# Plain Language Summary: Energy Security and Lightering Independence Act of 2021

This bill creates a special immigration category for foreign workers who come to the United States temporarily to work on ships performing a specific type of cargo operation. Specifically, it allows foreign crew members to enter the U.S. in transit to board vessels that will transfer liquid cargo (like oil or other liquids) from one ship to another while at sea—a process called "lightering." These workers would be allowed to stay in the United States for up to 180 days while they complete this work, rather than being required to leave immediately.

Currently, foreign workers passing through the U.S. to board ships are limited to very short stays. This bill expands that window significantly for this particular type of maritime work. The bill essentially says that if a foreign crew member is coming to the U.S. specifically to work on ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfers in international waters, immigration officials can issue them a temporary permit allowing them to remain in the country for up to six months. This is much longer than the current 29-day limit for other transit workers.

The practical effect is that shipping companies involved in international liquid cargo operations will have an easier time staffing their vessels without having to constantly rotate crew members in and out of the country. For the foreign workers themselves, it means they can take these jobs without the complications of frequent border crossings. The bill was introduced by members of Congress from Texas, suggesting it's aimed at facilitating maritime operations in the Gulf of Mexico region, which is a major hub for oil and chemical shipping.

Energy Security and Lightering Independence Act of 2021

Energy Security and Lightering Independence Act of 2021 This bill authorizes an alien crewman to obtain a permit to land in the United States for up to 180 days if, during this period, the crewman will perform ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfer operations involving a vessel engaged in foreign trade. Currently, an alien crewman may obtain a permit to land for up to 29 days. Under this bill, an alien passing in transit through the United States to board a vessel to perform the above-described liquid cargo transfer operations may qualify as a nonimmigrant in transit. (A qualifying nonimmigrant in transit may obtain a transit visa.)