Bill > HR5333

This bill, known as the "9/11 Immigrant Worker Freedom Act," aims to provide a pathway to lawful permanent residency for individuals who performed critical rescue, recovery, and cleanup services in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Specifically, the bill allows eligible individuals who worked or volunteered at specific sites in lower Manhattan, the Staten Island Landfill, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania during defined time periods to apply for permanent resident status within 18 months of the Act's enactment. Eligible workers include first responders, vehicle maintenance workers exposed to debris, and volunteers who performed rescue, recovery, demolition, or cleanup services. The bill includes provisions for work authorization during the application process and fee waivers for applicants with financial hardship. Importantly, the bill includes confidentiality protections, ensuring that information provided in applications cannot be used for immigration enforcement purposes, with limited exceptions for security and law enforcement investigations. The Secretary of Homeland Security is required to implement regulations within 90 days and provide a straightforward application process. The bill does not reduce the total number of immigrant visas available and aims to recognize and support the essential workers who contributed to the recovery efforts after the 9/11 attacks.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5333/all-info