Immigration (Immigrant Services) in United States

in committee · United States · Senate Aug 6, 2026

S 5324: Fairness to Freedom Act of 2026

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.

Topics ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Detention Immigrant Services Enforcement

in committee · United States · House Jul 21, 2026

HR 9803: Protecting Immigrants From Legal Exploitation Act of 2026

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Citizenship & Naturalization Immigrant Services

in committee · United States · House Jul 23, 2026

HR 9943: Businessowner Immigration Rights and Responsibilities Information Act of 2026

This bill directs the Small Business Administration to create educational resources for small business owners and employees regarding their rights and responsibilities during immigration enforcement actions. The SBA must develop online modules, a physical card, and planning guides that explain how to respond to searches or arrests, including the constitutional right to remain silent and consult a lawyer. These materials will be made available in English and the 15 most commonly spoken languages in the U.S., with content reviewed by legal experts and government agencies to ensure accuracy.

Topics ✓ Immigration ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Detention Immigrant Services Enforcement Tags Small Business

in committee · United States · House Jun 30, 2026

HRES 1409: Recognizing the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States of America and reaffirming the commitment of the House of Representatives to the Nation's founding ideals of liberty, equality, and opportunity for all immigrant communities in the United States.

This resolution commemorates the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States while reaffirming the House of Representatives' support for immigrant communities. It calls for expanding programs that help immigrants overcome barriers such as language limitations and employment obstacles, and encourages collaboration with local organizations to provide culturally responsive services. The text urges federal, state, and local governments to increase investments in initiatives that promote equity, inclusion, and access to essential services like healthcare and education. Ultimately, the bill celebrates the contributions of immigrants to American society and highlights the importance of upholding human rights and dignity for all residents.

Topics ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Immigrant Services

in committee · United States · House Jun 18, 2026

HR 9375: Honor Their Service Act

The Honor Their Service Act directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide grants to eligible organizations that offer immigration legal assistance to noncitizen veterans. These funds are intended to help veterans facing deportation, seeking citizenship, or needing discharge upgrades by covering legal services in removal proceedings, naturalization applications, and reentry efforts. To ensure broad access, the bill requires the VA to establish clear eligibility criteria, consult with relevant service groups, and prioritize funding for entities that can deliver services virtually or in remote areas. The legislation authorizes $20 million in funding for fiscal years 2027 through 2030 and mandates biennial reports to Congress detailing the number of assisted veterans and the effectiveness of the programs.

Topics ✓ Immigration ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Citizenship & Naturalization Immigrant Services Enforcement Memorials & Recognition Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing

in committee · United States · House Jun 11, 2026

HR 9259: Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2026

The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2026 aims to improve the immigration court process for unaccompanied children by guaranteeing them government-funded legal representation. Under this bill, the Department of Health and Human Services would appoint lawyers for these children as soon as they enter federal custody, ensuring they have an attorney for every stage of their case, even if they turn 18 or are reunited with family while proceedings are pending. The law also requires that children receive copies of their immigration files at least seven days before a hearing and allows them to have a lawyer present during interviews and detention facility visits. Additionally, the bill mandates annual reports on how many children received counsel and establishes rules for pro bono legal services to support these efforts.

Topics ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Detention Immigrant Services

in committee · United States · House Jun 3, 2026

HR 9124: Know Your Rights Act

The Know Your Rights Act directs the Attorney General to create a new Office of Legal Access Programs within the immigration review system to educate detained noncitizens about their legal rights and immigration procedures. This office would develop orientation programs that provide information in English and the five most common languages spoken by detainees, aiming to help individuals make informed decisions while reducing costs and delays in immigration proceedings. The law requires these educational services to be offered within five days of a person entering custody and mandates that the government consider vulnerable groups, such as unaccompanied children and those with serious mental disabilities, for special attention. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that providing this information does not create any new legal rights or benefits that can be enforced in court.

Topics ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Detention Immigrant Services Enforcement

in committee · United States · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SRES 699: A resolution expressing support for the recognition of April as "National Language Access Month".

This Senate resolution expresses support for recognizing April as National Language Access Month to highlight the need for equitable services for individuals with limited English proficiency. The bill does not create new laws or change existing regulations but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about language barriers that affect access to healthcare, employment, housing, and other public services. By citing existing federal protections and statistics on language diversity, the resolution encourages federal agencies and local governments to promote language access rights and resources during the designated month. Ultimately, it aims to celebrate the importance of meaningful communication in public programs rather than implementing specific policy mandates.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Immigrant Services

in committee · United States · House Apr 30, 2026

HR 8604: Language Access Board Act of 2026

This bill establishes a new federal entity called the Language Access Board to ensure individuals with limited English proficiency can access government programs and services. The Board will be composed of 32 members, including public appointees and heads of federal agencies, who will develop standards for public-facing resources like websites and forms. Federal departments must comply with these accessibility standards, and the Board has the authority to investigate complaints and issue orders of compliance. Additionally, the Board will review existing language access laws and submit regular reports to Congress on progress and enforcement actions.

Topics ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Immigrant Services

in committee · United States · House Mar 30, 2026

HRES 1148: Expressing support for the recognition of April as "National Language Access Month".

This resolution expresses support for recognizing April as National Language Access Month to highlight the importance of language services for individuals with limited English proficiency. It directly affects millions of Americans who speak languages other than English at home and rely on translation and interpretation services to access public services. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about existing federal requirements for language access in areas like healthcare, employment, and voting. It encourages federal agencies, state and local governments, and community organizations to promote awareness of language access rights and resources during the designated month.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Immigrant Services

All immigration bills