Protecting Immigrant Children: Oversight, Legal Aid, and Safe Placement
This law establishes an independent Ombudsperson to monitor federal facilities holding immigrant children and investigate abuse claims. It guarantees unaccompanied minors the right to free legal representation in deportation proceedings and implements stricter safety checks for sponsors, while protecting those sponsors from immigration enforcement actions. Furthermore, it expands protections for victims of trafficking and labor exploitation, easing their access to visas and health benefits.
Key points
Creation of an independent Ombudsperson to oversee federal facilities and investigate claims of abuse or neglect against immigrant children.
Guaranteed free legal representation for unaccompanied immigrant children in removal proceedings to ensure due process.
Mandatory background checks for all adults in potential sponsor households, with a crucial rule that this information cannot be used for immigration enforcement against the sponsor.
Elimination of annual visa caps for vulnerable groups, including Special Immigrant Juveniles and U visa applicants (victims of crime/labor violations).
Improved access to Medicaid and post-release services for vulnerable immigrant children.
Expired
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