Know Your Rights Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9124
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Immigration
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-03: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-30T08:07:13Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation establishes a framework to improve the treatment of detained noncitizens by providing structured legal orientation programs. These programs aim to educate individuals about U.S. immigration procedures and rights, making immigration hearings more efficient and reducing overall costs in detention and court processes.
Key Provisions
- Creates an Office of Legal Access Programs within the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) under the Department of Justice to develop and run legal orientation programs.
- Requires the Attorney General to submit a deployment plan to Congress within 180 days and fully implement programs for all detained persons within one year, with input from nongovernmental organizations.
- Mandates that programs assist noncitizens in custody or recently released in understanding removal proceedings, eligibility for relief, and access to legal services.
- Ensures materials and notices are provided in English and the five most common languages spoken by detainees at each facility in the prior fiscal year.
- Directs identification of vulnerable groups, such as unaccompanied children and those with serious mental disabilities, for special consideration.
- Requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Attorney General, to make programs available within five days of detention and to provide basic information on hearing procedures, rights, and potential legal resources.
- Applies to proceedings under specific sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), including sections 235, 238, 240, and 241(a)(5).
- Includes a rule of construction stating that the Act does not create any new enforceable legal rights or benefits.
- Authorizes necessary funding without a specific dollar amount.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces a statutory requirement for a dedicated Office of Legal Access Programs and mandatory legal orientation services, which were not previously required by law. It expands access to information in multiple languages and sets strict timelines for delivery. It also references but does not directly amend section 292(c) of the INA regarding vulnerable noncitizens.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Requires DOJ (EOIR) to build new administrative capacity and DHS to integrate programs into detention operations, likely increasing short-term administrative and funding needs.
- Citizens and noncitizens: Provides detained noncitizens with earlier access to basic legal information, potentially improving decision-making and reducing frivolous claims, though it does not guarantee legal representation.
- International relations: No direct effects are outlined in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Detained noncitizens and their families.
- Nongovernmental organizations and legal service providers involved in immigration cases.
- Federal agencies including the Department of Justice (EOIR) and Department of Homeland Security.
- Immigration courts and detention facilities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The legislation emphasizes efficiency and access to information without creating new substantive rights that could be enforced in court. It focuses on procedural improvements in immigration proceedings, which may support due process considerations while limiting potential litigation. Funding is open-ended, and implementation depends on agency coordination.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (9)
Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-03: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2026-06-03: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-03: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Know Your Rights Act — issued 2026-06-03 — PDF (4 pages)