H.R. 7836: Real Courts, Rule of Law Act of 2026
Sponsor
Zoe Lofgren
Democrat · CA-18
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Mar 5, 2026
Referred to the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. for review
Why it matters
If enacted, the bill would give the new United States Immigration Courts control over their own budget without executive-branch revision, create an appellate division starting with 21 immigration appeals judges serving staggered 5-, 10-, and 15-year terms, and require annual public-style reporting to Congress on caseloads, representation rates, bond and removal outcomes, and demographics. Immigrants, lawyers, and judges who want more independence and less policy whiplash from changing administrations would gain; the executive branch would lose a major lever of control, even though existing Attorney General and BIA precedents would stay in place initially and current EOIR judges could continue as interim trial judges during the four-year transition.
H.R. 7836 Common Questions
How many immigration appeals judges would HR 7836 create at first?
Under the Real Courts, Rule of Law Act of 2026 (Section 6), the first 21 immigration appeals judges would be appointed, with staggered initial terms of 5, 10, and 15 years.
When would the new immigration courts start under HR 7836?
According to HR7836 Section 6, they begin on the first day of the first full fiscal year after enactment if that date is at least 180 days later; otherwise, the second full fiscal year, once 3 or more appeals judges are appointed.
Can current EOIR immigration judges keep serving under the Real Courts, Rule of Law Act?
Yes. Under the Real Courts, Rule of Law Act of 2026 (Section 6), current EOIR judges become interim immigration trial judges, generally for up to 5 years or until the 4-year transition ends and a successor is appointed.
How long is the transition period for the new immigration court system in HR 7836?
According to HR7836 Section 6, the transition period lasts 4 years beginning on the application date.
What immigration court data would have to be reported to Congress every year under HR 7836?
Under the Real Courts, Rule of Law Act of 2026 (Section 5), annual reports due by April 1 must include demographics, lawyer representation rates, removal and bond outcomes, pending caseloads, year-over-year changes, and average wait times.
Does HR 7836 keep existing Board of Immigration Appeals and Attorney General precedents in place?
Yes. According to HR7836 Section 7, existing precedential decisions and Attorney General rules stay in effect unless the new Immigration Courts overrule, amend, or revoke them.
Can pending immigration cases continue without losing rights if HR 7836 becomes law?
Yes. Under the Real Courts, Rule of Law Act of 2026 (Section 7), all pending proceedings transfer to the new Immigration Courts with no loss of rights or jurisdiction.
Does HR 7836 move the immigration court budget out of executive branch control?
Yes. According to HR7836 Section 4, the Immigration Courts set their own budget without executive branch review or modification, and it must be included in the President’s submitted budget.
Which immigration office would stay in the Justice Department under the Real Courts, Rule of Law Act?
Under the Real Courts, Rule of Law Act of 2026 (Section 7), the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, or OCAHO, would remain under the Department of Justice.
Which court circuit would hear judicial review of immigration decisions under HR 7836?
According to HR7836 Section 9, venue for judicial review would be in the circuit where the original underlying decision was issued or where the underlying administrative action occurred.
Based on H.R. 7836 bill text
HR7836 Legislative Journey
House: Committee Action
Mar 5, 2026
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
About the Sponsor
Zoe Lofgren
Democrat, California's 18th congressional district · 31 years in Congress
Committees: Science, Space, and Technology, the Judiciary
View full profile →
Cosponsors (3)
All 3 cosponsors are Democrats. Cosponsors represent 3 states: Georgia, Maryland, New York.
Committee Sponsors
Budget Committee
0 of 37 committee members cosponsored
No committee members have cosponsored this bill
Judiciary Committee
3 of 44 committee members cosponsored
30 Democrats across these committees haven't cosponsored yet. Mobilize their constituents
H.R. 7836 Quick Facts
- Committee
- Budget
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Immigration
- Introduced
- Mar 5, 2026
Referred to the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. for review
Mar 5, 2026
H.R. 7836 Bill Text
“To establish, under article I of the Constitution of the United States, a court of record to be known as the United States Immigration Courts.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
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