Introduced on September 29, 2010, by Senator Menendez (D-NJ) and co-sponsored by Senatory Leahy (D-VT), S. 3932, a bill to provide comprehensive immigration reform includes enhanced border security resources, effective and accountable interior enforcement, enforceable detention rules to protect U.S. citizens from unlawful detention, increased worksite enforcement, and a registration program for undocumented persons in the United States.

On June 22, 2010, Senator Al Franken (D-MN) introduced S. 3522, The HELP Separated Children Act of 2010.  "HELP" stands for the "Humane Enforcement and Legal Protections." 

On March 15, 2010, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) introduced legislation, S. 3113,  to strengthen the United States’ commitment to protecting refugees fleeing persecution. The Refugee Protection Action of 2010 removes many of the barriers to protection of bona fide refugees and asylum seekers that exist under current law, including the one-year filing deadline. It would also mandate critical reforms regarding the detention of asylum seekers.

Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced S. 1550, The Strong STANDARDS Act (Safe Treatment, Avoiding Needless Deaths, and Abuse Reduction in the Detention System) on July 30, 2009. The bill requires the enforcement of detainee treatment laws, which will be regulated by a new Detention Commission and enforceable by fines, and it also requires immediate reporting of deaths that occur when a person is in custody.  The stricter standards mandated by this bill include the restriction of transfers of detainees; limited use of solitary confinement and strip searches; training of personnel employed by detention facilities; special accommodation for persons from vulnerable populations; and food, water, toiletries, and protections for children in short term detention.  Read a section-by-section summary of the bill prepared by Human Rights First and Lutheran Immigrant and Refugee Service.

The Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Detention Act (S. 1549), introduced July 30, 2009, is sponsored by Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).

S. 1085, A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to promote family unity, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Menendez, Robert (NJ) (introduced 5/20/2009). Among other provisions, this bill would amend the INA to establish the fiscal year worldwide level of employment-based immigrants at 140,000 plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY1992-FY2007; establish the fiscal year worldwide level of family-sponsored immigrants at 480,000 plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY1992-FY2007.

The DREAM Act would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented students who have been in the United States since childhood if they attend college or perform military service.

Introduced January 7, 2009, by Sen. Reid, S. 9 would articulate the sense of Congress that Congress should enact, and the President should sign, legislation to strengthen the economy, recognize the heritage of the United States as a nation of immigrants, and amend the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) by (1) providing more effective border and employment enforcement; (2) preventing illegal immigration; and (3) reforming and rationalizing avenues for legal immigration.  The bill is currently on the Senate Legislative Calendar.

On February 25, 2010, Congresswoman Evette Clarke (NY-11), intrudced, HR 4616, the Haitian Emergency Life Protection Act of 2010 or the H.E.L.P. Act  which amends the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to V- visa nonimmigrants (spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents who come to the United States to wait for completion of the immigrant visa process) to include: (1) unmarried sons and daughters of such lawful permanent residents; and (2) Haitian nationals whose petition for a family-sponsored immigrant visa was approved on or before January 12, 2010.   The house version is complimented by Senate Bill, S. 2998, introduced by Senator Kirsten Gillebrand, (NY), on February 4, 2010.

H.R. 4321, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity Act of 2009, was introduced on December 15, 2009.