This bill aims to protect residents of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) by designating them as Priority 2 refugees of special humanitarian concern within the U.S. refugee resettlement program. This designation applies to individuals who have suffered or fear persecution due to their peaceful expression of political, religious, or cultural beliefs and activities by the Chinese government. The legislation also extends this protection to their spouses, children, and parents, acknowledging the systemic human rights violations detailed in the bill's findings. The bill outlines specific provisions to facilitate the refugee and asylum process for these individuals. It allows for processing in China or a third country and ensures that eligibility for refugee admission is not denied solely because an applicant qualifies for other immigration categories or is an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen. Crucially, the bill waives the presumption that every alien is an immigrant for certain XUAR residents seeking asylum, and clarifies that applying for U.S. immigration benefits does not imply an intention to abandon foreign residence. Furthermore, the legislation exempts these refugees from numerical limitations typically applied to immigrant visas, aiming to expedite their resettlement. It mandates that the Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security submit regular reports detailing application numbers, wait times, and denial reasons. The bill also establishes a policy to encourage U.S. allies and partners to make similar accommodations for XUAR residents fleeing oppression, and its provisions are set to terminate after 10 years.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Immigration
Uyghur Human Rights Protection Act
USA119th CongressHR-2349| House
| Updated: 3/25/2025
This bill aims to protect residents of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) by designating them as Priority 2 refugees of special humanitarian concern within the U.S. refugee resettlement program. This designation applies to individuals who have suffered or fear persecution due to their peaceful expression of political, religious, or cultural beliefs and activities by the Chinese government. The legislation also extends this protection to their spouses, children, and parents, acknowledging the systemic human rights violations detailed in the bill's findings. The bill outlines specific provisions to facilitate the refugee and asylum process for these individuals. It allows for processing in China or a third country and ensures that eligibility for refugee admission is not denied solely because an applicant qualifies for other immigration categories or is an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen. Crucially, the bill waives the presumption that every alien is an immigrant for certain XUAR residents seeking asylum, and clarifies that applying for U.S. immigration benefits does not imply an intention to abandon foreign residence. Furthermore, the legislation exempts these refugees from numerical limitations typically applied to immigrant visas, aiming to expedite their resettlement. It mandates that the Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security submit regular reports detailing application numbers, wait times, and denial reasons. The bill also establishes a policy to encourage U.S. allies and partners to make similar accommodations for XUAR residents fleeing oppression, and its provisions are set to terminate after 10 years.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.