New Pathways Act
Sponsored By: Representative Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]
Introduced
Summary
Provides identification and release assistance for federal prisoners. This bill would require the Bureau of Prisons to obtain a REAL ID‑compliant photo ID and help secure Social Security and citizenship documents for U.S. citizens and immigration status or employment authorization for eligible noncitizens before release.
Show full summary
- U.S. citizens in federal custody would be issued a photo ID that meets REAL ID minimums and receive help getting a Social Security card and proof of citizenship, with documents delivered when obtained.
- Noncitizen covered individuals who are lawfully present and eligible for work authorization would get help from the Bureau to complete and submit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services forms and to receive proof of status or an employment authorization document.
- A direct-release prisoner could request that a U.S. Probation System representative help develop a release plan prior to release.
- The bill defines "community confinement" to include halfway houses, community treatment centers, restitution centers, mental health facilities, and alcohol or drug rehabilitation centers.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Help getting immigration and work papers
If you are a noncitizen covered individual, the Bureau of Prisons would help you obtain proof of lawful status from USCIS. If you are not a lawful permanent resident, the Bureau would also help you apply for an employment authorization document. The Bureau would provide USCIS forms and instructions, help complete and submit them with supporting documents, and give you any documents it receives from USCIS.
Real ID and Social Security at Release
This bill would require the Bureau of Prisons to provide United States citizen covered individuals a photo ID that meets REAL ID minimums before release. The Bureau would also help get a Social Security card and proof of U.S. citizenship (for example, a passport or birth certificate) and give the person the documents when issued. If a Federal or State agency does not reply, the Bureau would give a written statement of steps taken. If the individual does not authorize a request, the Bureau would give a written explanation why the document was not obtained.
Probation help to plan your release
If you are a direct-release prisoner and ask, a representative of the U.S. Probation System would help you develop a release plan before you leave prison. The assistance would occur prior to release and is only available when requested by the prisoner.
Who counts for reentry help
The bill would define who may receive the BOP reentry services described elsewhere. It would define community confinement and direct-release prisoner status. It would define a noncitizen covered individual to include lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees who are lawfully present, eligible for work authorization, and have a place to live after release. It would define a United States citizen covered individual as someone in BOP custody or community confinement who has a Social Security card, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a document showing a place to live after release.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]
NJ • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]
NY • D
Sponsored 4/30/2026
Johnson (GA)
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
Davis (IL)
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.
View on Congress.gov