Text of S. 1986 (112th): Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Visa Act of 2011 (Introduced version)

112th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 1986

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

December 13, 2011

Mr. Bennet introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to promote innovation, investment, and research in the United States, and for other purposes.

This Act may be cited as—

(1)

the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Visa Act of 2011; or

(2)

the STEM Visa Act of 2011.

101.

(a)

Section 203(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(1)) is amended—

(1)

in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking (A) through (C) and inserting (A) through (D); and

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

(D)

An alien is described in this subparagraph if—

(i)

the alien possesses a graduate degree at the level of master’s or higher in a field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics from a United States institution of higher education that has been designated by the Director of the National Science Foundation as a research institution or as otherwise excelling at instruction in such fields;

(ii)

the alien has an offer of employment from a United States employer in a field related to such degree; and

(iii)

the employer is offering and will offer wages that are at least—

(I)

the actual wage level paid by the employer to all other individuals with similar experience and qualifications in the same occupational classification; or

(II)

the prevailing wage level for the occupational classification in the area of employment;

whichever is greater, based on the best information available as of the time of filing the petition.

(b)

Section 201(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(F)

Aliens described in paragraph (1)(B) or (1)(D) of section 203(b).

(c)

(1)

(A)

Section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)(i)) is amended by striking an alien having a residence in a foreign country which he has no intention of abandoning, who is a bona fide student qualified to pursue a full course of study and who and inserting an alien who is a bona fide student qualified to pursue a full course of study, who (except for a student qualified to pursue a full course of study at an institution of higher education) has a residence in a foreign country which the alien has no intention of abandoning, and who.

(B)

(i)

Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(b)) is amended by striking (other than a nonimmigrant and inserting (other than a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(F) if the alien is qualified to pursue a full course of study at an institution of higher education, other than a nonimmigrant.

(ii)

Section 214(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(h)) is amended by inserting (F) (if the alien is qualified to pursue a full course of study at an institution of higher education), before H(i)(b).

(2)

(A)

Section 214 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1154) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(s)

(1)

Notwithstanding subsection (c)(2)(D), (g)(4) and (m), the authorized stay of an alien described in paragraph (2) may be extended pursuant to paragraph (3) if 365 days or more have elapsed since the filing of any of the following:

(A)

An application for labor certification under section 212(a)(5)(A), in a case in which certification is required or used by an alien to obtain status under section 203(b).

(B)

A petition described in section 204(b) to accord the alien a status under section 203(b).

(2)

An alien is described in this paragraph if the alien was previously issued a visa or otherwise provided nonimmigrant status under—

(A)

section 101(a)(15)(F);

(B)

section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b); or

(C)

section 101(a)(15)(L).

(3)

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall extend the stay of an alien who qualifies for an extension under paragraph (1) in one-year increments until such time as a final decision is made—

(A)

to deny the application described in paragraph (1)(A), or, in a case in which such application is granted, to deny a petition described in paragraph (1)(B) filed on behalf of the alien pursuant to such grant;

(B)

to deny the petition described in paragraph (1)(B); or

(C)

to grant or deny the alien’s application for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

Work authorization shall be provided to an alien whose stay is extended under this paragraph.

(B)

Section 106 of the American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act is amended by striking subsections (a) and (b).

(3)

Section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(52)

The term institution of higher education has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).

(53)

The term employer shall include any group treated as a single employer under subsection (b), (c), (m), or (o) of section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

(d)

Section 204(a)(1)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(F)) is amended—

(1)

by inserting 203(b)(1)(D), after 203(b)(1)(C),; and

(2)

by striking Attorney General and inserting Secretary of Homeland Security.

102.

(a)

(1)

Section 201(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(d)) is amended to read as follows:

(d)

(1)

The worldwide level of employment-based immigrants under this subsection for a fiscal year is equal to the sum of—

(A)

140,000;

(B)

the number computed under paragraph (2); and

(C)

the number computed under paragraph (3).

(2)

The number computed under this paragraph for a fiscal year is the difference, if any, between the maximum number of visas which may be issued under section 203(a) (relating to family-sponsored immigrants) during the previous fiscal year and the number of visas issued under that section during that year.

(3)

The number computed under this paragraph is the difference, if any, between—

(A)

the difference, if any, between—

(i)

the sum of the worldwide levels established under paragraph (1) for fiscal years 1992 through 2011; and

(ii)

the number of visas actually issued under section 203(b), subject to this subsection, during such fiscal years; and

(B)

the number of visas actually issued after fiscal year 2011 pursuant to an immigrant visa number issued under section 203(b), subject to this subsection, during fiscal years 1992 through 2011.

(2)

Section 201(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(c)) is amended to read as follows:

(c)

(1)

(A)

Subject to subparagraph (B), the worldwide level of family-sponsored immigrants under this subsection for a fiscal year is equal to—

(i)

480,000 minus the number computed under paragraph (2); plus

(ii)

the sum of the number computed under paragraph (3) and the number computed under paragraph (4).

(B)

In no case shall the number computed under subparagraph (A)(i) be less than 226,000.

(2)

The number computed under this paragraph for a fiscal year is the number of aliens described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (b)(2) who were issued immigrant visas, or who otherwise acquired the status of an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence, in the previous fiscal year.

(3)

The number computed under this paragraph for a fiscal year is the difference, if any, between the maximum number of visas which may be issued under section 203(b) (relating to employment-based immigrants) during the previous fiscal year and the number of visas issued under that section during that year.

(4)

The number computed under this paragraph is the difference, if any, between—

(A)

the difference, if any, between—

(i)

the sum of the worldwide levels established under paragraph (1) for fiscal years 1992 through 2011; and

(ii)

the number of visas actually issued under section 203(a), subject to this subsection, during such fiscal years; and

(B)

the number of visas actually issued after fiscal year 2011 pursuant to an immigrant visa number issued under section 203(a), subject to this subsection, during fiscal years 1992 through 2011.

(b)

Section 201(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(1)), as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

(G)

Aliens who are the spouse or child of an alien admitted as an employment-based immigrant under section 203(b).

(c)

Section 202(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1152(a)) is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (2)—

(A)

by striking , (4), and (5) and inserting and (4);

(B)

by striking subsections (a) and (b) of section 203 and inserting section 203(a);

(C)

by striking 7 percent (in the case of a single foreign state) or 2 percent and inserting 10 percent (in the case of a single foreign state) or 5 percent; and

(D)

by striking such subsections and inserting such section; and

(2)

by striking paragraph (5).

201.

Section 204(a)(1)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(F)), as amended by this Act, is further amended—

(1)

by striking (F) and inserting (F)(i); and

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

(ii)

(I)

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall impose a fee on an employer (excluding any employer that is a primary or secondary education institution, an institution of higher education, a nonprofit entity related to or affiliated with any such institution, a nonprofit entity which engages in established curriculum-related clinical training of students registered at any such institution, a nonprofit research organization, or a governmental research organization) filing a petition under clause (i) to employ an alien entitled to classification under subparagraph (B) or (D) of section 203(b)(1), section 203(b)(2), clause (i) or (ii) of section 203(b)(3)(A), section 203(b)(5) or section 203(b)(6).

(II)

The amount of the fee shall be $2,000 for each such petition except that the fee shall be half the amount for each such petition by any employer with not more than 25 full-time equivalent employees who are employed in the United States.

(III)

Fees collected under this clause shall be deposited in the Treasury in accordance with section 286(s).

202.

Section 286(s) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(s)) is amended to read as follows:

(s)

(1)

There is established in the general fund of the Treasury a separate account, which shall be known as the STEM Education and Training Account. Notwithstanding any other section of this title, there shall be deposited as offsetting receipts into the account all fees collected under section 204(a)(1)(F)(ii) and paragraphs (9) and (11) of section 214(c).

(2)

Sixty percent of the amounts deposited into the STEM Education and Training Account shall remain available to the Director of the National Science Foundation until expended for scholarships described in section 414(d) of the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 for low-income students enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

(3)

(A)

Fifteen percent of the amounts deposited into the STEM Education and Training Account shall remain available to the Director of the National Science Foundation until expended to carry out a direct or matching grant program to support improvement in K–12 education, including through private-public partnerships.

(B)

The Director shall award grants to such programs, including those which support the development and implementation of standards-based instructional materials models and related student assessments that enable K–12 students to acquire an understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as to develop critical thinking skills; provide systemic improvement in training K–12 teachers and education for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including by supporting efforts to promote gender-equality among students receiving such instruction; support the professional development of K–12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics teachers in the use of technology in the classroom; stimulate system-wide K–12 reform of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in rural, economically disadvantaged regions of the United States; provide externships and other opportunities for students to increase their appreciation and understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (including summer institutes sponsored by an institution of higher education for students in grades 7–12 that provide instruction in such fields); involve partnerships of industry, educational institutions, and community organizations to address the educational needs of disadvantaged communities; provide college preparatory support to expose and prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and provide for carrying out systemic reform activities under section 3(a)(1) of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1862(a)(1)).

(4)

(A)

Twelve percent of the amounts deposited into the STEM Education and Training Account shall remain available to the Director of the National Science Foundation until expended to establish or expand programs to award grants on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis to enhance the quality of undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education at minority-serving institutions of higher education and to increase the retention and graduation rates of students pursuing degrees in such fields at such institutions.

(B)

Grants awarded under this paragraph shall be awarded to—

(i)

minority-serving institutions of higher education for—

(I)

activities to improve courses and curriculum in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics;

(II)

efforts to promote gender equality among students enrolled in such courses;

(III)

faculty development;

(IV)

stipends for undergraduate students participating in research; and

(V)

other activities consistent with subparagraph (A), as determined by the Director; and

(ii)

to other institutions of higher education to partner with the institutions described in clause (i) for—

(I)

faculty and student development and exchange;

(II)

research infrastructure development;

(III)

joint research projects; and

(IV)

identification and development of minority and low-income candidates for graduate studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics degree programs.

(C)

In this paragraph, the term minority-serving institutions of higher education shall include—

(i)

colleges eligible to receive funds under the Act of August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. 321–326a and 328), including Tuskegee University;

(ii)

1994 Institutions, as defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note); and

(iii)

Hispanic-serving institutions, as defined in section 502(a)(5) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a(a)(5)).

(5)

Ten percent of amounts deposited into the STEM Education and Training Account shall remain available to the Secretary of Labor until expended for—

(A)

demonstration programs and projects described in section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998; and

(B)

training programs in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for persons who have served honorably in the Armed Forces of the United States and have retired or are retiring from such service.

(6)

One and one-half percent of the amounts deposited into the STEM Education and Training Account shall remain available to the Secretary of Homeland Security until expended to carry out duties under paragraphs (1) (E) or (F) of section 204(a) (related to petitions for immigrants described in section 203(b)) and under paragraphs (1) and (9) of section 214(c) (related to petitions made for nonimmigrants described in section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)).

(7)

One and one-half percent of the amounts deposited into the STEM Education and Training Account shall remain available to the Secretary of Labor until expended for decreasing the processing time for applications under section 212(a)(5)(A) and section 212(n)(1).

203.

Notwithstanding paragraphs (6)(A) and (7) of section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)), the Secretary of Homeland Security may adjust an alien’s status to that of a nonimmigrant student under section 101(a)(15)(F) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)) if the alien—

(1)

is a bona fide student enrolled in a full course of study related to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics at a United States institution of higher education;

(2)

was present in the United States on the date of the enactment of this Act and has been continuously present since that date; and

(3)

was 15 years of age or younger on the date the alien initially entered the United States.

III

301.

(a)

Section 212(a)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(5)(A)) is amended—

(1)

in clause (ii)—

(A)

in subclause (I), by striking or;

(B)

in subclause (II), by striking the period and inserting , or;

(C)

by adding at the end the following new subclause:

(III)

is the beneficiary of a labor certification application filed by an employer designated as an Established U.S. Recruiter under clause (vii).

; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following new clauses:

(v)

(I)

The Secretary of Labor shall adjudicate an application for certification under clause (i) not later than 120 days after the date on which the application is filed. In the event that additional information or documentation is requested by the Secretary during such 120-day period, the Secretary shall adjudicate the application not later than 60 days after the date on which such information or documentation is received.

(II)

The employer shall be notified in writing within 30 days of the date of filing if the application does not meet the standards (other than that described in clause (i)(I)) for approval. If the application does not meet such standards, the notice shall include the reasons therefor and the Secretary shall provide an opportunity for the prompt resubmission of a modified application.

(vi)

(I)

In addition to any other fees authorized by law, the Secretary of Labor shall impose a fee on an employer that submits an application for certification under clause (i). The amount of the fee shall be $295 for each such application.

(II)

The Secretary of Labor is authorized to establish and collect an optional premium fee for processing of applications for certification under clause (i). This fee shall be set at $1,000 and shall be paid in addition to the application fee under subclause (I). For an application in which the premium processing fee is paid, the Secretary shall adjudicate the application not later than 30 days after the date on which the application is filed. In the event that additional information or documentation is requested by the Secretary with respect to such application during the 30-day period, the Secretary shall adjudicate the application not later than 30 days after the date on which such information or documentation is received. If the Secretary does not comply with these timeframes, the Secretary shall refund the premium processing fee to the applicant.

(III)

Fees collected under subclauses (I) and (II) shall be deposited in the Treasury in accordance with section 286(w).

(IV)

An employer subject to a fee under this clause shall not require or accept reimbursement of or other compensation for all or part of the cost of such fee, directly or indirectly, from the alien on whose behalf the application is filed.

(vii)

(I)

The Secretary of Labor shall establish a process for employers to apply for designation as an Established U.S. Recruiter. An employer seeking such designation must file an application with the Secretary stating the following:

(aa)

At least 80 percent of the employer’s workforce in the United States are United States workers.

(bb)

At least 80 percent of the employer’s new hires in the United States in the 5 years preceding the filing of the application are United States workers.

(cc)

The employer regularly posts employment opportunities on a publicly accessible Internet Web site and has engaged in at least 3 other forms of active recruitment on an annual basis over the preceding 3 years.

(dd)

The employer will continue to engage in the recruitment efforts described in item (cc) during the certification period.

For the purposes of this clause, the term United States worker shall include an alien with a pending or approved petition under subparagraph (E) or (F) of section 204(a)(1).

(II)

(aa)

The Secretary of Labor shall adjudicate an application for designation under subclause (I) not later than 30 days after the date on which the application is filed. In the event that additional information or documentation is requested by the Secretary, the Secretary shall adjudicate the application not later than 30 days after the receipt of such information or documentation.

(bb)

In addition to any other fees authorized by law, the Secretary of Labor may impose a fee on an employer that submits an application for designation under subclause (I). The amount of the fee shall be $500 for each such application. Fees collected under this clause shall be deposited in the Treasury in accordance with section 286(w).

(cc)

Unless terminated under item (dd), a designation issued under this clause shall be valid for 3 years.

(dd)

The Secretary of Labor may terminate a designation under subclause (I) if the Secretary determines that the employer—

(AA)

did not fulfill the requirements of such subclause at the time the certification was issued; or

(BB)

failed to meet the requirements under subclause (I)(ee) during the designation period described in item (cc).

(III)

For the purposes of this clause active recruitment means any of the following:

(aa)

The employer operates an employee referral program that includes meaningful incentives for employees to refer workers for job openings.

(bb)

The employer retains an in-house recruiter on a full-time basis to recruit workers for job openings.

(cc)

The employer recruits workers at job fairs that are advertised in newspaper advertisements in which the employer is named as a participant in such fairs.

(dd)

The employer recruits workers during recruiting events that are organized by the Armed Forces of the United States.

(ee)

The employer recruits workers at institutions of higher education during recruiting events that are organized by such institutions.

(ff)

The employer regularly engages private employment firms or placement agencies to recruit workers for job openings.

(gg)

The employer regularly advertises with trade or professional organizations to recruit workers for job openings.

(b)

Section 286 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(w)

(1)

There is established in the general fund of the Treasury a separate account, which shall be known as the Labor Certification Application Fee Account. Notwithstanding any other section of this title, there shall be deposited as offsetting receipts into the account all fees collected under section 212(a)(5)(A).

(2)

Amounts deposited into the Labor Certification Application Fee Account shall remain available to the Secretary of Labor until expended for carrying out labor certification activities under section 212(a)(5)(A) (including providing premium processing services) and to make infrastructure improvements in the adjudications and customer-service processes related to such activities.

302.

Section 214(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(15)

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish a pre-certification procedure for employers who file multiple petitions described in this subsection or section 203(b). Such precertification procedure shall enable an employer to avoid repeatedly submitting documentation that is common to multiple petitions and establish, through a single filing, criteria relating to the employer and the offered employment opportunity.

303.

Section 286(u) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(u)) is amended—

(1)

by striking is authorized to and inserting shall; and

(2)

at the end of the first sentence, by striking applications. and inserting applications, including an administrative appeal of any decision on an employment-based immigrant petition..

401.

Section 212(p) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(p)) is amended to read as follows:

(p)

(1)

The Secretary of Labor shall make available to employers a governmental survey to determine the prevailing wage for each occupational classification by metropolitan statistical area in the United States. Such survey, or other survey approved by the Secretary of Labor, shall provide 3 levels of wages commensurate with experience, education, and level of supervision. Such wage levels shall be determined as follows:

(A)

The first level shall be the mean of the lowest two-thirds of wages surveyed, but in no case less than 80 percent of the mean of the wages surveyed.

(B)

The second level shall be the mean of wages surveyed.

(C)

The third level shall be the mean of the highest two-thirds of wages surveyed.

(2)

The prevailing wage level required to be paid pursuant to section 203(b)(1)(D) and subsections (a)(5)(A), (n)(1)(A)(i)(II), and (t)(1)(A)(i)(II) of this section shall be 100 percent of the wage level determined pursuant to those sections.

(3)

In computing the prevailing wage level for an occupational classification in an area of employment for purposes of section 203(b)(1)(D) and subsections (a)(5)(A), (n)(1)(A)(i)(II), and (t)(1)(A)(i)(II) of this section in the case of an employee of—

(A)

an institution of higher education, or a related or affiliated nonprofit entity, or

(B)

a nonprofit research organization or a Governmental research organization,

the prevailing wage level shall only take into account employees at such institutions and organizations in the area of employment.

(4)

With respect to a professional athlete (as defined in subsection (a)(5)(A)(iii)(II)) when the job opportunity is covered by professional sports league rules or regulations, the wage set forth in those rules or regulations shall be considered as not adversely affecting the wages of United States workers similarly employed and be considered the prevailing wage.

402.

(a)

Section 214(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)(3)) is amended—

(1)

by striking Aliens who and inserting (A) Aliens who; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

(B)

If, on any given date, the number of petitions filed under subparagraph (A) exceeds the number of visas remaining under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider such petitions in the following order:

(i)

petitions in which the offered wage level meets or exceeds the wage set by section 212(p)(1)(C);

(ii)

petitions in which the offered wage level meets or exceeds the wage set by section 212(p)(1)(B); and

(iii)

any remaining petitions.

(b)

(1)

Section 212(n)(1)(E) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)(E)) is amended—

(A)

in clause (i) by striking In the case of an application described in clause (ii), the and inserting The; and

(B)

by striking clause (ii).

(2)

Section 212(n)(1)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)(F)) is amended by striking In the case of an application described in subparagraph (E)(ii), the and inserting The.

(3)

Section 212(n)(4)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(4)(B)) is amended by—

(A)

inserting and skills after responsibilities; and

(B)

inserting working in the same division, project or product line after experience.

(c)

(1)

(A)

Section 212(n)(1)(G)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)(G)(i)) is amended by striking In the case of an application described in subparagraph (E)(ii), subject to clause (ii) and inserting Subject to clauses (ii) and (iii).

(B)

Section 212(n)(1)(G)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)(G)(ii)) is amended to read as follows:

(ii)

The employer shall be required to comply with additional supervised recruitment activities as specified by the Secretary of the Labor if the employer—

(I)

employs 50 or more employees in the United States and less than 50 percent of such employees are United States workers; and

(II)

is offering wages below the wage level set by subsection (p)(1)(B) (relating to the mean wage for the occupational classification in the area of employment).

For purposes of this clause, the term United States worker shall include an alien with a pending or approved petition under subparagraph (E) or (F) of section 204(a)(1).

(C)

Section 212(n)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)) is amended, in the flush text following subparagraph (G), by striking Nothing in subparagraph (G) and inserting An employer required to recruit under subparagraph (G) shall submit to the Secretary, along with an application under this paragraph, a recruitment report containing evidence that the employer posted the employment opportunity on a publicly accessible Internet Web site and engaged in at least 3 other forms of active recruitment (as defined in subsection (a)(5)(A)(vii)(III)). The employer shall maintain an audit file of recruitment activities, including information on United States worker applicants, for 3 years after the date the application was filed with the Secretary. Nothing in Subparagraph (G).

(2)

Section 212(n)(1)(G) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)(G)), as amended by this subsection, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

(iii)

The conditions described in clause (i) shall not apply to an application filed with respect to the employment of an H–1B nonimmigrant—

(I)

who is described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of section 203(b)(1); or

(II)

if the wages being offered to such nonimmigrant meet or exceed the wage level set by subsection (p)(1)(B) (relating to the mean wage for the occupational classification in the area of employment) and the applicant is designated as an Established U.S. Recruiter under section 212(a)(5)(A)(vii).

(3)

Section 212(a)(5)(D) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(5)(D)) is amended—

(A)

by striking The grounds and inserting (i) Except as provided in clause (ii), the grounds; and

(B)

by adding at the end the following:

(ii)

Clause (i) shall not apply to an alien seeking admission or adjustment of status who is presently a nonimmigrant described under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) if—

(I)

the alien obtained such nonimmigrant status based on a petition filed after the effective date of the IDEA Act of 2011;

(II)

the alien is the subject of a petition described in section 204(a)(1)(F) and is seeking admission or adjustment of status through such petition; and

(III)

the petition described in subclause (II) was filed by the alien’s employer within 18 months after the date on which the alien obtained nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b).

(d)

(1)

Section 212(n)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(2)) is amended to read as follows:

(2)

(A)

The Secretary of Labor shall establish a process for the receipt, investigation, and disposition of complaints, which may be filed by any aggrieved person or organization (including bargaining representatives), respecting an employer’s compliance with this subsection. The Secretary, either pursuant to this complaint process or otherwise, may investigate employers as necessary to determine such compliance. The Secretary shall audit at least 5 percent of the employers who file applications under paragraph (1) in a given year to determine compliance with this subsection.

(B)

If the Secretary of Labor finds, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing—

(i)

a substantial failure to meet any of the conditions of the application described under paragraph (1), a misrepresentation of a material fact in such application, or a violation of subparagraph (C) or (D)—

(I)

the Secretary of Labor shall, in addition to any other remedy authorized by law, impose such administrative remedies (including civil monetary penalties in an amount not to exceed $10,000 per violation) as the Secretary determines to be appropriate; and

(II)

the Secretary of Labor may not approve applications with respect to that employer under paragraph (1) during a period of at least 1 year but not more than 5 years for aliens to be employed by the employer; and

(ii)

a substantial failure to meet any of the conditions of the application described under paragraph (1) or a misrepresentation of a material fact in such application, in the course of which failure or misrepresentation the employer displaced a United States worker employed by the employer within the period beginning 180 days before and ending 180 days after the date of filing of any visa petition supported by the application—

(I)

the Secretary of Labor shall impose such administrative remedies (including civil monetary penalties in an amount not to exceed $35,000 per violation) as the Secretary determines to be appropriate; and

(II)

the Secretary of Labor may not approve applications with respect to that employer under paragraph (1) during a period of at least 5 years for aliens to be employed by the employer.

(C)

It is a violation of this subparagraph for an employer who has filed an application under this subsection to intimidate, threaten, restrain, coerce, discharge, or in any other manner discriminate or retaliate against an employee (including a former employee or an applicant for employment) because the employee—

(i)

has disclosed information to the employer, or to any other person, that the employee reasonably believes evidences a violation of this subsection, or any rule or regulation pertaining to this subsection; or

(ii)

seeks legal assistance or counsel related to any such violation, or cooperates, or seeks to cooperate, in an investigation or other proceeding concerning the employer’s compliance with the requirements of this subsection, or any rule or regulation pertaining to this subsection.

The Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall devise a process under which an H–1B nonimmigrant who files a complaint regarding a violation of this subparagraph and is otherwise eligible to remain and work in the United States may be allowed to seek other appropriate employment in the United States for a period not to exceed the maximum period of stay authorized for such nonimmigrant classification.

(D)

It is a violation of this subparagraph for an employer who has filed an application under this subsection—

(i)

to require an H–1B nonimmigrant to pay a penalty for ceasing employment with the employer prior to a date agreed to by the nonimmigrant and the employer; or

(ii)

to require or accept reimbursement or any other form of compensation from an alien with respect to a fee imposed on the employer under section 214(c)(9).

(E)

(i)

It is a violation of paragraph (1)(A) for an employer, who has filed an application under this subsection and who places an H–1B nonimmigrant, after the nonimmigrant has entered into employment with the employer, in nonproductive status due to a decision by the employer (based on factors such as lack of work), or due to the nonimmigrant’s lack of a permit or license, to fail to pay the nonimmigrant full-time wages in accordance with paragraph (1)(a) for all such nonproductive time (if the nonimmigrant was designated as a full-time employee on the petition filed under section 214(c)(1)) or otherwise for such hours as are designated on such petition consistent with the rate of pay identified on such petition.

(ii)

(I)

In the case of an H–1B nonimmigrant who has not yet entered into employment with an employer who has had approved an application under this subsection, and a petition under section 214(c)(1), with respect to the nonimmigrant, subclause (i) shall apply to the employer beginning 30 days after the date the nonimmigrant first is admitted into the United States pursuant to the petition, or 60 days after the date the nonimmigrant becomes eligible to work for the employer (in the case of a nonimmigrant who is present in the United States on the date of the approval of the petition).

(II)

Clause (i) does not apply to a failure to pay wages to an H–1B nonimmigrant for nonproductive time due to non-work-related factors, such as the voluntary request of the nonimmigrant for an absence or circumstances rendering the nonimmigrant unable to work.

(III)

Clause (i) shall not be construed as prohibiting an employer that is a school or other educational institution from applying to an H–1B nonimmigrant an established salary practice of the employer, under which the employer pays to H–1B nonimmigrants and United States workers in the same occupational classification an annual salary in disbursements over fewer than 12 months, if—

(aa)

the nonimmigrant agrees to the compressed annual salary payments prior to the commencement of the employment; and

(bb)

the application of the salary practice to the nonimmigrant does not otherwise cause the nonimmigrant to violate any condition of the nonimmigrant’s authorization under this chapter to remain in the United States.

(iii)

This subparagraph shall not be construed as superseding subparagraph (G).

(F)

It is a violation of paragraph (1)(A) for an employer who has filed an application under this subsection to fail to offer to an H–1B nonimmigrant, during the nonimmigrant’s period of authorized employment, benefits and eligibility for benefits (including the opportunity to participate in health, life, disability, and other insurance plans; the opportunity to participate in retirement and savings plans; and cash bonuses and noncash compensation, such as stock options (whether or not based on performance)) on the same basis, and in accordance with the same criteria, as the employer offers to United States workers.

(G)

If the Secretary of Labor finds, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, that recovery of back wages, fees or costs is necessary to address a violation of this subsection or any other law, the Secretary of Labor may recover such back wages, fees or costs on behalf of the worker.

(H)

(i)

Except as provided in clauses (ii) and (iii), a person or entity is considered to have complied with the requirements of this subsection, notwithstanding a technical or procedural failure to meet such requirements, if there was a good faith attempt to comply with the requirements.

(ii)

Clause (i) shall not apply if—

(I)

the Department of Labor (or another enforcement agency) has explained to the person or entity the basis for the failure;

(II)

the person or entity has been provided a period of not less than 10 business days (beginning after the date of the explanation) within which to correct such failure; and

(III)

the person or entity has not corrected the failure voluntarily within such period.

(iii)

A person or entity that, in the course of an investigation, is found to have violated the prevailing wage requirements set forth in paragraph (1)(A), shall not be assessed fines or other penalties for such violation if the person or entity can establish that the manner in which the prevailing wage was calculated was consistent with recognized industry standards and practices.

(iv)

Clauses (i) and (iii) shall not apply to a person or entity that has engaged in or is engaging in a pattern or practice of willful violations of this paragraph.

(I)

The Secretary of Labor is authorized to take other such actions, including issuing subpoenas and seeking appropriate injunctive relief and specific performance of contractual obligations, as may be necessary to assure employer compliance with the terms and conditions under this subsection. The rights and remedies provided to H–1B nonimmigrants by this subsection are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other contractual or statutory rights and remedies of such nonimmigrants, and are not intended to alter or affect such rights and remedies.

(J)

The term substantial failure means the repeated, reckless or willful failure to comply with the requirements of this section that constitute a significant deviation from the requirements of this section or the terms and conditions of an application filed under this section.

(2)

Section 212(n) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)) is amended by striking paragraphs (3) and (5) and redesignating paragraph (4), as amended by this section, as paragraph (3).

(e)

Section 214(g)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)(4)) is amended by striking 6 and inserting 3.

(f)

(1)

Section 214(g)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)(4)), as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

(C)

If a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) is terminated or laid off by the nonimmigrant’s employer, or otherwise ceases employment with the employer, the nonimmigrant’s status shall continue for 60 days or until the last date of the previously approved status, whichever is earlier.

(2)

Section 204(j) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(j)) is amended by—

(A)

striking (a)(1)(D) and inserting (a)(1)(F);

(B)

striking if the new job is in the same or similar occupational classification as the job for which the petition was filed. and inserting if the new job—; and

(C)

inserting at the end the following:

(1)

is in the same or similar occupational classification as the job for which the petition was filed; or

(2)

is in a different occupational classification that is in a field related to the job for which the petition was filed and involves an increase in wages of at least 5 percent.

(3)

Section 203 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153), as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(i)

The priority date for any immigrant petition shall be the date of filing with the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Secretary of State, unless the filing was preceded by the filing of a labor certification with the Secretary of Labor, in which case the date of filing of such labor certification shall constitute the priority date. The beneficiary of any petition shall retain the earliest priority date based on any approved petition filed on the beneficiary’s behalf, regardless of the category of subsequent petitions.

(4)

Section 214(c)(2)(E) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(2)(E)) is amended by striking section 101(a)(15)(L) and inserting subparagraph (H) or (L) of section 101(a)(15).

(g)

(1)

Section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)) is amended—

(A)

by striking or as a fashion model; and

(B)

by striking or, in the case of a fashion model, is of distinguished merit and ability.

(2)

(A)

Section 101(a)(15)(P) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(P)) is amended—

(i)

in clause (iii), by striking or at the end;

(ii)

in clause (iv), by striking clause (i), (ii), or (iii) and inserting clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv);

(iii)

by redesignating clause (iv) as clause (v);

(iv)

by inserting after clause (iii) the following:

(iv)

is a fashion model who is of distinguished merit and ability and who is seeking to enter the United States temporarily to perform fashion modeling services that involve events or productions which have a distinguished reputation or that are performed for an organization or establishment that has a distinguished reputation for, or a record of, utilizing prominent modeling talent; or

; and

(v)

by striking having a foreign residence which the alien has no intention of abandoning.

(B)

Section 214(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(a)(2)) is amended—

(i)

in paragraph (B) by inserting (i), (ii), and (iii) after 1101(a)(15)(P) each place that term appears; and

(ii)

by inserting or fashion model after athlete.

(C)

(i)

Section 214(c)(4)(D) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(4)(D)) is amended by striking clause (i) or (iii) and inserting clause (i), (iii), or (iv).

(ii)

Section 214(c)(6)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(6)(A)) is amended by inserting at the end new clause to read as follows:

(iv)

To meet the consultation requirement of paragraph (4)(D), in the case of a petition for a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(P)(iv) of this Act, the petitioner shall submit with the petition an advisory opinion from a peer group, labor organization, or other person or persons of its choosing with expertise in the field of fashion modeling.

(iii)

Section 214(c)(6)(E)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(6)(E)(i)) is amended by striking artists or entertainers and inserting artists, entertainers, or fashion models.

(3)

Section 214 (a) and (c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184 (a) and (c)) are amended by striking the term Attorney General each place it appears and inserting Secretary of Homeland Security.

(4)

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as preventing an alien who is a fashion model from obtaining nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(O)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(O)(i)) if such alien is otherwise qualified for such status.

403.

(a)

Section 214(c)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(G)

(i)

No alien described in clause (ii) may be admitted or provided status under section 101(a)(15)(L) unless the employer has filed with the Secretary of Labor an application stating that the employer—

(I)

is offering and will offer during the period of authorized employment wages that are at least—

(aa)

the actual wage level paid by the employer to all other individuals with similar experience and qualifications for the specific employment in question, or

(bb)

the prevailing wage level for the occupational classification in the area of employment,

whichever is greater, based on the best information available as of the time of filing the application; and

(II)

will provide working conditions for such alien that will not adversely affect the working conditions of workers similarly employed.

(ii)

An alien is described in this clause if the alien will serve in a capacity involving specialized knowledge under section 101(a)(15)(L) and the alien—

(I)

will be employed in the United States for a cumulative period of time in excess of 18 months over a 3-year period, or

(II)

will be employed in the United States for a cumulative period of time in excess of 90 days over a 3-year period and will be stationed primarily at the worksite of an employer other than the petitioning employer or its affiliate, subsidiary, or parent, including pursuant to an outsourcing, leasing, or other contracting agreement.

(iii)

An employer may comply with the requirements of clause (i) by establishing that the total amount of compensation to be paid by the employer to the alien (including the value of benefits paid by the employer to the alien in the alien’s home country, employer-provided housing or housing allowances, employer-provided vehicles or transportation allowances, and other benefits provided to the alien as an incident of the assignment in the United States) meets or exceeds the total amount of compensation paid by the employer to all other employees with similar experience and qualifications working in the same occupational classification.

(b)

Section 214(c)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(2)), as amended by this section, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

(H)

(i)

The Secretary of Labor shall establish a process for the receipt, investigation and disposition of complaints, which may be filed by any aggrieved person or organization (including bargaining representatives), respecting an employer’s compliance with this paragraph and the conditions of an application under paragraph (1) for a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(L). The Secretary, either pursuant to this complaint process or otherwise, may investigate employers as necessary to determine such compliance. The Secretary shall audit at least 5 percent of the employers who file applications under subparagraph (G) in a given year to determine compliance with this subsection.

(ii)

If the Secretary finds, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, a substantial failure to meet any of the conditions of this paragraph, a misrepresentation of a material fact in an application under paragraph (1) for a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(L), or a violation of clause (iii) or (iv)—

(I)

the Secretary shall, in addition to any other remedy authorized by law, impose such administrative remedies (including civil monetary penalties in an amount not to exceed $10,000 per violation) as the Secretary determines to be appropriate; and

(II)

the Secretary may not approve applications with respect to that employer under paragraph (1) for a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(L) during a period of at least 1 year but not more than 5 years for aliens to be employed by the employer.

(iii)

It is a violation of this subparagraph for an employer who has filed an application under paragraph (1) for a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(L) to intimidate, threaten, restrain, coerce, discharge, or in any other manner discriminate or retaliate against an employee (including a former employee or an applicant for employment) because the employee—

(I)

(II)

The Secretary shall devise a process under which a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(L) who files a complaint regarding a violation of this subparagraph and is otherwise eligible to remain and work in the United States may be allowed to seek other appropriate employment in the United States for a period not to exceed the maximum period of stay authorized for such nonimmigrant classification.

(iv)

It is a violation of this subparagraph for an employer who has filed an application under paragraph (1) for a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(L)—

(I)

to require such nonimmigrant to pay a penalty for ceasing employment with the employer prior to a date agreed to by the nonimmigrant and the employer; or

(II)

to require or accept reimbursement or any other form of compensation from an alien with respect to a fee imposed on the employer related to such application.

(v)

If the Secretary finds, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, that recovery of back wages, fees or costs is necessary to address a violation of this subparagraph or any other law, the Secretary may recover such back wages, fees or costs on behalf of the worker.

(vi)

The Secretary is authorized to take other such actions, including issuing subpoenas and seeking appropriate injunctive relief and specific performance of contractual obligations, as may be necessary to assure employer compliance with the terms and conditions under this paragraph. The rights and remedies provided to nonimmigrants under section 101(a)(15)(L) by this paragraph are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other contractual or statutory rights and remedies of such nonimmigrants, and are not intended to alter or affect such rights and remedies.

(vii)

(I)

Except as provided in subclauses (II) and (III), a person or entity is considered to have complied with the requirements of this paragraph, notwithstanding a technical or procedural failure to meet such requirements, if there was a good faith attempt to comply with the requirements.

(II)

Subclause (I) shall not apply if—

(aa)

the Secretary of Homeland Security (or another enforcement agency) has explained to the person or entity the basis for the failure;

(bb)

the person or entity has been provided a period of not less than 10 business days (beginning after the date of the explanation) within which to correct such failure; and

(cc)

the person or entity has not corrected the failure voluntarily within such period.

(III)

A person or entity that, in the course of an investigation, is found to have violated the prevailing wage requirements set forth in subparagraph (G), shall not be assessed fines or other penalties for such violation if the person or entity can establish that the manner in which the prevailing wage was calculated was consistent with recognized industry standards and practices.

(IV)

Subclauses (I) and (III) shall not apply to a person or entity that has engaged in or is engaging in a pattern or practice of willful violations of this paragraph.

(viii)

The term substantial failure means the repeated, reckless or willful failure to comply with the requirements of this paragraph that constitute a significant deviation from the requirements of this paragraph or the terms and conditions of an application filed under paragraph (1) for nonimmigrants under section 101(a)(15)(L).

(c)

Section 214(c)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(2)), as amended by this section, is further amended by striking Attorney General each place such term appears and inserting Secretary of Homeland Security.

(d)

Section 214(c)(8) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(8)) is amended—

(1)

by striking Attorney General and inserting Secretary of Homeland Security or Secretary of State, as appropriate,;

(2)

by inserting (L), after (H),; and

(3)

by adding at the end the following:

(F)

The number of applications for nonimmigrants described under section 101(a)(15)(L), based on an approved blanket petition under paragraph (2)(A), which have been filed.

(G)

The number of applications for nonimmigrants described under section 101(a)(15)(L), based on an approved blanket petition under paragraph (2)(A), which have been approved.

(e)

Not later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security, in cooperation with the Inspector General of the Department of State, shall submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate a report regarding the use of blanket petitions under section 214(c)(2)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(2)(A)). Such report shall assess the efficiency and reliability of the process for reviewing such blanket petitions and adjudicating visa applications filed under an approved blanket petition, including whether the process includes adequate safeguards against fraud and abuse.

501.

(a)

Section 203(b)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(E)

(i)

Of the visas otherwise available under this paragraph, the Secretary of State, together with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall set aside at least 5,000 visas for a program involving regional centers designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security, on the basis of a general proposal, for the promotion of economic growth, including improved regional productivity, job creation, or increased domestic capital investment. A regional center shall have jurisdiction over a specific geographic area, which shall be described in the proposal and consistent with the purpose of concentrating pooled investment in defined economic zones. The establishment of a regional center under this subparagraph may be based on general predictions, contained in the proposal, concerning the kinds of new commercial enterprises that will receive capital from aliens under this paragraph, the jobs that will be created (directly or indirectly) as a result of such capital investments and the other positive economic effects such capital investments will have.

(ii)

In determining compliance with this subparagraph, and notwithstanding requirements applicable to investors not involving regional centers, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall recognize reasonable methodologies for determining the number of jobs created by a designated regional center, including such jobs that are estimated to have been created indirectly through revenues generated from increased exports, improved regional productivity, or increased domestic capital investment resulting from the regional center. The Secretary may consider estimated job creation outside the geographic boundary of a designated regional center if such estimate is supported by substantial evidence and constitutes no more than 50 percent of the overall number of jobs estimated to be created by such regional center.

(iii)

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish a preapproval procedure for commercial enterprises that—

(I)

allows a regional center to apply to the Secretary for approval of a new commercial enterprise before any alien files a petition for classification under this paragraph by reason of investment in the new commercial enterprise;

(II)

in considering an application under subclause (I), requires that the Secretary make final decisions on all issues under this paragraph other than those issues unique to each individual investor in the new commercial enterprise; and

(III)

requires that the Secretary eliminate the need for the repeated submission of documentation that is common to multiple petitions for classification under this paragraph through a regional center.

(iv)

In addition to any other fees authorized by law, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall impose a fee to apply for designation as an EB–5 regional center under this paragraph. Fees collected under this paragraph shall be deposited in the Treasury in accordance with section 286(y).

(b)

Section 203(b)(5)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5)(B)) is amended as follows:

(1)

In clause (ii), to read as follows:

(ii)

In this paragraph, the term targeted employment area means—

(I)

a rural area;

(II)

an area that has experienced high unemployment (of at least 150 percent of the national average rate) within the preceding 12 months;

(III)

a county that has had a 20 percent or more decrease in population since 1970; or

(IV)

an area that is within the boundaries established for purposes of a State or Federal economic development incentive program, including areas defined as Enterprise Zones, Renewal Communities and Empowerment Zones.

(2)

In clause (iii), by striking within a metropolitan statistical area or.

(3)

By adding at the end the following:

(iv)

In a case in which a geographic area is determined under clause (ii) to be a targeted employment area, such determination shall remain in effect during the 2-year period beginning on the date of the determination for purposes of any alien seeking a visa reserved under this subparagraph.

(c)

Section 203(b)(5)(D) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5)(D)) is amended to read as follows:

(D)

In this paragraph, the term full-time employment means employment in a position that requires at least 35 hours of service per week at any time, regardless of who fills the position. Such employment may be satisfied on a full-time equivalent basis by calculating the number of full-time employees that could have been employed if the reported number of hours worked by part-time employees had been worked by full-time employees. Full-time equivalent employment shall be calculated by dividing the part-time hours paid by the standard number of hours for full-time employees.

(d)

Section 203(b)(5)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5)(C)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(iv)

For purposes of this paragraph, the term capital does not include any assets acquired, directly or indirectly, by unlawful means.

(e)

Section 203(b)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5)(A)), is amended by adding or similar entity after including a limited partnership.

(f)

Subparagraph (A) of section 216A(d)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1186b(d)(2)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following: A date specified by the applicant (but not later than the fourth anniversary) shall be substituted for the second anniversary in applying the preceding sentence if the applicant demonstrates that the applicant has attempted to follow the applicant’s business model in good faith, provides an explanation for the delay in filing the petition that is based on circumstances outside of the applicant’s control, and demonstrates that such circumstances will be able to be resolved within the specified period..

(g)

(1)

The Secretary of Homeland Security, in appropriate consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and other interested parties, shall conduct a study concerning—

(A)

current job creation counting methodology and initial projections under section 203(b)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5)); and

(B)

how to best promote the employment creation program described in such section overseas to potential immigrant investors.

(2)

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit a report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act containing the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1).

(h)

Beginning on the date that is one year after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit a report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate that measures the economic impact of the regional center program described in section 203(b)(5)(E) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5)(E)), including—

(1)

foreign and domestic capital investment;

(2)

the number of jobs directly and indirectly created;

(3)

any other economic benefits related to foreign investment under such program; and

(4)

the number of petitions under such section approved or denied for each regional center.

(i)

Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall prescribe regulations to implement the amendments made by this section.

502.

Section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1255) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (k), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking (1), (2), or (3) and inserting (1), (2), (3), (5), or (6); and

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

(n)

If, at the time a petition is filed under section 204 for classification under paragraph (5) or (6) of section 203(b), approval of the petition would make a visa immediately available to the alien beneficiary, the alien beneficiary’s adjustment application under this section shall be considered to be properly filed whether the application is submitted concurrently with, or subsequent to, the visa petition.

503.

(a)

Section 286 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356), as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

(y)

(1)

There is established in the general fund of the Treasury a separate account, which shall be known as the Immigrant Entrepreneur Account. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, there shall be deposited as offsetting receipts into the account all fees collected under paragraph (5) or (6) of section 203(b) of this Act or section 610(b) of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (8 U.S.C. 1153 note).

(2)

Fees collected under this section may only be used by the Secretary of Homeland Security to administer and operate the employment creation program described in paragraph (5) or (6) of section 203(b).

(b)

Section 286(u) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(u)) is amended by adding at the end the following: In the case of a petition filed under section 204(a)(1)(H) for classification under paragraph (5) or (6) of section 203(b), if the petitioner desires a guarantee of a decision on the petition in 60 days or less, the premium processing fee under this subsection shall be set at $2,500 and shall be deposited as offsetting receipts in the Immigrant Entrepreneur Account established under subsection (y)..

S. 1986 (112^th): Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Visa Act of 2011

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