S.Amdt. 20

This is amendment SA 20, submitted by Mr. King. The purpose of this amendment is to change how the United States handles visa sanctions against foreign countries that refuse or unreasonably delay taking back their own citizens, subjects, nationals, or residents.

Instead of other rules, this amendment gives the Secretary of State the exclusive power to decide whether to stop granting visas to people from a foreign country as a diplomatic tool, provided the Secretary of Homeland Security gives notice that the foreign country is refusing or delaying the return of its people.

Here is what the amendment aims to change and add to the bill:

• Exclusive Authority: Gives the Secretary of State sole power to decide if stopping visas should be used as a diplomatic tool to encourage a foreign country to take back their people.

• Visa Sanctions: Orders consular officers at U.S. embassies and consulates to stop giving immigrant visas, nonimmigrant visas, or both, if the Secretary of State chooses to use this sanction.

• Duration of Sanctions: Keeps the visa ban in place until the Secretary of Homeland Security tells the Secretary of State that the foreign country is finally cooperating and accepting the return of its people.