Bill > S1297

This bill, known as the Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2025, aims to provide legal representation and protect the rights of unaccompanied children (defined as children who are not U.S. citizens and are not accompanied by a parent or guardian) in immigration proceedings. The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to appoint or provide government-funded legal counsel to these children at every stage of their immigration proceedings, even if they turn 18 or are reunified with a parent during the process. It mandates that children be notified within 72 hours of being taken into federal custody about their right to legal representation and ensures they have access to counsel in detention facilities. The bill also requires the government to make efforts to provide pro bono legal services, develop model guidelines for representing children, and establish infrastructure for identifying and training lawyers. Additionally, the bill provides that if the government fails to appoint counsel for an unaccompanied child, the child can file a motion to reopen their case without time limitations, and such a motion will automatically stay their removal. The legislation further requires an annual report to Congress detailing the extent of legal representation provided to unaccompanied children, including information about the children's nationalities, ages, and stages of legal representation.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1297/all-info