116th Congress Key Bills & Policies Tracker

The Access to Counsel Act (H.R. 5581) would ensure the right of individuals to access counsel when held or detained under certain circumstances after presenting themselves at the border, airports, and other ports of entry.

The Central America Family Protection and Reunification Act states that it shall be U.S. policy to not separate immigrant families as a deterrent, to reunite families that were separated due to the criminal prosecution of parents for illegal entry, and to prioritize reunification of such families.

The Central America Reform and Enforcement Act of 2019 or CARE Act conditions assistance to Northern Triangle governments to address the root causes of the violence and instability that are driving migration and would also ensure fair, orderly, and efficient processing of those who do reach our border seeking protection.

The Central American Women and Protection of Children Act of 2019 decreases and deters violence against women and children in Central America, increases safe access to adequate, appropriate, and coordinated support services, and enhances the performance, will and capacity of justice system officials.

The Child Trafficking Victims Protection and Welfare Act of 2019 requires at least one licensed child welfare professional be available at ports of entry and Border Patrol stations that regularly hold a large number of children. The legislation provides minimum standards of care for children in CBP custody, including access to food and water, and access to pediatric medical care.

The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2019 guarantees that all unaccompanied children have legal representation in immigration proceedings.

The HELP Separated Children Act would allow children to visit parents who are detained, allow parents one last goodbye to their children prior to being taken into custody, and require Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to consider the best interests of children when making detention or transfer decisions regarding parents.

The Keep Families Together Act (S.3036) prohibits the removal of a child who is under the age of 18 and has no permanent immigration status from his or her parent or legal guardian at or near the port of entry or within 100 miles of the U.S. border.

The Northern Triangle and Border Stabilization Act of 2019 requires better treatment of detained children at the border, including by providing recreation time and child welfare professionals; creates ways to apply for refugee status from Central America; and invests in addressing the root causes of migration from Central America.

The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) ensures the appropriate treatment and protection of children in the U.S. immigration system.

The Haitian Deportation Relief Act would halt deportations to Haiti until the public health crisis has passed in both the U.S. and in Haiti. It would also require that ICE evaluate detainees who have their deportation deferred for Alternatives to Detention.