Bonamici Introduces Bill to Provide Access to Virtual Immigration Hearings

WASHINGTON, DC [12/3/25] – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1) introduced legislation that would grant immigrants the right to join immigration hearings virtually through video or telephone conference.

The Migrant Due Process Protection Act would allow immigrants to have their removal hearing held remotely through video or telephone conference. Currently, immigration judges have discretion to schedule a hearing in-person or virtually. But the Trump administration has been forcing immigrants to show up at court in person, pressuring judges to dismiss cases, and then violently arresting and detaining people who have their cases dismissed.

“The Trump administration’s egregious immigration enforcement tactics have put people who are legally participating in immigration proceedings at risk of detainment and arrest when they show up at court,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “These aggressive tactics are inhumane and do not make our communities safer. I’m introducing this legislation to provide immigrants with the right to have their removal hearings virtually so they can continue through the legal process while staying safe. It will also make hearings more accessible for people who face mobility and transportation challenges.”

The legislation has been endorsed by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). It is cosponsored by Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-8), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Dina Titus (NV-1), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Ilhan Omar (MN-5), Andrea Salinas (OR-6), Mike Quigley (IL-5), Goldman (NY-10), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Pamila Jayapal (WA-7), and Yvette Clarke (NY-9).

The full text of the Migrant Due Process Protection Act can be found here.

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