Nicaragua Political Prisoner Support Act

Nicaragua Political Prisoner Support Act

This bill provides various immigration-related benefits to certain Nicaraguan nationals who are in the United States as part of a political prisoner release.

Specifically, such individuals shall be eligible to receive (1) certain benefits that are available to admitted refugees, such as resettlement assistance; (2) certain assistance available to refugee children; and (3) a driver's license or identification card.

An eligible individual is a non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) who (1) is a citizen or national of Nicaragua (or an individual with no nationality who had resided in Nicaragua), (2) arrived in the United States on February 9, 2023, as part of a political prisoner release, (3) received a two-year humanitarian parole from the U.S. government, and (4) has completed the relevant security and law enforcement background checks. The parent, spouse, or child of such an eligible individual shall also be eligible for benefits under this bill.

Bill 118 hr 4352, also known as the Nicaragua Political Prisoner Support Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at addressing the issue of political prisoners in Nicaragua. The bill seeks to provide support to individuals who have been unjustly detained for their political beliefs or activities in Nicaragua.

The main provisions of the bill include the establishment of a fund to provide financial assistance to political prisoners and their families, as well as support for legal representation and advocacy efforts on their behalf. The bill also calls for the imposition of targeted sanctions on Nicaraguan government officials responsible for human rights abuses and the unjust detention of political prisoners.

Additionally, the bill requires the US government to report on the status of political prisoners in Nicaragua and to work with international partners to address the issue. It also calls for the promotion of democracy and human rights in Nicaragua through diplomatic efforts and support for civil society organizations. Overall, the Nicaragua Political Prisoner Support Act aims to hold the Nicaraguan government accountable for its human rights abuses and to provide assistance to those who have been unjustly detained for their political beliefs.