Some of these persons are attempting to enter the country unlawfully and without justification. Our laws do not permit this and they should not be allowed entry. The Administration is following immigration law as it relates to these unaccompanied minors. The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008. signed by President George W. Bush establishes the legal status of the children who have entered the nation unaccompanied. That law provides persons fleeing lethal violence or escape from human trafficking the opportunity to have their case heard by an immigration judge. Over the time Congress has delayed acting and an additional 366.000 pending cases were added to the immigration courts that must have hearings before any action can be taken. Because this situation is untenable for everyonelaw enforcement. taxpayers. and individuals petitioning for relief. the first thing that we can and should do to reduce the backlog is provide the funding needed to appoint 70 new immigration judges. as provided under legislation. Ensuring that there are available sufficient facilities to house detained children in a humane manner while they await their immigration hearing is another challenge. I ask that the Rules Committee approve the Jackson Lee Amendment for inclusion in H.R.
Keywords matched
immigration