HI SCR120

Urges U.S. Congress to reform the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 and other federal immigration laws to classify climate-related migrants as refugees with greater legal status and protection.

Requests amendment of section 101(a)(42)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt climate-related migrants displaced by sea-level rise, desertification, or climate-exacerbated natural disasters from the requirement of proving persecution based on race, religion, nationality, group membership, or political opinion.

Calls on the U.S. Department of Justice to recognize the specific needs and special circumstances of applicants from developing nations, particularly island nations vulnerable to climate change, when determining special humanitarian concerns.

Urges amendment of the Refugee Act of 1980, Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, and Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 to extend refugee classification to climate-related migrants.

Directs transmission of the resolution to the President, Attorney General, congressional leadership, and relevant federal agencies involved in immigration and refugee services.