
permanent residents with naturalization.
(f) Executive Director.--
(1) In general.--The Council shall appoint an Executive
Director of the Foundation, who shall oversee the daily
operations of the Foundation.
(2) Powers.--The Executive Director shall carry out the
purposes described in subsection (b) on behalf of the
Foundation by--
(A) accepting, holding, administering, investing,
and spending any gift, devise, or bequest of real or
personal property made to the Foundation;
(B) entering into contracts and other financial
assistance agreements with individuals, public and
private organizations, professional societies, and
government agencies to carry out the activities of the
Foundation;
(C) entering into such other contracts, leases,
cooperative agreements, and other transactions as the
Executive Director considers appropriate to carry out
the activities of the Foundation; and
(D) charging such fees for professional services
provided by the Foundation as the Executive Director
considers reasonable and appropriate.
(g) Deadline.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that
the Foundation is established and operational not later than 1 year
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 208. PILOT PROGRAM TO PROMOTE IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION AT STATE AND
LOCAL LEVELS.
(a) Grants Authorized.--The Director of the National Office of New
Americans (referred to in this section as the ``Director''), in
coordination with the Assistant Secretary for Career, Technical, and
Adult Education and the Assistant Secretary for Elementary and
Secondary Education at the Department of Education, the Assistant
Secretary for Employment and Training at the Department of Labor, the
Assistant Secretary for the Administration of Children and Families at
the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Chief of the
Office of Citizenship at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services,
shall establish a pilot program to award grants, on a competitive
basis, to State, local, and Tribal governments--
(1) to establish new immigrant councils to carry out
programs to integrate new immigrants; and
(2) to carry out programs to integrate new immigrants.
(b) Application.--To be considered for a grant under this section,
a State, local, or Tribal government may submit an application to the
Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such information
as the Director may reasonably require, including--
(1) a proposal to carry out 1 or more activities described
in subsection (c);
(2) the number of new immigrants who live in the
jurisdiction of the applicant; and
(3) a description of the challenges presented by
introducing and integrating new immigrants into the State,
local, or Tribal community, as applicable.
(c) Activities.--A grant awarded under this section may be used--
(1) to form a new immigrant council, which shall--
(A) consist of not fewer than 15 and not more than
19 representatives of the State, local, or Tribal
government, as applicable;
(B) include, to the extent practicable,
representatives from--
(i) the business community;
(ii) faith-based organizations;
(iii) civic organizations;
(iv) philanthropic organizations;
(v) nonprofit organizations, including
nonprofit organizations with legal and advocacy
experience working with immigrant communities;
(vi) key education stakeholders, such as
State educational agencies, local educational
agencies, community colleges, and teachers;
(vii) State, local, or Tribal economic
development agencies;
(viii) State, local, or Tribal health and
human services agencies;
(ix) State, local, or Tribal early
childhood coordinating councils; and
(x) State, local, or Tribal public
libraries; and
(C) meet not less frequently than once each
quarter;
(2) to provide subgrants to local communities, units of
local government, Tribal governments, and nonprofit
organizations (including veterans and civic organizations);
(3) to develop, implement, expand, or enhance a
comprehensive plan to introduce and integrate new immigrants
into the applicable State by--
(A) supporting English language and integration
knowledge and skills development;
(B) engaging with immigrant parents and other
primary caretakers to support the healthy development,
kindergarten readiness, and education success of
children;
(C) improving and expanding access to workforce
training programs;
(D) teaching United States history, civics, and
citizenship rights and responsibilities;
(E) improving financial literacy; and
(F) focusing on other key areas of importance with
respect to integration into the social, cultural,
economic, and civic life of the United States; and
(4) to engage receiving communities in the citizenship and
civic integration process by--
(A) increasing local service capacity;
(B) building meaningful connections between newer
immigrants and long-time residents;
(C) publicizing the contributions of receiving
communities and new immigrants; and
(D) engaging leaders from all sectors of receiving
communities.
(d) Reporting and Evaluation.--
(1) Annual report.--Not later than 90 days after the end of
each fiscal year for which an entity receives a grant under
this section, the entity shall submit to the Director an annual
report that describes--
(A) each activity carried out by the grant
recipient using grant funds;
(B) the service;
(C) the number of new immigrants in the service
area; and
(D) the primary languages spoken in the service
area.
(2) Annual evaluation.--Not later than 90 days after the
end of each fiscal year for which an entity receives a grant
under this section, the Director shall conduct an annual
evaluation of the grant program established under this
section--
(A) to assess and improve the effectiveness of the
grant program;
(B) to assess the future needs of--
(i) new immigrants; and
(ii) with respect to immigrant integration,
State, local, and Tribal governments; and
(C) to ensure that grant recipients and subgrantees
use grant funds in accordance with this section.
SEC. 209. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR FOUNDATION AND PILOT
PROGRAM.
There are authorized to be appropriated for the first 2 fiscal
years after the date of the enactment of this Act such sums as may be
necessary to establish the Foundation and the pilot program described
in section 208. Such amounts may be invested and any amounts resulting
from such investments shall remain available for the operations of the
Foundation and such pilot program without further appropriation.
TITLE III--REDUCING BARRIERS TO CITIZENSHIP
SEC. 301. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the naturalization of immigrants--
(A) brings civic, economic, and social benefits to
the United States;
(B) enhances the richness and diversity of the
United States; and
(C) strengthens the United States;
(2) millions of immigrants are eligible for naturalization
but cannot access citizenship due a variety of reasons,
including cost barriers, language access, and a lack of legal
services and information;
(3) the inability of millions of eligible immigrants to
become citizens of the United States deprives the United States
and the people of the United States of civic, economic, and
social benefits; and
(4) consistent with the process for naturalization
established by the Constitution of the United States, codified
by statute, and strengthened by regulations, the Federal
Government, in coordination with State and local governments,
community-based organizations, and other stakeholders, should
establish policies and programs to encourage eligible
immigrants to apply for naturalization and to facilitate the
naturalization process, with the objective of helping 2,000,000
new Americans naturalize by the end of 2024.
SEC. 302. IMMIGRATION SERVICE FEES.
(a) In General.--Section 286(m) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(m)) is amended to read as follows:
``(m) Immigration Service Fees.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), all
fees designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security in
regulations as `immigration adjudication fees' shall be
deposited as offsetting receipts into the `Immigration
Examinations Fee Account' in the Treasury of the United States,
whether such fees are collected directly by the Secretary or
through clerks of courts.
``(2) Guam and virgin islands.--
``(A) Guam.--All fees described in paragraph (1)
that are received by the Secretary of Homeland Security
from applicants residing in Guam shall be remitted to
the Department of Revenue and Taxation of Guam.
``(B) Virgin islands.--All fees described in
paragraph (1) that are received by the Secretary of
Homeland Security from applicants residing in the
United States Virgin Islands shall be remitted to the
Treasury Division of the United States Virgin Islands.
``(C) Restrictions.--All fees remitted pursuant to
subparagraph (A) or (B) may not be expended for costs
associated with--
``(i) the civil revocation of
naturalization;
``(ii) Operation Second Look;
``(iii) Operation Janus;
``(iv) any activities or operations
conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (including Homeland Security
Investigations) or U.S. Customs and Border
Protection; or
``(v) any other activity or operation that
is not directly related to immigration
adjudications.
``(3) Fees for adjudication and naturalization services.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
Secretary of Homeland Security may set fees for
providing adjudication and naturalization services at a
level that will--
``(i) ensure recovery of the full costs of
providing such services, or a portion of such
services, including the costs of naturalization
and similar services provided without charge to
asylum applicants or other immigrants; and
``(ii) recover the full cost of
administering the collection of fees under this
paragraph, or a portion of such administrative
costs.
``(B) Report requirement before fee increase.--The
Secretary of Homeland Security may not increase any fee
under this paragraph above the level of such fee as of
January 1, 2019, before the date that is 60 days after
the date on which the Secretary submits a report to the
Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the
Committee on the Judiciary of the House of
Representatives that--
``(i) identifies the direct and indirect
costs associated with providing adjudication
and naturalization services;
``(ii) distinguishes the costs referred to
in clause (i) from immigration enforcement and
national security costs;
``(iii) identifies the costs allocated for
premium processing services to business
customers, as prescribed under subsection (u);
``(iv) describes the extent to which the
fee prescribed in subsection (u) is set at a
level that ensures full recovery of the costs
referred to in clause (iii);
``(v) identifies the amount of funding that
is being allocated for the infrastructure
improvements in the adjudications and customer-
service processes prescribed under subsection
(u); and
``(vi) contains information regarding the
amount by which such fee will be increased.
``(C) Adjudications delay and backlog report.--The
Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit a quarterly
report to the congressional committees referred to in
subparagraph (B) that identifies each instance in
which--
``(i) the processing time of more than 10
percent of adjudications in any single category
of immigration benefits surpasses the agency's
stated processing goal as of January 1, 2019;
``(ii) the processing time of more than 5
percent of applications for legal permanent
residence surpasses 150 days; and
``(iii) the processing time of more than 5
percent of applications for naturalization
surpasses 150 days.
``(4) Fee waivers for adjudication and naturalization
services.--
``(A) No fee.--Except as provided in subparagraph
(E), if an alien's income is less than 150 percent of
the Federal poverty line, no fee shall be charged or
collected for--
``(i) an application, petition, appeal,
motion, or other service described in this
subsection; or
``(ii) the biometrics capture or background
check associated with the items described in
clause (i).
``(B) Reduced fee.--If an alien's income is less
than 250 percent of the Federal poverty line, not more
than 50 percent of the applicable fee shall be charged
or collected for an application, petition, appeal,
motion, or service described in this subsection.
``(C) Special circumstances.--If an alien is under
financial hardship due to extraordinary expenses or
other circumstances affecting his or her financial
situation to the degree that he or she is unable to pay
a fee, no fee shall be charged or collected for--
``(i) an application, petition, appeal,
motion, or other service described in this
subsection; or
``(ii) the biometrics capture or background
check associated with the items described in
clause (i).
``(D) No fee charged for waiver request.--No fee
shall be charged for a fee waiver or reduction request
described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C).
``(E) No waiver for certain fees.--The fee for
employment-based petitions and applications prescribed
under subsection (u) may not be waived.
``(F) Means-tested benefits.--The Secretary of
Homeland Security shall consider the receipt of means-
tested benefits as a criterion for the purpose of
demonstrating eligibility for a fee waiver or reduction
under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C).
``(G) Application for fee waiver.--An alien
requesting a waiver or reduction of fees under
subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) may submit--
``(i) a completed form, as prescribed by
the Secretary; or
``(ii) an applicant-generated, written
request for permission to have their
immigration benefit request processed without
payment of the required fee.
``(H) Federal poverty line defined.--In this
paragraph, the term `Federal poverty line' has the
meaning given the term `poverty line' in section 673(2)
of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (42
U.S.C. 9902(2)), including any revision required under
such section applicable to a family of the size
involved.''.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Secretary of Homeland Security should set fees
under section 286(m)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1356(m)(3)) at a level that ensures recovery of only
the direct costs associated with the services described in such
section; and
(2) Congress should appropriate to the Secretary of
Homeland Security such funds as may be necessary to pay for--
(A) the indirect costs associated with the services
described in such section;
(B) the adjudication of refugee and asylum
processing;
(C) the costs of administering the Systematic Alien
Verification for Entitlements Program (commonly known
as ``SAVE'');
(D) the adjudication of naturalization applications
not covered in full by the fees paid by applicants;
(E) the reduction or elimination of fees granted to
fee waiver applicants; and
(F) grants to public and private nonprofit
organizations for the purposes of citizenship and
training.
(c) Technical Amendment.--Section 286 of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356) is amended--
(1) in subsections (a) and (b), by striking ``Service''
each place such term appears and inserting ``Department of
Homeland Security'';
(2) in subsections (d), (e), (f), (h), (i), (j), (k), (l),
(n), (o), (q), (t), and (u), by striking ``Attorney General''
each place such term appears and inserting ``Secretary of
Homeland Security'';
(3) in subsection (k), (l), and (t), by striking
``Immigration and Naturalization Service'' each place such term
appears and inserting ``Department of Homeland Security''; and
(4) in subsection (r)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Department of
Justice'' and inserting ``Department of Homeland
Security''; and
(B) in paragraphs (3) and (4), by striking
``Attorney General'' each place it appears and
inserting ``Secretary of Homeland Security''.
SEC. 303. WAIVER OF ENGLISH REQUIREMENT FOR SENIOR NEW AMERICANS.
Section 312 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1423)
is amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) The requirements under subsection (a) shall not apply to any
person who--
``(1) is unable to comply with such requirements because of
physical or mental disability, including developmental or
intellectual disability; or
``(2) on the date on which the person's application for
naturalization is filed under section 334--
``(A) is older than 65 years of age; and
``(B) has been living in the United States for
periods totaling at least 5 years after being lawfully
admitted for permanent residence.
``(c) The requirement under subsection (a)(1) shall not apply to
any person who, on the date on which the person's application for
naturalization is filed under section 334--
``(1) is older than 50 years of age and has been living in
the United States for periods totaling at least 20 years after
being lawfully admitted for permanent residence;
``(2) is older than 55 years of age and has been living in
the United States for periods totaling at least 15 years after
being lawfully admitted for permanent residence; or
``(3) is older than 60 years of age and has been living in
the United States for periods totaling at least 10 years after
being lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
``(d) The Secretary of Homeland Security may waive, on a case-by-
case basis, the requirement under subsection (a)(2) on behalf of any
person who, on the date on which the person's application for
naturalization is filed under section 334--
``(1) is older than 60 years of age; and
``(2) has been living in the United States for periods
totaling at least 10 years after being lawfully admitted for
permanent residence.''.
SEC. 304. REDUCE FINANCIAL OBSTACLES TO NATURALIZATION.
Section 316 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1427)
is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (e) the following:
``(f) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall impose a fee in an
amount not to exceed $50 for the consideration of an application for
naturalization. Nothing in this subsection may be construed to limit
the authority of the Secretary to set adjudication fees for other
benefit applications other than naturalization in accordance with
section 286(m).''.
SEC. 305. NATURALIZATION FOR CERTAIN UNITED STATES HIGH SCHOOL
GRADUATES.
(a) In General.--Title III of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 320 the
following:
``SEC. 321. CITIZENSHIP FOR CERTAIN UNITED STATES HIGH SCHOOL
GRADUATES.
``(a) Requirements Deemed Satisfied.--An alien described in
subsection (b) shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements under
section 312(a).
``(b) Aliens Described.--An alien is described in this subsection
if the alien submits an application for naturalization under section
334 that contains--
``(1) transcripts from public or private schools in the
United States demonstrating that the alien completed--
``(A) grades 9 through 12 in the United States and
was graduated with a high school diploma; and
``(B) a curriculum that reflects knowledge of
United States history, government, and civics; and
``(2) a copy of the alien's high school diploma.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for the Immigration
and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 320 the following:
``Sec. 321. Citizenship for certain United States high school
graduates.''.
(c) Applicability.--The amendments made by this section--
(1) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this
Act; and
(2) shall apply to applicants for naturalization who apply
for naturalization on or after such date.
(d) Rulemaking.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall
promulgate regulations to carry out the amendment made by subsection
(a).
SEC. 306. FAMILY INTEGRATION.
Section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1151(b)(2)(A)(i)) is amended by striking ``21 years of age'' and
inserting ``18 years of age''.
SEC. 307. REVISION OF GROUNDS FOR DEPORTATION.
Section 237(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1227(a)) is amended by striking paragraph (5).
SEC. 308. WAIVER TO ENSURE ACCESS TO CITIZENSHIP.
The Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) is
amended--
(1) in section 212 (8 U.S.C. 1182)--
(A) in subsection (a)(6)(C)--
(i) in clause (ii)--
(I) by inserting ``and willfully''
after ``falsely'' each place such term
appears; and
(II) in subclause (I), by striking
``or any other Federal or State law'';
and
(ii) by striking clause (iii); and
(B) in subsection (i), by amending paragraph (1) to
read as follows:
``(1) The Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland
Security may, in the discretion of the Attorney General or the
Secretary, waive the application of subsection (a)(6)(C)(ii)
with respect to an immigrant who is the parent, spouse, son, or
daughter of a United States citizen or of an alien lawfully
admitted for permanent residence, or with respect to an alien
granted classification under clause (iii) or (iv) of section
204(a)(1)(A), if the Attorney General or the Secretary
determines that the admission to the United States of such
alien would not be contrary to the national welfare, safety, or
security of the United States.''; and
(2) in section 237(a)(3)(D) (8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(3)(D)), by
inserting ``and willfully'' after ``falsely'' each place such
term appears.
SEC. 309. NATURALIZATION CEREMONIES.
(a) In General.--The Chief of the Office of Citizenship of the
External Affairs Directorate of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services, in consultation with the Deputy Director for Citizenship and
Inclusion of the National Office of New Americans, the Director of the
National Park Service, the Archivist of the United States, and other
appropriate Federal officials, shall develop and implement a strategy
to enhance the public awareness of naturalization ceremonies.
(b) Venues.--In developing a strategy under subsection (a), the
Chief and the Deputy Director shall consider the use of outstanding and
historic locations as venues for select naturalization ceremonies.
(c) Reporting Requirement.--The Secretary shall annually submit a
report to Congress that describes--
(1) the content of the strategy developed under subsection
(a); and
(2) the progress made towards the implementation of such
strategy.
SEC. 310. PROUD TO BE A UNITED STATES CITIZEN PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than January 1, 2024, the Secretary
of Homeland Security shall establish the ``Proud to Be a United States
Citizen Program'' (referred to in this section as the ``Program'') to
promote United States citizenship.
(b) Outreach Activities.--In carrying out the Program, the
Secretary shall--
(1) develop outreach materials targeted to noncitizens who
have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence to
encourage such aliens to apply to become citizens of the United
States;
(2) disseminate the outreach materials developed pursuant
to paragraph (1) through public service announcements,
advertisements, and such other media as the Secretary
determines is appropriate;
(3) conduct outreach activities targeted to noncitizens
believed to be eligible to apply for naturalization through
communications by text, email, and the United States postal
service, including--
(A) notifying individuals of their possible
eligibility to apply for naturalization;
(B) informing such individuals about the
requirements and benefits of United States citizenship;
(C) providing such individuals with partially
completed naturalization applications, using available
data about such individuals and instructions about how
to complete the application; and
(D) providing such individuals with information
about where to get free or low-cost assistance to apply
for naturalization and to prepare for the required
English and civics exams.
SEC. 311. MISSION OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES.
Section 451 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 271) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``Bureau of'' each place such term appears
and inserting ``U.S.''; and
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and
(5) as paragraphs (3), (4), (5), and (6), respectively;
and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Mission statement.--The mission of U.S. Citizenship
and Immigration Services is to secure America's promise as a
Nation that welcomes immigrants and refugees by--
``(A) providing accurate and useful information to
its customers;
``(B) granting humanitarian, immigration, and
citizenship benefits;
``(C) promoting an awareness and understanding of
citizenship; and
``(D) ensuring the integrity of the United States
immigration system.''.
SEC. 312. AUTOMATIC REGISTRATION OF ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section and section 313:
(1) Automatic registration system.--The term ``automatic
registration system'' means a system developed by a State
that--
(A) except as provided in subparagraph (B),
registers all newly naturalized individuals to vote in
elections for Federal office conducted in such State by
transferring the information necessary for voter
registration from the Department of Homeland Security
to the State voter registration database; and
(B) excludes from registration--
(i) any individual who affirmatively
declines to be registered; and
(ii) any individual who is determined to be
ineligible for registration.
(2) Newly naturalized citizen.--The term ``newly
naturalized citizen'' means an individual who--
(A) has an approved application for naturalization
as a United States citizen;
(B) has taken the oath described in section 337 of
the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1448);
and
(C) has received a certificate of naturalization
under section 338 of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1449).
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Homeland Security.
(b) Automatic Registration System for the Newly Naturalized.--
(1) In general.--The chief election official of each State
shall establish and operate an automatic registration system
for newly naturalized citizens to vote in elections for Federal
office conducted in the State, in accordance with this section.
(2) Use of department of homeland security records.--The
chief election official of each State shall--
(A) upon receiving information from the Secretary
about a newly naturalized citizen who has not declined
voter registration--
(i) ensure that such individual fulfills
any local or State qualifications to register
to vote relating to legal competency and past
criminal convictions; and
(ii) determine whether such individual is
subject to privacy protections for victims of
domestic violence or people with sensitive or
high-profile professions;
(B) not later than 15 days after receiving
information from the Secretary about an individual
pursuant to section 313, ensure that the individual is
registered to vote in elections for Federal office
conducted in the State unless the individual is
disqualified from voting by reason of incompetency or
past criminal conviction;
(C) not later than 45 days after receiving
information from the Secretary about an individual
pursuant to section 313, send written notice to the
individual, in addition to other means of notice
established under this section, of the individual's
voter registration status; and
(D) exclude from all public availability or
disclosure the voter registration records of any newly
naturalized citizens who are protected by applicable
State or local laws that prevent publication of the
home address and other personally identifying
information about victims of domestic violence and
people with sensitive or high-profile professions.
(c) Contents of Written Notice to Newly Registered Voters.--The
written notice required under subsection (b)(2)(C) shall--
(1) indicate the individual has been registered to vote;
(2) describe the substantive qualifications of an elector
in the State, as listed in the mail voter registration
application form for elections for Federal office prescribed
pursuant to section 9 of the National Voter Registration Act of
1993 (52 U.S.C. 20508);
(3) set forth the consequences for false registration;
(4) instruct the individual to cancel his or her voter
registration if he or she does not meet all of the
qualifications referred to in paragraph (2); and
(5) providing instructions for--
(A) cancelling voter registration, if necessary
pursuant to paragraph (4); and
(B) correcting any erroneous information in the
individual's voter registration record.
(d) Treatment of Individuals Younger Than 18 Years of Age.--A State
may not refuse to register a newly naturalized citizen under this
section on the grounds that the individual is younger than 18 years of
age on the date on which the Secretary receives information with
respect to the individual if the individual is at least 16 years of age
on such date.
SEC. 313. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ASSISTANCE IN REGISTRATION.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall--
(1) assist the chief election official of each State to
carry out the functions set forth in section 312(b) in
accordance with this section; and
(2) provide each individual approved for naturalization
with a document that--
(A) informs the individual of--
(i) the substantive qualifications of an
elector in the State, as set forth in the mail
voter registration application form for
elections for Federal office prescribed
pursuant to section 9 of the National Voter
Registration Act of 1993 (52 U.S.C. 20508); and
(ii) the consequences of false voter
registration;
(B) instructs the individual to decline to register
to vote if the individual does not meet all of the
qualifications referred to in subparagraph (A)(i);
(C) informs the individual that--
(i) voter registration is voluntary; and
(ii) registering to voter or declining to
register to vote--
(I) will not affect the
individual's citizenship status;
(II) will not affect the
availability of services or benefits to
which the individual is entitled; and
(III) will not be used for other
purposes;
(D) informs the individual that affiliation or
enrollment with a political party may be required to
participate in an election to select the party's
candidate in an election for Federal office;
(E) provides any individual who accepts voter
registration the option of affiliating or enrolling
with a political party;
(F) informs the individual that he or she will not
be registered to vote if he or she--
(i) signs the document;
(ii) does not take the oath of allegiance
to the United States required for
naturalization under section 337 of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1448); and
(iii) is not issued a certificate of
naturalization;
(G) instructs any individual who accepts voter
registration to provide his or her residential address
or coordinates if different from his or her mailing
address on file with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services;
(H) directs individuals to--
(i) sign in a designated space to decline
voter registration; or
(ii) sign in a different designated space
to attest that the individual--
(I) affirms that information
provided on the document is true and
complete to the best of the
individual's knowledge;
(II) will fulfill nationally
applicable age, citizenship, and
residency requirements to vote upon the
individual's naturalization; and
(III) accepts voter registration if
determined by State election officials
to be eligible to register in the
individual's State and municipality of
residence; and
(I) provides a phone number and other widely
accessible means of contacting U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services with questions about, or for
assistance with, completing sections of the document
concerning automatic voter registration, as set forth
in subsection (d).
(b) Instructions on Automatic Registration.--The Secretary shall
require each individual approved for naturalization to sign and submit
to the Secretary the document received pursuant to subsection (a)(2) at
the time he or she takes the oath described in section 337 of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1448) to acknowledge that he
or she understands the information contained in the document and will
comply with the applicable requirement.
(c) Information Submission.--Not later than 15 days after a newly
naturalized citizen submits a signed document to the Secretary in
accordance with subsection (b), unless the individual declines to be
registered to vote when signing the document, the Secretary shall
submit to the appropriate State election official, in a format
compatible with the statewide voter database maintained under section
303 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. 21083) to the
extent possible--
(1) the individual's given names and surnames;
(2) the individual's date of birth;
(3) the individual's residential address or coordinates;
(4) confirmation that the individual is a citizen of the
United States;
(5) the date on which the individual was sworn in as a
United States citizen;
(6) the individual's signature in electronic form, if
available; and
(7) information regarding the individual's affiliation or
enrollment with a political party, if the individual provides
such information.
(d) Registration Assistance.--The Secretary shall--
(1) publish information about, and instructions for,
accepting or declining automatic voter registration for newly
naturalized citizens--
(A) on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services website; and
(B) in materials routinely provided to approved
applicants for United States citizenship; and
(2) create a telephonic hotline staffed by live operators
to provide assistance with registration to approved applicants
for United States citizenship.
SEC. 314. VOTER PROTECTION AND SECURITY IN AUTOMATIC REGISTRATION.
(a) Protections for Errors in Registration.--An individual may not
be prosecuted under any Federal or State law, adversely affected in any
civil adjudication concerning immigration status or naturalization, or
subject to an allegation in any legal proceeding that the individual is
not a citizen of the United States on the ground that the individual--
(1) is not eligible to vote in elections for Federal
office, but--
(A) was automatically registered to vote under this
title; or
(B) was automatically registered to vote under this
title and subsequently voted without willful intent to
do so unlawfully;
(2) was automatically registered to vote under this title
at an incorrect address; or
(3) declined the opportunity to register to vote or did not
make an affirmation of citizenship, including through automatic
registration, under this title.
(b) Limits on Use of Automatic Registration.--The automatic
registration of any individual, an individual's declination to register
to vote, or an individual's failure to make an affirmation of
citizenship under this title may not be used as evidence against that
individual in any State or Federal law enforcement proceeding. An
individual's lack of knowledge or willfulness of such registration may
be conclusively demonstrated by the individual's testimony.
(c) Contributing Agencies' Protection of Information.--Nothing in
this title may be construed to authorize the Department of Homeland
Security to collect, retain, transmit, or publicly disclose, except to
State election officials, as authorized under this title--
(1) an individual's decision to decline to register to vote
or to not register to vote;
(2) an individual's decision to not affirm his or her
citizenship; or
(3) any information that a contributing agency transmits
pursuant to section 313(c), except in pursuing the agency's
ordinary course of business.
(d) Public Disclosure Prohibited.--State election officials may not
publicly disclose, with respect to any individual for whom any a State
election official receives information from the Department of Homeland
Security--
(1) any information that is not necessary to voter
registration;
(2) any voter information otherwise shielded from
disclosure under State law or section 8(a) of the National
Voter Registration Act of 1993 (52 U.S.C. 20507(a));
(3) any portion of the individual's Social Security number;
(4) any portion of the individual's motor vehicle driver's
license number;
(5) the individual's signature;
(6) the individual's telephone number; or
(7) the individual's email address.
SEC. 315. EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sections 312, 313, and 314 shall take effect on January 1, 2024.
TITLE IV--REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT AND INTEGRATION
SEC. 401. DEFINITION OF SECRETARY.
In this title, the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of State.
SEC. 402. MINIMUM NUMBER OF REFUGEES TO BE ADMITTED.
Section 207(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1157(a)(2)) is amended by inserting after ``as the President
determines'' the following: ``(except that in any fiscal year after
fiscal year 2018, such number may not be less than 125,000)''.
SEC. 403. PRE-ARRIVAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND WORK ORIENTATION TRAINING
FOR APPROVED REFUGEE APPLICANTS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish overseas refugee
training programs to offer to refugees described in subsection (b)
optional English-as-a-second-language and work orientation training
before departure for the United States.
(b) Refugees Described.--Refugees described in this subsection are
refugees who have been--
(1) approved for admission to the United States;
(2) conditionally approved for admission to the United
States; or
(3) selected at the discretion of the U.S. Refugee
Admission Program.
(c) Design and Implementation.--In designing and implementing the
programs referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult
with or enter into a contract with 1 or more nongovernmental or
international organizations that has--
(1) direct affiliation with the United States refugee
resettlement program; and
(2) appropriate expertise in developing curriculum and
teaching English as a second language.
(d) Impact on Processing Times.--The Secretary shall ensure that
training programs under this section--
(1) are offered to refugees as strictly optional;
(2) occur within applicable processing times; and
(3) do not delay or prevent the departure for the United
States of any refugee who has been approved for admission to
the United States.
(e) Timeline for Implementation.--
(1) Initial implementation.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
ensure that training programs under this section are fully and
consistently operational in not fewer than 3 refugee processing
regions.
(2) Additional implementation.--Not later than 2 years
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
shall notify the appropriate committees of Congress that such
training programs are fully and consistently operational in not
fewer than 5 refugee processing regions.
(f) GAO Study and Report.--
(1) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States
shall conduct a study on the implementation of this section
that includes--
(A) an assessment of--
(i) the quality of English-as-a-second-
language curricula and instruction; and
(ii) the benefits to refugees of the work
orientation and English-as-a-second-language
training programs; and
(B) recommendations on whether such programs should
be continued, broadened, or modified.
(2) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to
the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the findings
of the study under paragraph (1).
(g) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to require a refugee to participate in a training program
under this section as a precondition for the admission of the refugee
to the United States.
SEC. 404. UPDATE OF RECEPTION AND PLACEMENT GRANTS.
Beginning in fiscal year 2023, in setting the amount of reception
and placement grants for refugees, the Secretary shall ensure that--
(1) the grant amount is adjusted to an amount that is
adequate to provide for the anticipated initial resettlement
needs of refugees and includes adjustments for inflation and
the cost of living;
(2) the administrative portion of such grants provided at
the beginning of the fiscal year to each national resettlement
agency is sufficient to ensure adequate local and national
capacity to serve the initial resettlement needs of the number
of refugees the Secretary anticipates the agency will resettle
during the fiscal year; and
(3) additional amounts are provided to each national
resettlement agency promptly upon the arrival of refugees that,
exclusive of the amounts provided pursuant to paragraph (2),
are sufficient to meet the anticipated initial resettlement
needs of such refugees and support local and national
operational costs in excess of the amount described in
paragraph (1).
SEC. 405. CASE MANAGEMENT GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--The Director of the Office of Refugee
Resettlement shall make grants to national resettlement agencies to
operate a case management system for the purpose of offering case
management to qualified individuals to assist in accessing any service,
benefit, or assistance for which qualified individuals are eligible
provided by--
(1) the Office of Refugee Resettlement;
(2) any other Federal, State, or local agency; and
(3) a private entity or a nonprofit organization.
(b) Period of Qualification.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), a
qualified individual may receive case management services under
this section during the period beginning on the date on which
the qualified individual was determined to be eligible for
resettlement, acculturation, or subsistence services provided
by the Office of Refugee Resettlement and ending on the date
that is 1 year after the date on which the qualified individual
ceases to be so eligible.
(2) Exceptional circumstances.--
(A) In general.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), an
individual described in subparagraph (B) may receive
such case management services during the period
beginning on the date on which such individual was
determined to be eligible for resettlement,
acculturation, or subsistence services provided by the
Office of Refugee Resettlement and ending on the date
that is 3 years after the date on which such individual
ceases to be so eligible.
(B) Exceptional circumstances.--An individual
described in this subparagraph is a qualified
individual who--
(i) is 65 years of age or older;
(ii) has extraordinary resettlement or
acculturation needs that impede the ability of
the individual to achieve durable self-
sufficiency;
(iii) is a refugee resettled from a
situation of protracted displacement;
(iv) is a member of a family caring for an
unattached refugee minor; or
(v) on the date on which the individual was
admitted to the United States--
(I) had a disability or serious
medical condition;
(II) had a mental health condition;
(III) was part of a household
headed by a single parent; or
(IV) was a victim of a severe form
of violence.
(c) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as
affecting the authority of the Director of the Office of Refugee
Resettlement under section 412(e)(7)(A) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1522(e)(7)(A)) or of any other section of
such Act to provide case management services to qualified individuals
who have been in the United States for longer than 3 years.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Qualified individual.--The term ``qualified
individual'' means an individual who was, at any time, eligible
for resettlement, acculturation, or subsistence services
provided by the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
(2) Resettlement, acculturation, or subsistence services.--
The term ``resettlement, acculturation, or subsistence
services'' includes each of the services provided by the Office
of Refugee Resettlement to aliens (as defined in section 101(a)
of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a))),
except the case management services under this section.
SEC. 406. INCREASE IN CASH PAYMENTS.
(a) In General.--Section 412 of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1522) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the
following:
``(C) Subject to the availability of funds, assistance and
social services for employment and health and living expenses
under this section shall be available to refugees for a period
of not less than 1 year.'';
(B) in paragraph (5), by adding at the end the
following: ``Subject to the availability of funds, such
assistance and services shall be made available to
refugees for a period of not less than 1 year.''; and
(2) in subsection (e)(1)--
(A) by striking ``(1)'' and inserting ``(1)(A)'';
and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Subject to the availability of funds, such assistance
shall be provided for not less than 1 year beginning on the
first day of the month in which a refugee enters the United
States.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on the date that is the earlier of--
(1) the first day of the first fiscal year beginning after
the date of the enactment of this Act; or
(2) the date on which a final rule is promulgated to
implement such amendments.
(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section or in the
amendments made by this section shall be construed as limiting or
reducing assistance provided for a period that is more than 1 year.
TITLE V--PROTECTIONS FOR IMMIGRANTS
SEC. 501. PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION.
A recipient of a grant described in, or established under, this
title may not be required, as a condition of receiving such a grant, to
transmit the personally identifiable information of an immigrant, or a
family member or household member of an immigrant, served by the
recipient.
SEC. 502. VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION IN INTEGRATION AND INCLUSION
ACTIVITIES.
The participation of an immigrant in any integration or inclusion
activity under this Act shall be strictly voluntary.
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