U.S. Congress - Text of H.R.4088 as Introduced in House SAVE Act of 2007
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To provide immigration reform by securing America's borders, clarifying and enforcing existing laws, and enabling a practical employer verification program.
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HR 4088 IHCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
To provide immigration reform by securing America's borders, clarifying and enforcing existing laws, and enabling a practical employer verification program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
November 6, 2007
Mr. SHULER (for himself, Mr. BILBRAY, Mr. RODRIGUEZ, Mr. ELLSWORTH, Mr. HOLDEN, Mr. GORDON of Tennessee, Mr. MCINTYRE, Mr. MURTHA, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. LINCOLN DAVIS of Tennessee, Mr. BARROW, Mr. ALTMIRE, Mr. SPACE, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. ROSS, Mr. TAYLOR, Mr. BOYD of Florida, Mr. DONNELLY, Mr. HILL, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. BERRY, Mr. CARNEY, Mr. TANNER, Mr. MARSHALL, Mr. COOPER, Mr. LAMPSON, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. BOSWELL, Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania, Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. BOREN, Mr. KAGEN, Mr. UDALL of Colorado, Mr. PERLMUTTER, Mr. STUPAK, Mr. KANJORSKI, Mr. MELANCON, Mr. BOUCHER, Mr. BAIRD, Mr. DAVIS of Alabama, Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas, Ms. BEAN, Mr. MCNERNEY, Mr. ARCURI, Mr. HODES, Mr. GOODLATTE, Mr. FEENEY, Mr. DEAL of Georgia, Mr. WAMP, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. DUNCAN, Mr. RENZI, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. ROYCE, Mr. MILLER of Florida, Mr. PRICE of Georgia, Mr. WALBERG, Mr. JONES of North Carolina, Mr. ROHRABACHER, Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. COBLE, Mr. WESTMORELAND, Mr. ROSKAM, Mr. SMITH of Nebraska, Mr. CULBERSON, Mr. DOOLITTLE, Mr. POE, Mr. HAYES, Mr. HUNTER, Mrs. CAPITO, Mr. SMITH of Texas, Mr. MCCAUL of Texas, Mr. BROUN of Georgia, Mr. SHUSTER, Ms. FALLIN, Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. MCHENRY, Mr. GRAVES, Mr. TANCREDO, Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California, Mr. CALVERT, Mr. WELDON of Florida, Mrs. MYRICK, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina, Mr. BOOZMAN, Mr. INGLIS of South Carolina, Mr. GOODE, and Mr. GINGREY) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Ways and Means, Education and Labor, Oversight and Government Reform, Armed Services, Agriculture, and Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
To provide immigration reform by securing America's borders, clarifying and enforcing existing laws, and enabling a practical employer verification program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the `Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act of 2007' or as the `SAVE Act of 2007'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Table of Contents- The table of contents for this Act is as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE I--SECURING AMERICA'S INTERNATIONAL BORDERS
Subtitle A--Manpower, Technology, and Infrastructure Improvements
Sec. 101. Manpower.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 102. Technology.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 103. Infrastructure.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 104. Aerial vehicles and surveillance systems.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle B--Strategies and Progress Reports for Securing America's Borders
Sec. 111. National strategy to secure the borders.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 112. Accountable financing of a secure border initiative.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle C--Rapid Response Measures
Sec. 121. Deployment of border patrol agents.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 122. Border patrol major assets.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 123. Electronic equipment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 124. Personal equipment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 125. Authorization of appropriations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle D--Border Infrastructure and Technology Modernization
Sec. 131. Definitions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 132. Expansion of commerce security programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle E--Other Border Security Initiatives
Sec. 141. Alien smuggling and terrorism prevention.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 142. Border security on certain Federal land.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle F--Border Law Enforcement
Sec. 151. Short title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 152. Findings.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 153. Border relief grant program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 154. Authorization of appropriations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 155. Regulations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE II--ENDING UNLAWFUL EMPLOYMENT
Subtitle A--Employee Verification
Sec. 201. Mandatory employment authorization verification.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 202. Mandatory notification of SSN mismatches and multiple uses.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 203. Establishment of electronic birth and death registration systems.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 204. Penalty for failure to file correct information returns.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 205. Authorization of appropriations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle B--Nondeductibility of Wages Paid to Unauthorized Aliens
Sec. 211. Clarification that wages paid to unauthorized aliens may not be deducted from gross income.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE III--ENHANCING AND FULLY UTILIZING CURRENT METHODS OF INTERIOR ENFORCEMENT
Sec. 301. Increase investigative efforts.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 302. Increased oversight of agents.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 303. Rewards program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 304. Increased detention facilities for aliens apprehended for illegal entry.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 305. Findings and purpose.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 306. Additional district court judgeships.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 307. Media campaign.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE I--SECURING AMERICA'S INTERNATIONAL BORDERS
Subtitle A--Manpower, Technology, and Infrastructure Improvements
SEC. 101. MANPOWER.
(a) Border Patrol Agents- Section 5202 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (
`SEC. 5202. INCREASE IN FULL-TIME BORDER PATROL AGENTS.
`(a) Annual Increases- The Secretary of Homeland Security shall, subject to the availability of appropriations for such purpose, increase the number of positions for full-time active-duty Border Patrol agents within the Department of Homeland Security (above the number of positions for which funds were appropriated for the preceding fiscal year), by--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(1) 2,500 in fiscal year 2008;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(2) 2,000 in fiscal year 2009;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(3) 1,500 in fiscal year 2010;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(4) 1,000 in fiscal year 2011; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(5) 1,000 in fiscal year 2012.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(b) Allocations- Of the Border Patrol agents hired under subsection (a), 80 percent shall be deployed along the southern border of the United States and 20 percent shall be deployed along the northern border of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(c) Authorization of Appropriations- The necessary funds are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to carry out this section.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Investigative Personnel-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) ADDITIONAL INVESTIGATIVE PERSONNEL FOR ALIEN SMUGGLING- In addition to the positions authorized under section 5203 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, as amended by paragraph (1), during each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012, the Secretary shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, increase by not less than 350 the number of positions for personnel within the Department assigned to specifically investigate alien smuggling.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) ADDITIONAL FUNDS AND PERSONNEL FOR THE TUNNEL TASK FORCE- Subject to appropriations, the fiscal year 2008 budget of the Tunnel Task Force, a joint force comprised of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) personnel tasked to pinpoint tunnels that are utilized by drug lords and `coyotes' to smuggle narcotics, illegal aliens, and weapons of mass destruction, shall be increased by 50 percent above the fiscal year 2007 budget. Such increase shall be used to increase personnel, improve communication and coordination between participant agencies, upgrade technology, and offer cash rewards and appropriate security to individuals who provide the Tunnel Task Force with accurate information on existing tunnels that breach the international borders of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- The necessary funds are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to carry out this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Recruitment of Former Members of the Armed Forces and Members of Reserve Components of the Armed Forces-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) REQUIREMENT FOR PROGRAM- The Secretary, in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, shall establish a program to actively recruit covered members (a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces) or former members of the Armed Forces and National Guard to serve in United States Customs and Border Protection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) REPORT ON RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES- Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense shall jointly submit to the `appropriate' committees of Congress a report that shall include an assessment of the desirability and feasibility of offering an incentive to a covered member or former member of the Armed Forces for the purpose of encouraging such member to serve in United States Customs and Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) the Secretary must provide a description of various monetary and non-monetary incentives considered for purposes of the report; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) the Secretary must provide an assessment of the desirability and feasibility of utilizing any such incentive.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) MAXIMUM STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENTS FOR UNITED STATES BORDER PATROL AGENTS WITH A TWO YEAR COMMITMENT-
`(4) In the case of an employee (otherwise eligible for benefits under this section) who is serving as a full-time active-duty United States Border Patrol agent within the Department of Homeland Security--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(A) paragraph (2)(A) shall be applied by substituting `$20,000' for `$10,000'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(B) paragraph (2)(B) shall be applied by substituting `$80,000' for `$60,000'.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) RECRUITMENT AND RELOCATION BONUSES AND RETENTION ALLOWANCES FOR PERSONNEL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY- The Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that the authority to pay recruitment and relocation bonuses under
(4) DEFINITION- The term `appropriate committees of Congress' means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 102. TECHNOLOGY.
(a) Equipment Sharing Between Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense- The Secretaries of these two departments shall develop and implement a plan to use authorities provided to the Secretary of Defense under chapter 18 of title 10, United States Code, to increase the availability and use of Department of Defense equipment, including unmanned aerial vehicles, tethered aerostat radars, and other surveillance equipment, to assist the Secretary in carrying out surveillance activities conducted at or near the international land borders of the United States to prevent illegal immigration.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Report- Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act (and then annually from that point), the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report that contains--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) a description of the current use of Department of Defense equipment to assist the Secretary in carrying out surveillance of the international land borders of the United States and assessment of the potential risks to citizens of the United States and key foreign policy interests associated with the use of such equipment;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) the plan developed under subsection (a) to increase the use of Department of Defense equipment to assist such surveillance activities; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) a description of the types of equipment and other support to be provided by the Secretary of Defense under such plan during the 1-year period beginning on the date of the submission of the report.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Secure Communication- The secretary shall, as expeditiously as practicable, develop and implement a plan to improve the use of satellite communications and other technologies to ensure clear and secure 2-way communication capabilities--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) among all Border Patrol agents conducting operations between ports of entry;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) between Border Patrol agents and their respective Border Patrol stations; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) between all appropriate law enforcement agencies of the Department and State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Other Technology Upgrades- The Secretary shall purchase and implement new technology to secure the borders, including, but not limited to drones, infrared cameras, sensors, mobile lighting units, radar and infrared heat.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Authorization of Appropriations- The necessary funds are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to carry out this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 103. INFRASTRUCTURE.
(a) Infrastructure Improvements- Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall construct or purchase--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) office facilities to accommodate additional border patrol manpower;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) sport utility vehicles for officers;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) all weather roads for better vehicle access and performance on remote and rugged terrain (road construction should be done in consultation with the owner of the land and take into account any environmental or other land-use issues that are relevant);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) additional fencing (and aesthetic fencing in business districts) in urban areas of the border; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) vehicle barriers, to support, not replace, manpower, in rural and remote areas of the border necessary to achieve operational control of the international borders of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Authorization of Appropriations- The necessary funds are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to carry out this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 104. AERIAL VEHICLES AND SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS.
(a) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot Program- During the 1-year period beginning on the date on which the report is submitted under section 102(b), the Secretary shall conduct a pilot program to test unmanned aerial vehicles for border surveillance along the international border between Canada and the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Associated Infrastructure- The Secretary shall acquire and maintain unmanned aerial vehicles and related equipment for use to patrol the international borders of the United States, including equipment such as--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) additional sensors;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) satellite command and control; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) other necessary equipment for operational support.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Authorization of Appropriations-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for each of the fiscal years 2008 and 2009 such sums as may be necessary to carry out subsection (b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS- Amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in paragraph (1) are authorized to remain available until expended.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Aerial Surveillance Program-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- In conjunction with the border surveillance plan developed under section 5201 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (
(2) ASSESSMENT AND CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS- In developing the program under this subsection, the Secretary shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) consider current and proposed aerial surveillance technologies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) assess the feasibility and advisability of utilizing such technologies to address border threats, including an assessment of the technologies considered best suited to address respective threats;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) consult with the Secretary of Defense regarding any technologies or equipment, which the Secretary may deploy along an international border of the United States; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) consult with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration regarding safety, airspace coordination and regulation, and any other issues necessary for implementation of the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- The necessary funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Integrated and Automated Surveillance Program-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) REQUIREMENT FOR PROGRAM- Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall establish a program to procure additional unmanned aerial vehicles, drones, cameras, poles, sensors, satellites, radar coverage, and other technologies necessary to achieve operational control of the international borders of the United States and to establish a security perimeter known as a `virtual fence' along such international borders to provide a barrier to illegal immigration.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) PROGRAM COMPONENTS- The Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum extent feasible, that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) the technologies utilized in the Integrated and Automated Surveillance Program are integrated and function cohesively in an automated fashion, including the integration of motion sensor alerts and cameras in a manner where a sensor alert automatically activates a corresponding camera to pan and tilt in the direction of the triggered sensor;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) cameras utilized in the program do not have to be manually operated;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) such camera views and positions are not fixed;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) surveillance video taken by such cameras is able to be viewed at multiple designated communications centers;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) a standard process is used to collect and record, catalog, and report intrusion and response data collected under the Program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(F) future remote surveillance technology investments and upgrades for the program can be integrated with existing systems;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(G) performance measures are developed and applied that can evaluate whether the program is providing desired results and increasing response effectiveness in monitoring and detecting illegal intrusions along the international borders of the United States;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(H) plans are developed under the program to streamline site selection and site validation processes to minimize delays of installing surveillance technology infrastructure;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) standards are developed under the program to expand the shared use of existing private and governmental structures to install remote surveillance technology infrastructure where possible;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(J) standards are developed under the program to identify and deploy the use of nonpermanent or mobile surveillance platforms that will increase the Secretary's mobility and ability to identify illegal border intrusions; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(K) Border Patrol agents respond to each reported intrusion that appears to involve aliens or smugglers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) EVALUATION OF CONTRACTORS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) REQUIREMENT FOR STANDARDS- The Secretary shall develop appropriate standards to evaluate the performance of any contractor providing goods or services to carry out the Integrated and Automated Surveillance Program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) REVIEW BY THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) IN GENERAL- The Comptroller General of the United States shall review each new contract related to the Program and should report to Congress regarding contracts with a value of more than $5,000,000 in a timely manner, to determine whether such contract fully complies with applicable cost requirements, performance objectives, program milestones, and schedules.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) REPORTS- The Comptroller General of the United States shall report the findings of each review carried out under clause (i) to the Secretary in a timely manner.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- The necessary funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle B--Strategies and Progress Reports for Securing America's Borders
SEC. 111. NATIONAL STRATEGY TO SECURE THE BORDERS.
(a) Requirement for National Strategy- The Secretary, in consultation with the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, shall develop a national strategy to secure the borders that describes actions to be carried out to achieve operational control over all ports of entry into the United States and the international land and maritime borders of the United States by December 31, 2010.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Content- The national strategy to secure the borders shall include the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) An assessment of the threats posed by terrorists and terrorist groups that may try to infiltrate the United States at locations along the international land and maritime borders of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) A risk assessment for all United States ports of entry and all portions of the international land and maritime borders of the United States that includes a description of activities being undertaken--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) to prevent the entry of terrorists, other unlawful aliens, instruments of terrorism, narcotics, and other contraband into the United States; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) to protect critical infrastructure at or near such ports of entry or borders.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) An assessment of the most appropriate, practical, and cost-effective means of defending the international land and maritime borders of the United States against threats to security and illegal transit, including intelligence capacities, technology, equipment, personnel, and training needed to address security vulnerabilities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) An assessment of staffing needs for all border security functions, taking into account threat and vulnerability information pertaining to the borders and the impact of new security programs, policies, and technologies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) A description of the border security roles and missions of Federal Government, State government, local government, and tribal authorities, and recommendations regarding actions the Secretary can carry out to improve coordination with such authorities to enable border security and enforcement activities to be carried out in a more efficient and effective manner.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) An assessment of existing efforts and technologies used for border security and the effect of the use of such efforts and technologies on civil rights, private property rights, privacy rights, and civil liberties, including an assessment of efforts to take into account asylum seekers, trafficking victims, unaccompanied minor aliens, refugees and other vulnerable populations, as well as the effects on Americans living in the border region and local, State, and Federal law enforcement officers working in the border region.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(7) A prioritized list of research and development objectives to enhance the security of the international land and maritime borders of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(8) A description of ways to ensure that the free flow of lawful travel and commerce is not unreasonably diminished by efforts, activities, and programs aimed at securing the international land and maritime borders of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(9) An assessment of additional detention facilities and beds that are needed to detain unlawful aliens apprehended at United States ports of entry or along the international land borders of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(10) A description of the performance metrics to be used to ensure accountability by the bureaus of the Department in implementing such strategy.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(11) A schedule for the implementation of the security measures described in said strategy, including a prioritization of security measures, realistic deadlines for addressing the security and enforcement needs, an estimate of the resources needed to carry out such measures, and a description of how such resources should be allocated.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Consultation- In developing the national strategy for border security, the Secretary shall consult with representatives of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) State, local, and tribal governmental authorities with responsibility for locations along the international land and maritime borders of the United States; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) appropriate private sector entities, nongovernmental organizations, and affected communities that have expertise in areas related to border security.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Coordination- The national strategy for border security shall be consistent with the National Strategy for Maritime Security developed pursuant to Homeland Security Presidential Directive 13, dated December 21, 2004.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Submission to Congress-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) STRATEGY- Not later than December 31, 2008, the Secretary shall submit to Congress the national strategy for border security.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) UPDATES- The Secretary shall submit to Congress any update of such strategy that the Secretary determines is necessary, not later than 30 days after such update is developed.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(f) Immediate Action- Nothing in this section may be construed to relieve the Secretary of the responsibility 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.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 112. ACCOUNTABLE FINANCING OF A SECURE BORDER INITIATIVE.
(a) Comptroller General of the United States-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) ACTION- If the Comptroller General of the United States becomes aware of any improper conduct or wrongdoing in the course of conducting a contract review under the Secure Border Initiative, the Comptroller General of the United States shall, as expeditiously as practicable, refer information relating to such improper conduct or wrongdoing to Congress and to the Secretary of Homeland Security, or to another appropriate official of the Department of Homeland Security, who shall determine whether to temporarily suspend the contractor from further participation in the Secure Border Initiative or make said contract null and void.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) REPORT- Upon the completion of each review described in paragraph (1), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress and to the Secretary a report containing the findings of the review, including findings regarding--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) cost overruns;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) significant delays in contract execution;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) lack of rigorous departmental contract management;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) insufficient departmental financial oversight;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) bundling that limits the ability of small businesses to compete; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(F) other high-risk business practices.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Reports by the Secretary-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- Not later than 30 days after the receipt of each report required under subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, that describes the steps the Secretary has taken, or plans to take, to address the problems identified in such report.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) CONTRACTS WITH FOREIGN COMPANIES- Not later than 60 days after the initiation of each contract action with a company whose headquarters are not based in the United States, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives, regarding the Secure Border Initiative.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Reports on United States Ports- Not later that 60 days after receiving information regarding a proposed purchase of a contract to manage the operations of a United States port by a foreign entity, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit a report to Congress that describes--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) the proposed purchase;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) any security concerns related to the proposed purchase; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) the manner in which such security concerns have been addressed.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle C--Rapid Response Measures
SEC. 121. DEPLOYMENT OF BORDER PATROL AGENTS.
(a) Emergency Deployment of Border Patrol Agents-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- If the Governor of a State on an international border of the United States declares an international border security emergency and requests additional agents of the Border Patrol (referred to in this subtitle as `agents') from the Secretary, the Secretary, subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), may provide the State with not more than 1,000 additional agents for the purpose of patrolling and defending the international border, in order to prevent individuals from crossing the international border into the United States at any location other than an authorized port of entry.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) CONSULTATION- Upon receiving a request for agents under paragraph (1), the Secretary, after consultation with the President, shall grant such request to the extent that providing such agents will not significantly impair the Department's ability to provide border security for any other State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) COLLECTIVE BARGAINING- Emergency deployments under this subsection shall be made in accordance with all applicable collective bargaining agreements and obligations under current law.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Flexible Deployment of Border Patrol Agents- The Secretary shall ensure that agents are not precluded from performing patrol duties and apprehending violators of law, except in unusual circumstances if the temporary use of fixed deployment positions is necessary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 122. BORDER PATROL MAJOR ASSETS.
(a) Control of Department of Homeland Security Assets- The Department of Homeland Security shall have exclusive administrative and operational control over all the assets utilized in carrying out its mission, including aircraft, watercraft, vehicles, detention space, transportation, and all of the personnel associated with such assets.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Helicopters and Power Boats-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) HELICOPTERS- The Secretary shall increase the number of helicopters under the control of the Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Secretary shall ensure that appropriate types and quantities of helicopters are procured for the various missions being performed.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) POWER BOATS- The Secretary shall increase the number of power boats under the control of the Border Patrol. The Secretary shall ensure that the types of power boats that are procured are appropriate for both the waterways in which they are used and the mission requirements.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) USE AND TRAINING- The Secretary shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) establish an overall policy on how the helicopters and power boats procured under this subsection will be used; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) implement training programs for the agents who use such assets, including safe operating procedures and rescue operations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Motor Vehicles-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) QUANTITY- The Secretary shall establish a fleet of motor vehicles appropriate for use by the Border Patrol that will permit a ratio of not less than 1 police-type vehicle for every 4 agents with safety glass and other protections. The Secretary shall ensure that there are sufficient numbers and types of other motor vehicles to support the mission of the Border Patrol.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) FEATURES- All motor vehicles purchased for the Border Patrol shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) be appropriate for the mission of the Border Patrol; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) have a panic button and a global positioning system device that is activated solely in emergency situations to track the location of agents in distress.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 123. ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT.
(a) Portable Computers- The Secretary shall ensure that each police-type motor vehicle in the fleet of the Border Patrol is equipped with a portable computer with access to all necessary law enforcement databases and otherwise suited to the unique operational requirements of the Border Patrol.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Radio Equipment- The Secretary shall augment the existing radio communications system so that all law enforcement personnel, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, working in each area where Border Patrol operations are conducted have clear and encrypted 2-way radio communication capabilities at all times. Each portable communications device shall be equipped with a panic button and a global positioning system device that is activated solely in emergency situations to track the location of agents in distress.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Handheld Global Positioning System Devices- The Secretary shall ensure that Border Patrol agents are issued a state-of-the-art handheld global positioning system device for navigational purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Night Vision Equipment- The Secretary shall ensure that sufficient quantities of state-of-the-art night vision equipment are procured and maintained to enable each Border Patrol agent working during the hours of darkness to be equipped with a portable night vision device.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 124. PERSONAL EQUIPMENT.
(a) Body Armor- The Secretary shall ensure that every agent on duty is issued high-quality body armor that is appropriate for the climate and risks faced by the agent. Enough body armor must be purchased to cover every agent in the field.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Weapons- The Secretary shall ensure that agents are equipped with weapons that are reliable and effective to protect themselves, their fellow agents, and innocent third parties from the threats posed by armed criminals. The Secretary shall ensure that the policies of the Department authorize all agents to carry weapons that are suited to the potential threats that they face, and that all agents receive appropriate training in the use of such weapons.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Uniforms- The Secretary shall ensure that all agents are provided with all necessary uniform items, including outerwear suited to the climate, footwear, belts, holsters, and personal protective equipment, at no cost to such agents. Such items shall be replaced at no cost to such agents as such items become worn or unserviceable or no longer fit properly.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 125. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to carry out this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle D--Border Infrastructure and Technology Modernization
SEC. 131. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) COMMISSIONER- The term `Commissioner' means the Commissioner of United States Customs and Border Protection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) NORTHERN BORDER- The term `northern border' means the international border between the United States and Canada.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) SOUTHERN BORDER- The term `southern border' means the international border between the United States and Mexico.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 132. EXPANSION OF COMMERCE SECURITY PROGRAMS.
(a) Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commissioner, in consultation with the Secretary, shall develop a plan to expand the programs of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism established pursuant to section 211 of the SAFE Port Act (
(A) The Business Anti-Smuggling Coalition.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) The Carrier Initiative Program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) The Americas Counter Smuggling Initiative.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) The Container Security Initiative established pursuant to section 205 of the SAFE Port Act (
(E) The Free and Secure Trade Initiative.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(F) Other industry partnership programs administered by the Commissioner.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Demonstration Program- Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commissioner shall establish a demonstration program to develop a cooperative trade security system to improve supply chain security.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle E--Other Border Security Initiatives
SEC. 141. ALIEN SMUGGLING AND TERRORISM PREVENTION.
(a) Checks Against Terrorist Watchlist- The Department of Homeland Security shall check against all available terrorist watchlists those alien smugglers and smuggled individuals who are interdicted at the land, air, and sea borders of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Strengthening Prosecution and Punishment of Alien Smugglers- Section 274(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (
(1) by amending the subsection heading to read as follows: `Smuggling of Unlawful and Terrorist Aliens- ';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by redesignating clause (iv) of paragraph (1)(B) as clause (vii);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) in paragraph (1), by striking `(1)(A)' and all that follows through clause (iii) of subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(1)(A) Whoever, knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that an individual is an alien who lacks lawful authority to come to, enter, or reside in the United States, knowingly--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(i) brings that individual to the United States in any manner whatsoever regardless of any future official action which may be taken with respect to such alien;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(ii) recruits, encourages, or induces that individual to come to, enter, or reside in the United States;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(iii) transports or moves that individual in the United States, in furtherance of their unlawful presence; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(iv) harbors, conceals, or shields from detection the individual in any place in the United States, including any building or any means of transportation, or attempts or conspires to do so, shall be punished as provided in subparagraph (C).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(B) Whoever, knowing that an individual is an alien, brings that individual to the United States in any manner whatsoever at a place other than a designated port of entry or place other than as designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security, regardless of whether such alien has received prior official authorization to come to, enter, or reside in the United States and regardless of any future official action which may be taken with respect to such alien, or attempts or conspires to do so, shall be punished as provided in subparagraph (C).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(C) A violator of this paragraph shall, for each alien in respect to whom such a violation occurs--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(i) unless the offense is otherwise described in another clause of this subparagraph, be fined under title 18, United States Code or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(ii) if the offense involved the transit of the defendant's spouse, child, sibling, parent, grandparent, or niece or nephew, and the offense is not described in any of clauses (iii) through (vii), be fined under title 18, United States Code or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(iii) if the offense is a violation of paragraphs (1)(A)(ii), (iii), or (iv), or paragraph (1)(B), and was committed for the purpose of profit, commercial advantage, or private financial gain, be fined under title 18, United States Code or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(iv) if the offense is a violation of paragraph (1)(A)(i) and was committed for the purpose of profit, commercial advantage, or private financial gain, or if the offense was committed with the intent or reason to believe that the individual unlawfully brought into the United States will commit an offense against the United States or any State that is punishable by imprisonment for more than 1 year, be fined under title 18, United States Code, and imprisoned, in the case of a first or second violation, not less than 3 nor more than 10 years, and for any other violation, not less than 5 nor more than 15 years; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(v) if the offense results in serious bodily injury (as defined in
`(vi) if the offense involved an individual who the defendant knew was engaged in or intended to engage in terrorist activity (as defined in section 212(a)(3)(B)), be fined under title 18, United States Code or imprisoned not more than 30 years, or both; and';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) in the clause (vii) so redesignated by paragraph (2) of this subsection (which now becomes clause (vii) of the new subparagraph (C))--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) by striking `in the case' and all that follows through `(v) resulting' and inserting `if the offense results'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) by inserting `and if the offense involves kidnapping, an attempt to kidnap, the conduct required for aggravated sexual abuse (as defined in section 2241 without regard to where it takes place), or an attempt to commit such abuse, or an attempt to kill, be fined under such title or imprisoned for any term of years or life, or both' after `or both'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) by striking existing subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) (without affecting the new subparagraph (C) added by the amendments made by this Act) and all that follows through paragraph (2) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(2)(A) There is extraterritorial jurisdiction over the offenses described in paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(B) In a prosecution for a violation of, or an attempt or conspiracy to violate subsection (a)(1)(A)(i), (a)(1)(A)(ii), or (a)(1)(B), that occurs on the high seas, no defense based on necessity can be raised unless the defendant--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(i) as soon as practicable, reported to the Coast Guard the circumstances of the necessity, and if a rescue is claimed, the name, description, registry number, and location of the vessel engaging in the rescue; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(ii) did not bring, attempt to bring, or in any manner intentionally facilitate the entry of any alien into the land territory of the United States without lawful authority, unless exigent circumstances existed that placed the life of that alien in danger, in which case the reporting requirement set forth in clause (i) of this subparagraph is satisfied by notifying the Coast Guard as soon as practicable after delivering the alien to emergency medical or law enforcement personnel ashore.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(C) It is a defense to a violation of, or an attempt or conspiracy to violate, clause (iii) or (iv) of subsection (a)(1)(A) for a religious denomination having a bona fide nonprofit, religious organization in the United States, or the agents or officer of such denomination or organization, to encourage, invite, call, allow, or enable an alien who is present in the United States to perform the vocation of a minister or missionary for the denomination or organization in the United States as a volunteer who is not compensated as an employee, notwithstanding the provision of room, board, travel, medical assistance, and other basic living expenses, provided the minister or missionary has been a member of the denomination for at least one year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(D) For purposes of this paragraph and paragraph (1)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(i) the term `United States' means the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(ii) the term `lawful authority' means permission, authorization, or waiver that is expressly provided for in the immigration laws of the United States or the regulations prescribed under those laws and does not include any such authority secured by fraud or otherwise obtained in violation of law or authority that has been sought but not approved.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Maritime Law Enforcement-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) PENALTIES- Subsection (b) of
`(b)(1) Whoever intentionally violates this section shall, unless the offense is described in paragraph (2), be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(2) If the offense--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(A) is committed in the course of a violation of section 274 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (alien smuggling); chapter 77 (peonage, slavery, and trafficking in persons), section 111 (shipping), 111A (interference with vessels), 113 (stolen property), or 117 (transportation for illegal sexual activity) of this title; chapter 705 (maritime drug law enforcement) of title 46, or title II of the Act of June 15, 1917 (Chapter 30; 40 Stat. 220), the offender shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(B) results in serious bodily injury (as defined in section 1365 of this title) or transportation under inhumane conditions, the offender shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(C) results in death or involves kidnapping, an attempt to kidnap, the conduct required for aggravated sexual abuse (as defined in section 2241 without regard to where it takes place), or an attempt to commit such abuse, or an attempt to kill, be fined under such title or imprisoned for any term of years or life, or both.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) LIMITATION ON NECESSITY DEFENSE-
(A) by inserting `(1)' after `(c)';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(2) In a prosecution for a violation of this section, no defense based on necessity can be raised unless the defendant--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(A) as soon as practicable upon reaching shore, delivered the person with respect to which the necessity arose to emergency medical or law enforcement personnel;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(B) as soon as practicable, reported to the Coast Guard the circumstances of the necessity resulting giving rise to the defense; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(C) did not bring, attempt to bring, or in any manner intentionally facilitate the entry of any alien, as that term is defined in section 101(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (
(3) DEFINITION-
(A) by striking `and' at the end of paragraph (3);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (4) and inserting `; and'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(5) the term `transportation under inhumane conditions' means the transportation of persons in an engine compartment, storage compartment, or other confined space, transportation at an excessive speed, transportation of a number of persons in excess of the rated capacity of the means of transportation, or intentionally grounding a vessel in which persons are being transported.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Amendment to the Sentencing Guidelines-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- Pursuant to its authority under
(2) CONSIDERATIONS- In carrying out this subsection, the Sentencing Commission, shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) consider providing sentencing enhancements or stiffening existing enhancements for those convicted of offenses described in paragraph (1) of this subsection that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) involve a pattern of continued and flagrant violations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) are part of an ongoing commercial organization or enterprise;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) involve aliens who were transported in groups of 10 or more;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iv) involve the transportation or abandonment of aliens in a manner that endangered their lives; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(v) involve the facilitation of terrorist activity; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) consider cross-references to the guidelines for Criminal Sexual Abuse and Attempted Murder.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) EXPEDITED PROCEDURES- The Commission may promulgate the guidelines or amendments under this subsection in accordance with the procedures set forth in section 21(a) of the Sentencing Act of 1987, as though the authority under that Act had not expired.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 142. BORDER SECURITY ON CERTAIN FEDERAL LAND.
(a) Definitions- In this section:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) PROTECTED LAND- The term `protected land' means land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) SECRETARY CONCERNED- The term `Secretary concerned' means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Agriculture; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of the Interior.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Border Protection Strategy- The Secretary, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Secretary of Agriculture shall jointly develop a border protection strategy that supports the border security needs of the United States in the manner that best protects--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) units of the National Park System;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) National Forest System land;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) land under the jurisdiction of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) other relevant land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Additional Uniformed Law Enforcement Officers and Special Agents of the Department of the Interior- There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior for employment of uniformed law enforcement officers and special agents, in addition to the number of such officers and agents employed immediately before the enactment of this Act, such sums as may be necessary for--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) 22 such officers of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) 4 for California;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) 9 for Arizona;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) 2 for New Mexico; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) 7 for Texas;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) 2 such agents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, for Texas;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) 22 such officers of the National Park Service, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) 13 for Arizona; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) 9 for Texas;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) 2 such agents of the National Park Service, for Texas;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) 19 such officers of the Bureau of Land Management, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) 5 for California;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) 4 for Arizona;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) 4 for New Mexico; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) 6 for Texas;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) 2 such agents of the Bureau of Land Management, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) 1 for California;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) 2 for Arizona; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) 1 for New Mexico; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(7) one such agent of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, for Texas.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Additional Special Assistant United States Attorney- There are authorized to be appropriated to the Attorney General such sums as may be necessary to increase by 1 the number of special assistant United States attorneys in the district of Arizona dedicated to prosecution of cases generated by the Secretary of Interior, in addition to the number of such attorneys appointed immediately before the enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle F--Border Law Enforcement
SEC. 151. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Border Law Enforcement Act'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 152. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(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 unauthorized aliens and illegal drugs into the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(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.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(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.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(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.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(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.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(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.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(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.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(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.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 153. BORDER RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General- From amounts made available under section 154, the Secretary of Homeland Security may make grants to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) sheriffs' offices of counties any part of which is within 25 miles of the southern border of the United States; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) police departments serving a city, town, or other political subdivision in a county any part of which is within 25 miles of the southern border of the United States (including tribal police departments serving a community any part of which is within 25 miles of such border).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Use of Funds-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- Grant funds received under subsection (a) may be used for the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) To conduct law enforcement operations in order to enforce criminal laws, prevent and punish criminal activity, and protect the lives, property, and security of the people within the jurisdiction of the grant recipient.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) To transfer aliens detained or in the custody of the grant recipient who are not lawfully present in the United States to appropriate Federal law enforcement officials.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) To enforce State and Federal laws relating to controlled substance trafficking and enforce other State and Federal criminal laws.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) PAYMENT OF COSTS- Use of funds under paragraph (1) shall include payment for costs of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) hiring, equipping, training, and otherwise controlling the operations and deployment of, law enforcement officials engaged in duties described in paragraph (1), as well as the costs of paying overtime to such officials; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) detaining, housing, and transporting aliens who are not lawfully present in the United States, and who are taken into custody by the grant recipient, until the aliens are transferred to appropriate Federal law enforcement officials.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) DETENTION FACILITIES- In accordance with paragraph (2)(B), grant funds received under subsection (a) may be used for the construction, maintenance, and operation of detention facilities to detain aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States, except that not more than 20 percent of such funds may be used for the construction or renovation of detention or similar facilities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Application-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- Each eligible law enforcement agency seeking a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary of Homeland Security at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary of Homeland Security may reasonably require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) CONTENTS- Each application submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) describe the activities for which assistance under this section is sought; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) provide such additional assurances as the Secretary of Homeland Security determines to be essential to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 154. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out this Act $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and each succeeding fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 155. REGULATIONS.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall issue regulations to carry out this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE II--ENDING UNLAWFUL EMPLOYMENT
Subtitle A--Employee Verification
SEC. 201. MANDATORY EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION VERIFICATION.
(a) Making Basic Pilot Program Permanent- Section 401(b) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (
(b) Mandatory Use of E-Verify System-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), every person or other entity that hires one or more individuals for employment in the United States shall verify through the E-Verify program, established as the basic pilot program by section 403(a) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (division C of
(2) SELECT ENTITIES REQUIRED TO USE E-VERIFY PROGRAM IMMEDIATELY- The following entities must satisfy the requirement in paragraph (1) by not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) FEDERAL AGENCIES- Each department and agency of the Federal Government.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) FEDERAL CONTRACTORS- A contractor that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) has entered into a contract with the Federal Government to which section 2(b)(1) of the Service Contract Act of 1965 (
(ii) has entered into a contract exempted from the application of such Act by section 6 of such Act (
(C) LARGE EMPLOYERS- An employer that employs more than 250 individuals in the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) PHASING-IN FOR OTHER EMPLOYERS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) 2 YEARS FOR EMPLOYERS OF 100 OR MORE- Entities that employ 100 or more individuals in the United States must satisfy the requirement in paragraph (1) by not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) 3 YEARS FOR EMPLOYERS WITH 30 OR MORE EMPLOYEES- All entities that employ 30 or more individuals in the United States must satisfy the requirement in paragraph (1) by not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) 4 YEARS FOR ALL EMPLOYERS- All entities that employ one or more individuals in the United States must satisfy the requirement in paragraph (1) by not later than four years after the date of the enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) VERIFYING EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION OF CURRENT EMPLOYEES- Every person or other entity that employs one or more persons in the United States shall verify through the E-Verify program by not later than four years after the date of the enactment of this Act that each employee is authorized to work in the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) DEFENSE- An employer who has complied with the requirements in paragraphs (1) and (4) shall not be liable for hiring an unauthorized alien, if--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) such hiring occurred due to an error in the E-Verify program that was unknown to the employer at the time of such hiring; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) the employer terminates the employment of the alien upon being informed of the error.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) SANCTIONS FOR NONCOMPLIANCE- The failure of an employer to comply with the requirements in paragraphs (1) or (4) shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) be treated as a violation of section 274A(a)(1)(B) with respect to each offense; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) create a rebuttable presumption that the employer has violated section 274A(a)(1)(A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(7) VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION OF EMPLOYERS NOT IMMEDIATELY SUBJECT TO REQUIREMENT- Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as preventing a person or other entity that is not immediately subject to the requirement of paragraph (1) pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) from voluntarily using the E-Verify program to verify the employment authorization of new hires or current employees.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(8) STATE INTERFERENCE- No State may prohibit a person or other entity from using the E-verify program to verify the employment authorization of new hires or current employees.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 202. MANDATORY NOTIFICATION OF SSN MISMATCHES AND MULTIPLE USES.
(a) Notification of Mismatched Name and Social Security Number- The Commissioner of Social Security shall notify on an annual basis each United States employer with one or more employees whose social security account number does not match the employees name or date of birth in the Commissioners records. Such notification shall instruct employers to notify listed employees that they have 10 business days to correct the mismatch with the Social Security Administration or the employer will be required to terminate their employment. The notification also shall inform employers that they may not terminate listed employees prior to the close of the 10-day period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Notification of Multiple Uses of Individual Social Security Numbers- Prior to crediting any individual with concurrent earnings from more than one employer, the Commissioner of Social Security shall notify the individual that earnings from two or more employers are being reported under the individual's social security account number. Such notice shall include, at a minimum, the name and location of each employer and shall direct the individual to contact the Social Security Administration to submit proof that the individual is the person to whom the social security account number was issued and, if applicable, to submit, either in person or via electronic transmission, a pay stub or other documentation showing that such individual is employed by both or all employers reporting earnings to that social security account number.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Information Sharing With the Department of Homeland Security-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) Not later than 180 days following the date of enactment of this act, the Commissioner of Social Security shall promulgate regulations in accord with section 1306, title 42 (
(2) Information to be shared with the Secretary shall include, at a minimum, the name and mailing address of all employees who are the subject of an unresolved mismatch notification or who are unauthorized users of another individual's social security account number.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 203. ESTABLISHMENT OF ELECTRONIC BIRTH AND DEATH REGISTRATION SYSTEMS.
(a) In consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Commissioner of Social Security, the Secretary shall take the following actions:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) Work with the States to establish a common data set and common data exchange protocol for electronic birth registration systems and death registration systems.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) Coordinate requirements for such systems to align with a national model.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) Ensure that fraud prevention is built into the design of electronic vital registration systems in the collection of vital event data, the issuance of birth certificates, and the exchange of data among government agencies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) Ensure that electronic systems for issuing birth certificates, in the form of printed abstracts of birth records or digitized images, employ a common format of the certified copy, so that those requiring such documents can quickly confirm their validity.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) Establish uniform field requirements for State birth registries.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, establish a process with the Department of Defense that will result in the sharing of data, with the States and the Social Security Administration, regarding deaths of United States military personnel and the birth and death of their dependents.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(7) Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, establish a process with the Department of State to improve registration, notification, and the sharing of data with the States and the Social Security Administration, regarding births and deaths of United States citizens abroad.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(8) Not later than 3 years after the date of establishment of databases provided for under this section, require States to record and retain electronic records of pertinent identification information collected from requestors who are not the registrants.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(9) Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, submit to Congress a report on whether there is a need for Federal laws to address penalties for fraud and misuse of vital records and whether violations are sufficiently enforced.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 204. PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO FILE CORRECT INFORMATION RETURNS.
Section 6721 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (
`(f) The Secretary shall assess the maximum allowable penalties on 100 percent of the employers designated in any tax year by the Social Security Administration as the most egregious noncompliant employers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(g) Notwithstanding any other provision in this section, in the case of a failure described in subsection (a)(2) with respect to any person employing an alien not authorized to be so employed, the penalty under this section shall be determined in accordance with the following table:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
---------------------------------------------------CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
In the case of-- Not less than-- Not more than-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
---------------------------------------------------CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
The first offense $2,500 $5,000 CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
The second offense $7,500 $10,000 CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
The third offense $25,000 $40,000.'. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
---------------------------------------------------CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 205. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be required to carry out this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle B--Nondeductibility of Wages Paid to Unauthorized Aliens
SEC. 211. CLARIFICATION THAT WAGES PAID TO UNAUTHORIZED ALIENS MAY NOT BE DEDUCTED FROM GROSS INCOME.
(a) In General- Subsection (c) of section 162 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to illegal bribes, kickbacks, and other payments) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(4) WAGES PAID TO OR ON BEHALF OF UNAUTHORIZED ALIENS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(A) IN GENERAL- No deduction shall be allowed under subsection (a) for any wage paid to or on behalf of an unauthorized alien, as defined under section 274A(h)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (
`(B) WAGES- For the purposes of this paragraph, the term `wages' means all remuneration for employment, including the cash value of all remuneration (including benefits) paid in any medium other than cash.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(C) SAFE HARBOR- If a person or other entity is participating in the basic pilot program described in section 403 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (
(b) 6-Year Limitation on Assessment and Collection- Subsection (c) of section 6501 of such Code (relating to exceptions) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(11) DEDUCTION CLAIMED FOR WAGES PAID TO UNAUTHORIZED ALIENS- In the case of a return of tax on which a deduction is shown in violation of section 162(c)(4), any tax under chapter 1 may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection of such tax may be begun without assessment, at any time within 6 years after the return was filed.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Use of Documentation for Enforcement Purposes- Section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (
(1) in subparagraph (b)(5), by inserting `, section 162(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,' after `enforcement of this Act';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in subparagraph (d)(2)(F), by inserting `, section 162(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,' after `enforcement of this Act'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) in subparagraph (d)(2)(G), by inserting `section 162(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or' after `or enforcement of'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Availability of Information- The Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security shall make available to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue any information related to the investigation and enforcement of section 162(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, including any no-match letter and any information in the earnings suspense file.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Effective Date-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), this Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2007.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE III--ENHANCING AND FULLY UTILIZING CURRENT METHODS OF INTERIOR ENFORCEMENT
SEC. 301. INCREASE INVESTIGATIVE EFFORTS.
(a) Federal Agents- An increase of personnel and resources will be needed to successfully enforce U.S. immigration laws and punish those who violate them. To this end, sufficient funds are authorized to be appropriated to employ 1,150 additional Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Criminal Alien Program (CAP)- An additional 140 CAP officers are authorized to identify and remove criminal aliens encountered in Federal, State, and local detention facilities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) State and Local Law Enforcement Support- The Secretary of Homeland Security shall take necessary steps to allow for the training of a minimum of 250 State and local law enforcement officers in Federal immigration law enforcement procedure. This would be an expansion of an already active and successful program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 302. INCREASED OVERSIGHT OF AGENTS.
To ensure the ability of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to enforce integrity and ethical behavior throughout their expanded ranks, an increase of 5 in the number of Special Agents in the Office of Professional Responsibility.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 303. REWARDS PROGRAM.
(a) Rewards Program- Section 274 (
`(e) Rewards Program-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(1) IN GENERAL- There is established in the Department of Homeland Security a program for the payment of rewards to carry out the purposes of this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(2) PURPOSE- The rewards program shall be designed to assist in the elimination of commercial operations to produce or sell fraudulent documents to be used for entering or remaining in the United States unlawfully and to assist in the investigation, prosecution, or disruption of a commercial alien smuggling operation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(3) ADMINISTRATION- The rewards program shall be administered by the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation, as appropriate, with the Attorney General and the Secretary of State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(4) REWARDS AUTHORIZED- In the sole discretion of the Secretary of Homeland Security, such Secretary, in consultation, as appropriate, with the Attorney General and the Secretary of State, may pay a reward to any individual who furnishes information or testimony leading to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(A) the arrest or conviction of any individual conspiring or attempting to produce or sell fraudulent documents to be used for entering or remaining in the United States unlawfully or to commit an act of commercial alien smuggling involving the transportation of aliens;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(B) the arrest or conviction of any individual committing such an act;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(C) the arrest or conviction of any individual aiding or abetting the commission of such an act;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(D) the prevention, frustration, or favorable resolution of such an act, including the dismantling of an operation to produce or sell fraudulent documents to be used for entering or remaining in the United States, or commercial alien smuggling operations, in whole or in significant part; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(E) the identification or location of an individual who holds a key leadership position in an operation to produce or sell fraudulent documents to be used for entering or remaining in the United States unlawfully or a commercial alien smuggling operation involving the transportation of aliens.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(5) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subsection. Amounts appropriated under this paragraph shall remain available until expended.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(6) INELIGIBILITY- An officer or employee of any Federal, State, local, or foreign government who, while in performance of his or her official duties, furnishes information described in paragraph (4) shall not be eligible for a reward under this subsection for such furnishing.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(7) PROTECTION MEASURES- If the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State, or the Attorney General determines that an individual who furnishes information or testimony described in paragraph (4), or any spouse, child, parent, son, or daughter of such an individual, must be protected, such official may take such lawful action as the official considers necessary to effect such protection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(8) LIMITATIONS AND CERTIFICATION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(A) MAXIMUM AMOUNT- No reward under this subsection may exceed $100,000.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(B) APPROVAL- Any reward under this subsection exceeding $50,000 shall be personally approved by the Secretary of Homeland Security.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(C) CERTIFICATION FOR PAYMENT- Any reward granted under this subsection shall be certified for payment by the Secretary of Homeland Security.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(9) PUBLICITY- The Department of Homeland Security shall be responsible for developing and implementing an advertising strategy to make known the rewards described within this section in order to solicit informants.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 304. INCREASED DETENTION FACILITIES FOR ALIENS APPREHENDED FOR ILLEGAL ENTRY.
(a) In General- The Secretary of Homeland Security shall make arrangements for the availability of 8,000 additional beds for detaining aliens taken into custody by immigration officials.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Implementation- Efforts shall be made to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) contract private facilities whenever possible to promote efficient use and to limit the Federal Government's maintenance of and liability for additional infrastructure;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) utilize State and local facilities for the provision of additional beds; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) utilize BRAC facilities or active duty facilities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Construction- The Department of Homeland Security shall construct facilities as necessary to meet the remainder of the 8,000 new beds to be provided.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Family Detention Facility- To further meet the special needs of detained families, the Department of Homeland Security shall retain or construct a family detention facility, similar to the T. Don Hutto Family Residential Facility, offering no less than 500 beds.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Responsibilities- The Secretary of Homeland Security shall be responsible for providing humane conditions, health care and nutrition, psychological services, and education for minors.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(f) Authorization- All funds necessary to accomplish the directives within this section are authorized to be appropriated.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 305. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings- Based on the recommendations made by the 2007 Judicial Conference and the statistical data provided by the 2006 Federal Court Management Statistics (issued by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts), the Congress finds the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) Federal courts along the southwest border of the United States have a greater percentage of their criminal caseload affected by immigration cases than other Federal courts.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) The percentage of criminal immigration cases in most southwest border district courts totals more than 49 percent of the total criminal caseloads of those districts.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) The current number of judges authorized for those courts is inadequate to handle the current caseload.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) Such an increase in the caseload of criminal immigration filings requires a corresponding increase in the number of Federal judgeships.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) The 2007 Judicial Conference recommended the addition of judgeships to meet this growing burden.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) The Congress should authorize the additional district court judges necessary to carry out the 2007 recommendations of the Judicial Conference for district courts in which the criminal immigration filings represented more than 49 percent of all criminal filings for the 12-month period ending September 30, 2006.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Purpose- The purpose of this Act is to increase the number of Federal judgeships, in accordance with the recommendations of the 2007 Judicial Conference, in district courts that have an extraordinarily high criminal immigration caseload.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 306. ADDITIONAL DISTRICT COURT JUDGESHIPS.
(a) Permanent Judgeships-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- The President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) 4 additional district judges for the district of Arizona;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) 5 additional district judges for the southern district of California;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) 1 additional district judge for the district of New Mexico;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) 2 additional district judges for the southern district of Texas; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) 1 additional district judge for the western district of Texas.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS- In order that the table contained in
(A) in the item relating to Arizona, by striking `12' and inserting `16';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) in the item relating to California, by striking `13' and inserting `18';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) in the item relating to New Mexico, by striking `6' and inserting `7';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) in the item relating to Texas--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) by striking `19' and inserting `21'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) by striking `13' and inserting `14'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Temporary Judgeships-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- The President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) 1 additional district judge for the district of Arizona; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) 1 additional district judge for the district of New Mexico.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) VACANCY NOT FILLED- For each of the judicial districts named in this subsection, the first vacancy arising on the district court 10 years or more after a judge is first confirmed to fill the temporary district judgeship created in that district by this subsection shall not be filled.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 307. MEDIA CAMPAIGN.
(a) In General- The Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall develop strategies to inform the public of changes in immigration policies created by provisions in this legislation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Notification of Changes to Employment Verification Process- The Secretary of Labor shall employ, at his or her discretion, a combination of print, television, internet, and radio media to notify employers of changes to the employment verification process. These multilingual media campaigns should be targeted toward non-citizen communities and those most likely to employ non-citizens. Announcements should encourage compliance with new legislation and should explain penalties for noncompliance with provisions within this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Multilingual Media Campaign- The Secretary of Homeland Security shall also develop a multilingual media campaign explaining the extent of this legislation, the timelines therein, and the penalties for noncompliance with this Act. Announcements should be targeted toward undocumented aliens and should emphasize--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) provisions in this Act that enhance border security and interior enforcement;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) the benefits of voluntary removal of undocumented aliens;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) punishment for apprehension and forced removal of undocumented aliens; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) legal methods of reentering the United States, including temporary work visas.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Cooperation With Other Governments- The Secretary of Homeland Security shall make all reasonable attempts to cooperate with the Governments of Mexico and the countries of Central America in implementing a media campaign that raises awareness of the issues in paragraph (2).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
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