The time for Congress to act is now. My amendment will implement the Commissions most important recommendations. It calls for sensible reforms that will safeguard the Nations security. improve the efficiency of our immigration detention system. and ensure that people fleeing persecution are treated in accordance with this Nations most basic values. My amendment would implement quality assurance procedures to ensure that DHS officers carefully and accurately record the statements of people who may have a legitimate fear of returning to their countries. Asylum seekers not subject to mandatory detention would be entitled to a hearing to determine if they could be released. Providing bond hearings for those asylum seekers who are lowrisk will free up detention beds. At an average cost of S90 per person per (lay. often much higher. detention beds have always been scarce. Provisions in the Senate legislation before us would vastly increase the numbers of aliens being held in detention. Our immigration system should prioritize available space for aliens who pose a risk of flight. a threat to public safety or are subject to mandatory detention. The amendment also promotes secure alternatives to detention of the type DHS has already begun to implement. For those who must remain detained. we are obliged as a compassionate society to provide humane conditions at immigration facilities and jails used by DHS. My amendment includes modest requirements to ensure decent conditions. especially for asylum seekers. families with children. and other vulnerable populations. It requires improvements in key areas. such as access to medical care and limitations on the use of solitary confinement. And it creates a more effective system within DHS for overseeing and inspecting facilities.
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Asylum seekers asylum seekers immigration