summary
Introduced
01/31/2019
01/31/2019
In Committee
01/31/2019
01/31/2019
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020
12/31/2020
Introduced Session
116th Congress
Bill Summary
A bill to limit the separation of families at or near ports of entry. This bill limits the separation of families at or near U.S. borders or ports of entry. The Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Justice, and Health and Human Services shall not separate a child from a parent or legal guardian at a port of entry or within 100 miles of a U.S. border unless a state court terminates the parent or legal guardian's rights; a state child welfare agency or court determines it is in the child's best interests to be removed; or the child is determined to be a trafficking victim or at risk of becoming one, the accompanying adult is most likely not the parent or legal guardian, or the child is in danger of abuse or neglect. An agency may not separate a child from a parent or legal guardian solely to deter migration into the United States or to promote compliance with immigration laws. DHS shall develop (1) training related to the bill's family separation requirements, and (2) guidance for how parents and legal guardians may locate a separated child. DHS shall provide parents and legal guardians periodic status updates about a separated child. The Government Accountability Office shall report to Congress on the criminal prosecution of asylum seekers.
AI Summary
This bill, the Keep Families Together Act, aims to limit the separation of families at or near U.S. borders or ports of entry. It prohibits government agencies from separating a child from a parent or legal guardian unless certain specific conditions are met, such as a state court terminating parental rights, a state child welfare agency determining it's in the child's best interests, or the child being a trafficking victim. The bill also requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop training and guidance for its agents and officers on implementing the family separation requirements, and to provide periodic status updates to parents and legal guardians about separated children. Additionally, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on the criminal prosecution of asylum seekers during a specific time period.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (42)
Dianne Feinstein (D)*,
Tammy Baldwin (D),
Michael Bennet (D),
Richard Blumenthal (D),
Cory Booker (D),
Sherrod Brown (D),
Maria Cantwell (D),
Ben Cardin (D),
Tom Carper (D),
Bob Casey (D),
Chris Coons (D),
Catherine Cortez Masto (D),
Tammy Duckworth (D),
Kirsten Gillibrand (D),
Kamala Harris (D),
Maggie Hassan (D),
Martin Heinrich (D),
Mazie Hirono (D),
Doug Jones (D),
Tim Kaine (D),
Angus King (I),
Amy Klobuchar (D),
Patrick Leahy (D),
Ed Markey (D),
Bob Menendez (D),
Jeff Merkley (D),
Chris Murphy (D),
Patty Murray (D),
Gary Peters (D),
Jack Reed (D),
Jacky Rosen (D),
Bernie Sanders (I),
Brian Schatz (D),
Jeanne Shaheen (D),
Tina Smith (D),
Debbie Stabenow (D),
Tom Udall (D),
Chris Van Hollen (D),
Mark Warner (D),
Elizabeth Warren (D),
Sheldon Whitehouse (D),
Ron Wyden (D),
Last Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S802-803) (on 01/31/2019)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/292/all-info |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/s292/BILLS-116s292is.pdf |
| Bill | https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/s292/BILLS-116s292is.pdf.pdf |
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