H.R. 8635: Verification Enhancement and Reliability for Immigration Fidelity Act of 2026

The Verification Enhancement and Reliability for Immigration Fidelity Act of 2026 aims to modernize the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, which is utilized to confirm the eligibility of individuals for certain government benefits based on their immigration status. The key aspects of the bill include:

Modernization of the SAVE Program

• The Secretary of Homeland Security is tasked with updating the SAVE program to ensure that it provides accurate and timely verification responses.
• This modernization will involve several measures, such as:
  • Upgrading the infrastructure to improve speed and reliability.
  • Implementing automated systems for better data reconciliation.
  • Expanding access via Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for authorized agencies.
  • Creating a feedback mechanism for agencies to report any data errors.

Timeliness and Data Updates

The bill requires the Secretary to ensure that any changes to an individual's immigration status are updated in the SAVE program within 24 hours. This includes updates on grants, extensions, expirations, or other changes to a person's lawful status.

Interoperability and Data Sharing

• The Secretary will integrate the SAVE program with other relevant Department of Homeland Security systems, such as those tracking arrivals and departures.
• It encourages collaboration with other federal agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, to enhance verification accuracy through data-sharing agreements.
• Additionally, it supports voluntary agreements with state agencies to verify vital records like birth and death information when legally permissible.

Alerts for Status Changes

Under this bill, the SAVE program is required to notify agencies whenever an individual’s immigration status changes after a verification has occurred. This is intended to ensure that agencies can assess continued eligibility based on relevant changes in status while adhering to privacy laws.

Data Usage Limitations

• The bill specifies that information accessed through the SAVE program must be limited to what is necessary for eligibility verification and prohibits the expansion of the program to include non-immigration criminal records.
• It explicitly states that the SAVE program cannot be used for general law enforcement or surveillance activities.

Automation and Human Oversight

The Secretary is permitted to employ automated tools within the SAVE program strictly for data reconciliation and error reduction. Key points include:

• No automatic negative eligibility decisions may be made solely based on these automated processes.
• Human review is necessary for any contested or adverse decisions.
• Regular assessments for accuracy and bias in the automated processes must be conducted, with summary results reported to Congress annually.

Prohibition on Fees

Federal, state, local, or Tribal government agencies may not be charged a fee for using the SAVE program to submit verification queries.

Implementation and Oversight

• The Secretary must develop a SAVE modernization plan to be submitted to Congress within 180 days of the bill's enactment, detailing technological upgrades and performance metrics for accuracy and timeliness.
• The Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General will conduct annual audits of the SAVE program, focusing on its accuracy and compliance with the Act.
• If significant non-compliance is identified, the Secretary must provide a corrective action plan to Congress within 90 days, with potential funding restrictions for non-compliance.

Definitions and Effective Date

The term "SAVE program" refers specifically to the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements program established by previous immigration legislation. The Act will take effect one year after its enactment, although some planning and reporting obligations will begin immediately.

Severability

If any section of this Act is found to be invalid, the remaining parts will continue to be effective.

Relevant Companies

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