119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 5904
H.R. 5904 creates a limited exception to parole fees for certain non-citizens who are invited to participate in sacred tribal or religious ceremonies, cultural exchanges, or celebrations. Under this bill, the Secretary of Homeland Security can waive standard parole fees and instead charge just $200 if the alien is enrolled in a cultural participant program run by a federally recognized Indian Tribe with trust land near the Southwest border, has a written request from that tribe, and passes a preliminary criminal background check. This exception applies only during a two-year period starting from when the bill is enacted, and it requires the Secretary to determine that the parole will provide a significant public benefit. The bill essentially allows Native American tribes to facilitate temporary visits by tribal members or cultural participants from other countries for important ceremonial and cultural purposes without the higher standard parole fees.