wantmygcnow
Volunteer Moderator
THIS WILL NOT PASS UNLESS YOU ALL MAKE AN EFFORT TO FAX,CALL, WRITE YOUR SENATORS. This is good for all of us. Please do not ignore. This will be voted on probably the week of June 04th. Please do anything in your power to let your senators know to support this and the Clinton ammendment.
TEXT OF AMENDMENTS -- (Senate - May 22, 2007)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
``(ii) is traveling under adult supervision with a public or private school group, religious group, social or cultural organization,
[Page: S6487] GPO's PDFor team associated with a youth athletics organization; and
``(iii) provides a birth certificate.''.
(c) Travel Facilitation Initiatives.--Section 7209 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-458; 8 U.S.C. 1185 note) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:
``(e) State Driver'
s License and Identification Card Enrollment Program.--
``(1) IN GENERAL.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law and not later than 180 days after the submission of the report described in subsection (b)(1)(C), the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall issue regulations to establish a State Driver's License and Identity Card Enrollment Program as described in this subsection (hereinafter in this subsection referred to as the `Program') and which allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to enter into a memorandum of understanding with an appropriate official of each State that elects to participate in the Program.
``(2) PURPOSE.--The purpose of the Program is to permit a citizen of the United States who produces a driver's license or identity card that meets the requirements of paragraph (3) or a citizen of Canada who produces a document described in paragraph (4) to enter the United States from Canada by land or sea without providing any other documentation or evidence of citizenship.
``(3) ADMISSION OF CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES.--A driver's license or identity card meets the requirements of this paragraph if--
``(A) the license or card--
``(i) was issued by a State that is participating in the Program; and
``(ii) is tamper-proof and machine readable; and
``(B) the State that issued the license or card--
``(i) has a mechanism to verify the United States citizenship status of an applicant for such a license or card;
``(ii) does not require an individual to include the individual's citizenship status on such a license or card; and
``(iii) manages all information regarding an applicant's United States citizenship status in the same manner as such information collected through the United States passport application process and prohibits any other use or distribution of such information.
``(4) ADMISSION OF CITIZENS OF CANADA.--
``(A) IN GENERAL.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security determine that an identity document issued by the Government of Canada or by the Government of a Province or Territory of Canada meets security and information requirements comparable to the requirements for a driver's license or identity card described in paragraph (3), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall permit a citizen of Canada to enter the United States from Canada using such a document without providing any other documentation or evidence of Canadian citizenship.
``(B) TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall work, to the maximum extent possible, to ensure that an identification document issued by Canada that permits entry into the United States under subparagraph (A) utilizes technology similar to the technology utilized by identification documents issued by the United States or any State.
``(5) AUTHORITY TO EXPAND.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security may expand the Program to permit an individual to enter the United States--
``(A) from a country other than Canada; or
``(B) using evidence of citizenship other than a driver's license or identity card described in paragraph (3) or a document described in paragraph (4).
``(6) RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER REQUIREMENTS.--Nothing in this subsection shall have the effect of creating a national identity card or a certification of citizenship for any purpose other than admission into the United States as described in this subsection.
``(7) STATE DEFINED.--In this subsection, the term `State' means any of the several States of the United States, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Virgin Islands of the United States, or any other territory or possession of the United States.
``(f) Waiver for Intrastate Travel.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall accept a birth certificate as proof of citizenship for any United States citizen who is traveling directly from one part of a State to a noncontiguous part of that State through Canada, if such citizen cannot travel by land to such part of the State without traveling through Canada, and such travel in Canada is limited to no more than 2 hours.
``(g) Waiver of Pass Card and Passport Execution Fees.--
``(1) IN GENERAL.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during the 2-year period beginning on the date on which the Secretary of Homeland Security publishes a final rule in the Federal Register to carry out subsection (b), the Secretary of State shall--
``(A) designate 1 facility in each city or port of entry designated under paragraph (2), including a State Department of Motor Vehicles facility located in such city or port of entry if the Secretary determines appropriate, in which a passport or passport card may be procured without an execution fee during such period; and
``(B) develop not fewer than 6 mobile enrollment teams that--
``(i) are able to issue passports or other identity documents issued by the Secretary of State without an execution fee during such period;
``(ii) are operated along the northern and southern borders of the United States; and
``(iii) focus on providing passports and other such documents to citizens of the United States who live in areas of the United States that are near such an international border and that have relatively low population density.
``(2) DESIGNATION OF CITIES AND PORTS OF ENTRY.--The Secretary of State shall designate cities and ports of entry for purposes of paragraph (1)(A) as follows:
``(A) The Secretary shall designate not fewer than 3 cities or ports of entry that are 100 miles or less from the northern border of the United States.
``(B) The Secretary shall designate not fewer than 3 cities or ports of entry that are 100 miles or less from the southern border of the United States.
``(h) Cost-Benefit Analysis.--Prior to publishing a final rule in the Federal Register to carry out subsection (b), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall conduct a complete cost-benefit analysis of carrying out this section. Such analysis shall include analysis of--
``(1) any potential costs of carrying out this section on trade, travel, and the tourism industry; and
``(2) any potential savings that would result from the implementation of the State Driver's License and Identity Card Enrollment Program established under subsection (e) as an alternative to passports and passport cards.
``(i) Report.--During the 2-year period beginning on the date that is the 3 months after the date on which the Secretary of Homeland Security begins implementation of subsection (b)(1)--
``(1) the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report not less than once every 3 months on--
``(A) the average delay at border crossings; and
``(B) the average processing time for a NEXUS card, FAST card, or SENTRI card; and
``(2) the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report not less than once every 3 months on the average processing time for a passport or passport card.
``(j) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this section, the term `appropriate congressional committees' means--
``(1) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate; and
``(2) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Homeland Security, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives.''.
(d) Sense of Congress Regarding Implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.--The intent of Congress in enacting section 546 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 (Public Law 109-295; 120 Stat. 1386) was to prevent the Secretary of Homeland Security from implementing the plan described in section 7209(b)(1) of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (8 U.S.C. 1185 note) before the earlier of June 1, 2009, or the date on which the Secretary certifies to Congress that an alternative travel document, known as a passport card, has been developed and widely distributed to eligible citizens of the United States.
(e) Passport Processing Staff Authorities.--
(1) REEMPLOYMENT OF CIVIL SERVICE ANNUITANTS.--Section 61(a) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2733(a)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``To facilitate'' and all that follows through ``, the Secretary'' and inserting ``The Secretary''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2008'' and inserting ``2010''.
(2) REEMPLOYMENT OF FOREIGN SERVICE ANNUITANTS.--Section 824(g) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4064(g)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``to facilitate'' and all that follows through ``Afghanistan,''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2008'' and inserting ``2010''.
(f) Report on Border Infrastructure.--
(1) IN GENERAL.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the adequacy of the infrastructure of the United States to manage cross-border travel associated with the NEXUS, FAST, and SENTRI programs. Such report shall include consideration of--
(A) the ability of frequent travelers to access dedicated lanes for such travel;
(B) the total time required for border crossing, including time spent prior to ports of entry;
(C) the frequency, adequacy of facilities and any additional delays associated with secondary inspections; and
[Page: S6488] GPO's PDF (D) the adequacy of readers to rapidly read identity documents of such individuals.
(2) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES DEFINED.--In this subsection, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
(A) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Homeland Security, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives.
SA 1160. Mr. BROWNBACK submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 1348, to provide for comprehensive immigration reform and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:
In section 601(h), strike paragraphs (1) and (2), and insert the following:
(h) Treatment of Applicants.--
(1) IN GENERAL.--An alien who files an application for Z nonimmigrant status shall, upon submission of any evidence required under subsections (f) and (g) and after the Secretary has conducted appropriate background checks, to include name and fingerprint checks, that do not produce information rendering the applicant ineligible--
(A) be granted probationary benefits in the form of employment authorization pending final adjudication of the alien's application;
(B) may in the Secretary's discretion receive advance permission to re-enter the United States pursuant to existing regulations governing advance parole;
(C) may not be detained for immigration purposes, determined inadmissible or deportable, or removed pending final adjudication of the alien's application, unless the alien is determined to be ineligible for Z nonimmigrant status; and
(D) may not be considered an unauthorized alien (as defined in section 274A(h)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a(h)(3))) unless employment authorization under subparagraph (A) is denied.
(2) TIMING OF PROBATIONARY BENEFITS.--No probationary benefits shall be issued to an alien until the alien has passed all appropriate background checks.
SA 1161. Mr. ALEXANDER (for himself and Mr. Cochran) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 1348, to provide for comprehensive immigration reform and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:
At the appropriate place, insert the following:
TITLE X--STRENGTHENING AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP
SECTION X01. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Strengthening American Citizenship Act of 2007''.
SEC. X02. DEFINITION.
In this title, the term ``Oath of Allegiance'' means the binding oath (or affirmation) of allegiance required to be naturalized as a citizen of the United States, as prescribed in subsection (e) of section 337 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1448(e)), as added by section X31(a)(2).
Subtitle A--Learning English
SEC. X11. ENGLISH FLUENCY.
(a) Education Grants.--
(1) ESTABLISHMENT.--The Chief of the Office of Citizenship of the Department (referred to in this subsection as the ``Chief'') shall establish a grant program to provide grants in an amount not to exceed $500 to assist lawful permanent residents of the United States who declare an intent to apply for citizenship in the United States to meet the requirements under section 312 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1423).
(2) USE OF FUNDS.--Grant funds awarded under this subsection shall be paid directly to an accredited institution of higher education or other qualified educational institution (as determined by the Chief) for tuition, fees, books, and other educational resources required by a course on the English language in which the lawful permanent resident is enrolled.
(3) APPLICATION.--A lawful permanent resident desiring a grant under this subsection shall submit an application to the Chief at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Chief may reasonably require.
(4) PRIORITY.--If insufficient funds are available to award grants to all qualified applicants, the Chief shall give priority based on the financial need of the applicants.
(5) NOTICE.--The Secretary, upon relevant registration of a lawful permanent resident with the Department of Homeland Security, shall notify such lawful permanent resident of the availability of grants under this subsection for lawful permanent residents who declare an intent to apply for United States citizenship.
(b) Faster Citizenship for English Fluency.--Section 316 (8 U.S.C. 1427) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(g) A lawful permanent resident of the United States who demonstrates English fluency, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, will satisfy the residency requirement under subsection (a) upon the completion of 4 years of continuous legal residency in the United States.''.
SEC. X12. SAVINGS PROVISION.
Nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to--
(1) modify the English language requirements for naturalization under section 312(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1423(a)(1)); or
(2) influence the naturalization test redesign process of the Office of Citizenship of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (except for the requirement under section X31(b)).
Subtitle B--Education About the American Way of Life
SEC. X21. AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a competitive grant program to provide financial assistance for--
(1) efforts by entities (including veterans and patriotic organizations) certified by the Office of Citizenship of the Department to promote the patriotic integration of prospective citizens into the American way of life by providing civics, history, and English as a second language courses, with a specific emphasis on attachment to principles of the Constitution of the United States, the heroes of American history (including military heroes), and the meaning of the Oath of Allegiance; and
(2) other activities approved by the Secretary to promote the patriotic integration of prospective citizens and the implementation of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.), including grants--
(A) to promote an understanding of the form of government and history of the United States; and
(B) to promote an attachment to the principles of the Constitution of the United States and the well being and happiness of the people of the United States.
(b) Acceptance of Gifts.--The Secretary may accept and use gifts from the United States Citizenship Foundation, established under section X22(a), for grants under this section.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.
SEC. X22. FUNDING FOR THE OFFICE OF CITIZENSHIP.
(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, acting through the Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, is authorized to establish the United States Citizenship Foundation (referred to in this section as the ``Foundation''), an organization duly incorporated in the District of Columbia, exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to support the functions of the Office of Citizenship, which shall include the patriotic integration of prospective citizens into--
(1) American common values and traditions, including an understanding of the history of the United States and the principles of the Constitution of the United States; and
(2) civic traditions of the United States, including the Pledge of Allegiance, respect for the flag of the United States, and voting in public elections.
(b) Dedicated Funding.--
(1) IN GENERAL.--Not less than 1.5 percent of the funds made available to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (including fees and appropriated funds) shall be dedicated to the functions of the Office of Citizenship, which shall include the patriotic integration of prospective citizens into--
(A) American common values and traditions, including an understanding of American history and the principles of the Constitution of the United States; and
(B) civic traditions of the United States, including the Pledge of Allegiance, respect for the flag of the United States, and voting in public elections.
(2) SENSE OF CONGRESS.--It is the sense of Congress that dedicating increased funds to the Office of Citizenship should not result in an increase in fees charged by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
(c) Gifts.--
(1) TO FOUNDATION.--The Foundation may solicit, accept, and make gifts of money and other property in accordance with section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(2) FROM FOUNDATION.--The Office of Citizenship may accept gifts from the Foundation to support the functions of the Office.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the mission of the Office of Citizenship, including the patriotic integration of prospective citizens into--
(1) American common values and traditions, including an understanding of American history and the principles of the Constitution of the United States; and
(2) civic traditions of the United States, including the Pledge of Allegiance, respect for the flag of the United States, and voting in public elections.
SEC. X23. RESTRICTION ON USE OF FUNDS.
Amounts appropriated to carry out a program under this subtitle may not be used to organize individuals for the purpose of political activism or advocacy.
SEC. X24. REPORTING REQUIREMENT.
The Chief of the Office of Citizenship shall submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate, the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of
[Page: S6489] GPO's PDF
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TEXT OF AMENDMENTS -- (Senate - May 22, 2007)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
``(ii) is traveling under adult supervision with a public or private school group, religious group, social or cultural organization,
[Page: S6487] GPO's PDFor team associated with a youth athletics organization; and
``(iii) provides a birth certificate.''.
(c) Travel Facilitation Initiatives.--Section 7209 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-458; 8 U.S.C. 1185 note) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:
``(e) State Driver'
s License and Identification Card Enrollment Program.--
``(1) IN GENERAL.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law and not later than 180 days after the submission of the report described in subsection (b)(1)(C), the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall issue regulations to establish a State Driver's License and Identity Card Enrollment Program as described in this subsection (hereinafter in this subsection referred to as the `Program') and which allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to enter into a memorandum of understanding with an appropriate official of each State that elects to participate in the Program.
``(2) PURPOSE.--The purpose of the Program is to permit a citizen of the United States who produces a driver's license or identity card that meets the requirements of paragraph (3) or a citizen of Canada who produces a document described in paragraph (4) to enter the United States from Canada by land or sea without providing any other documentation or evidence of citizenship.
``(3) ADMISSION OF CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES.--A driver's license or identity card meets the requirements of this paragraph if--
``(A) the license or card--
``(i) was issued by a State that is participating in the Program; and
``(ii) is tamper-proof and machine readable; and
``(B) the State that issued the license or card--
``(i) has a mechanism to verify the United States citizenship status of an applicant for such a license or card;
``(ii) does not require an individual to include the individual's citizenship status on such a license or card; and
``(iii) manages all information regarding an applicant's United States citizenship status in the same manner as such information collected through the United States passport application process and prohibits any other use or distribution of such information.
``(4) ADMISSION OF CITIZENS OF CANADA.--
``(A) IN GENERAL.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security determine that an identity document issued by the Government of Canada or by the Government of a Province or Territory of Canada meets security and information requirements comparable to the requirements for a driver's license or identity card described in paragraph (3), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall permit a citizen of Canada to enter the United States from Canada using such a document without providing any other documentation or evidence of Canadian citizenship.
``(B) TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall work, to the maximum extent possible, to ensure that an identification document issued by Canada that permits entry into the United States under subparagraph (A) utilizes technology similar to the technology utilized by identification documents issued by the United States or any State.
``(5) AUTHORITY TO EXPAND.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security may expand the Program to permit an individual to enter the United States--
``(A) from a country other than Canada; or
``(B) using evidence of citizenship other than a driver's license or identity card described in paragraph (3) or a document described in paragraph (4).
``(6) RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER REQUIREMENTS.--Nothing in this subsection shall have the effect of creating a national identity card or a certification of citizenship for any purpose other than admission into the United States as described in this subsection.
``(7) STATE DEFINED.--In this subsection, the term `State' means any of the several States of the United States, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Virgin Islands of the United States, or any other territory or possession of the United States.
``(f) Waiver for Intrastate Travel.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall accept a birth certificate as proof of citizenship for any United States citizen who is traveling directly from one part of a State to a noncontiguous part of that State through Canada, if such citizen cannot travel by land to such part of the State without traveling through Canada, and such travel in Canada is limited to no more than 2 hours.
``(g) Waiver of Pass Card and Passport Execution Fees.--
``(1) IN GENERAL.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during the 2-year period beginning on the date on which the Secretary of Homeland Security publishes a final rule in the Federal Register to carry out subsection (b), the Secretary of State shall--
``(A) designate 1 facility in each city or port of entry designated under paragraph (2), including a State Department of Motor Vehicles facility located in such city or port of entry if the Secretary determines appropriate, in which a passport or passport card may be procured without an execution fee during such period; and
``(B) develop not fewer than 6 mobile enrollment teams that--
``(i) are able to issue passports or other identity documents issued by the Secretary of State without an execution fee during such period;
``(ii) are operated along the northern and southern borders of the United States; and
``(iii) focus on providing passports and other such documents to citizens of the United States who live in areas of the United States that are near such an international border and that have relatively low population density.
``(2) DESIGNATION OF CITIES AND PORTS OF ENTRY.--The Secretary of State shall designate cities and ports of entry for purposes of paragraph (1)(A) as follows:
``(A) The Secretary shall designate not fewer than 3 cities or ports of entry that are 100 miles or less from the northern border of the United States.
``(B) The Secretary shall designate not fewer than 3 cities or ports of entry that are 100 miles or less from the southern border of the United States.
``(h) Cost-Benefit Analysis.--Prior to publishing a final rule in the Federal Register to carry out subsection (b), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall conduct a complete cost-benefit analysis of carrying out this section. Such analysis shall include analysis of--
``(1) any potential costs of carrying out this section on trade, travel, and the tourism industry; and
``(2) any potential savings that would result from the implementation of the State Driver's License and Identity Card Enrollment Program established under subsection (e) as an alternative to passports and passport cards.
``(i) Report.--During the 2-year period beginning on the date that is the 3 months after the date on which the Secretary of Homeland Security begins implementation of subsection (b)(1)--
``(1) the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report not less than once every 3 months on--
``(A) the average delay at border crossings; and
``(B) the average processing time for a NEXUS card, FAST card, or SENTRI card; and
``(2) the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report not less than once every 3 months on the average processing time for a passport or passport card.
``(j) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this section, the term `appropriate congressional committees' means--
``(1) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate; and
``(2) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Homeland Security, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives.''.
(d) Sense of Congress Regarding Implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.--The intent of Congress in enacting section 546 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 (Public Law 109-295; 120 Stat. 1386) was to prevent the Secretary of Homeland Security from implementing the plan described in section 7209(b)(1) of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (8 U.S.C. 1185 note) before the earlier of June 1, 2009, or the date on which the Secretary certifies to Congress that an alternative travel document, known as a passport card, has been developed and widely distributed to eligible citizens of the United States.
(e) Passport Processing Staff Authorities.--
(1) REEMPLOYMENT OF CIVIL SERVICE ANNUITANTS.--Section 61(a) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2733(a)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``To facilitate'' and all that follows through ``, the Secretary'' and inserting ``The Secretary''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2008'' and inserting ``2010''.
(2) REEMPLOYMENT OF FOREIGN SERVICE ANNUITANTS.--Section 824(g) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4064(g)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``to facilitate'' and all that follows through ``Afghanistan,''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2008'' and inserting ``2010''.
(f) Report on Border Infrastructure.--
(1) IN GENERAL.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the adequacy of the infrastructure of the United States to manage cross-border travel associated with the NEXUS, FAST, and SENTRI programs. Such report shall include consideration of--
(A) the ability of frequent travelers to access dedicated lanes for such travel;
(B) the total time required for border crossing, including time spent prior to ports of entry;
(C) the frequency, adequacy of facilities and any additional delays associated with secondary inspections; and
[Page: S6488] GPO's PDF (D) the adequacy of readers to rapidly read identity documents of such individuals.
(2) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES DEFINED.--In this subsection, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
(A) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Homeland Security, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives.
SA 1160. Mr. BROWNBACK submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 1348, to provide for comprehensive immigration reform and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:
In section 601(h), strike paragraphs (1) and (2), and insert the following:
(h) Treatment of Applicants.--
(1) IN GENERAL.--An alien who files an application for Z nonimmigrant status shall, upon submission of any evidence required under subsections (f) and (g) and after the Secretary has conducted appropriate background checks, to include name and fingerprint checks, that do not produce information rendering the applicant ineligible--
(A) be granted probationary benefits in the form of employment authorization pending final adjudication of the alien's application;
(B) may in the Secretary's discretion receive advance permission to re-enter the United States pursuant to existing regulations governing advance parole;
(C) may not be detained for immigration purposes, determined inadmissible or deportable, or removed pending final adjudication of the alien's application, unless the alien is determined to be ineligible for Z nonimmigrant status; and
(D) may not be considered an unauthorized alien (as defined in section 274A(h)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a(h)(3))) unless employment authorization under subparagraph (A) is denied.
(2) TIMING OF PROBATIONARY BENEFITS.--No probationary benefits shall be issued to an alien until the alien has passed all appropriate background checks.
SA 1161. Mr. ALEXANDER (for himself and Mr. Cochran) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 1348, to provide for comprehensive immigration reform and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:
At the appropriate place, insert the following:
TITLE X--STRENGTHENING AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP
SECTION X01. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Strengthening American Citizenship Act of 2007''.
SEC. X02. DEFINITION.
In this title, the term ``Oath of Allegiance'' means the binding oath (or affirmation) of allegiance required to be naturalized as a citizen of the United States, as prescribed in subsection (e) of section 337 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1448(e)), as added by section X31(a)(2).
Subtitle A--Learning English
SEC. X11. ENGLISH FLUENCY.
(a) Education Grants.--
(1) ESTABLISHMENT.--The Chief of the Office of Citizenship of the Department (referred to in this subsection as the ``Chief'') shall establish a grant program to provide grants in an amount not to exceed $500 to assist lawful permanent residents of the United States who declare an intent to apply for citizenship in the United States to meet the requirements under section 312 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1423).
(2) USE OF FUNDS.--Grant funds awarded under this subsection shall be paid directly to an accredited institution of higher education or other qualified educational institution (as determined by the Chief) for tuition, fees, books, and other educational resources required by a course on the English language in which the lawful permanent resident is enrolled.
(3) APPLICATION.--A lawful permanent resident desiring a grant under this subsection shall submit an application to the Chief at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Chief may reasonably require.
(4) PRIORITY.--If insufficient funds are available to award grants to all qualified applicants, the Chief shall give priority based on the financial need of the applicants.
(5) NOTICE.--The Secretary, upon relevant registration of a lawful permanent resident with the Department of Homeland Security, shall notify such lawful permanent resident of the availability of grants under this subsection for lawful permanent residents who declare an intent to apply for United States citizenship.
(b) Faster Citizenship for English Fluency.--Section 316 (8 U.S.C. 1427) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(g) A lawful permanent resident of the United States who demonstrates English fluency, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, will satisfy the residency requirement under subsection (a) upon the completion of 4 years of continuous legal residency in the United States.''.
SEC. X12. SAVINGS PROVISION.
Nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to--
(1) modify the English language requirements for naturalization under section 312(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1423(a)(1)); or
(2) influence the naturalization test redesign process of the Office of Citizenship of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (except for the requirement under section X31(b)).
Subtitle B--Education About the American Way of Life
SEC. X21. AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a competitive grant program to provide financial assistance for--
(1) efforts by entities (including veterans and patriotic organizations) certified by the Office of Citizenship of the Department to promote the patriotic integration of prospective citizens into the American way of life by providing civics, history, and English as a second language courses, with a specific emphasis on attachment to principles of the Constitution of the United States, the heroes of American history (including military heroes), and the meaning of the Oath of Allegiance; and
(2) other activities approved by the Secretary to promote the patriotic integration of prospective citizens and the implementation of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.), including grants--
(A) to promote an understanding of the form of government and history of the United States; and
(B) to promote an attachment to the principles of the Constitution of the United States and the well being and happiness of the people of the United States.
(b) Acceptance of Gifts.--The Secretary may accept and use gifts from the United States Citizenship Foundation, established under section X22(a), for grants under this section.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.
SEC. X22. FUNDING FOR THE OFFICE OF CITIZENSHIP.
(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, acting through the Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, is authorized to establish the United States Citizenship Foundation (referred to in this section as the ``Foundation''), an organization duly incorporated in the District of Columbia, exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to support the functions of the Office of Citizenship, which shall include the patriotic integration of prospective citizens into--
(1) American common values and traditions, including an understanding of the history of the United States and the principles of the Constitution of the United States; and
(2) civic traditions of the United States, including the Pledge of Allegiance, respect for the flag of the United States, and voting in public elections.
(b) Dedicated Funding.--
(1) IN GENERAL.--Not less than 1.5 percent of the funds made available to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (including fees and appropriated funds) shall be dedicated to the functions of the Office of Citizenship, which shall include the patriotic integration of prospective citizens into--
(A) American common values and traditions, including an understanding of American history and the principles of the Constitution of the United States; and
(B) civic traditions of the United States, including the Pledge of Allegiance, respect for the flag of the United States, and voting in public elections.
(2) SENSE OF CONGRESS.--It is the sense of Congress that dedicating increased funds to the Office of Citizenship should not result in an increase in fees charged by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
(c) Gifts.--
(1) TO FOUNDATION.--The Foundation may solicit, accept, and make gifts of money and other property in accordance with section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(2) FROM FOUNDATION.--The Office of Citizenship may accept gifts from the Foundation to support the functions of the Office.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the mission of the Office of Citizenship, including the patriotic integration of prospective citizens into--
(1) American common values and traditions, including an understanding of American history and the principles of the Constitution of the United States; and
(2) civic traditions of the United States, including the Pledge of Allegiance, respect for the flag of the United States, and voting in public elections.
SEC. X23. RESTRICTION ON USE OF FUNDS.
Amounts appropriated to carry out a program under this subtitle may not be used to organize individuals for the purpose of political activism or advocacy.
SEC. X24. REPORTING REQUIREMENT.
The Chief of the Office of Citizenship shall submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate, the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of
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