Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB3599

Introduced
5/23/23  
Refer
5/23/23  

Caption

DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act of 2023 Dignity for Immigrants while Guarding our Nation to Ignite and Deliver the American Dream Act of 2023 American Promise Act Transnational Criminal Organization Prevention and Elimination Act Protecting Sensitive Locations Act Dream Act Legal Workforce Act American Prosperity and Competitiveness Act H–2B Returning Worker Exception Act American Dream and Promise Act Border Security for America Act

Impact

The Dignity Act significantly affects current immigration laws by shifting the focus towards creating opportunities for undocumented individuals to gain legal status. It aims to provide greater protections for people involved in domestic violence situations by allowing some exceptions for those who might otherwise be disqualified from the programs. Moreover, this bill aims at reducing illegal immigration by promoting lawful channels for migrants, hence enhancing overall border security. The comprehensive nature of the bill also indicates a broader legislative intent to reform the factors contributing to migration, such as violence and economic instability in home countries.

Summary

House Bill 3599, known as the Dignity Act, aims to reform immigration laws by providing pathways to legal status for undocumented immigrants through a structured process. The bill introduces two core components: the Dignity Program, which allows eligible individuals to apply for temporary legal status, and the Redemption Program, where those completing the Dignity Program can seek to become lawful permanent residents. The Dignity Program emphasizes the provisions for work authorization, allowing participants to contribute to the economy legally while in the program.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB3599 include debates on the adequacy of background checks for participants in the Dignity Program and the implications for local law enforcement. Critics argue that while the program aims to be inclusive, it may inadvertently lead to challenges in maintaining national security if sufficient vetting processes are not enforced. Additionally, some lawmakers express concerns about the potential for increased illegal border crossings, fearing that the availability of legal pathways could encourage more immigrants to attempt entry into the United States. Overall, the discussions surrounding the bill reflect a deep divide in perspectives on how best to handle immigration reform in America.

Companion Bills

US HB319

Related Legal Workforce Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create an electronic employment eligibility confirmation system modeled after and to replace the E-Verify system, which allows employers and recruiters to verify the immigration status of individuals. The bill also mandates the use of such a system, where currently only some employers, such as those with federal contracts, are required to use E-Verify. The bill specifies documents that can establish an individual's identity and employment authorization. During the period starting when a job offer is made until three business days after hiring, the individual must attest to his or her employment authorization, and the employer or recruiter must attest that it has examined the individual's required documents. Employers shall reverify certain types of employees who were not previously verified using E-verify. The Social Security Administration shall notify employees if their Social Security number has been used multiple times in an unusual manner. DHS shall establish programs for blocking and suspending misused numbers. Employers that are required to use the verification system shall not be liable for any employment-related action based on a good-faith reliance on the information from the system. The bill establishes a phased-in participation deadline for different categories of employers, including agricultural employers. The bill increases civil penalties related to hiring individuals without work authorization. It also preempts state laws relating to hiring and employment eligibility verification, but states may use their authority of business licensing to penalize employers for failing to comply with the bill's provisions.

US HB367

Related Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act This bill makes non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) associated with criminal gangs inadmissible for entry into the United States and deportable. The bill also establishes procedures to designate groups with criminal gang status. An individual shall be inadmissible if a consular officer, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or the Department of Justice knows or has reason to believe that the individual is or was a criminal gang member or has participated or aided such a group's illegal activities. An individual who is or was a member of such a gang, or has participated or aided such a group's illegal activities, shall be deportable. Such individuals must be subject to mandatory detention. Furthermore, such individuals shall not be eligible for (1) asylum; (2) temporary protected status; (3) special immigrant juvenile visas; or (4) parole, unless they are assisting the government in a law enforcement matter. The bill defines a criminal gang as a group of five or more persons (1) where one of its primary purposes is committing specified criminal offenses and its members have engaged in a continuing series of such offenses within the past five years, or (2) that has been designated as a criminal gang by DHS. The bill also establishes procedures for DHS to designate a group as a criminal gang, including notifying Congress, publishing a notice in the Federal Register, and providing an opportunity for the group to petition for administrative and judicial review of the designation.

US SB160

Related Sarah's Law

US HB661

Related Sarah's Law

US HB2557

Related CBP Workload Staffing Model Act

US HB2837

Related Border Patrol Pay Parity Act

US SB1857

Related ANTI-Drugs Act Assisting Narcotics and Trafficking officers in Interdicting Drugs Act

US HB16

Related American Dream and Promise Act of 2023 This bill provides certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) with a path to receive permanent resident status and contains other immigration-related provisions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Department of Justice (DOJ) shall provide conditional permanent resident status for 10 years to a qualifying individual who entered the United States as a minor and (1) is deportable or inadmissible, (2) has deferred enforced departure (DED) status or temporary protected status (TPS), or (3) is the child of certain classes of nonimmigrants. The bill imposes various qualifying requirements, such as the individual being continuously physically present in the United States since January 1, 2021, passing a background check, and being enrolled in or having completed certain educational programs. DHS shall remove the conditions placed on permanent resident status granted under this bill if the alien applies and meets certain requirements, such as completing certain programs at an educational institution, serving in the military, or being employed. Furthermore, DHS and DOJ shall provide lawful permanent resident status to certain individuals who had TPS, were eligible for TPS, or were eligible for DED status on certain dates. Such individuals must meet certain requirements and apply for such status within three years of this bill's enactment. DHS may not use information from applications filed under this bill or for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status for immigration enforcement purposes. This bill also repeals a restriction that bars a state from providing higher education benefits to undocumented individuals unless those benefits are available to all U.S. nationals without regard to residency in the state.

US SB2200

Related PARTNERS Act of 2023 Promoting Apprenticeships through Regional Training Networks for Employers’ Required Skills Act of 2023

US HB6044

Related PARTNERS Act of 2023 Promoting Apprenticeships through Regional Training Networks for Employers Required Skills Act of 2023

US SB3255

Related Temporary Family Visitation Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.