REUNITE Act

Bill: 115-hr-6594
Sponsor: Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13]
Introduced: 2018-07-26 in the House
Policy area: Immigration
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Appropriations
Arizona
Border security and unlawful immigration
California
Child safety and welfare
Congressional oversight
Crime victims
Crimes against children
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Department of Health and Human Services
Department of Homeland Security
Department of Justice
Detention of persons
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Domestic violence and child abuse
Executive agency funding and structure
Family relationships
Genetics
Human trafficking
Immigration status and procedures
Intergovernmental relations
Latin America
Lawyers and legal services
Legal fees and court costs
Mexico
New Mexico
Right of privacy
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
State and local government operations
Texas

Summary:
action_date: 2018-07-26
text: 

Reunite Every Unaccompanied Newborn Infant, Toddler and other children Expeditiously Act or the REUNITE Act

 
This bill directs the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Health and Human Services (HHS), after consultation with humanitarian organizations, child welfare agencies, and states bordering Mexico, to promulgate and publish a rule describing efforts that DHS and HHS will undertake to aid apprehended parents or legal guardians in locating and reuniting with any children (under age 18 with no permanent immigration status) separated from them at or near the port of entry, or within 100 miles of the border. DHS, HHS, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) must provide apprehended parents or legal guardians separated from their children with written notice, in a language understandable to them, of any rules or guidance that may assist them in locating and reuniting with their children.
 
The bill permits DHS and HHS to use DNA testing to determine family relationships subject to certain requirements, after using other commonly-used techniques for determining such relationships. 
 
DHS must establish secure alternative programs that incorporate case management services in each DHS field office to ensure appearances by alien parents and children at immigration proceedings and public safety and to provide for community-based alternatives to detention.
 
DHS, DOJ, and HHS shall establish an interagency Office for Locating and Reuniting Children with Parents for facilitating the reunification of children and apprehended parents or legal guardians after entering the United States. 
 
The bill requires DOJ to appoint counsel, free of charge, for children and vulnerable aliens (e.g., persons with disabilities and victims of abuse, torture, or violence) in immigration proceedings. 
 
The bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to limit bonds for detained aliens to $1,500, except for aliens who have committed an aggravated felony (as defined by the INA). 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-10-01
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security.
action_date: 2018-07-26
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2018-07-26
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2018-07-26
text: Introduced in House