Overview

Title

To require all aliens applying for a nonimmigrant visa who are unlawfully present in the United States to submit to an in person interview with a consular officer.

ELI5 AI

The bill wants to make sure that people who are living in the U.S. without permission and want to get a special kind of visit permission, called a visa, have to talk face-to-face with a special helper called a consular officer. This helper will check if they can stay or need to leave.

Summary AI

H. R. 10217 is a bill that aims to enforce stricter visa application procedures for people unlawfully present in the United States. The bill requires these individuals to have an in-person interview with a consular officer when applying for a nonimmigrant visa. Additionally, it amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to ensure people deemed inadmissible under certain legal provisions also undergo this interview process.

Published

2024-11-21
Congress: 118
Session: 2
Chamber: HOUSE
Status: Introduced in House
Date: 2024-11-21
Package ID: BILLS-118hr10217ih

Bill Statistics

Size

Sections:
2
Words:
262
Pages:
2
Sentences:
5

Language

Nouns: 74
Verbs: 18
Adjectives: 9
Adverbs: 3
Numbers: 14
Entities: 25

Complexity

Average Token Length:
3.94
Average Sentence Length:
52.40
Token Entropy:
4.44
Readability (ARI):
26.59

AnalysisAI

General Summary of the Bill

In the House of Representatives on November 21, 2024, the proposal, titled "Visa Integrity Preservation Act of 2024", introduces an amendment targeting nonimmigrant visa applications submitted by individuals unlawfully present in the United States. The bill mandates that these applicants undergo an in-person interview with a consular officer. This amendment modifies the Immigration and Nationality Act, specifically addressing inadmissibility under certain sections.

Summary of Significant Issues

The bill raises several notable concerns. One key issue is the potential for increased bureaucratic burdens due to the required in-person interviews. Adding this step could prolong processing times and heighten administrative costs, impacting both the efficiency of the immigration system and the individuals seeking visas. The proposed changes also seem legally complex, which might lead to misunderstandings or misapplications unless clear guidance is provided. The absence of detailed financial implications in the bill raises questions about the hidden costs or the adequacy of funding necessary to carry out these reforms.

Furthermore, the bill lacks clarity regarding its varied impact on distinct individuals or groups, leaving room for perceived unfairness in its application. The short title of the bill, without an accompanying detailed narrative, might lead to public misinterpretation of its scope and intentions.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

Broad Public Impact:

The requirement for in-person interviews could significantly affect visa applicants currently residing unlawfully in the United States. Applicants may face prolonged wait times for interview appointments, potentially delaying their immigration processes. This could create anxiety and uncertainty for applicants and their families. Additionally, the bill might impact taxpayers, as increased administrative costs could require additional government resources.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders:

For consular officers, this bill would likely increase their workload, necessitating expanded personnel or extended working hours to accommodate the influx of in-person interviews. Conversely, applicants may experience a more thorough vetting process, which could either enhance the integrity of visa issuance or become a cumbersome hurdle in their application.

The immigration legal community might see more demand for their services as applicants navigate the new legal requirements. It could also potentially influence businesses and educational institutions relying on foreign nationals with nonimmigrant status, as the changes could impact the timing and predictability of visa processing.

In summary, while the bill aims to reinforce the integrity of the visa application process, it introduces several challenges and uncertainties that require mindful consideration to ensure fair and effective implementation.

Issues

  • The amendment in Section 2 may create additional bureaucratic burdens for both applicants and consular officers by mandating in-person interviews for a specific group of visa applicants. This requirement could lead to increased processing times and costs, affecting both the immigration system's efficiency and the individuals involved.

  • Section 2 deals with amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act, which could be legally complex. This complexity might lead to misunderstandings or misapplications of the law without clear guidance or educational outreach, potentially resulting in legal challenges.

  • The amendment criteria in Section 2 lack detailed financial implications. The absence of a direct mention of associated costs raises concerns about potential hidden expenses or underfunding of the necessary resources to implement these changes effectively.

  • The bill, specifically in Section 2, does not clarify how the new requirement might affect certain individuals or groups differently, potentially opening the door to claims of bias or unfairness in implementation.

  • The short title provided in Section 1 allows for significant interpretation without additional detail, potentially leading to public misunderstanding regarding the full scope or objectives of the "Visa Integrity Preservation Act of 2024."

Sections

Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.

1. Short title Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The first section of this act gives it a short title, which is the “Visa Integrity Preservation Act of 2024.”

2. In person interview with consular officer requirement for aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to update requirements for in-person interviews with consular officers, specifically addressing situations where individuals unlawfully present in the U.S. might be considered inadmissible due to certain violations outlined in section 212(a).