Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act of 2026

The Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act of 2026 would halt the deportation and detention of certain nationals from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam who have lived continuously in the United States since before January 1, 2008. The bill would affect approximately 15,000 long-term residents, many of whom arrived as child refugees following the Vietnam War and have no remaining ties to their countries of origin.

If enacted, the bill would provide eligible individuals with renewable five-year work permits and reduce immigration check-in requirements, allowing virtual meetings instead of frequent in-person appearances. Additionally, the bill would allow individuals who were previously deported between April 1996 and the bill's enactment to request reconsideration of their cases and potentially return to the United States. The bill's supporters argue this addresses historical injustices stemming from U.S. involvement in Southeast Asian conflicts and harsh 1990s immigration laws that disproportionately affected these communities.

The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. It was introduced on February 20, 2026, and has 30 cosponsors.