WASHINGTON D.C. (WHTC-AM/FM) — On Thursday, Republican Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) introduced The Family Reunification Act, legislation to reunite children who were separated from their parents along the southern border.
“While the United States is a nation of laws, we are also a nation of compassion. I am for strengthening our porous border and reforming our broken immigration system. However, I am not for separating infants and young children from their mothers and fathers. We must take action to right this wrong.”
While the bill urges Homeland Security to reunite children with their families as quickly as possible, it would allow four ways for parents to lose their right or the children to be kept in the U.S.
One reason is if a state court determines separation is in the child’s best interest. Another is if an expert in child trauma decides the child is at risk for abuse or self harm. The bill authorizes federal authorities to keep children if they are at risk for trafficking, other abuse, or the child was not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
