---
kind: "range"
citation: "43 U.S.C. §§ 2501–2503"
title: "43"
from: "2501"
to: "2503"
count: 3
release: "119-102"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/43/2501..2503"
---

# §2501. “Suspended entries of public lands” and “suspended preemption land claims”


The [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior, or such officer as he may designate, is authorized to decide upon principles of equity and justice, as recognized in courts of equity, and in accordance with regulations to be approved by the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior, consistently with such principles, all cases of suspended entries of [public lands](/usc/43/155.md?p=1) and of suspended preemption land claims, and to adjudge in what cases patents shall issue upon the same.


# §2502. Adjudications as to suspended entries; approval


Every such adjudication shall be approved by the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior and shall operate only to divest the United States of the title to the land embraced thereby, without prejudice to the rights of conflicting claimants.


# §2503. Patents surrendered and new ones issued


Where patents have been already issued on entries which are approved by the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior, the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior, or such officer as he may designate, upon the canceling of the outstanding patent, is authorized to issue a new patent, on such approval, to the person who made the entry, his heirs or assigns.