S. 1949
 RETURN OF TALENT ACT

Introduced in the Senate by Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE) on November 23, 2003. Co-Sponsors

This bill will establish the Return of Talent Program to allow aliens who are legally present in the United States to return temporarily to the country of citizenship of the alien if that country is engaged in post-conflict reconstruction for up to 24 months. Eligible immigrants are those who:

• have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence;

• demonstrate an ability and willingness to make a material contribution to the post-conflict reconstruction in the alien's country of citizenship; and

• are a citizen of a country in which Armed Forces of the United States are engaged, or have engaged in the 10 years preceding such determination, in combat or peacekeeping operations; or

• are a citizen of a country where authorization for United Nations peacekeeping operations was initiated by the United Nations Security Council during the 10 years preceding such determination.

Also, the spouse, parents, siblings and any children of an alien who participate in the Return of Talent Program may return to the alien's country of citizenship with the alien and reenter the United States with the alien.

The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall oversee and enforce the requirements.

Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit a report to Congress that describes the countries of citizenship of the participants in the Return of Talent Program established; the post-conflict reconstruction efforts that benefited, or were made possible, through participation in the program; and any other information that the Secretary of Homeland Security determines to be appropriate.

Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall promulgate regulations to carry out this Act.

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