Access to Counsel Act

This bill gives certain people the right to talk to a lawyer when they are held for extra questioning at the border while trying to enter the United States. These people include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, people with visas, asylees, and refugees. The Department of Homeland Security must let these individuals contact a lawyer or family member within one hour of starting the extra inspection and during the process as needed. The lawyer or family member can speak up for the person and give information to the immigration officer. Permanent residents cannot give up their status during these inspections until they have had a chance to get advice from a lawyer, unless they choose in writing not to talk to one.

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