What does Preamble of Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled 'To provide counsel for unaccompanied children, and for other purposes.' The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 11, 2026.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2026.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2026 do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. The term 'noncitizen' is defined as an individual who is not a citizen or national of the United States. The term 'unaccompanied child' is defined by reference to section 462(g) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002.

What does REFERENCES TO ALIENS. of Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2026 do?

This section clarifies the meaning of 'noncitizen' within this Act. For individuals who are not U.S. citizens or nationals, 'noncitizen' is defined as an 'alien' as described in other federal laws, regulations, or executive branch documents.

What does IMPROVING IMMIGRATION COURT EFFICIENCY AND REDUCING COSTS BY of Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2026 do?

This section amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to define 'noncitizen' and 'unaccompanied child'. It modifies provisions related to the appointment of counsel in removal proceedings, allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to appoint counsel for unaccompanied children. Noncitizens, or their counsel, are entitled to receive a complete copy of their immigration file (A-file) within seven days. Removal proceedings may not proceed until a noncitizen receives their A-file and has at least 10 days to review it, unless they waive the review period. Section 292 of the Immigration and Nationality Act is added, establishing a right to counsel for unaccompanied children in removal proceedings and related matters. The Secretary of Health and Human Services is responsible for appointing or providing counsel to unaccompanied children at government expense. The Secretary of Health and Human Services must establish infrastructure and systems for identifying, recruiting, training, and overseeing counsel for unaccompanied children. Model guidelines for legal representation of unaccompanied children will be developed, based on ABA standards and other sources. Counsel appointed under this section have specific duties, including representing the child's legal interests and advocating for their wishes.

What does ACCESS BY COUNSEL TO DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY of Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2026 do?

This section requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide access to counsel for noncitizens detained in specific facilities. These facilities include those under the supervision of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The requirement also extends to private facilities that contract with the Department of Homeland Security to house, detain, or hold noncitizens.

What does REPORT ON ACCESS TO COUNSEL. of Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2026 do?

This section requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Attorney General, to submit an annual report to the Senate and House Judiciary Committees. The report must detail the extent to which the Secretary has provided counsel to unaccompanied children as described in specific sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The report's contents include the number and percentage of unaccompanied children represented by counsel, specifying the stage of legal process representation began, custody status, nationality, and age. The report must also include data on children who received 'Know Your Rights' presentations or legal screenings, including nationality and age. Finally, the report must describe the methods used to identify, recruit, and train pro bono counsel for these children.

What does MOTIONS TO REOPEN. of Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 240(c)(7)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The amendment establishes a special rule for unaccompanied children entitled to appointment of counsel. If the Secretary of Health and Human Services fails to appoint or provide counsel for an unaccompanied child under section 292(b), limitations on filing a motion to reopen do not apply. The filing of a motion to reopen by such a child will stay the child’s removal.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2026 do?

This section authorizes appropriations to the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The sums authorized are 'such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act'. Budgetary effects of the Act will be determined by a statement from the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. This determination is for compliance with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.

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Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2026

Last updated: 6/11/2026 · Introduced: 6/11/2026

Author: Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a right to counsel for unaccompanied children in immigration removal proceedings, requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to appoint or provide legal representation at government expense.
The bill mandates that noncitizens receive a complete copy of their immigration file within seven days and provides a review period before removal proceedings can continue, unless waived.
The bill requires annual reporting on the provision of counsel to unaccompanied children, including data on representation rates, legal screenings, and recruitment of pro bono attorneys.

119th Congressin committeeS. 1297(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 7 more.

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