Information for K nonimmigrants on legal rights and resources for immigrant victims of domestic violence
In general
The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of State, shall develop an information pamphlet, as described in paragraph (2), on legal rights and resources for immigrant victims of domestic violence and distribute and make such pamphlet available as described in paragraph (5). In preparing such materials, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall consult with nongovernmental organizations with expertise on the legal rights of immigrant victims of battery, extreme cruelty, sexual assault, and other crimes.
Information pamphlet
Summaries
The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of State, shall develop summaries of the pamphlet developed under paragraph (1) that shall be used by Federal officials when reviewing the pamphlet in interviews under subsection (b).
Translation
In general
In order to best serve the language groups having the greatest concentration of K nonimmigrant visa applicants, the information pamphlet developed under paragraph (1) shall, subject to subparagraph (B), be translated by the Secretary of State into foreign languages, including Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Chinese, Ukrainian, Thai, Korean, Polish, Japanese, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Hindi, and such other languages as the Secretary of State, in the Secretary’s discretion, may specify.
Revision
Every 2 years, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of State, shall determine at least 14 specific languages into which the information pamphlet is translated based on the languages spoken by the greatest concentrations of K nonimmigrant visa applicants.
Availability and distribution
Mailings to K nonimmigrant visa applicants
Consular access
The pamphlet developed under paragraph (1) shall be made available to the public at all consular posts. The summaries described in paragraph (3) shall be made available to foreign service officers at all consular posts.
Posting on Federal websites
The pamphlet developed under paragraph (1) shall be posted on the websites of the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security, as well as on the websites of all consular posts processing applications for K nonimmigrant visas.
International marriage brokers and victim advocacy organizations
The pamphlet developed under paragraph (1) shall be made available to any international marriage broker, government agency, or nongovernmental advocacy organization.
Deadline for pamphlet development and distribution
The pamphlet developed under paragraph (1) shall be distributed and made available (including in the languages specified under paragraph (4)) not later than 120 days after .
Visa and adjustment interviews
Fiancé(e)s, spouses and their derivatives
Family-based applicants
The pamphlet developed under subsection (a)(1) shall be distributed directly to applicants for family-based immigration petitions at all consular and adjustment interviews for such visas. The Department of State or Department of Homeland Security officer conducting the interview shall review the summary of the pamphlet with the applicant orally in the applicant’s primary language, in addition to distributing the pamphlet to the applicant in English or another appropriate language.
Confidentiality
In fulfilling the requirements of this section, no official of the Department of State or the Department of Homeland Security shall disclose to a nonimmigrant visa applicant the name or contact information of any person who was granted a protection order or restraining order against the petitioner or who was a victim of a crime of violence perpetrated by the petitioner, but shall disclose the relationship of the person to the petitioner.
Regulation of international marriage brokers
Prohibition on marketing of or to children
In general
An international marriage broker shall not provide any individual or entity with the personal contact information, photograph, or general information about the background or interests of any individual under the age of 18.
Compliance
Requirements of international marriage brokers with respect to mandatory collection of background information
In general
Search of sex offender public website
Each international marriage broker shall search the National Sex Offender Public Website, as required under paragraph (3)(A)(i).
Collection of background information
Each international marriage broker shall also collect the background information listed in subparagraph (B) about the United States client to whom the personal contact information of a foreign national client would be provided.
Background information
Obligation of international marriage brokers with respect to informed consent
Limitation on sharing information about foreign national clients
Confidentiality
In fulfilling the requirements of this paragraph, an international marriage broker shall disclose the relationship of the United States client to individuals who were issued a protection order or restraining order as described in clause (i) of paragraph (2)(B), or of any other victims of crimes as described in clauses (ii) through (iv) of such paragraph, but shall not disclose the name or location information of such individuals.
Limitation on disclosure
An international marriage broker shall not provide the personal contact information of any foreign national client to any person or entity other than a United States client. Such information shall not be disclosed to potential United States clients or individuals who are being recruited to be United States clients or representatives.
Penalties
Federal civil penalty
Violation
An international marriage broker that violates (or attempts to violate) paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (4) is subject to a civil penalty of not less than $5,000 and not more than $25,000 for each such violation.
Procedures for imposition of penalty
At the discretion of the Attorney General, a penalty may be imposed under clause (i) either by a Federal judge, or by the Attorney General after notice and an opportunity for an agency hearing on the record in accordance with subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5 (popularly known as the Administrative Procedure Act).
Federal criminal penalties
Failure of international marriage brokers to comply with obligations
Misuse of information
A person who knowingly discloses, uses, or causes to be used any information obtained by an international marriage broker as a result of a requirement under paragraph (2) or (3) for any purpose other than the disclosures required under paragraph (3) shall be fined in accordance with title 18 or imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both.
Fraudulent failures of United States clients to make required self-disclosures
A person who knowingly and with intent to defraud another person outside the United States in order to recruit, solicit, entice, or induce that other person into entering a dating or matrimonial relationship, makes false or fraudulent representations regarding the disclosures described in clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of subsection (d)(2)(B), including by failing to make any such disclosures, shall be fined in accordance with title 18, imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both.
Relationship to other penalties
The penalties provided in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) are in addition to any other civil or criminal liability under Federal or State law to which a person may be subject for the misuse of information, including misuse to threaten, intimidate, or harass any individual.
Construction
Nothing in this paragraph or paragraph (3) or (4) may be construed to prevent the disclosure of information to law enforcement or pursuant to a court order.
Additional remedies
The penalties and remedies under this subsection are in addition to any other penalties or remedies available under law including equitable remedies.
Enforcement
Authority
The Attorney General shall be responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of this section, including the prosecution of civil and criminal penalties provided for by this section.
Consultation
The Attorney General shall consult with the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women of the Department of Justice to develop policies and public education designed to promote enforcement of this section.
Nonpreemption
Effective date
In general
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), this subsection shall take effect on the date that is 60 days after .
Additional time allowed for information pamphlet
The requirement for the distribution of the pamphlet developed under subsection (a)(1) shall not apply until 30 days after the date of its development and initial distribution under subsection (a)(6).
Definitions
Crime of violence
section 16 of title 18The term “crime of violence” has the meaning given such term in .
Domestic violence
2
Foreign national client
The term “foreign national client” means a person who is not a United States citizen or national or an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence and who utilizes the services of an international marriage broker. Such term includes an alien residing in the United States who is in the United States as a result of utilizing the services of an international marriage broker and any alien recruited by an international marriage broker or representative of such broker.
International marriage broker
In general
The term “international marriage broker” means a corporation, partnership, business, individual, or other legal entity, whether or not organized under any law of the United States, that charges fees for providing dating, matrimonial, matchmaking services, or social referrals between United States citizens or nationals or aliens lawfully admitted to the United States as permanent residents and foreign national clients by providing personal contact information or otherwise facilitating communication between individuals.
Exceptions
K nonimmigrant visa
section 1101(a)(15)(K) of this titleThe term “K nonimmigrant visa” means a nonimmigrant visa under clause (i) or (ii) of .
Personal contact information
In general
Exception
Such term does not include a photograph or general information about the background or interests of a person.
Representative
The term “representative” means, with respect to an international marriage broker, the person or entity acting on behalf of such broker. Such a representative may be a recruiter, agent, independent contractor, or other international marriage broker or other person conveying information about or to a United States client or foreign national client, whether or not the person or entity receives remuneration.
State
The term “State” includes the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
United States
The term “United States”, when used in a geographic sense, includes all the States.
United States client
The term “United States client” means a United States citizen or other individual who resides in the United States and who utilizes the services of an international marriage broker, if a payment is made or a debt is incurred to utilize such services.
GAO studies and reports
Study
Report
Not later than 2 years after , the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives a report setting forth the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1).
Data collection
The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State shall collect and maintain the data necessary for the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct the study required by paragraph (1).
Continuing impact study and report
Study
3
Report
Not later than 2 years after , the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives a report setting forth the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A).
Data collection
The Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Secretary of State shall collect and maintain the data necessary for the Comptroller General to conduct the study required by paragraph (1)(A).
Pub. L. 109–162, title VIII, § 833119 Stat. 3068 Pub. L. 113–4, title VIII127 Stat. 113–116 (, , ; , §§ 807(b), 808(b)–(d), , .)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
section 3 of Pub. L. 109–162section 3796gg–2 of Title 42section 10447 of Title 34Section 3 of this Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(2), is , which enacted sections 10447 and 12291 of Title 34, Crime Control and Law Enforcement, amended sections 10448, 10465, 12464, 12351, and 12409 of Title 34, repealed former , The Public Health and Welfare, and amended provisions set out as a note under .
section 832 of Pub. L. 109–162section 1184 of this titlesection 1184 of this titleSection 832, referred to in subsec. (f)(1)(A), (C), is , which amended and enacted provisions set out as notes under .
Pub. L. 109–162119 Stat. 2960 section 10101 of Title 34This Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(1)(A)(ii), (v), and (viii), is , , , known as the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2006 Act note set out under , Crime Control and Law Enforcement, and Tables.
Codification
Section was enacted as part of the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005, and also as part of the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005, and not as part of the Immigration and Nationality Act which comprises this chapter.
section 833 of Pub. L. 109–162section 833 of Pub. L. 109–162section 1375 of this titleSection is comprised of . Subsec. (g) of repealed .
Amendments
Pub. L. 113–4, § 808(b)2013—Subsec. (a)(2)(H). , substituted “the National Sex Offender Public Website” for “Federal and State sex offender public registries”.
Pub. L. 113–4, § 807(b)(1)(A)Subsec. (a)(5)(A)(iii). , substituted “State, for inclusion in the mailing described in clause (i), any” for “State any” in the first sentence and struck out the last sentence which read as follows: “Nothing in this clause shall be construed to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct any new or additional criminal background check that is not otherwise conducted in the course of adjudicating such petitions.”
Pub. L. 113–4, § 807(b)(1)(B)Subsec. (a)(5)(A)(iv), (v). , added cls. (iv) and (v).
Pub. L. 113–4, § 807(b)(2)Subsec. (b)(1)(A). , substituted “orders and criminal” for “orders or criminal”.
Pub. L. 113–4, § 808(c)(1)Subsec. (d)(1). , amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “An international marriage broker shall not provide any individual or entity with the personal contact information, photograph, or general information about the background or interests of any individual under the age of 18.”
Pub. L. 113–4, § 808(c)(2)(A)Subsec. (d)(2)(A)(i). , substituted “website” for “registries” in heading and “Website,” for “Registry or State sex offender public registry,” in text.
Pub. L. 113–4, § 808(c)(2)(B)Subsec. (d)(2)(B)(ii). , substituted “stalking, or an attempt to commit any such crime.” for “or stalking.”
Pub. L. 113–4, § 808(c)(3)(A)(i)Subsec. (d)(3)(A)(i). , which directed substitution of “Website” for “Registry, or of the relevant State sex offender public registry for any State not yet participating in the National Sex Offender Public Registry, in which the United States client has resided during the previous 20 years,”, was executed by making the substitution for “Registry, or of the relevant State sex offender public registry for any State not yet participating in the National Sex Offender Public Registry in which the United States client has resided during the previous 20 years,” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Pub. L. 113–4, § 808(c)(3)(A)(ii)Subsec. (d)(3)(A)(iii)(II). , substituted “signed certification and accompanying documentation or attestation regarding the background information collected under paragraph (2)(B);” for “background information collected by the international marriage broker under paragraph (2)(B);”.
Pub. L. 113–4, § 808(c)(3)(B)Subsec. (d)(3)(C). , struck out subpar. (C). Text read as follows: “A person who knowingly discloses, uses, or causes to be used any information obtained by an international marriage broker as a result of the obligations imposed on it under paragraph (2) and this paragraph for any purpose other than the disclosures required under this paragraph shall be fined in accordance with title 18 or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both. These penalties are in addition to any other civil or criminal liability under Federal or State law which a person may be subject to for the misuse of that information, including to threaten, intimidate, or harass any individual. Nothing in this section shall prevent the disclosure of such information to law enforcement or pursuant to a court order.”
Pub. L. 113–4, § 808(c)(4)(A)Subsec. (d)(5)(A)(ii). , substituted “At the discretion of the Attorney General, a penalty may be imposed under clause (i) either by a Federal judge, or by the Attorney General” for “A penalty may be imposed under clause (i) by the Attorney General only”.
Pub. L. 113–4, § 808(c)(4)(B)Subsec. (d)(5)(B). , amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “In circumstances in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, an international marriage broker that, within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, violates (or attempts to violate) paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (4) shall be fined in accordance with title 18 or imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both.”
Pub. L. 113–4, § 808(c)(4)(C)Subsec. (d)(5)(C). , substituted “including equitable remedies.” for period at end.
Pub. L. 113–4, § 808(c)(5)Subsec. (d)(6) to (8). , (6), added par. (6) and redesignated former pars. (6) and (7) as (7) and (8), respectively.
Pub. L. 113–4, § 808(d)(1)Subsec. (f). , substituted “studies and reports” for “study and report” in heading.
Pub. L. 113–4, § 808(d)(2)Subsec. (f)(4). , added par. (4).