SECURE Act

Path to Permanent Residency: The bill provides a way for specific foreign nationals to change their status to permanent residents (Sec. 2(a)(1)).

Financial Relief for Vulnerable Groups: The application fee may be waived for applicants who are under 18, earning less than 150 percent of the Federal poverty line, in foster care or lacking familial support, or suffering from a serious, chronic disability (Sec. 2(a)(2)(C)(ii)).

Protection Against Removal: An alien with a pending application or who is prima facie eligible can have a stay of removal (Sec. 2(c)(1)). Furthermore, if an application is approved, the Secretary shall cancel any existing removal or voluntary departure orders (Sec. 2(a)(2)(D)(ii)).

Employment and Travel Opportunities: Applicants are authorized to engage in employment while their application is pending (Sec. 2(c)(4)(A)) and are eligible to apply for advance parole (Sec. 2(d)(1)).

Family Unity: The bill allows for the adjustment of status for spouses, domestic partners, children, and unmarried sons or daughters of those who have had their status adjusted (Sec. 2(e)(1)).

Hardship Exceptions: A waiver is available for those who fail to meet the continuous physical presence requirement if their absence would cause extreme hardship to themselves or certain family members (Sec. 2(b)(3)).

Information Security: The Secretary of Homeland Security is prohibited from using application information for immigration enforcement purposes, protecting the privacy of applicants (Sec. 3(a)).

Application Costs: Applicants are generally required to pay a reasonable fee for processing, which may not exceed $1,440 (Sec. 2(a)(2)(C)(i)).

Risk of Denial: If a final administrative decision is made to deny an application, any existing orders of removal or voluntary departure remain effective and enforceable (Sec. 2(a)(2)(D)(iii)).

Legal Restrictions for Children: Unmarried sons or daughters seeking status through a relative must establish that they have been physically present in the United States for at least 1 year (Sec. 2(e)(2)(A)).

Information Sharing Exceptions: While there are privacy protections, information from applications can still be shared with Federal security and law enforcement agencies for specific purposes like national security or felony investigations (Sec. 3(c)).