Immigration

SRES 145 is a non-binding Senate resolution expressing support for Iranian political refugees residing in Ashraf-3, Albania. It calls on the U.S. government to condemn Iran’s threats (including cyberattacks and sham legal proceedings) against these refugees and to urge Albania to uphold their rights under international law, including freedom of expression and protection from extradition. The resolution specifically highlights the community’s status as former political prisoners and witnesses to Iran’s human rights abuses, such as the 1988 massacre. It does not create new laws but formally advocates for diplomatic action to safeguard this group.

This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to exclude certain income from employment and training programs when determining eligibility for nutrition assistance benefits. It specifically excludes earnings from veterans' education programs (like the Post-9/11 GI Bill), employment training programs, vocational rehabilitation, and refugee employment programs. Households with members participating in these programs will no longer have that income counted toward benefit eligibility thresholds. The change directly affects low-income individuals and families receiving nutrition assistance who also participate in these specific workforce development initiatives.

HJRES 22 is a congressional resolution disapproving a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule that aimed to modernize H-1B visa requirements and adjust F-1 student visa programs. This resolution, if passed, would nullify the DHS rule (published in the Federal Register as 89 Fed. Reg. 103054), preventing it from taking effect. The rule would have directly affected H-1B workers, employers seeking these visas, and international students in F-1 programs by changing eligibility rules and program flexibility. As a disapproval resolution, it does not create new policy but formally rejects the existing DHS rule.