Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB6574

Introduced
12/4/23  

Caption

Empowering Immigration Courts Act

Impact

The bill will modify Section 240(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, establishing clearer guidelines for immigration judges regarding their power to sanction contempt. This amendment is expected to facilitate more consistent application of sanctions in immigration courts, potentially improving the efficiency of case handling and upholding the authority of judges. This could lead to quicker resolutions of cases where contemptuous behavior is displayed by respondents or their representatives.

Summary

House Bill 6574, known as the 'Empowering Immigration Courts Act', proposes amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act with a focus on clarifying the contempt authority of immigration judges. The bill aims to enhance the ability of immigration judges to sanction actions that are deemed contemptuous to their authority. By specifying the conditions under which judges can impose civil penalties, the bill hopes to streamline judicial processes and enforce compliance within immigration proceedings.

Contention

Despite its goals, the bill raises some points of contention among legal experts and immigration advocacy groups. Critics argue that expanding the power of immigration judges to impose penalties could lead to abuses of authority and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations navigating the immigration system. Opponents are concerned that such amendments may deter individuals from fully participating in legal proceedings due to fear of penalties, which could undermine the fair representation of their cases.

Companion Bills

US SB3811

Related Empowering Immigration Courts Act

Previously Filed As

US SB3811

Empowering Immigration Courts Act

US HB6145

Immigration Court Efficiency and Children's Court Act of 2023

US HB7495

Empowering Learners through Competency-Based Education Act

US HB6679

No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act

US HB7322

SUE for Immigration Enforcement Act Standing Up to the Executive branch for Immigration Enforcement Act

US HB6940

Mass Immigration Reduction Act of 2024

US HB6477

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to reform the process for inspection of applicants for admission.

US HB3407

Empowering Law Enforcement Act of 2023

US SB4371

Empowering States to Protect Seniors from Bad Actors Act

US SB3923

Immigration Detainer Enforcement Act of 2024

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.