119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 2349
This bill designates residents of China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region who face persecution as Priority 2 refugees eligible for expedited resettlement in the United States. The legislation specifically targets individuals persecuted for their political opinions, religious beliefs, or cultural activities, as well as their spouses, children, and parents. The bill also simplifies the asylum application process for Xinjiang residents who have fled to other countries, removing normal restrictions that typically apply to visa applicants, and prevents applicants from being denied refugee or asylum status solely because they have previously submitted applications to U.S. agencies. The State Department and Department of Homeland Security must submit detailed reports every 90 days on application processing times, pending cases, and denials. The act addresses Congress's findings that China has detained over one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in internment camps since 2017, alleging forced labor, torture, forced sterilization, and denial of religious freedoms that may constitute crimes against humanity. The bill's provisions automatically expire after 10 years.