Bill > S2219

Introduced Session

A bill to clarify the rights of all persons who are held or detained at a port of entry or at any detention facility overseen by U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This bill establishes various protections for aliens in certain immigration-related proceedings or inspections. When an alien is undergoing certain types of inspections or is subject to a removal, exclusion, or deportation proceeding, the alien shall be entitled to representation by counsel of the alien's choice. The current statute only states that an alien is entitled to representation in removal proceedings. The bill also removes a statutory requirement that the government bears no cost for such representation. If such an alien is subject to detention or inspection at a port of entry and cannot meet with counsel, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shall provide for remote communication with counsel. If such an alien has been denied access to counsel, the alien may not submit paperwork to abandon lawful permanent resident status or to withdraw an application for admission. The detention of an individual at a port of entry or a CBP or ICE facility shall (1) be limited to the briefest term and the least restrictive conditions necessary; and (2) include access to food, water, and restrooms.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Kamala Harris (D)*,  Richard Blumenthal (D),  Cory Booker (D),  Kirsten Gillibrand (D),  Ed Markey (D),  Jeff Merkley (D),  Elizabeth Warren (D), 

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (on 07/23/2019)

Official Document