HR 944
Access to Counsel Act
Jurisdiction
US Congress
Session
119th Congress (2025-2026)
Last updated at
Jun 14, 2026, 2:49 AM
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Bill overview
The Access to Counsel Act clarifies the rights of individuals undergoing secondary or deferred inspections at U.S. ports of entry. It mandates that these individuals have a meaningful opportunity to consult with counsel and an interested party, such as a relative, within one hour of the inspection’s start and throughout the process. The bill also restricts the acceptance of abandonment forms from lawful permanent residents until they’ve had a chance to seek legal advice, unless they voluntarily waive that right.
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