Section By Section Summary Of Sensenbrenner Bill
The US House of Representatives passed the Border and Immigration Enforcement Act of 2005. The bill’s primary sponsors are James Sensenbrenner (R-WI), the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and Peter King (R-NY), Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee.
The bill makes numerous to changes to US immigration law which are summarized as follows:
Title I – Securing United States Borders
SEC. 101. ACHIEVING OPERATIONAL CONTROL ON THE BORDER.
Requires the Homeland Security Secretary to use all means to gain operational control over the US borders including systematic surveillance, adding physical infrastructure and hiring additional border patrol agents,
SEC. 102. NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR BORDER SECURITY.
Within six months of this law passing, DHS must submit a comprehensive plan for the systematic surveillance of US borders.
Requires submission within a year a National Strategy for Border Security to achieve operational control over the borders. . The NSBS must be drafted in consultation with local, tribal and state authorities.
SEC. 103. IMPLEMENTATION OF CROSS-BORDER SECURITY AGREEMENTS.
Not later than six months after the laws passes, DHS must submit a report on reaching cross-border security agreements with Canada and Mexico.
SEC. 104. BIOMETRIC DATA ENHANCEMENTS.
By October 1, 2006, DHS shall enhance the connectivity between the IDENT and IAFIS biometric databases and to collect ten fingerprints from visitors processed in the US-VISIT system).
SEC. 105. ONE FACE AT THE BORDER INITIATIVE.
Within 90 days of passage of the bill, DHS shall submit a report to Congress on the “One Fact at the Border” inspection initiative including information on personnel hired from the previously existing customs and immigration agencies.
SEC. 106. SECURE COMMUNICATION.
DHS is required to develop a plan to provide for secure, two-way communications between Border Patrol agents and their field offices.
SEC. 107. PORT OF ENTRY INSPECTION PERSONNEL.
Provides for expansion of port of entry inspectors by 250 per year for each of Fiscal Years 2007 through 2010.
SEC. 108. CANINE DETECTION TEAMS.
Authorizes a 25% increase in the number of canine teams used by DHS at ports of entry or along the US borders.
SEC. 109. SECURE BORDER INITIATIVE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY.
Contains provisions require DHS’ Inspector General to review contracts over $20 million and to report on any problems.
SEC. 110. BORDER PATROL TRAINING CAPACITY REVIEW.
Requires the Comptroller General of the US to conduct a study on the training of Border Patrol personnel and to compare to similar programs at other agencies at the state and local level.
SEC. 111. AIRSPACE SECURITY MISSION IMPACT REVIEW.
DHS is to report on how the National Capitol Region airspace security mission affects border security.
SEC. 112. REPAIR OF PRIVATE INFRASTRUCTURE ON BORDER.
Requires DHS to reimburse property owners for the costs associated with repairing damage caused by illegal aliens. $50,000 is authorized for each fiscal year to carry out this obligation.
SEC. 112. REPAIR OF PRIVATE INFRASTRUCTURE ON BORDER.
By September 30, 2006 a Border Patrol unit shall be operating in the US Virgin Islands.
SEC. 114. REPORT ON PROGRESS IN TRACKING TRAVEL OF CENTRAL AMERICAN GANGS ALONG INTERNATIONAL BORDER.
Within a year of passage of this bill, DHS must report to Congress on the travel of Central American gang members into the US and Mexico.
SEC. 115. COLLECTION OF DATA.
Requires the collection and reporting of data on the number of aliens taken into custody at the borders, the number of aliens requiring medical care, US border personnel admitted into hospitals for emergency medical care and how many individuals are taken into custody after receiving the medical treatment.
SEC. 116. DEPLOYMENT OF RADIATION DETECTION PORTAL EQUIPMENT AT UNITED STATES PORTS OF ENTRY.
Requires DHS to deploy radiation monitoring equipment at all US ports of entry within a year of enactment.
SEC. 117. CONSULTATION WITH BUSINESSES AND FIRMS.
Calls on DHS to establish outreach programs with the business community to identify the best technologies, maximize productivity and improve cost-effectiveness.
TITLE II—COMBATTING ALIEN SMUGGLING AND ILLEGAL ENTRY AND PRESENCE
SEC. 201. DEFINITION OF AGGRAVATED FELONY.
All alien smuggling offenses are now aggravated felonies as are crimes involving illegally entering and reentering the country where the sentence is at least a year. Also expands the definition of “aggravated felony” to include “soliciting, aiding, abetting, counseling, commanding, procuring” specified offenses.
SEC. 202. ALIEN SMUGGLING AND RELATED OFFENSES.
Alien smuggling will now include instances where a person acts in “reckless disregard” of the fact that an alien is not allowed to enter the US. Imposes mandatory minimum sentences of three to thirty years depending on the smuggling/harboring offense. Knowingly hiring ten or more illegal aliens shall be considered a smuggling offense punishable by up to five years imprisonment. Allows for authorities to seize any property used to commit a smuggling offense.
The new law is broad enough to potentially include employees of social service agencies and church groups that offer services to undocumented workers.
SEC. 203. IMPROPER ENTRY BY, OR PRESENCE OF, ALIENS.
Illegal presence in the US will become a crime punishable by a year imprisonment. This covers those who violate the terms of a visa. The penalty for the offense of entering the US illegally is now expanded from a misdemeanor punishable by a fine or up to six months in jail to a felony punishable by a year in prison.
The penalty for marriage fraud and EB-5 fraud is expanded from five years to ten years. Aliens convicted of three or more misdemeanors or one felony involving drugs or crimes against the person who are in the US illegally are subject to additional imprisonment of up to ten years. A 20 year sentence may be imposed on someone illegally in the US who is convicted of a felony.
SEC. 204. REENTRY OF REMOVED ALIENS.
Sets minimum sentences for those convicted of reentering the US after removal.
SEC. 205. MANDATORY SENTENCING RANGES FOR PERSONS AIDING OR ASSISTING CERTAIN REENTERING ALIENS.
Sets minimum sentences for smugglers involved in bringing in previously removed aliens.
SEC. 206. PROHIBITING CARRYING OR USING A FIREARM DURING AND IN RELATION TO AN ALIEN SMUGGLING CRIME.
If a gun is used in the crime of alien smuggling, an increased sentence may be imposed.
SEC. 207. CLARIFYING CHANGES.
False claims of US nationality are now a basis for barring someone from the US, not just false claims of US citizenship. This section also clarifies that DHS shall have access to any information kept by a US government agency regarding any person seeking an immigration benefit or privilege.
SEC. 208. VOLUNTARY DEPARTURE REFORM.
The maximum period for voluntary departure is reduced from 120 days to 60 days. People seeking voluntary departure most post a bond or show why posting a bond would create a hardship or is not needed. All rights to appeal must be waived in order to receive voluntary departure. An alien could still appeal, but this would invalidate the voluntary departure order and the alien would again be subject to penalties for failing to depart. Failing to obey a voluntary departure order will be punishable by a fine of $3000 and a ten year bar on eligibility for any immigration benefits. And an alien who fails to depart under a voluntary departure order would be barred from reopening removal proceedings except to claim protection under the Convention Against Torture or the removal to a country would cause a person to face a threat to life or freedom on account of membership in a group that would normally be eligible for asylum status.
SEC. 209. DETERRING ALIENS ORDERED REMOVED FROM REMAINING IN THE UNITED STATES UNLAWFULLY AND FROM UNLAWFULLY RETURNING TO THE UNITED STATES AFTER DEPARTING VOLUNTARILY.
Closes a loophole wherein aliens ordered removed who fail to depart are barred from being readmitted if they leave and, for the first time, barred for an equal amount of time from getting acquiring legal status if they remain.
SEC. 210. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FORENSIC DOCUMENTS LABORATORY
Establishes a laboratory to collect information in a database on fraudulent documents intended to be used in connection with traveling to the US. The information will be shared with other agencies and the FDL will report regularly on its data findings.
SEC. 211. SECTION 1546 AMENDMENTS.
Adds distribution to the elements of fraudulent misuse of a visa.
SEC. 212. MOTIONS TO REOPEN OR RECONSIDER.
In cases where DHS decides to remove someone to an alternate country, the Attorney General has sole discretion to approve a motion to reopen or reconsider and such motion must be filed within 30 days.
SEC. 213. REFORM OF PASSPORT, VISA AND IMMIGRATION FRAUD OFFENSES.
Broadens the scope of who can be charged for producing false passports or visas. Dramatically expands the statutory language to bring in trafficking of passports.
There is new language making it punishable by 15 years imprisonment to knowingly defraud anyone in connection with an immigration matter. Whoever knowingly and falsely represents himself or herself as an immigration lawyer can be fined and imprisoned by up to 15 years.
Anyone who knowingly uses an immigration document issued for the use of another or who forges or alters an immigration document, or who knowingly and without lawful authority transfers an immigration document to a person when the person is not the person for whom the immigration document was signed is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Knowingly completing, mailing, preparing, presenting, signing, or submitting any immigration document knowing it contains any materially false statement or representation can be punished by up to 15 years in prison.
Property used to commit a crime in this section may be seized and forfeited.
Anyone who commits a violation under this section for the purposes of participating in terrorism shall be subject to higher penalties.
SEC. 214. CRIMINAL DETENTION OF ALIENS.
The bill creates a presumption that can be rebutted that a person is a flight risk who cannot get a bond if the person has no legal status in the US, is the subject of a removal order, or has committed certain types of felonies.
SEC. 215. UNIFORM STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR CERTAIN IMMIGRATION, NATURALIZATION AND PEONAGE OFFENSES
Establishes a ten year statute of limitations for immigration-related crimes.
SEC. 216. CONFORMING AMENDMENT
Broadens the definition of “aggravated felony” to include new offenses created by Section 212 of this bill.
SEC. 217. INADMISSIBILITY FOR PASSPORT OR IMMIGRATION FRAUD
Broadens grounds for inadmissibility to include new offenses created by Section 212 of this bill.
SEC. 218. REMOVAL FOR PASSPORT AND IMMIGRATION FRAUD.
Broadens grounds for removal to include new offenses created by Section 212 of this bill.
SEC. 219. REDUCTION IN IMMIGRATION BACKLOG.
Directs USCIS to, within six months of enactment of the law, to undertake maximum efforts to reduce processing backlogs. Requires establishment of a pilot program charged with reducing backlogs as much as possible and preventing the recurrence of backlogs. Measures undertaken may include increasing personnel, transferring personnel, streamlining processes and increasing the use of technology and service centers.
SEC. 220. FEDERAL AFFIRMATION OF ASSISTANCE IN THE IMMIGRATION LAW ENFORCEMENT BY STATES AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS OF STATES.
Grants state and local law enforcement authorities the inherent authority to investigate, identify, apprehend, arrest, detain or transfer to Federal custody aliens for the purpose of enforcing immigration laws.
SEC. 221. TRAINING OF STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL RELATING TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF IMMIGRATION LAWS.
DHS must develop a training manual for state and local law enforcement agencies to train officials in the investigation, identification, apprehension, arrest, detention and transfer to Federal custody of aliens in the US. DHS shall also develop a pocket guide on the same subject for use in the course of duty.
DHS must also develop in person and online/offline training programs regarding the same.
SEC. 222. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL POLICE AGENCIES THAT ASSIST IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF IMMIGRATION LAWS.
DHS shall make grants to state and local police departments to assist in the procurement of equipment, technology, facilities and other products to assist in pursuing immigration law violators. Up to $250,000,000 will be made available each year for this purpose. GAO shall conduct an audit within three years on the funds distributed.
SEC. 223. INSTITUTIONAL REMOVAL PROGRAM (IRP).
DHS shall continue Institutional Removal Program to identify criminal aliens in state and federal prisons and act to immediately remove them from the US after their sentences are completed. The program will be extended to all states. States receiving funds to incarcerate criminal aliens will have to participate in the system.
State and local prison authorities are authorized to hold a prisoner for up to 14 days after the alien has completed his or her sentence.
DHS is authorized to spend $650,000,000 over a five year period to deploy technology to extend the IRP to remote locations.
SEC. 224. STATE CRIMINAL ALIEN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SCAAP).
Authorizes continued contracting with local and state authorities for the detention of aliens with a $1.000,000,000 authorized each year.
SEC. 225. STATE AUTHORIZATION FOR ASSISTANCE IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF IMMIGRATION LAWS ENCOURAGED.
State and local authorities that bar law enforcement officials from assisting or cooperating with federal immigration law enforcement shall not receive funds otherwise granted to states to reimburse for expenses related to dealing with illegal immigrants.
TITLE III—BORDER SECURITY COOPERATION AND ENFORCEMENT
SEC. 301. JOINT STRATEGIC PLAN FOR UNITED STATES BORDER SURVEILLANCE AND SUPPORT.
DHS and the Department of Defense shall develop a joint strategic plan to use DOD surveillance equipment to assist with the surveillance activities of DHS. A report must be submitted to Congress within twelve months reviewing the cooperation.
SEC. 302. BORDER SECURITY ON PROTECTED LAND.
DHS shall consult with the Department of Interior to evaluate border vulnerabilities in Department of Interior land adjacent to the US international borders. Based on the findings, DHS shall provide appropriate border security assistance.
SEC. 303. BORDER SECURITY THREAT ASSESSMENT AND INFORMATION SHARING TEST AND EVALUATION EXERCISE.
Within a year of enactment of the bill, DHS shall conduct a training exercise on border security information sharing and issue report on the results. .
SEC. 304. BORDER SECURITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
Within a year of enactment of the bill, DHS shall establish a Border Security Advisory Committee to advise DHS on issues relating to border security and enforcement. Membership shall be comprised of individuals representing state and local governments, community groups, and tribal governments located in the border areas of the US.
SEC. 305. PERMITTED USE OF HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT FUNDS FOR BORDER SECURITY ACTIVITIES.
Calls for DHS to establish a grant program to assist other agencies with enforcing immigration laws if those activities are carried out under agreement with a Federal agency.
SEC. 306. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR BORDER SECURITY.
DHS shall establish a university-based Center of Excellence for Border Security to analyze border security technologies and systems and provide educational, technical and analytical assistance to DHS regarding border security.
SEC. 307. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING COOPERATION WITH INDIAN NATIONS.
Sense of Congress that DHS should include recommendations in developing the National Strategy for Border Security relating to including tribal authorities in developing border security plans.
SEC. 308. RED ZONE DEFENSE BORDER INTELLIGENCE
Establishes a pilot program jointly for DHS and the Director of National Intelligence to improve the coordination and management of intelligence and homeland security information relating to the southwest border of the US. The program will focus on a test geographic area and involve sharing intelligence and homeland security information with federal, state, local and tribal officials and providing for surveillance of the pilot area including utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles. A report must be submitted to Congress within a year.
TITLE IV—DETENTION AND REMOVAL
SEC. 401. MANDATORY DETENTION FOR ALIENS APPREHENDED AT OR BETWEEN PORTS OF ENTRY.
Beginning October 1, 2006, “catch and release” will end and any aliens apprehended at ports of entry or along the border will be detained until they are removed or a final decision is rendered granting them admission to the US. An exception is made for aliens who depart immediately and voluntarily and those paroled into the US for humanitarian reasons. Asylum rights are not affected by this section.
A bond of $5000 may be secured with a notice to appear.
SEC. 402. EXPANSION AND EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF DETENTION FACILITIES.
DHS is to fully use all bed space and fully review “all possible options to cost effectively increase available detention capacities, including the use of temporary detention facilities, the use of State and local correctional facilities, private space, and secure alternatives to detention.”
SEC. 403. ENHANCING TRANSPORTATION CAPACITY FOR UNLAWFUL ALIENS.
DHS is authorized to enter in contracts with private entities to secure the return of apprehended immigrants across the border.
SEC. 404. DENIAL OF ADMISSION TO NATIONALS OF COUNTRY DENYING OR DELAYING ACCEPTING ALIEN.
Amends Section 243(d) of the Immigration Act to authorize DHS to deny admission of aliens who are nationals of countries that refuse or delay the repatriation of their nationals removed from the US.
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