S. 4983: Harry Reid Immigration Stabilization Act

This bill would make major changes to U.S. immigration law, with a focus on reducing legal and illegal immigration, increasing enforcement, and expanding removal powers.

Visa and refugee changes

The bill would reduce some family-based and employment-based immigration pathways. It would also cap the number of refugees admitted each year at 50,000. In addition, it would tighten the asylum process by requiring faster screening, shorter deadlines, and new penalties for noncompliance. It would also limit most court review of asylum decisions.

Deportation and criminal immigration enforcement

The bill would broaden the grounds for deporting noncitizens by greatly expanding the definition of “aggravated felony.” It would also increase deportation and exclusion authority for people with criminal histories or immigration violations, and it would place more limits on benefits available to certain noncitizens.

Work, identity, and benefit verification

The bill would require stronger systems to verify identity and work authorization. It would also require immigration-status checks for some federal benefit programs, making access to those benefits depend more directly on legal status.

Border security, fees, and enforcement funding

The bill would increase funding for border security measures, including more resources for the Border Patrol. It would also raise certain entry fees and impose new responsibilities on carriers and agencies, including reporting requirements and liability for transporting people who do not meet immigration requirements.

Anti-smuggling and fraud enforcement

The bill would strengthen enforcement against human smuggling and related crimes by increasing penalties, expanding forfeiture tools, allowing wiretaps in more cases, and applying racketeering laws in more situations. It would also encourage more cooperation with foreign governments in investigations. Penalties for visa fraud would also increase.

Citizenship and voting provisions

The bill would narrow birthright citizenship for some children born to noncitizen mothers. It would also prohibit noncitizen voting in elections.

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