Like identical measure, S. 2302 of 11/18/15, this bill would block from entry to the U.S. any refugee from a country with ‘terrorist-controlled territory,’ including Iraq, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen (the State Dept. would be directed to maintain a list of countries with so-called terrorist-controlled territory and victims of genocide). Exceptions would be provided for individuals who satisfied existing admission requirements, were considered members of groups designated as victims of genocide, and had undergone the highest level of U.S. security screening. Individuals would also need the Depts. of State, Homeland Security, and Defense, as well as the FBI and the director of national intelligence, to certify that they were not a security threat. Furthermore, the above restrictions would not apply to those refugees who provided substantial assistance to the U.S. and those facing substantial risk of death or injury if not admitted.
Last major action: 1/15/16 Referred to the Subcomm. on Immigration and Border Security.