HI SR77

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.

Requests the U.S. Department of Justice recognize the special circumstances of applicants from developing nations, particularly Pacific island nations vulnerable to climate change, when determining humanitarian concerns.

Calls for amending 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 persecution requirements to qualify as refugees.

Urges Congress to amend the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Refugee Act of 1980, and Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 to provide climate-related migrants with greater legal status and protection.

Directs transmission of certified copies to the President, Attorney General, congressional leadership, and relevant executive agencies including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Executive Office for Immigration Review.