S 1977119th CongressIn Committee

Rapid Expulsion of Migrant Offenders who Violate and Evade (REMOVE) Act

Introduced: Jun 5, 2025

Immigration

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Rapid Expulsion of Migrant Offenders who Violate and Evade (REMOVE) Act would overhaul removal proceedings by requiring a much faster process for aliens who receive a Notice to Appear (NTA) filed with an immigration court. Specifically, after ICE files an NTA, the Attorney General must commence removal proceedings promptly and, for those deportable due to a qualifying offense, begin proceedings as expeditiously as possible after conviction. Most notably, the bill would require that all immigration court proceedings related to such aliens be completed within 15 days of when they are commenced, with the Attorney General empowered to issue regulations and guidance to meet this deadline. The aim is to accelerate removals and reduce backlogs, but the approach could significantly constrain traditional due-process protections and avenues for relief.

Key Points

1Accelerated timeline: For aliens referred to immigration court via an NTA, all removal proceedings must be completed no later than 15 days after they commence.
2Prompt initiation after NTA: The Attorney General must commence removal proceedings as soon as possible after ICE files an NTA that is served on the alien.
3Special handling for certain offenses: If an alien was convicted of an offense that makes them deportable under 237(a), removal proceedings must begin expeditiously after conviction.
4Regulatory authority: The Attorney General is authorized to issue regulations, guidance, and take other actions necessary to ensure the 15-day completion timeline.
5Structural change: The provision alters section 239(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, reorganizing the subsections accordingly.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Noncitizens who have received a Notice to Appear and are subject to removal proceedings, particularly those with deportability offenses.- Immigration courts and the U.S. immigration adjudication process, including the role of the Attorney General and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).Secondary group/area affected- Immigration attorneys, lawful-immigration advocates, and NGOs that represent asylum seekers and other relief applicants; potential constraints on time to prepare and present defenses.- Detention and enforcement operations, since expedited timelines may shift detention decisions and resource needs.Additional impacts- Potential reductions in opportunities for relief (e.g., asylum, withholding of removal, or other defenses) due to the compressed timeline.- Possible constitutional and due-process concerns from speeding through removal proceedings with limited ability to present evidence, consult counsel, or pursue appeals.- Administrative and regulatory burden on the DOJ to craft regulations and guidance to fit a 15-day process, which could have broader implications for court administration and resource allocation.

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