VERIFY Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (30 Apr 2026): Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
What this bill does
H.R. 8635, the VERIFY Act of 2026, directs the Department of Homeland Security, through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, to modernize the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, which agencies use to confirm immigration status for benefits and other eligibility decisions. The bill requires upgraded processing infrastructure, automated data reconciliation, expanded API access for querying agencies, and a mechanism for reporting data errors. It sets a goal of reflecting immigration status changes within 24 hours, calls for greater data-sharing and system integration consistent with privacy laws, and requires notification to agencies when a status materially changes after prior verification. It limits SAVE's data to immigration-eligibility purposes only, bars its use for general law enforcement or surveillance, and restricts automated tools from making adverse determinations without human review.
The bill primarily affects federal, state, local, and tribal government agencies that use SAVE to verify immigration status, as well as USCIS and DHS, which must implement upgrades and reporting. It also affects individuals whose immigration status is checked through SAVE, since notification and privacy safeguards apply to how their data is shared. No fees may be charged to agencies for SAVE queries.
The bill requires DHS to submit a modernization plan within 180 days of enactment and mandates annual Inspector General audits and corrective action plans if problems are found. Most substantive provisions take effect one year after enactment, though planning and reporting requirements begin immediately. The bill was introduced on April 30, 2026, and referred to the House Judiciary Committee; no further action has occurred.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
30 Apr 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 8635 do?
- H.R. 8635, the VERIFY Act of 2026, directs the Department of Homeland Security, through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, to modernize the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, which agencies use to confirm immigration status for benefits and other eligibility decisions. The bill requires upgraded processing infrastructure, automated data reconciliation, expanded API access for querying agencies, and a mechanism for reporting data errors. It sets a goal of reflecting immigration status changes within 24 hours, calls for greater data-sharing and system integration consistent with privacy laws, and requires notification to agencies when a status materially changes after prior verification. It limits SAVE's data to immigration-eligibility purposes only, bars its use for general law enforcement or surveillance, and restricts automated tools from making adverse determinations without human review. The bill primarily affects federal, state, local, and tribal government agencies that use SAVE to verify immigration status, as well as USCIS and DHS, which must implement upgrades and reporting. It also affects individuals whose immigration status is checked through SAVE, since notification and privacy safeguards apply to how their data is shared. No fees may be charged to agencies for SAVE queries. The bill requires DHS to submit a modernization plan within 180 days of enactment and mandates annual Inspector General audits and corrective action plans if problems are found. Most substantive provisions take effect one year after enactment, though planning and reporting requirements begin immediately. The bill was introduced on April 30, 2026, and referred to the House Judiciary Committee; no further action has occurred.
- Has H.R. 8635 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 8635. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 8635?
- H.R. 8635 was sponsored by Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6] (R-IN), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 8635?
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. (30 Apr 2026).
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