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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
H.R. 4590, the Young Immigrant Protection Act of 2000, has been introduced by Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), and would create special procedures for filing and adjudicating asylum applications by unaccompanied minors.  The bill calls for the INS to develop regulations and procedures to dealing with asylum applications by minors who do not have a parent present in the US, and for regulations dealing with the detention of such minors.  These regulations would not apply to children under 12 whose parents have registered their objection to such an application, except when the Attorney General determines that there are special circumstances.  The bill would require the appointment of a guardian ad litem for the minor.  The guardian could not be an INS employee.  Minors would also be appointed legal counsel.  The bill would also forbid the detention of alien minors in adult facilities or in juvenile correction facilities.
H.R. 4681, introduced by Rep. Rich Lazio (R-NY), would provide for the adjustment of status of certain Syrian nationals in the US.  In the early 1990s, many Syrian Jews were admitted to the US and granted asylum.  However, because they are asylees rather than refugees they are experiencing great delays in obtaining permanent residence.  This bill would require the INS to grant adjustment of status to those eligible who have already applied for it or who make an application within one year of the bill becoming law.  
According to the Federation for American Immigration Reform, at a June 22 hearing on the funding bill for the Department of Justice, Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee will introduce two amendments designed to provide relief to many who have been in the US for substantial periods of time in an uncertain status.  FAIR also reports that Reps. Tom Campbell and David Bonior will attempt to include a provision limiting the use secret evidence in deportation proceedings.