Legis Daily

PAPERS Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-7708| House 
| Updated: 2/25/2026
Chellie Pingree

Chellie Pingree

Democratic Representative

Maine

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to return identification documents to individuals upon their release from custody. It specifies that "covered documents" include passports, permanent resident cards, birth certificates, and driver's licenses. DHS may only retain a document if it is determined to be fraudulent , is contraband or evidence in a pending criminal proceeding , or if the individual is no longer legally entitled to possess it. If a document is retained, DHS must provide a written explanation and a certified copy to the individual, unless legally prohibited. The legislation explicitly prohibits DHS from retaining documents based on operational convenience or anticipated future immigration enforcement actions.
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Timeline
Feb 25, 2026
Introduced in House
Feb 25, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • February 25, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • February 25, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Immigration

PAPERS Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-7708| House 
| Updated: 2/25/2026
This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to return identification documents to individuals upon their release from custody. It specifies that "covered documents" include passports, permanent resident cards, birth certificates, and driver's licenses. DHS may only retain a document if it is determined to be fraudulent , is contraband or evidence in a pending criminal proceeding , or if the individual is no longer legally entitled to possess it. If a document is retained, DHS must provide a written explanation and a certified copy to the individual, unless legally prohibited. The legislation explicitly prohibits DHS from retaining documents based on operational convenience or anticipated future immigration enforcement actions.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Feb 25, 2026
Introduced in House
Feb 25, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • February 25, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • February 25, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Chellie Pingree

Chellie Pingree

Democratic Representative

Maine

Judiciary Committee

Immigration

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted