Protecting Immigrants From Legal Exploitation Act of 2026
Latest action (21 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9803, the "Protecting Immigrants From Legal Exploitation Act of 2026," would create new federal criminal penalties for immigration-related fraud. It establishes a federal crime, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, for knowingly or recklessly defrauding people in connection with immigration matters, and a separate crime, punishable by up to 15 years, for falsely claiming to be an attorney or accredited representative in immigration matters. Convicted individuals would also have to fully reimburse defrauded clients. The bill directs the Department of Homeland Security and the Attorney General to create rules requiring disclosure of paid preparers who help with immigration paperwork, and allows the Attorney General to seek civil injunctions against fraudulent "immigration service providers."
The bill would primarily affect immigrants seeking legal status or relief, protecting them from so-called "notario fraud" by unauthorized practitioners. It lets victims withdraw and refile fraudulent applications without penalty, waives certain reentry bars for those misled into leaving the U.S., and directs the Attorney General to issue rules on immigration judges' contempt authority. It also authorizes government outreach programs and grants to nonprofit organizations providing legal assistance to immigrants.
The bill was introduced July 21, 2026, by Rep. Bill Foster and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee action, House and Senate passage, and presidential signature to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 21, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9803 do?
- H.R. 9803, the "Protecting Immigrants From Legal Exploitation Act of 2026," would create new federal criminal penalties for immigration-related fraud. It establishes a federal crime, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, for knowingly or recklessly defrauding people in connection with immigration matters, and a separate crime, punishable by up to 15 years, for falsely claiming to be an attorney or accredited representative in immigration matters. Convicted individuals would also have to fully reimburse defrauded clients. The bill directs the Department of Homeland Security and the Attorney General to create rules requiring disclosure of paid preparers who help with immigration paperwork, and allows the Attorney General to seek civil injunctions against fraudulent "immigration service providers." The bill would primarily affect immigrants seeking legal status or relief, protecting them from so-called "notario fraud" by unauthorized practitioners. It lets victims withdraw and refile fraudulent applications without penalty, waives certain reentry bars for those misled into leaving the U.S., and directs the Attorney General to issue rules on immigration judges' contempt authority. It also authorizes government outreach programs and grants to nonprofit organizations providing legal assistance to immigrants. The bill was introduced July 21, 2026, by Rep. Bill Foster and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee action, House and Senate passage, and presidential signature to become law.
- Has H.R. 9803 become law?
- Not yet. As of 21 Jul 2026, H.R. 9803 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9803?
- H.R. 9803 was sponsored by Rep. Bill Foster [D-IL11] (Democrat-IL), with 18 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9803?
- Introduced (21 Jul 2026).
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