0
Access to Counsel Act
3/5/2025, 10:08 AM
Summary of Bill HR 944
Specifically, the bill outlines that individuals who are held or detained at a port of entry or CBP facility have the right to access legal counsel, contact their consulate or embassy, and receive medical care if needed. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of excessive force or cruel and unusual punishment against detained individuals.
The bill also requires CBP to provide detained individuals with information about their rights and the reason for their detention. It further mandates that CBP must maintain accurate records of individuals who are detained, including their personal information and the circumstances of their detention. Overall, Bill 119 hr 944 aims to ensure that individuals who are held or detained at ports of entry or CBP facilities are treated fairly and in accordance with their rights under the law. It seeks to provide clarity and transparency in the detention process and to prevent the abuse of power by CBP officials.
Congressional Summary of HR 944
Access to Counsel Act
This bill provides various protections for covered individuals subject to secondary or deferred inspections when seeking admission into the United States. Covered individuals include U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) in possession of a visa, returning asylees, and refugees.
The Department of Homeland Security must ensure that a covered individual subject to secondary or deferred inspection has a meaningful opportunity to consult with counsel and certain related parties, such as a relative, within an hour of the start of the secondary inspection and as necessary during the inspection process. The counsel and related party must be allowed to advocate on behalf of the covered individual, including by providing evidence and information to the examining immigration officer.
A lawful permanent resident subject to secondary or deferred inspection may not abandon lawful permanent resident status until the individual has had a meaningful opportunity to seek advice from counsel, unless the individual voluntarily and knowingly waives in writing this opportunity to seek counsel's advice.
Current Status of Bill HR 944
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 944
Total Number of Sponsors
8Democrat Sponsors
8Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
364Democrat Cosponsors
364Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 944
Primary Policy Focus
Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 944
Comments
Hugh Shelton
9 months ago
This bill is just another example of government overreach. It's ridiculous how they think they can just do whatever they want without any consequences. It's a total violation of our rights and I won't stand for it. It's time for people to wake up and see what's really going on.
Keaton Bowden
9 months ago
This bill is a complete joke. It's just another way for the government to strip away our rights and control us even more. I can't believe they are trying to pass this and think it's okay to detain people without proper justification. It's a violation of our basic human rights and I won't stand for it. #NoToHR944
Reuben Shah
9 months ago
This bill is a joke! It's just gonna make it harder for us to keep our borders safe. I don't want my tax dollars going to protect people who shouldn't even be here in the first place. #NoThanks
Hallie Pace
9 months ago
I just heard about this bill and I'm feeling really unsure about it. I don't know all the details, but it sounds like it could have a negative impact on people who are held or detained at the border. It's really sad to think about how this could affect individuals who are already in a vulnerable position. I hope there is more discussion and consideration before this becomes a reality.
