PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 9, 2017
Justice for Yazidis Act
This bill states that Syrian and Iraqi nationals who are members of a religious minority in their country of origin: (1) shall be classified as refugees of special humanitarian concern, (2) shall be eligible for priority-2 refugee resettlement processing, and (3) may apply directly to the U.S. refugee admissions program.
No alien shall be denied the opportunity to apply for admission under this bill solely because he or she: (1) qualifies as an immediate relative, (2) is eligible for any other immigrant classification, or (3) was referred to apply for refugee admission by a U.S. nonprofit organization.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Each such alien who, after June 1, 2014, and before the date of the enactment of this bill, was denied refugee status may reapply for such status.
The Department of State shall: (1) submit and implement a plan to expedite priority-2 refugee processing, and (2) submit annual program reports through 2020.
The Department of Defense shall report on U.S. military efforts in Islamic State (ISIS)-controlled regions to incorporate the rescue and care of religious or minority group captives.
The State Department shall establish a program to provide health care and psychosocial support for members of the Yazidi, Christian, Shabak, and Turkmen communities displaced by ISIS. Such program shall provide mental health and psychosocial support for children from such communities, with a particular focus on services to survivors of sexual slavery.
The State Department shall establish a program to provide training on trauma-informed care to psychologists, social workers, and physical therapists based in Iraq, Syria, or any country that hosts Yazidi, Christian, Shabak, or Turkmen refugees.
Funds for such State Department programs are transferred from amounts available for assistance to Egypt.
People & committees
Rep. Hastings, Alcee L. [D-FL-20] · D–FL
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Armed Services, and Appropriations, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Armed Services, and Appropriations, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Armed Services, and Appropriations, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Armed Services, and Appropriations, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Armed Services, and Appropriations, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E36)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Aug 11, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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