Bill seeks to clear records and reduce sentences for trafficking survivors forced into crimes
This bill became law on January 22, 2026. Because it is now a public law, the legislative process is complete and no further action is needed from Congress. Federal agencies are now responsible for putting the new rules into effect.
This bill’s path across every version that has carried it.
Reintroduced
Reintroduced from H.R. 7137 (118th), which died when its Congress ended.
H.R. 7137 (118th) →Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Some trafficking victims enter the U.S. on work or other visas and are then forced into criminal activity. A federal conviction can jeopardize their immigration status or make them deportable. By allowing these convictions to be vacated and records expunged, this law helps visa holders who were trafficking victims protect their legal status and avoid immigration consequences tied to crimes they were forced to commit.
Became Public Law No: 119-73.
The President signed it. This is now the law of the land.
Signed by President.
The President signed it. This is now the law of the land.
Presented to President.
Both chambers passed identical text. The President has 10 days to sign it into law or veto it.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8894)
The Senate voted to approve this bill. If the House already passed it, it goes to the President.
South Carolina Rep. Russell Fry’s Trafficking Survivors Relief Act passed the U.S. House, allowing survivors to clear nonviolent offenses committed under coercion; the bill now heads to the Senate.
Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Cindy Hyde-Smith praise House passage of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act and urge swift Senate action to clear records for trafficking survivors.
Local outlet carries senators’ statement after the House unanimously passed the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, which would vacate certain convictions and expunge arrest records for survivors.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Trafficking Survivors Relief Act
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.