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106th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 2045
[Report No. 106-260]
A BILL
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to H-1B
nonimmigrant aliens.
April 11, 2000
Reported with an amendment and an amendment to the
title
S 2045 RS
Calendar No. 490
106th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 2045
[Report No. 106-260]
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to H-1B
nonimmigrant aliens.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 9, 2000
Mr. HATCH (for himself, Mr. ABRAHAM, Mr. GRAMM, Mr. GRAHAM, Mr. LIEBERMAN,
Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr. LOTT, Mr. NICKLES, Mr. MACK, Mr. SPECTER, Mr. DEWINE, Mr.
ASHCROFT, Mr. MCCONNELL, Mr. GORTON, Mr. HAGEL, Mr. BENNETT, Mr. GRAMS, Mr.
BROWNBACK, Mr. SMITH of Oregon, and Mr. WARNER) introduced the following bill;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
April 11, 2000
Reported by Mr. HATCH, with an amendment and an amendment to the title
[Strike out all after the enacting
clause and insert the part printed in italic]
A BILL
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to H-1B
nonimmigrant aliens.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
[Struck out->]
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] This Act may be cited as the `American
Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000'. [<-Struck
out]
[Struck out->]
SEC. 2. TEMPORARY INCREASE IN VISA ALLOTMENTS. [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] In addition to the number of aliens who may be
issued visas or otherwise provided nonimmigrant status under section
101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) (8 U.S.C. 1101 (a)(15)(H)(i)(b)), the following number of
aliens may be issued such visas or otherwise provided such status for each of
the following fiscal years: [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] (1) 80,000 for fiscal year 2000; [<-Struck
out]
[Struck out->] (2) 87,500 for fiscal year 2001; and [<-Struck
out]
[Struck out->] (3) 130,000 for fiscal year 2002. [<-Struck
out]
[Struck out->]
SEC. 3. SPECIAL RULE FOR UNIVERSITIES, RESEARCH FACILITIES, AND GRADUATE DEGREE
RECIPIENTS. [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] Section 214(g) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraphs: [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] `(5) The numerical limitations contained in
paragraph (1)(A)(iii) shall not apply to any nonimmigrant alien issued a visa
or otherwise provided status under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)-- [<-Struck
out]
[Struck out->] `(A) who is employed (or has received an offer of
employment) at-- [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] `(i) an institution of higher education (as defined
in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))), or
a related or affiliated nonprofit entity; or [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] `(ii) a nonprofit research organization or a
governmental research organization; or [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] `(B) for whom a petition is filed not more than 90
days before or not more than 180 days after the nonimmigrant has attained a
master's degree or higher degree from an institution of higher education (as
defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001(a))).'. [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] `(6) Any alien who ceases to be employed by an
employer described in paragraph (5)(A) shall, if employed as a nonimmigrant
alien described in section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b), be counted toward the numerical
limitations contained in paragraph (1)(A)(iii) the first time the alien is
employed by an employer other than one described in paragraph (5)(A).'. [<-Struck
out]
[Struck out->]
SEC. 4. LIMITATION ON PER COUNTRY CEILING WITH RESPECT TO EMPLOYMENT-BASED
IMMIGRANTS. [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] (a) SPECIAL RULES- Section 202(a) (8 U.S.C.
1152(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: [<-Struck
out]
[Struck out->] `(5) RULES FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRANTS- [<-Struck
out]
[Struck out->] `(A) EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRANTS NOT SUBJECT TO PER
COUNTRY LIMITATION IF ADDITIONAL VISAS AVAILABLE- If the total number of visas
available under paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) of section 203(b) for a
calendar quarter exceeds the number of qualified immigrants who may otherwise
be issued such visas, the visas made available under that paragraph shall be
issued without regard to the numerical limitation under paragraph (2) of this
subsection during the remainder of the calendar quarter. [<-Struck
out]
[Struck out->] `(B) LIMITING FALL ACROSS FOR CERTAIN COUNTRIES
SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (e)- In the case of a foreign state or dependent area to
which subsection (e) applies, if the total number of visas issued under section
203(b) exceeds the maximum number of visas that may be made available to
immigrants of the state or area under section 203(b) consistent with subsection
(e) (determined without regard to this paragraph), in applying subsection (e)
all visas shall be deemed to have been required for the classes of aliens
specified in section 203(b).'. [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS- [<-Struck
out]
[Struck out->] (1) Section 202(a)(2) (8 U.S.C. 1152(a)(2)) is
amended by striking `paragraphs (3) and (4)' and inserting `paragraphs (3),
(4), and (5)'. [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] (2) Section 202(e)(3) (8 U.S.C. 1152(e)(3)) is
amended by striking `the proportion of the visa numbers' and inserting `except
as provided in subsection (a)(5), the proportion of the visa numbers'. [<-Struck
out]
[Struck out->] (c) ONE-TIME PROTECTION UNDER PER COUNTRY CEILING-
Notwithstanding section 214(g)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, any
alien who-- [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] (1) is the beneficiary of a petition filed under
section 204(a) for a preference status under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of
section 203(b); and [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] (2) would be subject to the per country limitations
applicable to immigrants under those paragraphs but for this subsection, [<-Struck
out]
[Struck out->] may apply for, and the Attorney General may grant,
an extension of such nonimmigrant status until the alien's application for
adjustment of status has been processed and a decision made thereon. [<-Struck
out]
[Struck out->]
SEC. 5. INCREASED PORTABILITY OF H-1B STATUS. [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] (a) IN GENERAL- Section 214 of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184) is amended by adding at the end the following
new subsection: [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] `(m)(1) A nonimmigrant alien described in paragraph
(2) who was previously issued a visa or otherwise provided nonimmigrant status
under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) is authorized to accept new employment upon
the filing by the prospective employer of a new petition on behalf of such
nonimmigrant as provided under subsection (a). Employment authorization shall
continue for such alien until the new petition is adjudicated. If the new
petition is denied, employment authorization shall cease. [<-Struck
out]
[Struck out->] `(2) A nonimmigrant alien described in this
paragraph is a nonimmigrant alien-- [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] `(A) who has been lawfully admitted into the United
States; [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] `(B) on whose behalf an employer has filed a
nonfrivolous application for new employment or extension of status before the
date of expiration of the period of stay authorized by the Attorney General;
and [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] `(C) who has not been employed without
authorization in the United States before or during the pendency of such
petition for new employment.'. [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] (b) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by
subsection (a) shall apply to petitions filed before, on, or after the date of
enactment of this Act. [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->]
SEC. 6. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZED STAY IN CASES OF LENGTHY ADJUDICATIONS. [<-Struck
out]
[Struck out->] (a) EXEMPTION FROM LIMITATION- The limitation contained
in section 214(g)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to the
duration of authorized stay shall not apply to any nonimmigrant alien
previously issued a visa or otherwise provided nonimmigrant status under
section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act on whose
behalf a petition under section 204(b) to accord the alien immigrant status
under section 203(b), or an application for adjustment of status under section
245 to accord the alien status under section 203(b), has been filed, if 365
days or more have elapsed since the filing of a labor certification application
on the alien's behalf, if required for the alien to obtain status under section
203(b), or the filing of the petition under section 204(b). [<-Struck
out]
[Struck out->] (b) EXTENSION OF H1-B WORKER STATUS- The Attorney
General shall extend the stay of an alien who qualifies for an exemption under
subsection (a) in one-year increments until such time as a final decision is
made on the alien's lawful permanent residence. [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->]
SEC. 7. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS AND AUTHORITIES THROUGH FISCAL YEAR
2002. [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] (a) ATTESTATION REQUIREMENTS- Section
212(n)(1)(E)(ii)) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1182(n)(1)(E)(ii)) is amended by striking `October 1, 2001' and inserting
`October 1, 2002'. [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] (b) FEE REQUIREMENTS- Section 212(c)(9)(A) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(c)(9)(A)) is amended in the text
above clause (i) by striking `October 1, 2001' and inserting `October 1, 2002'.
[<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] (c) DEPARTMENT OF LABOR INVESTIGATIVE AUTHORITIES-
Section 413(e)(2) of the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act
of 1998 (as contained in title IV of division C of Public Law 105-277) is
amended by striking `September 30, 2001' and inserting `September 30, 2002'. [<-Struck
out]
[Struck out->]
SEC. 8. RECOVERY OF VISAS USED FRAUDULENTLY. [<-Struck out]
[Struck out->] Section 214(g)(3) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184 (g)(3)) is amended to read as follows: [<-Struck
out]
[Struck out->] `(3) Aliens who are subject to the numerical
limitations of paragraph (1) shall be issued visas (or otherwise provided nonimmigrant
status) in the order in which petitions are filed for such visas or status. If
an alien who was issued a visa or otherwise provided nonimmigrant status and
counted against the numerical limitations of paragraph (1) is found to have
been issued such visa or otherwise provided such status by fraud or willfully
misrepresenting a material fact and such visa or nonimmigrant status is
revoked, then one number shall be restored to the total number of aliens who
may be issued visas or otherwise provided such status under the numerical
limitations of paragraph (1) in the fiscal year in which the petition is
revoked, regardless of the fiscal year in which the petition was approved.'. [<-Struck
out]
[Struck out->]
SEC. 9. NSF STUDY AND REPORT ON THE `DIGITAL DIVIDE'. [<-Struck
out]
[Struck out->] (a) STUDY- The National Science Foundation shall
conduct a study of the divergence in access to high technology (commonly
referred to as the `digital divide') in the United States. [<-Struck
out]
[Struck out->] (b) REPORT- Not later than 18 months after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Science Foundation shall
submit a report to Congress setting forth the findings of the study conducted
under subsection (a). [<-Struck out]
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `American Competitiveness in
the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000'.
SEC. 2. TEMPORARY INCREASE IN VISA ALLOTMENTS.
In addition to the number of aliens who may be issued
visas or otherwise provided nonimmigrant status under section
101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101
(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)), the following number of aliens may be issued such visas or
otherwise provided such status for each of the following fiscal years:
(1) 80,000 for fiscal year 2000;
(2) 87,500 for fiscal year 2001; and
(3) 130,000 for fiscal year 2002.
SEC. 3. SPECIAL RULE FOR UNIVERSITIES, RESEARCH FACILITIES, AND
GRADUATE DEGREE RECIPIENTS.
Section 214(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1184(g)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
`(5) The numerical limitations contained in paragraph
(1)(A) shall not apply to any nonimmigrant alien issued a visa or otherwise
provided status under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)--
`(A) who is employed (or has received an offer of
employment) at--
`(i) an institution of higher education (as defined in
section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))), or a
related or affiliated nonprofit entity; or
`(ii) a nonprofit research organization or a
governmental research organization; or
`(B) for whom a petition is filed not more than 90 days
before or not more than 180 days after the nonimmigrant has attained a master's
degree or higher degree from an institution of higher education (as defined in
section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))).
`(6) Any alien who ceases to be employed by an employer
described in paragraph (5)(A) shall, if employed as a nonimmigrant alien
described in section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b), be counted toward the numerical
limitations contained in paragraph (1)(A) the first time the alien is employed
by an employer other than one described in paragraph (5)(A).'.
SEC. 4. LIMITATION ON PER COUNTRY CEILING WITH RESPECT TO
EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRANTS.
(a) SPECIAL RULES- Section 202(a) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1152(a)) is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
`(5) RULES FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRANTS-
`(A) EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRANTS NOT SUBJECT TO PER COUNTRY
LIMITATION IF ADDITIONAL VISAS AVAILABLE- If the total number of visas
available under paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) of section 203(b) for a
calendar quarter exceeds the number of qualified immigrants who may otherwise
be issued such visas, the visas made available under that paragraph shall be
issued without regard to the numerical limitation under paragraph (2) of this
subsection during the remainder of the calendar quarter.
`(B) LIMITING FALL ACROSS FOR CERTAIN COUNTRIES SUBJECT
TO SUBSECTION (e)- In the case of a foreign state or dependent area to which
subsection (e) applies, if the total number of visas issued under section
203(b) exceeds the maximum number of visas that may be made available to
immigrants of the state or area under section 203(b) consistent with subsection
(e) (determined without regard to this paragraph), in applying subsection (e)
all visas shall be deemed to have been required for the classes of aliens
specified in section 203(b).'.
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS-
(1) Section 202(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1152(a)(2)) is amended by striking `paragraphs (3) and (4)' and
inserting `paragraphs (3), (4), and (5)'.
(2) Section 202(e)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1152(e)(3)) is amended by striking `the proportion of the visa
numbers' and inserting `except as provided in subsection (a)(5), the proportion
of the visa numbers'.
(c) ONE-TIME PROTECTION UNDER PER COUNTRY CEILING-
Notwithstanding section 214(g)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, any
alien who--
(1) is the beneficiary of a petition filed under section
204(a) for a preference status under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of section
203(b); and
(2) would be subject to the per country limitations
applicable to immigrants under those paragraphs but for this subsection,
may apply for, and the Attorney General may grant, an
extension of such nonimmigrant status until the alien's application for
adjustment of status has been processed and a decision made thereon.
SEC. 5. INCREASED PORTABILITY OF H-1B STATUS.
(a) IN GENERAL- Section 214 of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184) is amended by adding at the end the following
new subsection:
`(m)(1) A nonimmigrant alien described in paragraph (2)
who was previously issued a visa or otherwise provided nonimmigrant status
under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) is authorized to accept new employment upon
the filing by the prospective employer of a new petition on behalf of such
nonimmigrant as provided under subsection (a). Employment authorization
shall continue for such alien until the new petition is adjudicated. If the new
petition is denied, employment authorization shall cease.
`(2) A nonimmigrant alien described in this paragraph is
a nonimmigrant alien--
`(A) who has been lawfully admitted into the United
States;
`(B) on whose behalf an employer has filed a
nonfrivolous application for new employment or extension of status before the
date of expiration of the period of stay authorized by the Attorney General;
and
`(C) who has not been employed without authorization in
the United States before or during the pendency of such petition for new
employment.'.
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall apply to petitions filed before, on, or after the date of enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 6. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZED STAY IN CASES OF LENGTHY ADJUDICATIONS.
(a) EXEMPTION FROM LIMITATION- The limitation contained
in section 214(g)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to the
duration of authorized stay shall not apply to any nonimmigrant alien
previously issued a visa or otherwise provided nonimmigrant status under
section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act on whose
behalf a petition under section 204(b) to accord the alien immigrant status
under section 203(b), or an application for adjustment of status under section
245 to accord the alien status under section 203(b), has been filed, if 365
days or more have elapsed since the filing of a labor certification application
on the alien's behalf, if such certification is required for the alien to
obtain status under section 203(b), or if 365 days or more have elapsed since
the filing of the petition under section 204(b).
(b) EXTENSION OF H1-B WORKER STATUS- The Attorney General
shall extend the stay of an alien who qualifies for an exemption under
subsection (a) in one-year increments until such time as a final decision is
made on the alien's lawful permanent residence.
SEC. 7. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS AND AUTHORITIES THROUGH
FISCAL YEAR 2002.
(a) ATTESTATION REQUIREMENTS- Section 212(n)(1)(E)(ii))
of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)(E)(ii)) is amended
by striking `October 1, 2001' and inserting `October 1, 2002'.
(b) FEE REQUIREMENTS- Section 214(c)(9)(A) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(9)(A)) is amended in the text
above clause (i) by striking `October 1, 2001' and inserting `October 1, 2002'.
(c) DEPARTMENT OF LABOR INVESTIGATIVE AUTHORITIES-
Section 413(e)(2) of the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act
of 1998 (as contained in title IV of division C of Public Law 105-277) is
amended by striking `September 30, 2001' and inserting `September 30, 2002'.
SEC. 8. RECOVERY OF VISAS USED FRAUDULENTLY.
Section 214(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1184 (g)(3)) is amended to read as follows:
`(3) Aliens who are subject to the numerical limitations
of paragraph (1) shall be issued visas (or otherwise provided nonimmigrant
status) in the order in which petitions are filed for such visas or status. If
an alien who was issued a visa or otherwise provided nonimmigrant status and
counted against the numerical limitations of paragraph (1) is found to have
been issued such visa or otherwise provided such status by fraud or willfully
misrepresenting a material fact and such visa or nonimmigrant status is
revoked, then one number shall be restored to the total number of aliens who
may be issued visas or otherwise provided such status under the numerical limitations
of paragraph (1) in the fiscal year in which the petition is revoked,
regardless of the fiscal year in which the petition was approved.'.
SEC. 9. NSF STUDY AND REPORT ON THE `DIGITAL DIVIDE'.
(a) STUDY- The National Science Foundation shall conduct
a study of the divergence in access to high technology (commonly referred to as
the `digital divide') in the United States.
(b) REPORT- Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Science Foundation shall
submit a report to Congress setting forth the findings of the study conducted
under subsection (a).
SEC. 10. MODIFICATION OF NONIMMIGRANT PETITIONER ACCOUNT PROVISIONS.
(a) ALLOCATION OF FUNDS- Section 286(s) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(s)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking `56.3 percent' and
inserting `36.2 percent';
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking `28.2 percent' and
inserting `30.7 percent'; and
(3) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking `4 percent' and
inserting `2.5 percent'.
(b) LOW-INCOME SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM- Section 414(d)(3) of
the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (as
contained in title IV of division C of Public Law 105-277) is amended by
striking `2,500 per year.' and inserting `3,125 per year. The Director may
renew scholarships for up to 4 years.'.
(c) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRANT PROGRAM- Section
286(s)(4)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(s)) is
amended to read as follows:
`(B) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION COMPETITIVE GRANT
PROGRAM FOR K-12 MATH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION- (i) 25.8 percent of
the amounts deposited into the H-1B Nonimmigrant Petitioner Account shall
remain available to the Director of the National Science Foundation until
expended to carry out a direct and/or matching grant program to support
private-public partnerships in K-12 education.
`(ii) TYPES OF PROGRAMS COVERED- The Director shall
award grants to such programs, including, those which support the development
and implementation of standards-based instructional materials models and
related student assessments that enable K-12 students to acquire an
understanding of science, mathematics, and
technology, as well as to develop critical thinking skills; provide
systemic improvement in training K-12 teachers and education for students in
science, mathematics, and technology; stimulate system-wide K-12 reform of
science, mathematics, and technology in rural, economically disadvantaged
regions of the United States; provide externships and other opportunities for
students to increase their appreciation and understanding of science,
mathematics, engineering, and technology; involve partnerships of industry,
educational institutions, and community organizations to address the
educational needs of disadvantaged communities; and college preparatory support
to expose and prepare students for careers in science, mathematics,
engineering, and technology.'.
(d) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS- Section 414 of the American
Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (as contained in title IV
of division C of Public Law 105-277) is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
`(e) The Secretary of the Department of Labor and the
Director of the National Science Foundation shall--
`(1) track and monitor the performance of programs
receiving H-1B Nonimmigrant Fee grant money; and
`(2) not later than one year after the date of enactment
of this subsection, submit a report to the Committees on the Judiciary of the
House of Representatives and the Senate--
`(A) the tracking system to monitor the performance of
programs receiving H-1B grant funding; and
`(B) the number of individuals who have completed
training and have entered the high-skill workforce through these programs.'.
SEC. 11. KIDS 2000 CRIME PREVENTION AND COMPUTER EDUCATION INITIATIVE.
(a) SHORT TITLE- This section may be cited as the `Kids
2000 Act'.
(b) FINDINGS- Congress makes the following findings:
(1) There is an increasing epidemic of juvenile crime
throughout the United States.
(2) It is well documented that the majority of juvenile
crimes take place during after-school hours.
(3) Knowledge of technology is becoming increasingly
necessary for children in school and out of school.
(4) The Boys and Girls Clubs of America have 2,700 clubs
throughout all 50 States, serving over 3,000,000 boys and girls primarily from
at-risk communities.
(5) The Boys and Girls Clubs of America have the
physical structures in place for immediate implementation of an after-school
technology program.
(6) Building technology centers and providing integrated
content and full-time staffing at those centers in the Boys and Girls Clubs of
America nationwide will help foster education, job training, and an alternative
to crime for at-risk youth.
(7) Partnerships between the public sector and the
private sector are an effective way of providing after-school technology
programs in the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
(8) PowerUp: Bridging the Digital Divide is an entity
comprised of more than a dozen nonprofit organizations, major corporations, and
Federal agencies that have joined together to launch a major new initiative to
help ensure that America's underserved young people acquire the skills,
experiences, and resources they need to succeed in the digital age.
(9) Bringing PowerUp into the Boys and Girls Clubs of
America will be an effective way to ensure that our youth have a safe,
crime-free environment in which to learn the technological skills they need to
close the divide between young people who have access to computer-based
information and technology-related skills and those who do not.
(c) AFTER-SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY GRANTS TO THE BOYS AND GIRLS
CLUBS OF AMERICA-
(1) PURPOSES- The Attorney General shall make grants to
the Boys and Girls Clubs of America for the purpose of funding effective
after-school technology programs, such as PowerUp, in order to provide--
(A) constructive technology-focused activities that are
part of a comprehensive program to provide access to technology and technology
training to youth during after-school hours, weekends, and school vacations;
(B) supervised activities in safe environments for
youth; and
(C) full-time staffing with teachers, tutors, and other
qualified personnel.
(2) SUBAWARDS- The Boys and Girls Clubs of America shall
make subawards to local boys and girls clubs authorizing expenditures
associated with providing technology programs such as PowerUp, including the
hiring of teachers and other personnel, procurement of goods and services,
including computer equipment, or such other purposes as are approved by the
Attorney General.
(d) APPLICATIONS-
(1) ELIGIBILITY- In order to be eligible to receive a
grant under this section, an applicant for a subaward (specified in subsection
(c)(2)) shall submit an application to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, in
such form and containing such information as the Attorney General may
reasonably require.
(2) APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS- Each application submitted
in accordance with paragraph (1) shall include--
(A) a request for a subgrant to be used for the purposes
of this section;
(B) a description of the communities to be served by the
grant, including the nature of juvenile crime, violence, and drug use in the
communities;
(C) written assurances that Federal funds received under
this section will be used to supplement and not supplant, non-Federal funds
that would otherwise be available for activities funded under this section;
(D) written assurances that all activities funded under
this section will be supervised by qualified adults;
(E) a plan for assuring that program activities will
take place in a secure environment that is free of crime and drugs;
(F) a plan outlining the utilization of content-based
programs such as PowerUp, and the provision of trained adult personnel to supervise
the after-school technology training; and
(G) any additional statistical or financial information
that the Boys and Girls Clubs of America may reasonably require.
(e) GRANT AWARDS- In awarding subgrants under this
section, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America shall consider--
(1) the ability of the applicant to provide the intended
services;
(2) the history and establishment of the applicant in
providing youth activities; and
(3) the extent to which services will be provided in
crime-prone areas and technologically underserved populations, and efforts to
achieve an equitable geographic distribution of the grant awards.
(f) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS-
(1) IN GENERAL- There is authorized to be appropriated
$20,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2001 through 2006 to carry out this
section.
(2) SOURCE OF FUNDS- Funds to carry out this section may
be derived from the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund.
(3) CONTINUED AVAILABILITY- Amounts made available under
this subsection shall remain available until expended.
Amend the title to read as follows: `A bill to amend the Immigration and
Nationality Act with respect to H-1B nonimmigrant aliens, and to establish a
crime prevention and computer education initiative.'.
END
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