PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Aug 6, 2009
Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act - Sets forth provisions regarding procedures and standards applicable to aliens detained in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) custody and the conditions of such custody which shall address: (1) new detention standards; (2) fair and humane treatment; (3) solitary confinement limitations; (4) investigation of grievances; (5) access to telephones and legal assistance; (6) detainee transfers; (7) translation capabilities; (8) medical care; (9) vulnerable populations; (10) standards for non-criminal detainees; (11) personnel training; and (12) reporting of detainee deaths.
Establishes in DHS: (1) an Office of Detention Oversight; and (2) a detention alternatives program under which detainees may be released under enhanced supervision.
Provides for: (1) legal orientation for immigration and asylum detainees; (2) construction or use of less restrictive detention facilities, including facilities for families with children; and (3) quality assurance procedures regarding expedited removal interviews.
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Authorizes the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom to study the effect of expedited removal provisions, practices, and procedures on asylum claims.
People & committees
Sen. Lieberman, Joseph I. [ID-CT] · ID–CT
Legislative record
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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