This bill permanently bars asylum seekers who miss their removal hearings from receiving immigration relief, unless exceptional circumstances caused the absence. The current 10-year bar would become a lifetime ban on discretionary immigration benefits.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill permanently bars asylum seekers who miss their removal hearings from receiving immigration relief, unless exceptional circumstances caused the absence. The current 10-year bar would become a lifetime ban on discretionary immigration benefits.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Asylum Accountability Act</strong></p> <p>This bill permanently bars a non-U.S. national (<em>alien</em> under federal law) from receiving certain immigration-related relief if that individual is ordered removed from the United States after failing to appear at a removal proceeding, unless that failure to appear is due to exceptional circumstances. (Currently, this bar from relief is for 10 years.) </p> <p>Under this bill, such an individual shall be permanently barred from receiving discretionary relief under specified immigration provisions, such as (1) cancellation of removal and adjustment to lawful permanent resident status, (2) being allowed to voluntarily depart from the United States, or (3) being allowed to change from one nonimmigrant classification to another. </p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Converts 10-year bar to permanent for missed hearings
Blocks cancellation of removal permanently
Bars voluntary departure option forever
Prevents change of immigration status
Only exceptional circumstances can excuse absence
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Asylum seekers who fail to appear at immigration court would face permanent consequences rather than a 10-year penalty. Supporters say this deters frivolous claims while critics argue it punishes people who may not have received hearing notices.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Immigration
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
698, 119th Congress (2025). "Asylum Accountability Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-698
