HR-8496 : Still Just a Bill

H.R. 8496 is a bill that amends the Immigration and Nationality Act by defining two new terms: "protection determination" and "protection merits interview."

• Protection Determination: This refers to a screening process to assess whether an alien faces persecution or torture if removed from the United States. It includes screenings under section 235(b)(1)(B)(v) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as well as screenings to determine eligibility for withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) or protection under the Convention against Torture.
• Protection Merits Interview: This is an interview conducted to determine if an alien meets the definition of a refugee, is eligible for withholding of removal, or is eligible for protection under the Convention against Torture. These interviews are conducted in accordance with sections 208 and 241(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

In short, this bill seeks to clarify the definitions of screenings and interviews related to protection claims under U.S. immigration law.