This bill updates U.S. immigration law to make border crossing easier for Native people in the U.S. and Canada. It says that members of federally recognized Tribes in the United States, and certain First Nations people in Canada, can enter the U.S. and, when admitted under this rule, be treated as lawful permanent residents. It also covers people who are eligible to become members of a U.S. federally recognized Tribe, people registered with “Indian status” under Canada’s Indian Act, and members of self-governing First Nations in Canada.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Members or eligible members of U.S. federally recognized Tribes; Canadians with “Indian status”; members of self-governing First Nations in Canada.
• What changes: These individuals may enter the U.S., and those admitted under this section are considered lawful permanent residents.
• Where in law: Amends Section 289 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1359) to add and clarify these rights.