HR-6477 : Still Just a Bill

H.R. 6477, titled "An Act to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to reform the process for inspection of applicants for admission," aims to modify existing immigration laws, primarily focusing on the inspection of individuals seeking entry into the United States and reforming parole procedures.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Inspection of Applicants:
  • Amends Section 235 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, modifying the process for inspecting applicants for admission.
  • Mandates the return of certain aliens arriving from contiguous territories to those territories pending proceedings or review.
  • Allows state attorneys general to bring actions against the Secretary of Homeland Security for violations of detention, return, or removal requirements.
  • Grants the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to prohibit the introduction of inadmissible aliens at land or maritime borders to maintain operational control.
• Immigration Parole Reform:
  • Reforms the parole process under Section 212(d)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
  • Limits the Secretary of Homeland Security's discretion in granting parole, specifying conditions and limitations for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
  • Specifies the criteria for parole eligibility, including medical emergencies, family members of active-duty military personnel, and Cuban nationals meeting certain requirements.
  • Sets time limits for parole grants and requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit annual reports to Congress on parole activities.
• Implementation and Cause of Action:
  • Specifies the effective dates for the title and its amendments, with exceptions for pending applications and aliens paroled before January 1, 2023.
  • Grants standing to persons, states, or local governments that experience financial harm in excess of $1,000 due to a failure of the Federal Government to lawfully apply the provisions of the title to bring a civil action against the Federal Government.
• Severability:
  • Includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any provision of the title is found unconstitutional, the remaining provisions will remain in effect.