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HOUSE 1075115th CongressReferred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security.

Freedom for Refugees Escaping Enmity (FREE) Act

Last Action
3/6/2017

Actions

  • 2017-03-06Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security.
  • 2017-02-28Referred to the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security.
  • 2017-02-15Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • 2017-02-15Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • 2017-02-15Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • 2017-02-15Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • 2017-02-15Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • 2017-02-15Introduced in House
  • 2017-02-15Introduced in House

CRS Summary

As of 2017-02-15 (00)

Freedom for Refugees Escaping Enmity (FREE) Act

This bill nullifies Executive Order 13769, entitled "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States." No federal funds may be used to implement or enforce any of the policy changes set forth in such order.

Among the order's major provisions are restrictions on the entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants from seven countries (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen) and additional limitations on refugee admissions to the United States.

The Department of Homeland Security shall release any alien in custody under authority of such order. Visas or documentation that were revoked or refused under authority of such order shall be reissued or reconsidered as appropriate unless a consular officer knows, or has reason to believe, that the alien is ineligible to receive the visa or documentation under any provision of the immigration laws.

The Immigration and Nationality Act is amended to prohibit an alien from being given immigration visa preference, being discriminated against, or being denied U.S. entry or admission based upon religion or lack of religious beliefs.

The President may may not exercise his or her authority to suspend or restrict the U.S. entry of aliens or classes of aliens so as to modify the entry, reentry, or admission requirements of an alien having a valid and unexpired: (1) immigrant or nonimmigrant visa, or (2) refugee or legal permanent resident status.

Cosponsors (18)

  • Darren Soto (D-FL)
  • Anthony Brown (D-MD)
  • ELEANOR NORTON (D-DC)
  • Karen Bass (D-CA)
  • Ruben Kihuen (D-NV)
  • Marcia Fudge (D-OH)
  • Al Green (D-TX)
  • JAMES CLYBURN (D-SC)
  • BENNIE THOMPSON (D-MS)
  • Marc Veasey (D-TX)
  • Dwight Evans (D-PA)
  • G. K. Butterfield (D-NC)
  • GREGORY MEEKS (D-NY)
  • Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO)
  • Val Demings (D-FL)
  • Robin Kelly (D-IL)
  • Al Lawson (D-FL)
  • EDDIE JOHNSON (D-TX)

Subjects

  • Africa
  • Border security and unlawful immigration
  • Executive agency funding and structure
  • Immigration status and procedures
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Libya
  • Middle East
  • Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
  • Refugees, asylum, displaced persons
  • Religion
  • Somalia
  • Sudan
  • Syria
  • Travel and tourism
  • Visas and passports
  • Yemen
Read on Congress.gov

Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.