To ensure the alignment of economic and foreign policies, to position the Department of State to reflect that economic security is national security, and for other purposes.

House Bill

H.R. 5248

119th Congress

To ensure the alignment of economic and foreign policies, to position the Department of State to reflect that economic security is national security, and for other purposes.

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 28 - 22.

Introduced:Sep 10, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Daniel Webster

Representative

Republican

FL-11

Cosponsors

26

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Immigration

Summary

This bill would protect certain Southeast Asian immigrants from deportation and provide them with work authorization. It applies to those who entered the U.S. before 2008 and have continuously lived here since then, even if they have final deportation orders. The bill also directs the government to reopen old deportation cases for this group.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill would protect certain Southeast Asian immigrants from deportation and provide them with work authorization. It applies to those who entered the U.S. before 2008 and have continuously lived here since then, even if they have final deportation orders. The bill also directs the government to reopen old deportation cases for this group.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act of 2023This bill prohibits the detention or removal of certain nationals of Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos.Specifically, this protection from detention or removal shall apply to nationals of these countries who (1) entered the United States on or before January 1, 2008, (2) have continuously resided in the United States since entry, and (3) are subject to a final order of removal. Such individuals shall also receive employment authorization. The bill also directs the Department of Justice to grant motions to reconsider or reopen the case of any non-U.S. national who was ordered removed, deported, or excluded from the United States between April 24, 1996, and this bill's enactment and who otherwise satisfies the requirements for protection from detention or removal under this bill. For these individuals, the bill also waives certain requirements that typically apply to motions to reconsider or reopen, such as deadlines for filing such a motion. Further, the Department of Homeland Security must provide individuals covered by the bill with notice of the bill's provisions. The notice must include instructions for filing a motion to reconsider and reopen removal proceedings.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Prohibits the detention or removal of certain nationals of Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos who entered the U.S. before 2008 and have continuously resided here since then
Provides employment authorization for these individuals
Directs the Department of Justice to reopen and reconsider old deportation cases for this group, waiving certain filing requirements
Requires the Department of Homeland Security to notify covered individuals about the bill's provisions and how to file motions to reopen their cases

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill would directly impact thousands of Southeast Asian immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for years but face deportation. If enacted, it would allow them to remain in the country and work legally, preventing family separations and disruptions to their lives and communities.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Immigration

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

5248, 119th Congress (2025). "To ensure the alignment of economic and foreign policies, to position the Department of State to reflect that economic security is national security, and for other purposes.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-5248