06.20.18

Sullivan Cosponsors Bills to Permanently End Family Separations at Border

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) has joined lawmakers in cosponsoring two bills – The Protect Kids and Parents Act and The Keep Families Together and Enforce the Law Act  – aimed at providing an enduring legislative solution to end family separations during immigration proceedings.

“The goal of these bills is to provide a legislative solution that allows families who illegally enter the country to remain together as they navigate the legal system, while also providing expedited processing and review,” said Senator Sullivan. “They include a number of safeguards meant to prevent human trafficking and child neglect, while also rejecting the failed ‘catch and release’ polices that have only incentivized a massive influx of illegal immigration on our southern border. While the president has now addressed this issue administratively, it’s important to recognize – something I’ve raised many times in the past – these types of ‘executive fixes’ to our immigration laws, potentially flouting the rule of law, are often temporary and not sustainable. A bipartisan, enduring solution passed by Congress is needed to prevent families from being divided, to allow for timely immigration proceedings, and to maintain the integrity of the law.”

The Protect Kids and Parents Act (sponsored by Senator Ted Cruz, R-TX) will:

  • Mandate that illegal immigrant families must be kept together;
  • Provide for exceptions that allow a child to be removed from custody in specific circumstances, including cases involving aggravated criminal conduct or threat of harm to the children (such as abuse or neglect by the parent or evidence that the child is a victim of human trafficking);
  • Provide for expedited processing and review of the cases of individuals who are in the U.S. with children, so that – within 14 days – those who meet the legal standards to stay will be allowed to stay and those who do not will be returned to their home countries with their families;
  • Double the number of federal immigration judges, an increase from roughly 375 to 750. These new judges will prioritize processing claims of individuals who are here with children;
  • Authorize new family shelters so that children can remain with their parents while their parents’ claims are being processed.

The Keep Families Together and Enforce the Law Act (sponsored by Senator Thom Tillis, R-NC) will:

  • Keep families together while adults are prosecuted for illegally entering the United States;
  • Increases the bed space in family residential facilities;
  • Provides for exceptions that allow a child to be removed from custody in specific circumstances, including cases involving aggravated criminal conduct or threat of harm to the children (such as abuse or neglect by the parent or evidence that the child is a victim of human trafficking);
  • Authorize the hiring of an additional 225 immigration judges to quickly process cases.

Senator Sullivan was one of 16 lawmakers to attend a meeting at the White House today to discuss issues regarding trade and immigration.

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