The Protect American Values Act of 2026 prohibits the use of federal funds to implement or enforce a specific Department of Homeland Security rule regarding the "Public Charge" ground of inadmissibility. This legislation directly affects immigrants and their families by preventing the government from using financial resources to carry out policies that could restrict access to essential services like food, medical care, and housing. The bill includes a statement of congressional intent arguing that the targeted rule would harm community health, increase poverty, and circumvent established immigration laws. By blocking funding for this specific regulatory action, the act aims to maintain current eligibility standards for public assistance without altering the underlying statutory framework.
The Protect American Values Act prohibits the use of federal funds to implement, administer, or enforce a specific Department of Homeland Security rule regarding the "Public Charge" ground of inadmissibility. This legislation directly affects immigrants and mixed-status families by preventing the government from using public benefits as a factor in determining eligibility for lawful permanent resident status. The bill includes a statement of congressional intent arguing that the targeted rule would restrict access to essential services like food, medical care, and housing, while also negatively impacting state and local economies. By cutting off funding for this specific policy, the act aims to maintain current immigration standards and prevent what Congress describes as an unauthorized reversal of long-standing law.
The Fairness to Freedom Act of 2026 establishes a new independent Office of Immigration Representation to guarantee government-funded legal counsel for individuals who cannot afford an attorney in immigration proceedings. This right applies broadly to removal, exclusion, and bond hearings, requiring that legal representation be appointed within 24 hours of detention or before any proceeding begins. The bill creates a decentralized system involving local boards and public defender organizations to manage case assignments, while ensuring that appointed attorneys receive compensation comparable to federal prosecutors. Additionally, the legislation mandates minimum funding levels for the new office based on a specific ratio relative to federal immigration enforcement budgets and prevents the use of seeking this legal aid as a factor in "public charge" determinations.
This bill establishes a new Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties within the Department of Homeland Security, led by an Officer who reports directly to the department head. The Office is tasked with overseeing compliance with civil rights laws, reviewing potential abuses or profiling by employees, and integrating these protections into all department policies and programs. It grants the Officer authority to investigate complaints, issue public reports on findings, and coordinate with other officials to ensure diverse communities are engaged effectively. Additionally, the legislation requires each major department unit to have its own civil rights officer and mandates annual reporting to Congress on the Office's activities and progress.
The Temporary Protected Status Review Act restores the ability of courts to review decisions by the Department of Homeland Security to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for foreign nationals. Under this bill, the government must publish detailed written findings explaining why a country no longer qualifies for TPS protection, and these decisions would be subject to a legal challenge in federal court. If a TPS designation is terminated, the affected individuals would remain in the United States with their current status and work authorization intact while the legal challenge is pending. Additionally, the legislation requires the government to follow specific administrative procedures, such as considering all available evidence and avoiding bias, before making any termination decisions.
The Protecting Immigrants From Legal Exploitation Act of 2026 aims to combat fraud by increasing criminal penalties for individuals who falsely represent themselves as immigration lawyers or provide fraudulent services. It requires non-lawyer immigration service providers to identify themselves on applications and allows victims of unauthorized practice of law to withdraw and resubmit their immigration forms without penalty. The bill also empowers the Attorney General to issue civil injunctions against fraudulent providers and mandates that convicted fraudsters reimburse their clients for services rendered. To support legitimate legal aid, the legislation authorizes funding for outreach programs and grants to nonprofit organizations that provide direct legal assistance to immigrants.
The Real Courts, Rule of Law Act of 2026 restructures the United States immigration court system by creating a new, independent judicial branch under Article I of the Constitution, separate from the executive branch. This new system consists of three divisions: an appellate division with judges appointed by the President and Senate for 15-year terms, a trial division with judges appointed by the appellate division for 15-year terms, and an administrative division that manages operations and advises on court needs. The bill establishes specific qualifications for judges, sets their salaries at levels comparable to federal district court judges, and defines their powers to conduct hearings, issue rulings, and manage court resources. Additionally, the legislation transfers all existing immigration functions from the Department of Justice to this new court system while ensuring that pending cases continue without interruption.
This bill designates Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status, allowing nationals who have lived continuously in the United States since the law's enactment to apply for a legal stay until July 1, 2029. To qualify, applicants must pass background checks and submit biometric data, while the Department of Homeland Security is required to process these applications within 90 days unless national security concerns justify a brief extension. The legislation also permits eligible individuals to request fee waivers for their applications and allows for special travel consent in emergency situations that require a short trip abroad.
The Children's Safe Welcome Act of 2026 establishes comprehensive standards for the treatment, care, and placement of noncitizen children in immigration custody, primarily affecting the Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services. Key provisions include a prohibition on separating children from their parents or guardians unless there is clear and convincing evidence of an imminent threat, alongside requirements for rapid family reunification and the elimination of family detention facilities. The bill mandates that children be housed in state-licensed facilities that provide trauma-informed care, adequate medical and educational services, and access to legal representation, while also phasing out large congregate care settings in favor of family-based placements. Furthermore, it creates an independent Office of the Ombudsperson to monitor compliance, investigates age assessments that ban invasive medical procedures, and enforces strict data privacy rules to prevent information from custody cases from being used in immigration removal proceedings.
This bill establishes financial liability for private detention centers and their employees if they cause the wrongful death of a person held there. It allows families of deceased individuals to sue in federal court for at least $5 million in statutory damages plus economic and punitive damages. The law removes the ability of detention staff to use immunity defenses to avoid responsibility and holds the facility itself responsible for the actions of its workers. These rules apply specifically to private companies contracted by the federal government to detain people accused of breaking civil, criminal, or immigration laws.
