S 716119th CongressIn Committee

A bill for the relief of Vichai Sae Tung (also known as Chai Chaowasaree).

Introduced: Feb 25, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill is a private relief measure aimed at an individual, Vichai Sae Tung (also known as Chai Chaowasaree). It would treat him as if he were lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence (a green card) as of the enactment date, provided he pays the required visa fees. In other words, it creates a pathway for him to become a lawful permanent resident outside the ordinary visa process. If enacted, the bill also requires the Secretary of State to reduce by one the total number of immigrant visas available to natives of Vichai Sae Tung’s birth country (Thailand) under the general per-country immigrant visa cap (INA 203(a)) in the current or next fiscal year. This is a one-time adjustment tied to granting his permanent residence under this act.

Key Points

1Grants permanent residence (green card) to Vichai Sae Tung as of enactment, contingent on payment of the required visa fees, overriding other immigration provisions for this individual.
2The relief is provided “notwithstanding” other laws, meaning it bypasses normal eligibility rules for this person.
3After granting permanent residence, the Secretary of State must reduce by one the total immigrant visas available to natives of the country of the alien’s birth (Thailand) under INA 203(a) during the current or following fiscal year.
4This is a private relief bill introduced in the Senate (S. 716) by Senators Hirono and Schatz; referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
5The proposed visa reduction is a one-time adjustment related to this individual’s case, not a broad policy change affecting all future similarly situated applicants.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: Vichai Sae Tung (Chai Chaowasaree) would become a lawful permanent resident if the bill becomes law and he pays the required fees.Secondary group/area affected: Thai-born individuals seeking immigrant visas could be marginally affected by a one-visa reduction in the Thailand quota for the current or next fiscal year; the practical effect is likely small given the size of per-country visa allocations.Additional impacts: This type of private relief bill demonstrates a congressional mechanism to grant individual immigration benefits outside standard processes; it may raise questions about equity, precedent, and the role of private bills in immigration policy. The bill would not become law unless enacted by both chambers and signed by the President.

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