Preventing the Forced Return of Uyghurs Act of 2025

# Preventing the Forced Return of Uyghurs Act of 2025 (S 2502) **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would prohibit the U.S. government from returning or deporting Uyghurs to China. It aims to protect Uyghurs—an ethnic and religious minority group from western China—from being sent back to a country where they may face persecution or detention based on their identity. The legislation would establish safeguards in the U.S.

immigration and deportation system to prevent such returns. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects Uyghurs currently in the United States who face potential deportation, as well as U.S. immigration officials who enforce deportation policies. It also relates to U.S.-China relations, as it takes a position on China's treatment of Uyghur minorities. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (S 2502) is in committee, meaning it has been referred to the relevant Senate committee for review and discussion but has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. The bill was introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in the 119th Congress.