The Protecting Immigrants From Legal Exploitation Act of 2026 creates new federal crimes to punish people who commit immigration fraud. Specifically, it makes it illegal to operate fraudulent immigration service schemes or falsely claim to be a lawyer or authorized representative in immigration matters, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison for fraud schemes and up to 15 years for impersonating legal professionals. The bill requires convicted fraudsters to reimburse their victims for services provided. The legislation also directs the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice to establish regulations requiring people who prepare immigration applications to identify themselves and disclose compensation received, and gives the Attorney General authority to file civil lawsuits against fraud operators. Additionally, the bill creates a relief process allowing immigrants who were victims of fraud to withdraw their applications without penalty and resubmit corrected filings, along with a waiver allowing some deported immigrants to reenter if they can prove they left based on fraudulent legal advice. The law also authorizes funding for public education campaigns to warn immigrant communities about immigration fraud and for grants to nonprofit organizations providing free or low-cost legal services to immigrants in removal proceedings.
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