Summary

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to change how Indigenous status is judged for admission: it removes a 50% blood quantum test and instead recognizes membership or eligibility for membership in a federally recognized U.S. Indian Tribe, or certain forms of Indian status or membership under Canadian law. It also clarifies that people admitted under this provision are to be treated as persons lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

• Removes a 50% blood quantum requirement for Indigenous-based admission eligibility.
• Substitutes membership or eligibility for membership in a federally recognized U.S. Indian Tribe as the qualifying test.
• Recognizes certain Canadian Indigenous registrations or First Nation membership as equivalent for admission purposes.
• Adds a rule that admitted individuals under this provision are to be treated as lawful permanent residents.
• Makes wording and punctuation changes to conform the statute to the new standard.
• Does not include funding, new programs, or appropriations.
• Affects how immigration agencies verify Indigenous status during admissions.
• Likely reduces a legal barrier for Indigenous people who are tribal members but do not meet blood quantum thresholds.