Bill > S4546

This bill, titled the "American System for Sustainable Immigration and Mass Immigration Limitations Achieved Through Imposing Oversight Nationally Act" or the "ASSIMILATION Act," proposes significant changes to the Immigration and Nationality Act by establishing a "national interest standard" for all immigration decisions, prioritizing economic prosperity, cultural cohesion, and national security over family ties or diversity. Key provisions include ending certain family-sponsored immigration categories, eliminating the diversity immigrant visa lottery, reforming employment-based immigration and H-1B visas to focus on higher wages and specific occupations, and restricting Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows international students to work in the U.S. after graduation, unless explicitly authorized by law. The bill also revises standards for "good moral character" for naturalization, making it harder to become a citizen by expanding the list of disqualifying offenses and requiring more stringent proof of tax compliance and civic integration. Furthermore, it strengthens "public charge" rules, meaning immigrants are more likely to be deemed inadmissible or deportable if they are perceived as likely to rely on government assistance, and increases sponsor support requirements, including mandatory bonds for sponsors. The bill also revises asylum procedures, including a "safe third country" and transit bar, and establishes stricter rules for parole, limiting it to short, case-by-case grants for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, and prohibits categorical or programmatic parole. It also mandates employment eligibility verification through the E-Verify system for all new hires and introduces new penalties for visa overstays. Finally, the bill revises naturalization requirements, including a higher English proficiency standard and longer residency periods, and clarifies citizenship at birth rules.