A Democratic bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Hearings are Essential for Asylum Removal to Third-countries Act or the HEART Act. It amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to set up a process for designating a safe third country and reviewing those determinations. The bill allows certain aliens seeking judicial review of a safe third country determination to present specific evidence. It also requires the release of an alien from detention while that judicial review is happening. Additionally, the Secretary of State must issue a rule with minimum standards for designating a safe third country and submit a certification to Congress before a country can be designated.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +7
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
The bill establishes legal frameworks for aliens to challenge safe third country determinations and requires release from detention during judicial review.
- Scored +7
Would immigrants be better off under this?
The legislation provides immigrants seeking asylum with expanded judicial review rights, release from detention during review, and strict due process standards for safe third country designations.
- Scored +6
Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens?
The bill provides enhanced judicial review rights and protections for aliens facing removal to a safe third country.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Judicial Review Rights: Under Section 2, adding section 208(a)(3)(B)(i) to the Immigration and Nationality Act, an alien seeking judicial review of a safe third country determination can present evidence that the agreement does not apply to them, that their life or liberty would be threatened there, that they would not get a full and fair procedure for asylum, or that a technical issue would interfere with removal. This gives individuals a clear way to challenge their removal.
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Release During Review: Under Section 2, adding section 208(a)(3)(B)(ii), an alien who seeks judicial review of a safe third country determination shall be released from detention for the duration of that review. This prevents individuals from remaining detained while their case is being reviewed.
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Minimum Standards for Safe Third Countries: Under Section 2, adding section 208(a)(4), the Secretary of State must issue a rule setting minimum standards for a country to be a safe third country, including due process, the rule of law, unlikelihood of imminent military conflict or violent domestic unrest, compliance with international conventions, and economic resources to provide humanely for refugees. This ensures certain protections are met before a country is designated.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
Based on the provided text, there are no explicit negative impacts or burdens identified for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill establishes legal frameworks for aliens to challenge safe third country determinations and requires release from detention during judicial review. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates clear standards and congressional certification before a country can be designated as a safe third country. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill requires the Secretary of State to issue rulemaking and submit certifications to Congress regarding safe third country designations.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would immigrants be better off under this? — The legislation provides immigrants seeking asylum with expanded judicial review rights, release from detention during review, and strict due process standards for safe third country designations.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens? — The bill provides enhanced judicial review rights and protections for aliens facing removal to a safe third country.
- 10/13/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House