H.R. 10685: Hong Konger Promise of Refuge Act

This bill would create a new immigration path to lawful permanent resident status, or green card status, for certain Hong Kong residents who are already in the United States and were previously covered by Deferred Enforced Departure (DED).

Who could qualify

A person could apply under this bill if they:

• Qualify as a permanent resident of Hong Kong, regardless of where they were born;
• Were granted DED under the presidential memo issued on August 5, 2021, or under later extensions from January 26, 2023, or January 15, 2025;
• Have lived continuously in the United States since January 15, 2025, with only limited authorized absences totaling no more than 180 days;
• Have not returned to Hong Kong or mainland China since that date;
• Have not been convicted of one felony or two misdemeanors in the United States;
• Are not subject to extradition; and
• Apply within one year after the bill becomes law.

What the adjustment would do

If approved, the person’s immigration status would be changed to lawful permanent resident. The bill also says that any prior removal orders against that person would be canceled, and their permanent resident status would be treated as starting on the date they first arrived in the United States.

Family members

The bill would also allow certain close family members of eligible applicants to apply for permanent resident status, including:

• Spouses;
• Children; and
• Unmarried adult sons and daughters.

These family members would have to meet the usual immigration rules, except for certain exceptions created by this bill.

Immigration rule exceptions

The bill would waive some existing grounds that normally could make someone inadmissible or deportable, so they would not block a person from qualifying under this new process. It would also protect applicants from immigration detention, removal, or removal proceedings while their application is pending.

Work authorization

People who apply under the bill would be allowed to work in the United States while their application is being processed, through an employment authorization endorsement or other work permit.

Administrative changes

The bill would make technical changes to the Immigration and Nationality Act to add this new green-card category and to make sure it is not counted against normal immigration visa limits.

Relevant Companies

None found