Contact Congress about S. 391: Access to Counsel Act of 2025

Many travelers sent to extra screening at U.S. ports of entry could talk with a lawyer or trusted helper. Border officials would have to allow that contact within one hour and keep allowing it as needed. Green card holders would get added protection before giving up their status.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, 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.

Access to Counsel Act of 2025 is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S595-596).

Latest action on S. 391: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S595-596)

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people sent to extra screening when they try to enter the United States. It matters most for returning green card holders, visa holders, refugees, returning asylees, some people with advance parole papers, and U.S. nationals. It also affects Customs and Border Protection officers, because they would have to make time and space for these consultations. Lawyers, approved immigration representatives, family members, sponsors, and connected organizations could also take a more direct role during inspections.

Why this matters: Border screening can decide whether someone enters the country, keeps legal status, or faces more immigration action. This bill could change what help a person gets before making those choices. For green card holders, signing Form I-407 can mean giving up the right to live and work in the United States. The bill does not say how much it would affect wait times, staffing needs, or final inspection results.

Key provisions in S. 391

• The Homeland Security Secretary must make sure each covered person gets a real chance to talk with a lawyer and an interested party. This applies during secondary or deferred inspection, when border officers need more review before deciding entry.
• The person must get that chance within one hour after secondary inspection starts. They must also get more access later if needed, including during deferred inspection.
• Lawyers and interested parties can speak up for the person. They can also give the immigration officer information, documents, and other evidence.
• The Department of Homeland Security must try to allow in-person help when practical. This applies when a lawyer or interested party asks to come to the secondary or deferred inspection site.
• Covered people include U.S. nationals and returning green card holders. They also include people with valid immigrant or nonimmigrant visas, refugees, returning asylees, and some people with advance parole papers.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 391

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 S. 391

What is S. 391?

Many travelers sent to extra screening at U.S. ports of entry could talk with a lawyer or trusted helper. Border officials would have to allow that contact within one hour and keep allowing it as needed. Green card holders would get added protection before giving up their status.

How do I support or oppose S. 391?

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 S. 391?

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

Can Modern Action explain S. 391 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.