Today, I will be filing almost a dozen amendments to the Immigration Reform bill.  Here is a brief description of each one:

1. Lee #1208 Requires fast-track Congressional approval at the introduction of the DHS strategies and at the certification of the strategies’ completion.  Increases accountability of Congress to oversee implementation of border-security measures.
2. Lee #1209 Clarifies that the legalization process should be funded entirely by the fees collected. Lessens the economic cost of immigration reform.
3. Lee #1210 Removes eligibility for RPI status for those who have absconded or sought to re-enter after receiving a deportation order. Toughens enforcement of existing immigration laws.
4. Lee #1211 Replaces “any offense under foreign law” with “any act committed outside the United States” as a ground for inadmissibility.
5. Lee #1212 Increases requirements to show that back taxes have been paid.
6. Lee #1213 Clarifies that penalties for RPI applicants may not be waived, limited, or reduced. Decreases the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security to waive penalties.
7. Lee #1214 Removes “sworn affidavits” from the list of documents that RPIs may use to satisfy the employment requirement for adjustment to LPR status. Toughens enforcement standards for RPI status.
8. Lee #1215 Requires an annual report on welfare benefits granted to illegal aliens and RPIs.  Fosters greater oversight of who is eligible for the country’s generous programs.
9. Lee #1216 Inserts intent requirements for employer discrimination provisions. Tightens the law to prevent frivolous lawsuits.
10. Lee #1217 Increases the W-visa starting cap from 20,000 to 200,000 and the post-phase-in cap from 200,000 to 400,000.  Better manages the flow of new immigration to the country while increasing access to needed labor.
11. Lee #1207 Allows Customs and Border Patrol agents to engage in enforcement activities on Federal Lands, where they are currently prohibited from protecting the border.