Freedom for Families Act
- Last Action
- 11/9/2021
Actions
- 2021-11-09Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.
- 2021-04-30Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2021-04-30Introduced in House
- 2021-04-30Introduced in House
CRS Summary
As of 2021-04-30 (00)
Freedom for Families Act
This bill prohibits using federal funds for facilities used to detain noncitizen families and addresses related issues.
Specifically, no funds made available may be used to operate or construct a family detention center, whether operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or a contractor. This prohibition shall also apply to funds made available before this bill's enactment.
Funds obligated to operate such centers must instead be used for implementing and developing nondetention programs that are community-based and consistent with international best practices.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may place an apprehended noncitizen family into such a nondetention program if DHS makes an individualized determination that doing so will facilitate the family's compliance with immigration laws. The programs must provide to participants a legal orientation and meaningful access to counsel.
Cosponsors (20)
- Karen Bass (D-CA)
- EARL BLUMENAUER (D-OR)
- Gerald Connolly (D-VA)
- Adriano Espaillat (D-NY)
- Dwight Evans (D-PA)
- Mondaire Jones (D-NY)
- BARBARA LEE (D-CA)
- JAMES MCGOVERN (D-MA)
- GRACE NAPOLITANO (D-CA)
- ELEANOR NORTON (D-DC)
- Jimmy Panetta (D-CA)
- Mark Pocan (D-WI)
- Ayanna Pressley (D-MA)
- JANICE SCHAKOWSKY (D-IL)
- ADAM SMITH (D-WA)
- Rashida Tlaib (D-MI)
- Ritchie Torres (D-NY)
- Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ)
- Peter Welch (D-VT)
- Henry Johnson (D-GA)
Subjects
- Border security and unlawful immigration
- Child safety and welfare
- Community life and organization
- Detention of persons
- Family relationships
- Government buildings, facilities, and property
- Government studies and investigations
- Immigrant health and welfare
- Immigration status and procedures
- Lawyers and legal services
- Public contracts and procurement
- Refugees, asylum, displaced persons
Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.