Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act of 2026

Halt on Deportations: The bill prevents the detention or removal of nationals from Cambodia, Laos, or Vietnam who entered the U.S. on or before January 1, 2008, and have lived here continuously since entry (Section 3(a)).

Legal Employment: Eligible individuals will be authorized to permanently engage in employment and receive an "employment authorized" work permit valid for 5 years, which can be renewed indefinitely (Section 3(b)).

Simplified Check-ins: For those under supervision, the requirement to appear in person for periodic identification is replaced by a virtual appearance that can occur no more than once every 5 years (Section 3(c)).

Case Reconsideration: The Attorney General must grant motions to reopen or reconsider proceedings for specific nationals of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam who were previously ordered removed or departed voluntarily (Section 4(a)).

Protection of Legal Status: For those qualifying for reopened proceedings, any previous removal, deportation, or exclusion will be deemed as not having occurred for all purposes under immigration law (Section s 4(a)(3)).

Return Assistance: The government will pay for transportation and travel documents to allow eligible individuals to return to the United States to continue their immigration proceedings (Section 4(d)).

Legal Recourse: Individuals or entities harmed by a violation of this Act have the right to file actions in federal district court for relief, including class action lawsuits (Section 6(a) and 6(b)).