Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote on a motion to invoke cloture on an amendment of H.R. 2579 that authorizes conditional temporary residency for certain undocumented immigrants in exchange for a $25 billion appropriation to increase border security and a repeal of the diversity visa program.

Highlights:

• Appropriates $25 billion to Department of Homeland Security for a new Border Security Enforcement Fund, which will be used for a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico (Sec. 1301).

• Repeals the diversity visa program, which allows legal immigrants to petition for a greencard visa for their family members (Sec. 4003).

• Authorizes conditional temporary resident status for undocumented immigrants who (Secs. 3003-3004):

• Have been continuously present in the United States since June 15, 2012;

• Were younger than 16 when initially entering the country; or

• On June 15, 2012, were younger than 31.

• Authorizes family-based immigration for only spouses and unmarried children under the age of 18 (Sec. 4002).

• Prohibits undocumented immigrants from being “accorded, by virtue of parentage or familial relationship, any right, privilege, or status under these immigration policies” (Sec. 3006).

• Specifies that if an undocumented immigrant is 18 or older, they must have a high school diploma or other equivalency, be admitted to an institution of higher education, serve in the military, or maintain full-time gainful employment to be eligible for a change in resident status (Sec. 3003).

• Requires expedited deportation of an undocumented immigrant who is convicted of an offense that carries a sentence of more than 180 days, including the following (Sec. 1520):

• Unlawful possession of, or attempt to purchase, a firearm;

• Threatened use of a deadly weapon;

• Child abuse or neglect;

• Assault resulting in bodily injury; or

• Driving under the influence.

• Requires all federal tax liability that is accrued under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to be paid off for an immigrant to be eligible for residency (Sec. 3003).

• Prohibits a change is residential status for any undocumented immigrant who participates in the prosecution of an individual on the account of race, religion, nationality, or political opinion (Sec. 3003).

• Authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to waive these policies on a case-by-case basis (Sec. 1502).

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text