# Plain Language Summary: The EMAP Act

This bill creates a new program called the Early Migration Alert Program (EMAP) within the Department of Homeland Security. Its main job is to notify state, local, tribal, and territorial governments whenever federal immigration authorities are about to release migrants into their communities. The government would have to send this notification at least 24 hours before releasing anyone, giving local officials advance warning about who's coming to their area.

The information that would be shared includes how many people are being released, how many have criminal histories, where they initially plan to go, and where they eventually intend to settle. This notification would be sent through an email system to verified government officials in the affected jurisdictions. The bill makes clear that this notification requirement doesn't mean immigration authorities have to hold people longer than the law allows—it's just about giving communities a heads-up about incoming migrants so they can prepare resources or services if needed.

The program would cost about $400,000 per year for 2023 and 2024 to set up and operate the email notification system and coordinate with local governments. This bill essentially creates a formal communication channel between federal immigration agencies and local communities, so mayors, county officials, and other local leaders know in advance when migrants are being released into their areas rather than finding out after the fact.

EMAP Act

Early Migration Alert Program Act or the EMAP Act This bill establishes within the Department of Homeland Security a program to (1) lead the dissemination of information pertaining to the release of non-U.S. nationals (alien under federal law) from custody, and (2) formalize partnerships with regional stakeholders relating to such information. The bill also requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to provide certain information to the relevant state and local governments at least 24 hours before releasing a non-U.S. national from custody.