H.R. 8605: Honor Our Commitment Act of 2026

This bill, titled the "Honor Our Commitment Act of 2026," aims to limit the detention and removal of certain Vietnamese nationals from the United States. Here are the key points of the bill:

Limitation on Detention and Removal

• The bill prohibits the detention or removal of any Vietnamese national who:
  • Entered the U.S. on or before July 12, 1995,
  • Has continuously lived in the U.S. since that entry, and
  • Is currently subject to a final order of removal.

This restriction applies to the aforementioned individuals as of the date of the bill's enactment, unless they fall under specified exceptions.

Exceptions to the Limitation

• Individuals may be exempt from this protection if:
  • The Secretary of Homeland Security determines they pose a security threat to the U.S., or
  • They are subject to extradition.

Employment Authorization

The Secretary of Homeland Security is required to grant employment authorization to individuals who meet the criteria outlined in the bill. This includes providing them with a work permit or endorsement that allows them to work legally in the U.S.

Notification Requirements

• Within 60 days of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of Homeland Security must inform eligible Vietnamese nationals about the provisions of this bill.
• The notification must include detailed information on how these individuals can file a motion to reopen their removal proceedings.

Judicial Review

• The bill allows individuals or entities harmed by violations of this law to file a lawsuit in the appropriate U.S. district court to seek remedies. This may include seeking a declaratory (official statement) or injunctive (court order) relief.
• The bill clarifies that such actions may also proceed as class actions, allowing groups of affected individuals to collectively seek legal recourse.

Relevant Companies

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