S.Amdt. 4269

SA 4269, submitted by Mr. Bennet, aims to add a new section (Sec. 239) to bill H.R. 7148. The purpose is to improve the performance, professionalism, and integrity of immigration enforcement officers and agents by creating stricter hiring, screening, and appearance standards.

Hiring and Screening Requirements

The amendment requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish hiring standards that require applicants to:

• Be at least 20 years old when applying and 21 by the start of basic training.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Have authorization to live and work in the United States.
• Have at least 5 years of prior law enforcement experience with a Federal, State, local, Tribal, or territorial agency.
• Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Pass comprehensive background investigations, including criminal history, drug screening, reviews of prior military or law enforcement service, and checks for affiliations with hate-based organizations, violent extremist groups, or terrorist organizations.
• Undergo reviews of social media and online activity for evidence of discriminatory conduct, bias, extremism, or advocacy of violence.
• Complete psychological suitability assessments.

Appearance Standards

The amendment also directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to enforce appearance standards that prohibit:

• Body markings that are sexually explicit, vulgar, obscene, gang-related, prejudicial, or likely to discredit the law enforcement profession or the Department of Homeland Security.
• Body markings located on or below the wrist bone, with an exception for one band-style marking on one finger that does not exceed 8 millimeters in width.
• Body markings located on or above the collarbone.