Contact Congress about H.R. 5248: Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act of 2023

Many Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese nationals could no longer be detained or deported if they have lived in the U.S. since January 1, 2008. Some could reopen old immigration cases and get work permits. People already deported could get government-paid travel back for new proceedings if they qualify.

Modern Action explains what the legislation does, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act of 2023 is a House bill in Congress.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese nationals with old or current deportation orders. It also affects family members who could avoid separation if a loved one qualifies. Immigration agencies, immigration courts, federal district courts, and the State Department would have new duties under the bill.

Why this matters: This bill matters because it could stop deportations for people who may have lived in the United States for decades. Many affected people may have families, jobs, and deep ties here. The bill could also reopen old cases decided under past immigration rules. Its full effect would depend on who qualifies, how agencies apply the law, and how courts rule on disputes.

Key provisions in H.R. 5248

• Immigration officials could not detain or deport certain Cambodian, Laotian, or Vietnamese nationals after the bill becomes law. The person must have entered the U.S. by January 1, 2008, and lived here since then, even with a final removal order.
• Homeland Security would have to let eligible people work legally. It must give them work permits that last five years and can be renewed without a limit.
• Eligible people under supervision orders would not have to do in-person immigration check-ins. They would check in online, and the government could require it no more than once every five years.
• The Attorney General would have to grant certain requests to reopen or reconsider old immigration cases. This applies to covered Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese nationals who were ordered removed, deported, excluded, or who left under voluntary departure between April 24, 1996, and the bill becoming law.
• The government would have to end reopened removal cases for people who meet the bill's rules. It would end them with prejudice, meaning the same case could not be brought again, and it would cancel the old removal order.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 5248

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 5248

What is H.R. 5248?

Many Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese nationals could no longer be detained or deported if they have lived in the U.S. since January 1, 2008. Some could reopen old immigration cases and get work permits. People already deported could get government-paid travel back for new proceedings if they qualify.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 5248?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 5248?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

How does Modern Action help me act on H.R. 5248?

Modern Action gives you bill-specific context, lets you choose support, opposition, or changes, and drafts a message from your position and reasons.