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Week Ending May 19, 2006
S.2611 A bill to provide for comprehensive immigration reform and for other purposes.
After a contentious journey through the House and Senate last month, immigration reform legislation returns with this bill that would seem to take into account most concerns expressed in last month’s debates with the exception of those proposing extreme leniency or extreme authority towards illegal aliens in the US and immigration policy as a whole. The bill also includes provisions to address security problems on Mexico's southern border. The extensiveness of the bill’s provisions would indicate that there is still much to be done to secure US borders against illegal immigration and terror threats despite the upcoming five year anniversary of the 9-11 terror attacks.
In December 2005 the House passed a bill that was strong on border security, made illegal presence in the US a felony and offered no amnesty for those here illegally. The Senate brought forth a similar bill that met with proposals that would have included what appeared to be near total amnesty for anyone now in the country to a pot pourri of modified suggestions that allowed or disallowed aliens to stay based on the length of time they have been here and working.
This bill takes into account the apparent need to strengthen US borders against illegal immigration as well as considerations for workers currently here and those who may wish to come. During its first week on the Senate floor the bill faced two amendments targeting the guest worker proposals in the bill. The first amendment would require that no guest worker provisions be implemented until the President certifies that the US borders are secure and there are sufficient detention facilities ready to handle the detentions the bill would require. That amendment failed but was followed by another successful effort that requires the President to anoint the guest worker proposals in the bill by certifying the provisions would strengthen national security. During the second week of deliberations an amendment by Dianne Feinstein that would have given all illegal aliens in the country the opportunity to apply for citizenship also failed. The current opportunities for illegals to convert to citizenship lays with those who have been in the US for five years.
Two amendments took on the issue of English language. One declares the language the unifying factor in the country, the other codifies it as the language to be used in government publications.
Entering the US illegally is a criminal offense
The bill indirectly makes some illegal presence in the US a felony due to the provision that defines felony as a criminal offense punishable by one or more years in prison. A prison term of less that a year is defined as a misdemeanor.
An alien violating the US Codes by entering the US illegally is subject to a month in prison for the first offense (misdemeanor) and two years plus fine for a second offense (felony) or more. Three or more convictions would bring 10 years. More convictions bring longer terms up to 20 years.
A fine can be imposed from $50 to $250 for each entry attempt and the amount can be doubled if there is a prior civil penalty. Reentry and continuous reentry can bring increased jail time as well.
Add terrorism as an intent to enter the country and the term goes up to 25 years in jail.
Border Security
The Secretary of Homeland Security would be directed to add 500 full-time active duty port inspectors (appropriately trained and equipped) yearly from 2007 through 2011. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel would be increased by 1,000 and alien smuggling investigation personnel would be increased by 200 for each year from 2007 through 2011. Border agents would be increased by 2,000 in 2006, 2,400 yearly for years 2007 through 2011. Patrol agents on the northern border would be increased by 20% yearly. All-weather roads would be built, vehicle barriers installed. Temporary or permanent checkpoints would be maintained along the Mexico border.
Keeping an eye on things where agents are not presence would be addressed by an increase in unmanned aerial vehicles, cameras, poles, sensors and other technologies necessary to gain control of the borders in the form of a ‘virtual fence’. Some technology from the Dept of Defense would be used and the results reported to Congress. Manned entry points would be built and existing points would be improved.
Surveillance
A plan would be hatched for a systematic surveillance of the land and sea borders that would first assess existing technologies, their compatibility with new technologies and a report on how well the system is working or is expected to work. Obstacles to implementation, description of technology and the cost would be reported.
An overall National Strategy for Border Security would be made in order by the bill that would describe actions to be carried out to achieve operational control of all ports of entry and shall include an implementation schedule, threat assessment, risk assessment, legal assessment, staffing assessment, cost assessment and a future needs assessment. Concerns about cross-border business and tourist travel flow would be addressed.
In the mean time the Secretary of Homeland Security is authorized to “take all actions necessary and appropriate to achieve and maintain operational control over the entire international land and maritime borders of the United States.”
Recent successful efforts by the US Government Accountability Office to move nuclear material across the Mexican border by falsifying documents prompts a provision to develop biometric standards for issuing and authenticating secure documents such as passports, visas and permanent residence cards. Ten fingerprints would be taken from each visa applicant. Also considered would be progress made combating smugglers, money laundering, alien smuggling and trafficking in firearms, alcohol and explosives.
Guatemala and Belize would be assessed for needs to maintain their international borders and how much the US would donate financially, in personnel and technologically particularly in the areas of passports and travel documents. Equipment such as vehicles would be given to those countries and Mexico to patrol their borders.
Human smuggling would get deep attention with the aim of preventing the crime. The extent of deaths to those crossing the border would be assessed.
The FenceS
A physical barrier along the southern border would be studied to conclude the necessity of such a system, its’ feasibility, environmental impact, global warming impact, ozone production, impact on quality of life of nearby residents, a variety of other potentials and the need to build the barrier after other provisions of this act are implemented such as virtual surveillance. The report would be due in nine months. Fences would be built to replace aging and damaged fences near Tucson, AZ to include a triple layer fence. A multi-layer fence to extend ten miles past Naco, AZ would be accompanied by 150 miles of vehicle barriers at known transit points. Around Yuma, AZ for two miles another fence would be improved and extended along with fifty miles of vehicle barriers. Barriers would be built within two years. Final mileage of fences was amended to produces over 300 miles total.
Mandatory Detention of illegal aliens and deportation.
Aliens captured and not posing a security or other threat can be given the option to leave. If they opt to leave but do not they must pay a fine of $3,000 when they are caught again.
The bill authorizes construction or acquisition of 20 detention facilities to contain a total of 10,000 individuals. Some closed military bases could be used temporarily.
Beginning October 1, 2007 and alien other than a Mexican National who is apprehended attempting to enter the US shall be detained until removed or a final decision granting admission has been made unless the alien is permitted to withdraw an application and immediately departs the US, or is paroled into the US for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
As far as Mexican Nationals apprehended entering the country as of October 1, 2007 they, after a background and security checks eliminates a national security risk and after the alien provides a bond of not less than $5,000 can be released into the US with a notice to appear before the immigration hearing judge.
Attempting to elude or successfully eluding customs and other US laws would bring a fine and / or 3years in prison, fine and ten years in prison if bodily injury is attempted or inflicted during the elusion and would face life imprisonment if death occurred during the elusion. In general, ignoring the directions of a border official would bring five years and / or a fine.
An alien in detention can be kept there beyond 90 days if the alien fails or refuses to make all reasonable efforts to comply with the removal order, resists efforts to establish the alien’s identity, making travel arrangements or conspires to avoid removal. A highly contagious disease threatening public health, a letter from the Sec. of State that the alien poses a threat to foreign policy and evidence that the alien is a threat to national security a community or a person warrants holding the alien further. The alien would have to have been convicted of one or more aggravated felonies or attempts to commit such with five year in prison behind him.
Alternatives to detention are to be studied including electronic monitoring devices and intensive supervision to ensure return to court and bonds.
A third drunk driving conviction brings deportation.
An illegal alien slated for deportation can have the reasons for deportation waived (with the exception of terrorism as a reason for deportation) if it is proven to cause hardship on family members who are legal residents or US citizens. The amendment put forth by Senator Durbin (D-IL) would allow for some illegal aliens who bore children while in the US, the children being US citizens upon birth, to remain in the country if leaving would create hardship for the children and perhaps other family members in the US.
Aliens already here.
Aliens can have a record of lawful admission to the US if they are believed to have entered the US before January 1, 1972, have a clear criminal record, have lived here since, are of good moral character and is not ineligible for citizenship.
Penalties for tunneling under the border
Knowing construction or financing of a subterranean passage crossing the international borders of the US would be fined and imprisoned up to 20 years. If the tunnel is on the landowners property the prison term would be ten years. Add human or drug smuggling to the tunnel and the penalties are twice the maximum.
Grants for border relief to tribal, state and local law enforcement
$50 million in grants, subject to appropriations, could be awarded to local law enforcement to provide assistance to the border control effort within proximity of the border.
Priorities will be given to populations with less than 50 thousand and located no more than 100 miles from the US border with Canada or Mexico. Communities further away can receive a grant providing they are in or are a high impact area regarding immigration problems. The grants can be used to obtain equipment, hire personnel, upgrade technology, cover operational costs and other resources.
Local and State law enforcement are not authorized in the bill to exercise authority on Federal immigration law violations. However, the bill provides for grants to states and political subdivisions for training in immigration laws and enforcement as well as equipment needed to do the job. The bill also implies that although local police are not required to participate in carrying out federal immigration law enforcement, there is a creed that might justify their participation, “law enforcement personnel of a State, or a political subdivision of a State, have the inherent authority of a sovereign entity to investigate, apprehend, arrest, detain, or transfer to Federal custody (including the transportation across State lines to detention centers) an alien for the purpose of assisting in the enforcement of the criminal provisions of the immigration laws of the United States in the normal course of carrying out the law enforcement duties of such personnel. This State authority has never been displaced or preempted by a Federal law.
Gangs
The growing problem of Central American gangs wreaking havoc in the US would be addressed by assessing the impact on the US and establishing a tracking database of gang members. An alien is inadmissible if he or she has been a member of a criminal street gang or has participated in the activities of one knowing or having reason to know that the activities promoted or aided the illegal gang activity. Such individuals are also deportable.
Smuggling
Punishment awaits anyone who encourages, directs or induces a person to come to or enter the US or cross the border knowing that the person lacks the authority to enter the US. Equally punishable is the act of aiding people to cross the border at places other than official crossing points and punishment is to be levied on those who transport, move, harbor, conceal or shield from detection a person trying to enter the US illegally. Smugglers would face a basic five year prison term. Financial profit for the act would bring 20 years or a fine or both. Actions that result in other crimes, injuries and death would raise the prison time and fines.
Prison time goes up for transporting the illegal aliens in engine or storage compartments, at high speeds or in crowded and dangerous conditions and goes up further if there is injury or death.
Employing illegal aliens
Knowingly employing an illegal alien can bring five years in prison. First offense can just be a fine but can range to twenty years, too, but mostly there would be a civil penalty of $500 to $400 for each unauthorized alien employed and a fine of $4,000 to $10,000 if there were previous fines. A final order could take fines to $20,000 for each alien employed. Simply keeping accurate employment records in regard to aliens can bring a fine to $6,000 if not done. Failure to adhere to the law on government contracts can bar the employers from other contracts for 12 years.
Anyone who, during any 12 month period, employs ten or more with disregard for their illegal status can receive ten years and a fine.
Several amendments allowed for labor rights and labor laws to be applied to aliens who gain a visa and work in the US.
Trafficking in passports and illegal documents
Produce, issue or transfer 10 or more passports without authority to do so, alter them, buy sell, steal, mail, sign or distribute them and their applications brings a fine and up to 20 years.
Making a false statement or representation when applying for a US passport or completes, mails, prepares or submits one knowing the application contains a false statement or misrepresentation can face up to fifteen years as does forgery.
Funds for states to absorb the expense of dealing with illegal aliens.
Taxpayers will refund States for the costs of indigent defense, criminal prosecution, autopsies, translators and interpreters and court costs to the tune of $400 million yearly 2007 through 2012. Cost for transportation would also be compensated.
Visa reform
Before increasing the number of aliens allowed into the US the Bureau of Census must conduct a study of proposed annual quotas, illegal immigration and the impact of those on the infrastructure and quality of life in the US. The Bureau is directed to report within 90 days the estimate of total legal and illegal immigrants as related to total population, the projected impact of legal and illegal immigration over the next 50 years and which regions of the country are likely to lose their character due to the growth and the impact o consumption of non-renewable resources, waste production and disposal, pollutant emission, loss of habitat and productive farmland and the degree to which current quality of life standards will be changed to include wage rates, transportation and other infrastructure.
Workers will include a non-immigrant temporary worker coming to the US for temporary work Non-immigrant temporary guest workers would be included. A biometrically verifiable H-2C visa would be granted to a non-immigrant laborer who can establish he or she is capable of the work requirements, has received a job offer, pays a $500 fee and undergoes a medical examination. There must be no criminal background or gang membership nor involvement with terrorism, genocide, persecution or those who would overthrow the US government. A background check must be conducted. The H2C is for 3 years with one 3 year extension possible. Unemployed for 60 or more consecutive days revokes the H2C. Failure to depart within ten days after the end of the visa term halts any immigration relief of benefits and blocks reentry for ten years.
Employers must verify that employing a non-immigrant H2C visa holder will not affect the wages and working conditions of workers similarly employed in the US, will not cause the termination or separation of a US worker and that the H2C worker will be paid not less that the greater of the actual wage paid others with similar experience and qualifications for the specific job or the prevailing wage fro the occupation. Normal working conditions must be provided and the risk of a strike is not a concern.
To assure that Americans are not excluded from employment by the H2C workers the employers must send a letter to former workers from the previous year unless the worker was fired, terminated of quit before the job was over. A job offer would be filed with the State employment offices and in newspapers.
H-4 visas would be granted to spouses and children of legal immigrant workers. A new experimental program would grant agriculture worker visas to those who have worked at least 863 hours or 150 work days during the 24 months ending December 31, 2005. 1.5 million would be issued over the next five years. Recipients of the blue card would not be eligible for any public benefits until five years after the card is issued.
Educating aliens
Aliens who become fluent in English can shave a year off the time needed to qualify for citizenship. $500 will be available to qualified applicants to help them in the citizenship process “to promote the patriotic integration of prospective citizens into the American way of life by providing civics, history, and English as a second language courses, with a specific emphasis on attachment to principles of the Constitution of the United States, the heroes of American history (including military heroes), and the meaning of the Oath of Allegiance”.
Sponsor: Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA)
Vote: Passed Senate 62 to 36 May 25, 2006 (RV 157)
Cost to the taxpayers: "CBO and the Joint Committee
on Taxation (JCT) estimate that enacting this legislation
would increase direct spending by $13 billion over the 2007-2011 period and by
$54 billion over the 2007-2016 period. Pursuant to section 407 of H. Con. Res.
95 (the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget, Fiscal Year 2006), CBO estimates
that enacting S. 2611 would cause an increase in direct spending greater than $5
billion in each of the 10-year periods between 2016 and 2055. JCT and CBO
estimate that the bill would increase total federal revenues by about $66
billion over the 2007-2016 period. Assuming appropriation of the amounts
authorized in the bill, discretionary spending would increase by $25 billion
over the 2007-2011 period."
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MORE INFORMATION
Congress finds the following:
(1) It is the obligation of the Federal Government of the United States to adequately secure the Nation's borders and prevent the flow of undocumented persons and illegal drugs into the United States.
(2) Despite the fact that the United States Border Patrol apprehends over 1,000,000 people each year trying to illegally enter the United States, according to the Congressional Research Service, the net growth in the number of unauthorized aliens has increased by approximately 500,000 each year. The Southwest border accounts for approximately 94 percent of all migrant apprehensions each year. Currently, there are an estimated 11,000,000 unauthorized aliens in the United States.
(3) The border region is also a major corridor for the shipment of drugs. According to the El Paso Intelligence Center, 65 percent of the narcotics that are sold in the markets of the United States enter the country through the Southwest Border.
(4) Border communities continue to incur significant costs due to the lack of adequate border security. A 2001 study by the United States-Mexico Border Counties Coalition found that law enforcement and criminal justice expenses associated with illegal immigration exceed $89,000,000 annually for the Southwest border counties.
(5) In August 2005, the States of New Mexico and Arizona declared states of emergency in order to provide local law enforcement immediate assistance in addressing criminal activity along the Southwest border.
(6) While the Federal Government provides States and localities assistance in covering costs related to the detention of certain criminal aliens and the prosecution of Federal drug cases, local law enforcement along the border are provided no assistance in covering such expenses and must use their limited resources to combat drug trafficking, human smuggling, kidnappings, the destruction of private property, and other border-related crimes.
(7) The United States shares 5,525 miles of border with Canada and 1,989 miles with Mexico. Many of the local law enforcement agencies located along the border are small, rural departments charged with patrolling large areas of land. Counties along the Southwest United States-Mexico border are some of the poorest in the country and lack the financial resources to cover the additional costs associated with illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and other border-related crimes.
(8) Federal assistance is required to help local law enforcement operating along the border address the unique challenges that arise as a result of their proximity to an international border and the lack of overall border security in the region
S.AMDT.3961 to S.2611 To prohibit the granting of legal
status, or adjustment of current status, to any individual who enters or entered
the United States in violation of Federal law unless the border security
measures authorized under Title I and section 233 are fully completed and fully
operational.
Sponsor: Sen Isakson, Johnny [GA] (introduced 5/15/2006) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: Failed in the Senate 40 to 55 May 16, 2006 (RV
121)
S. AMDT 3994 to S 2611 To prohibit implementation of title IV and title VI until the President determines that implementation of such titles will strengthen the national security of the United States.
Sponsor: Sen. Ken Salazar (D-CO)
Last Major Action: Passed Senate 79 to 16 May 16, 2006 (RV 122)
S. AMDT 4017 TO S 2611 to remove the provision allowing a yearly number of guest workers in the US [to prohibit aliens who are currently outside the United States from participating in the H-2C guest worker visa program
Sponsor: Byron Dorgan (D-ND)
Last Major Action: The Senate agreed to a motion to table the Dorgan amendment 69 to 28 May 16, 2006 (RV 123)
S AMDT 3981 to S 2611 to limit the yearly number of guest workers.(200,000 rather than 450,000
Sponsor: Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM)
Last Major Action: A motion to table the amendment failed 18 to 79 May 16, 2006 (RV 124) The Senate affirmed the amendment by Unanimous Consent. The Senate failed to pass the amendment 18 to 79 May 16, 2006 (RV 124) by tabling the amendment
S AMDT 3999 to S 2611 To improve the capacity of the United States Border Patrol to rapidly respond to threats to border security.
Sponsor: John Kerry (D-MA)
Last Major Action: Passed Senate by Unanimous Consent May 16, 2006
S AMDT 4027 to S 2611 To make certain aliens ineligible for adjustment to lawful permanent resident status or Deferred Mandatory Departure status.
Sponsor: Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ)
Last Major Action: Passed Senate 99 to 0 May 17, 2006 (RV 125)
S. AMDT 3979 to S 2611
Sponsor: Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) To increase the amount of fencing and improve vehicle barriers installed along the southwest border of the United States.
Last Major Action: Passed Senate 83 to 16 May 16, 2006 (RV 126)
S. AMDT to S 2611
Sponsor: Senator David Vitter (R-LA) To strike the provisions related to certain undocumented individuals.
Last Major Action: Failed Senate 33 to 66 May 16, 2006 (RV 127)
S. AMDT 3965 to S 2611
Sponsor: Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)
Last Major Action: Passed Senate 50 to 48 may 16, 2006 (RV 128)
S AMDT to S 2611 To modify the conditions under which an H-2C nonimmigrant may apply for an employment-based immigrant visa.
Sponsor: Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) To modify the conditions under which an H-2C nonimmigrant may apply for adjustment of status. (Immigrants can apply without a promise of a job.)
Last Major Action: Passed 50 to 48 May 17, 2006 (RV 128)
S AMDT 3985 to S 2611
To reduce document fraud, prevent identity theft, and preserve the integrity of the Social Security system, by ensuring that persons who receive an adjustment of status under this bill are not able to receive Social Security benefits as a result of unlawful activity.
Sponsor: Senator John Ensign (R-NV)
Last Major Action: A motion to table the amendment passed 50 to 49 May 18, 2006 (RV 130)
S AMDT 4064 to S 2611 To amend title 4 United States Code, to declare English as the national language of the United States and to promote the patriotic integration of prospective US citizens.
Sponsor: James Inhofe (R-OK)
Last Major Action: Passed Senate 63 to 34 May 18, 2006 (RV 131)
S. AMDT 4073 to S 2611 To declare that English is the common and unifying language of the United States, and to preserve and enhance the role of the English language.
Sponsor: Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO)
Last Major Action: Passed Senate 58 to 39 May 18, 2006 (RV 132)
S. AMDT 4072 to S 2611 To establish a grant program to provide financial assistance to States and local governments for the costs of providing health care and educational services to noncitizens, and to provide additional funding for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program.
Sponsor: Senator Hillary Clinton (D_NY)
Last Major Action: Failed to pass the Senate 43 to 52 May 18, 2006 (RV 133)
S. AMDT 4038 to S 2611 To require aliens seeking adjustment of status under section 245B of the Immigration and Nationality Act or Deferred Mandatory Departure status under section 245C of such Act to pay a supplemental application fee, which shall be used to provide financial assistance to States for health and educational services for noncitizens.
Sponsor: Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)
Last Major Action: Passed Senate 64 to 32 May 18, 2006 (RV 134)
S. AMDT 3969 to S 2611 to Table Kyl Amdt. No. 3969; To prohibit H-2C nonimmigrants from adjusting to lawful permanent resident status.
Sponsor:
Last Major Action: Passed Senate 58 to 35 May 18, 2006 (RV 135)
S.AMDT.4009 to S.2611 To modify the wage requirements for
employers seeking to hire H-2A and blue card agricultural workers.
Sponsor: Sen Chambliss, Saxby [R-GA] (introduced 5/16/2006)
Cosponsors (3)
Latest Major Action: 5/22/2006 Motion to table amendment SA 4009 agreed
to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 43.
RV136.
S.AMDT.4000 to S.2611 To allow additional countries to
participate in the visa waiver program under section 217 of the Immigration and
Nationality Act if they meet certain criteria.
Sponsor: Sen Santorum, Rick [R-PA] (introduced 5/16/2006) Cosponsors
(2)
Latest Major Action: 5/17/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status:
Amendment SA 4000 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
S.AMDT.3998 to S.2611 To improve the United States ability
to detain illegal aliens.
Sponsor: Sen Nelson, Bill [D-FL] (introduced 5/16/2006) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 5/18/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status:
Amendment SA 3998 as modified agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
S.AMDT.3981 to S.2611 To reduce the number of H-2C
nonimmigrants to 200,000 during any fiscal year.
Sponsor: Sen Bingaman, Jeff [D-NM] (introduced 5/15/2006) Cosponsors
(2)
Latest Major Action: 5/16/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status:
Amendment SA 3981 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
S.AMDT.4018 to S.2611 To extend the deadline given to the
Secretary of Homeland Security for the implementation of a new travel document
plan for border crossings to June 1, 2009.
Sponsor: Sen Stevens, Ted [AK] (introduced 5/16/2006) Cosponsors
(10)
Latest Major Action: 5/17/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status:
Amendment SA 4018 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
S.AMDT.4025 to S.2611 To provide for the reform of
intercountry adoption.
Sponsor: Sen Landrieu, Mary L. [LA] (introduced 5/16/2006)
Cosponsors (3)
Latest Major Action: 5/24/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status:
Amendment SA 4025 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
S.AMDT.4029 to S.2611 To grant the children of Filipino
World War II veterans special immigrant status for purposes of family
reunification.
Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 5/16/2006) Cosponsors
(4)
Latest Major Action: 5/18/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status:
Amendment agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
S.AMDT.4038 to S.2611 To require aliens seeking adjustment
of status under section 245B of the Immigration and Nationality Act or Deferred
Mandatory Departure status under section 245C of such Act to pay a supplemental
application fee, which shall be used to provide financial assistance to States
for health and educational services for noncitizens.
Sponsor: Sen Cornyn, John [TX] (introduced 5/17/2006) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 5/19/2006 Amendment SA 4038, previously agreed to,
was modified by Unanimous Consent.
S.AMDT.4076 to S.2611 To authorize the use of the National
Guard to secure the southern border of the United States.
Sponsor: Sen Ensign, John [NV] (introduced 5/18/2006) Cosponsors (3)
Latest Major Action: 5/22/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status:
Amendment SA 4076 as modified agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 83 - 10.
RV137.
S.AMDT.4084 to S.2611 To modify the eligible requirements
for blue card status and to increase the fines to be paid by aliens granted such
status or legal permanent resident status.
Sponsor: Sen Chambliss, Saxby [GA] (introduced 5/19/2006) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 5/24/2006 Motion to table amendment SA 4084 agreed
to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 62 - 35.
RV 149.
S.AMDT.4087 to S.2611 To modify the conditions under which
aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States are granted legal status.
Sponsor: Sen Feinstein, Dianne [CA] (introduced 5/22/2006)
Cosponsors (6)
Latest Major Action: 5/23/2006 Senate amendment not agreed to. Status:
Amendment SA 4087 not agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 37 - 61.
RV 138.
S.AMDT.4095 to S.2611 To sunset the H-2C visa program after
the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
Sponsor: Sen Dorgan, Byron L. [ND] (introduced 5/22/2006) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 5/24/2006 Senate amendment not agreed to. Status:
Amendment SA 4095 not agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 48 - 49.
RV150.
S.AMDT.4101 to S.2611 To enhance border security by
creating a pilot SAFE Visa Program to grant visas to authorized nationals of a
NAFTA or CAFTA-DR country who receive employment offers in job areas in the
United States that have been certified by the Secretary of Labor as having a
shortage of workers.
Sponsor: Sen Hutchison, Kay Bailey [TX] (introduced 5/22/2006)
Cosponsors (1)
Latest Major Action: 5/24/2006 Senate amendment not agreed to. Status:
Amendment SA 4101 not agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 31 - 67.
RV 148.
S.AMDT.4106 to S.2611 To enhance the enforcement of labor
protections for United States workers and guest workers.
Sponsor: Sen Kennedy, Edward M. [MA] (introduced 5/22/2006)
Cosponsors (1)
Latest Major Action: 5/23/2006 Motion to table amendment SA 4106 agreed
to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 57 - 40.
RV 141.
S.AMDT.4114 to S.2611 To amend title II of the Immigration
and Nationality Act to reform the diversity visa program and create a program
that awards visas to aliens with an advanced degree in science mathematics,
technology, or engineering.
Sponsor: Sen Gregg, Judd [NH] (introduced 5/23/2006) Cosponsors (5)
Latest Major Action: 5/24/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status:
Amendment SA 4114 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 56 - 42.
RV147.
S.AMDT.4117 to S.2611 To amend section 212 of the
Immigration and Nationality Act regarding restrictions on the admission of
aliens.
Sponsor: Sen Leahy, Patrick J. [VT] (introduced 5/23/2006)
Cosponsors (7)
Latest Major Action: 5/23/2006 Motion to table amendment SA 4117 agreed
to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 79 - 19.
RV 139.
S.AMDT.4124 to S.2611 To provide for a Bureau of the Census
report to Congress on the impact of illegal immigration on the apportionment of
Representatives in Congress.
Sponsor: Sen Burns, Conrad R. [MT] (introduced 5/23/2006) Cosponsors
(2)
Latest Major Action: 5/24/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status:
Amendment SA 4124 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
S.AMDT.4127 to S.2611 To fund improvements in border and
interior security by assessing a $500 supplemental fee under title VI.
Sponsor: Sen Byrd, Robert C. [WV] (introduced 5/23/2006) Cosponsors
(2)
Latest Major Action: 5/24/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status:
Amendment SA 4127 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 73 - 25.
RV 146.
S.AMDT.4142 to S.2611 To authorize the waiver of certain
grounds of inadmissibility or removal where denial of admission or removal would
result in hardship for a spouse, parent, or child who is a citizen or permanent
resident alien.
Sponsor: Sen Durbin, Richard [IL] (introduced 5/23/2006) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 5/23/2006 Motion to table amendment SA 4142 agreed
to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 63 - 34.
RV 142.
S.AMDT.4144 to S.2611 To modify provisions relating to
labor certification.
Sponsor: Sen Boxer, Barbara [CA] (introduced 5/23/2006) Cosponsors
(2)
Latest Major Action: 5/24/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status:
Amendment SA 4144 as modified agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
S.AMDT.4177 to S.2611 To provide a substitute to title III.
Sponsor: Sen Grassley, Chuck [IA] (introduced 5/23/2006) Cosponsors
(3)
Latest Major Action: 5/23/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status:
Amendment SA 4177 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 59 - 39.
RV140.
S. AMDT to S 261l to allow no earned income tax credit for illegal aliens.
Sponsor: John Ensign (R-NV)
Last Major Action: May 25, 2006
S. AMDT 4097 to S 2611 to modify the requirements for confidentiality certain information submitted by an alien seeking an adjustment of status under section 245B.
Sponsor: Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)
Last Major Action: May 25, 2006 Failed 49 to 49, 2 not voting (RV 151)
S. AMDT 4131 to S 2611 To limit the total number of aliens, including spouses and children, granted employment-based legal permanent resident status to 650,000 during any fiscal year.
Sponsor: Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM)
Last Major Action: May 25, 2006 Passed 51 to 47 (RV 152)
S. AMDT 4083 to S 2611 To strike the provision prohibiting a court from staying the removal of an alien in certain circumstances.
Sponsor: Senator Russ Feingold
Last Major Action: May 26, 2006 Passed 52 to 45 (RV 153)
S AMDT 4108 TO S 2611 To limit the application of the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Sponsor: Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL)
Last Major Action: Failed in Senate 37 to 60 May 25, 2006 (RV 154)
S AMDT 4136 to S 2611 To ensure the integrity of the Earned Income Tax Credit program by reducing the potential for fraud and to ensure that aliens who receive an adjustment of this status under this bill meet their obligation to pay back taxes without creating a burden on the American public.
Sponsor: Senator John Ensign (R-NV)
Last Major Action: Passed Senate 55 to 47 May 25, 2006 RV 155
S AMDT 4188 to S2611 To improve the bill.** This amendment can be read here...Recent revelations that the amendment requires consultation with Mexican officials before a fence is built and the reporting that the provision means the fence would not be built unless the Mexican officials agree is not an accurate representation of the amendment. Consultation is required in the amendment but for the purposes of smoothing out any difference and misunderstandings before the fences are built. (That provision in the amendment is bolded in the link above)
Sponsor: Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA)
Last Major Action: Passed Senate 56 to 41 May 25, 2006 (RV 156)
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