GRATEFUL Act Granting Recognition to Accomplished Talented Employees For Unwavering Loyalty Act
Impact
The bill specifies that beginning in the fiscal year 2024, a limited number of visas—initially set at 3,500 for that year and reduced to 3,000 in subsequent years—will be specifically allocated for these foreign national employees. This sets a formal framework for providing recognition and acknowledgment through immigration pathways for those who have supported U.S. government operations abroad, ensuring that their service is not overlooked during the visa allocation process.
Summary
SB1887, also known as the GRATEFUL Act, aims to enhance the visa availability for foreign nationals who have provided exceptional service as United States government employees. This bill recognizes the vital contributions of these individuals, particularly those who have served for 15 years or more, by allowing them to immigrate along with their families. The proposed legislation seeks to ensure that these dedicated employees can transition to permanent residency in the United States, acknowledging their risk and commitment to the nation's security interests.
Contention
Discussions around the bill may involve concerns regarding immigration policies and how this specific allocation interacts with existing visa programs. Critics might advocate for a reevaluation of overall immigration limits or express concerns regarding fairness in access to residency for other immigrant groups. The bill's explicit focus on government employees might raise debates about preferential treatment based on employment status, potentially complicating broader immigration reform discussions.
Related
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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
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.
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