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119-hr-8645119th Congress

New Pathways Act

Sponsored By: Representative Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]

Introduced

Summary

An Identification and Release Assistance program would make sure federal prisoners leave custody with the IDs and immigration or citizenship papers they need to rebuild their lives. This bill would add rules to the Second Chance Act so the Bureau of Prisons helps people get REAL ID‑compliant photo IDs, Social Security cards, proof of citizenship or lawful status, employment authorization for eligible noncitizens, and help making a release plan when requested.

Show full summary
  • United States citizen covered individuals would receive a photo ID that meets REAL ID rules before release and assistance obtaining a Social Security card and proof of U.S. citizenship when possible.
  • Noncitizen covered individuals would get help from the Bureau in applying for proof of lawful status and, if not a lawful permanent resident, an employment authorization document, including forms and application assistance.
  • Direct-release prisoners could request help from a U.S. Probation System representative to develop a release plan before leaving custody.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Help getting work papers for noncitizens

If enacted, the Bureau of Prisons would help qualifying lawfully present noncitizens get proof of status and work authorization from USCIS before release. The BOP would provide forms and instructions, help complete and submit USCIS forms with required documents, and give any received USCIS papers to the person. This assistance for employment authorization would apply only to those who are lawfully present, eligible for work authorization, and not admitted as lawful permanent residents, and who have a planned place of residence after release.

Probation help to build release plans

If enacted, a representative of the U.S. Probation System would help a direct-release prisoner develop a release plan, but only if the prisoner asks for help. The assistance must happen before the prisoner is released. The rule applies only when requested by a prisoner who will be directly released and not placed in prerelease custody.

REAL ID and citizenship documents

If enacted, the bill would require the Bureau of Prisons to provide eligible U.S. citizen prisoners a photo ID that meets REAL ID rules before release. The BOP would obtain a Social Security card and proof of citizenship for the person and give the person all documents it receives. If an outside Federal or State agency does not respond, or if the person refuses to give authorization, the BOP would give a written explanation showing steps taken. The bill would also define who counts as a covered U.S. citizen, noncitizen covered individual, community confinement, and direct-release prisoner; these definitions would take effect upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]

NJ • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7]

    MD • D

    Sponsored 10/1/2026

  • Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 4/30/2026

  • Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4]

    GA • D

    Sponsored 4/30/2026

  • Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

    DC • D

    Sponsored 4/30/2026

  • Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12]

    MI • D

    Sponsored 4/30/2026

  • Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7]

    IL • D

    Sponsored 4/30/2026

  • Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 4/30/2026

  • Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9]

    TX • D

    Sponsored 4/30/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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