Forest Conservation Easement Program

Official: Forest Conservation Easement Program Act of 2025

IntroducedN/A

Public Lands and Natural ResourcesState and local government operationsEcologyLand use and conservationForests, forestry, treesWildlife conservation and habitat protectionEndangered and threatened species

Why This Matters

This bill establishes a program to help protect and restore forests across the country. It encourages local governments and organizations to preserve these important natural areas for future generations.

If you care about forests and wildlife, this bill could help protect these natural resources for years to come.

Affects: Local governments, conservation organizations, and Indian Tribes that own forest land will benefit from this program.

Summary

Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act This bill makes non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) associated with criminal gangs inadmissible for entry into the United States and deportable. The bill also establishes procedures to designate groups with criminal gang status. An individual shall be inadmissible if a consular officer, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or the Department of Justice knows or has reason to believe that the individual is or was a criminal gang member or has participated or aided such a group's illegal activities. An individual who is or was a member of such a gang, or has participated or aided such a group's illegal activities, shall be deportable. Such individuals must be subject to mandatory detention. Furthermore, such individuals shall not be eligible for (1) asylum; (2) temporary protected status; (3) special immigrant juvenile visas; or (4) parole, unless they are assisting the government in a law enforcement matter. The bill defines a criminal gang as a group of five or more persons (1) where one of its primary purposes is committing specified criminal offenses and its members have engaged in a continuing series of such offenses within the past five years, or (2) that has been designated as a criminal gang by DHS. The bill also establishes procedures for DHS to designate a group as a criminal gang, including notifying Congress, publishing a notice in the Federal Register, and providing an opportunity for the group to petition for administrative and judicial review of the designation.