The immigration bill I would submit if I were in Congress

 

The Fair and Secure Immigration Reform Act (FSIRA)

Section 1. Short Title

This Act may be cited as the “Fair and Secure Immigration Reform Act” or FSIRA.

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Section 2. Findings and Purpose

1. Findings:
   1.1. The United States is a nation built on the contributions of immigrants who uphold its laws, embrace its language and customs, and positively contribute to the economy.
   1.2. Fair but stringent requirements for lawful entry and permanent residence help safeguard national security and protect the integrity of the immigration system.
   1.3. Preventing the misuse of marriage as a pathway to citizenship, addressing concerns about entry for pregnant individuals, and clarifying the status of asylum seekers are necessary for maintaining immigration integrity.

2. Purpose:
   2.1. To establish a clear and stringent set of requirements for obtaining lawful permanent residency (Green Cards).
   2.2. To provide certain pathways for expedited citizenship for those willing to serve in the U.S. military or fill critical-need positions.
   2.3. To ensure that prospective immigrants demonstrate commitment to the nation through adherence to U.S. laws, English language proficiency, understanding of U.S. history, and economic self-sufficiency.
   2.4. To eliminate automatic Green Card eligibility based on marriage alone, setting a minimum duration of marriage before an applicant may qualify.
   2.5. To restrict entry for individuals who are pregnant until after they have given birth.
   2.6. To ensure that asylum seekers are granted entry only through an approved application process and to clarify their status once conditions in their home country have changed.

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Section 3. Definitions

For purposes of this Act:

1. Immigrant: Any foreign national seeking lawful permanent residency or citizenship in the United States.
2. Major Crime: Any offense classified as a felony under federal or relevant state law, or an equivalent under the laws of another country if it would be considered a felony in the United States.
3. Minor Crime: Any offense not classified as a felony, excluding infractions.
4. Green Card: The commonly used term for lawful permanent resident status in the United States.
5. Fast-Tracked Citizenship: An expedited process to obtain citizenship more quickly than the standard waiting periods, subject to meeting specific requirements.
6. Critical-Need Fields: Occupations or specialties designated by the Department of Labor or another relevant federal agency as essential to national interests or having a demonstrable labor shortage.
7. Valid Marriage for Immigration Purposes: A marriage recognized under U.S. law that has existed for no less than two (2) years before the non-citizen spouse may apply for or obtain lawful permanent resident status under this Act.
8. Pregnant Individual: Any person who has been medically verified to be pregnant at the time of seeking entry into the United States.
9. Asylum Seeker: A foreign national who seeks protection from persecution or danger in their home country, in accordance with U.S. asylum laws and international obligations.

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Section 4. Requirements for Lawful Permanent Residency (Green Card)

1. Criminal Record Standard:
   1.1. An applicant must not have committed any major crimes (felonies) at any time.
   1.2. An applicant must have no minor crimes (misdemeanors) in the ten (10) years prior to filing for a Green Card.

2. English Language Proficiency:
   2.1. All applicants must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak English at a level sufficient for everyday communication and integration into U.S. society.

3. Financial Self-Sufficiency:
   3.1. Applicants must show proof of sufficient funds to cover personal living expenses and must provide evidence of a job offer in the United States prior to entry.
   3.2. Acceptable proof includes bank statements, official job offer letters, or other documentation accepted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

4. US History and Civics Knowledge:
   4.1. Before obtaining permanent residency, applicants must pass a standard U.S. history and civics examination administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

5. Marriage-Based Green Card Restrictions:
   5.1. No individual shall automatically qualify for a Green Card solely by virtue of being married to a U.S. citizen.
   5.2. A foreign spouse may become eligible for a Green Card only if the couple has been legally married for a minimum of two (2) consecutive years prior to the filing of any Green Card application.
   5.3. If at any time after the two-year period and before the foreign spouse obtains citizenship, the marriage is legally terminated by divorce or annulment, the non-citizen spouse’s lawful permanent residency shall be revoked, and removal proceedings shall commence pursuant to Section 8.

6. Pregnancy-Related Entry Restrictions:
   6.1. A pregnant individual shall not be permitted entry into the United States until after the birth of the child.
   6.2. The DHS shall establish procedures for verifying pregnancy status where there is reason to believe an individual is pregnant.

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Section 5. Fast-Tracked Citizenship

1. Military Service:
   1.1. Any eligible Green Card holder who volunteers for and serves honorably in a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces for a minimum of four (4) years shall be eligible to apply for citizenship upon completion of service, subject to additional requirements under this Act and the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

2. Critical-Need Fields:
   2.1. The Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall designate a list of occupations or specialties deemed critical-need fields.
   2.2. Green Card holders employed full-time in a critical-need field for at least three (3) years may be eligible to apply for citizenship on an expedited basis, provided they meet all other criteria in this Act.

3. Additional Requirements:
   3.1. Fast-tracked applicants must still pass a rigorous background check, maintain clean criminal records during the entire period of residence, and pass all language and civics requirements.

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Section 6. Standard Waiting Period for Citizenship

1. Minimum Ten-Year Residency:
   1.1. Except as otherwise provided in Section 5 of this Act, Green Card holders shall wait at least ten (10) years from the date of obtaining lawful permanent residency before applying for U.S. citizenship.
   1.2. During this period, the individual must remain in continuous residence in the United States and comply with all federal, state, and local laws.

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Section 7. Asylum Seekers

1. Pre-Approval Requirement:
   1.1. Any individual seeking asylum must submit an application from outside the United States. Entry is not permitted until such time as the Department of Homeland Security or an immigration court has approved the asylum application.

2. Temporary Protection:
   2.1. Once admitted under an approved asylum status, the individual is authorized to remain in the United States only until the conditions causing them peril in their home country have been resolved or significantly improved, as determined by the Secretary of State in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security.
   2.2. Within thirty (30) days of a formal determination that danger in the asylee’s home country has ended, the asylee must depart the United States unless the asylee has applied for and been granted a Green Card under Section 4 of this Act.

3. Transition to Permanent Residency:
   3.1. Any asylee who wishes to remain in the United States beyond the end of their authorized protection period must meet all the requirements for lawful permanent residency, including the criminal record standard, English proficiency, and financial self-sufficiency.

4. Enforcement:
   4.1. Failure to depart within thirty (30) days after a formal determination that the danger has ended shall subject the individual to removal proceedings under Section 8.

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Section 8. Removal Prior to Citizenship

1. Grounds for Removal:
   1.1. Any non-citizen, including those holding a Green Card, may be subject to removal if they commit any criminal offense before they have been granted full U.S. citizenship.
   1.2. If a Green Card was obtained through marriage and that marriage is dissolved prior to the grant of citizenship, the non-citizen shall be subject to removal unless they qualify for another legal status independently.
   1.3. The Department of Homeland Security shall initiate removal proceedings upon conviction for a crime that demonstrates moral turpitude, or any crime for which incarceration is deemed warranted under federal or state guidelines.

2. Due Process:
   2.1. Individuals subject to removal under this Section shall have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge, as provided by existing federal law.

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Section 9. Enforcement

1. Enforcement Authority:
   1.1. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), shall implement and enforce the provisions of this Act.

2. Penalties for Fraud or Misrepresentation:
   2.1. Any applicant found to have willfully misrepresented or concealed material facts in their immigration applications or interviews shall be permanently barred from obtaining any immigration benefit, subject to waivers or appeals as provided by law.

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Section 10. Effective Date

1. Implementation Period:
   1.1. This Act shall take effect one hundred eighty (180) days after the date of its enactment.
   1.2. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall issue any necessary regulations to implement this Act prior to the effective date.

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Section 11. Severability

1. Invalidation of Specific Provisions:
   1.1. If any provision of this Act, or its application to any person or circumstance, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Act and its application to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected.

The Comprehensive Disaster Insurance Protection Act (CDIPA) Law I would propose

 

The Comprehensive Disaster Insurance Protection Act (CDIPA)

Section 1. Short Title.
This Act may be cited as the “Comprehensive Disaster Insurance Protection Act” or CDIPA.

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Section 2. Findings and Purpose.
(a) Findings:

1. Severe natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, and floods, cause major disruptions to the lives and property of Americans.
2. Insurance protection is critical to the financial stability of individuals and communities after such disasters.
3. Certain practices by insurance providers—such as abrupt policy cancellations, denial of valid claims, and rate spikes in low-risk areas—undermine public confidence and hamper recovery efforts.

(b) Purpose:

1. To ensure fair and comprehensive coverage for policyholders affected by major disasters.
2. To set standards and restrictions on policy cancellations, denials of claims, and excessive premium increases.

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Section 3. Definitions.
For purposes of this Act:

1. Major Disaster: Any incident formally declared a “major disaster” by the President of the United States under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122(2)) or any successor statute.
2. Insurance Provider: Any insurer, re-insurer, or underwriting entity that issues property or casualty insurance policies in the United States.
3. High-Risk Area: An area officially designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), or another relevant federal agency, as prone to frequent or severe disasters.

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Section 4. Mandatory Coverage of Losses in Major Disasters.
(a) Coverage Requirement:

1. An Insurance Provider must extend coverage to all policyholders for direct physical losses and damages arising from a Major Disaster, consistent with the terms of their existing policies.
2. Any attempt to limit or exclude coverage for Major Disasters, once the policy has been issued, shall be deemed void and unenforceable except when a specific written exclusion was agreed upon by both parties at policy inception (and is not otherwise prohibited by law).

(b) Full Payment of Claims:

1. When a loss is determined to be covered, the Insurance Provider shall pay the claim promptly according to the policy terms.
2. Insurance Providers are prohibited from placing arbitrary or excessive documentation requirements on claimants in an effort to avoid paying legitimate claims.

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Section 5. Prohibition on Certain Policy Cancellations.
(a) Cancellation Moratorium:

1. An Insurance Provider shall not cancel or refuse to renew a policy for any reason related to a Major Disaster for which a claim has been filed, except in cases of fraud or nonpayment of premiums.
2. Cancellation for nonpayment of premiums shall be permitted only if the policyholder is at least ten (10) days past the due date without making any payment.

(b) Notice Requirement:

1. Before canceling or non-renewing a policy, an Insurance Provider must provide a written notice to the policyholder via mail or electronic communication, at least fifteen (15) days before the effective date of cancellation or non-renewal.

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Section 6. Stricter Standards for Claim Denials.
(a) Burden of Proof:

1. The burden of proving that a claim is not covered lies with the Insurance Provider.
2. The Provider must cite specific policy provisions and present clear and convincing evidence as to why a claim is not covered.

(b) Documentation and Explanation:

1. Any denial of a claim must be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the denial grounds, including the policy language relied upon and the facts supporting the denial.
2. Failure to provide adequate explanations, or any denial deemed to be in bad faith, shall subject the Provider to regulatory penalties under Section 8.

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Section 7. Restriction on Premium Rate Hikes in Non–High-Risk Areas.
(a) Prohibited Practices:

1. An Insurance Provider shall not implement excessive or unwarranted premium rate increases on properties located outside of designated High-Risk Areas.
2. Any proposed rate increase greater than ten percent (10%) in a twelve-month period for policies in non–High-Risk Areas must be filed with the relevant State Insurance Commissioner and accompanied by actuarial data justifying the increase.

(b) Review Process:

1. Upon filing, the State Insurance Commissioner shall review the proposed rate increase to ensure it is neither arbitrary nor excessive.
2. If the Commissioner determines the increase to be unjustified, the Commissioner shall reject or modify the requested rate.

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Section 8. Enforcement and Penalties.
(a) Enforcement Authority:

1. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the relevant State Insurance Commissioners shall have joint authority to enforce the provisions of this Act.
2. They may issue cease-and-desist orders, impose civil penalties, or seek injunctive relief in federal court against any Insurance Provider found to be in violation.

(b) Penalties:

1. Civil penalties may include fines of up to $100,000 per violation or up to $1,000,000 for repeated or willful violations.
2. Insurance Providers that engage in a pattern of bad-faith claims denials or cancellations may be subject to additional penalties, including the suspension or revocation of their license to operate in one or more states.

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Section 9. Effective Date.
This Act shall take effect one hundred and eighty (180) days after its enactment.

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Section 10. Severability.
If any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of this Act, and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby.

America's Wake-Up Call: A Demand for Real Change in Our Nation

 In an era where headlines constantly bombard us with political gridlock, mounting national debt, and cybersecurity breaches, many Americans are asking themselves: When will we finally wake up and address these critical issues? The harsh reality is that the government has stopped working for them - the very people it's meant to serve. This blog post explores the urgent changes needed to put America back on track and protect its citizens' interests.

The Great Congressional Standstill

The most glaring issue facing our nation today is the virtual paralysis of our legislative bodies. Congress, once the engine of American democracy, has devolved into a theater of partisan politics where meaningful legislation goes to die. In 2022 alone, despite numerous pressing issues requiring immediate attention, Congress passed fewer bills than almost any other session in recent history.

To get elected officials to start working effectively again, we need several fundamental changes:

1. Implementation of strict attendance and participation requirements
2. Mandatory bi-partisan cooperation on key legislation
3. Limited recess periods until critical legislation is passed
4. Public reporting of individual congressional member productivity

These measures would help ensure that our representatives actually represent us rather than simply occupying space in Washington.

The Urgent Need for a Balanced Budget Amendment

Perhaps the most alarming symptom of our governmental dysfunction is that the debt is out of control. The national debt has surpassed $31 trillion, a number so large it's almost incomprehensible to the average American. This financial burden threatens our economic stability and national security.

A constitutional amendment mandating a balanced budget is no longer just desirable - it's essential. Such an amendment should include:

• Annual spending limits tied to GDP
• Emergency provisions for national crises
• Gradual implementation to prevent economic shock
• Enforcement mechanisms with real consequences

Without such measures, we risk leaving an insurmountable financial burden for future generations.

Performance-Based Compensation for Elected Officials

It's time to revolutionize how we compensate our elected officials. The current system of guaranteed salaries regardless of performance is outdated and ineffective. A new performance-based system should be implemented where elected officials' pay is directly tied to:

• Number of bills passed
• Attendance record
• Constituent satisfaction ratings
• Achievement of campaign promises
• Bipartisan cooperation metrics

This would create real accountability and incentivize productive governance rather than political grandstanding.

Tackling the Debt Crisis

The mounting national debt isn't just a number - it's a clear and present danger to our national security and economic stability. A comprehensive debt reduction strategy should include:

1. Elimination of wasteful government spending
2. Reform of major entitlement programs
3. Closing tax loopholes
4. Investment in growth-generating infrastructure
5. Streamlining government operations

Each of these steps requires political courage, but the alternative - continuing on our current path - is far more dangerous.

Cybersecurity: The Real National Security Priority

While some politicians focus on physical barriers like building a wall, hackers are stealing all of our personal information at an unprecedented rate. The truth is, in the 21st century, our most vulnerable borders are digital, not physical.

Consider these statistics:

• In 2022, cybercrime cost the U.S. economy over $6.9 billion
• Personal data breaches affected more than 422 million individuals
• State-sponsored cyber attacks increased by 140%

Instead of pouring billions into physical barriers, we need to:

1. Modernize government IT infrastructure
2. Increase funding for cybersecurity research and development
3. Create a national cybersecurity education initiative
4. Establish stronger data protection regulations
5. Develop international cybersecurity cooperation frameworks

The Return on Investment (ROI) for cybersecurity spending far exceeds that of physical barrier construction, yet we continue to underfund this critical area.

A Path Forward

To implement these changes, we need an engaged and informed citizenry. Here's what every American can do:

1. Contact your representatives regularly
2. Stay informed about legislative activities
3. Vote in all elections, not just presidential ones
4. Support organizations promoting government accountability
5. Engage in local politics

The Power of Public Pressure

History shows that significant change often comes from sustained public pressure. Americans must demand:

• Regular town halls with elected officials
• Transparent voting records
• Clear explanation of policy positions
• Regular progress reports on key initiatives
• Accountability for campaign promises

Conclusion

The question "When will America wake up?" has a simple answer: We'll wake up when enough citizens decide they've had enough of the status quo. The government has stopped working for them, the debt is out of control, and hackers are stealing all of our personal information - these aren't just talking points, they're serious threats to our nation's future.

The solutions are clear:

• Reform how Congress operates
• Implement a balanced budget amendment
• Tie elected officials' pay to performance
• Develop a serious debt reduction strategy
• Prioritize cybersecurity over physical barriers

The time for half-measures and political theater is over. We need decisive action to address these challenges before they become insurmountable. The American people deserve better than what they're getting from their government, but change will only come when we demand it.

The alarm is ringing. The question isn't when will America wake up anymore - it's what will we do now that we're awake? The choices we make today will determine whether future generations inherit a nation of opportunity and prosperity or one of debt and decline. The time to act is now.

Remember: In a democracy, the power ultimately rests with the people. It's time we started using it.