Immigration (Enforcement)

This bill requires all Iowa public school districts, accredited private schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to cooperate with lawful requests from federal immigration and customs enforcement officers. It prohibits schools from adopting policies that discourage staff from assisting such officers or distributing communications indicating non-cooperation to students, parents, or employees. Violations could lead to loss of school accreditation (for public/private schools) or revocation of charter contracts (for charter schools), as determined by the state education department. The law specifically mandates that administrators must comply with these requirements and face disciplinary action if they violate them.

This bill imposes criminal penalties on Iowa law enforcement officers, including sheriffs, who knowingly fail to comply with state immigration enforcement requirements. A conviction for violating this law would constitute a class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines between $1,025 and $10,245. Additionally, a conviction would automatically result in the revocation of the officer's law enforcement certification by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. The bill directly affects sworn law enforcement personnel whose duties involve immigration enforcement under Chapter 27A of Iowa Code.

This resolution (HR 14) calls on the President and Congress to support the Adoptee Citizenship Act, which would grant U.S. citizenship to children legally adopted from abroad who were 18 or older when the 2000 Child Citizenship Act took effect. It directly affects adoptees who were excluded from automatic citizenship under the 2000 law, despite being raised in the U.S. by American citizens. The resolution urges action to prevent deportation and address barriers these individuals face, such as difficulties obtaining passports, banking services, or education benefits. It does not create new law but advocates for congressional support of the pending Adoptee Citizenship Act.

HF 946 establishes a process for addressing law enforcement officers, including elected sheriffs, who knowingly and intentionally fail to comply with state immigration enforcement laws. Under this bill, such officers can be investigated by the Attorney General. If a complaint is found valid and the officer continues to refuse compliance, their case may be referred to the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council. The Council could then receive a recommendation to revoke the officer's certification.