HR 61: Ensuring United Families at the Border Act

Cosponsors

Eric Burlison (R) MO, Elijah Crane (R) AZ, Troy Nehls (R) TX

Summary

Ensuring United Families at the Border Act

This bill addresses the treatment of children who are non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law), including by statutorily establishing that there is no presumption that such a child (other than an unaccompanied child) should not be detained for immigration purposes.

Specifically, the bill states that the detention of such minors shall be governed by specified sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act and not any other provision of law, judicial ruling, or settlement agreement.

(A 1997 settlement agreement, commonly known as the Flores agreement, imposes requirements relating to the treatment of detained alien minors, including requiring such minors to be released or placed in a nonsecure facility after a certain amount of time in detention.)

If an adult enters the United States unlawfully with their child, the Department of Homeland Security must detain the adult and child together if the only criminal charge against the adult is a misdemeanor for unlawful entry.

This bill also prohibits states from imposing licensing requirements on immigration detention facilities used to detain minors or families with minors.

Subjects

Border security and unlawful immigration, Child safety and welfare, Detention of persons, Family relationships, Immigrant health and welfare, Immigration status and procedures, Licensing and registrations, State and local government operations

Policy Areas

Immigration

Next Steps

The next action is for the House Judiciary Committee to consider the bill. Possible next steps include holding hearings, marking up the bill, or taking no action. If the committee approves, it would go to the full House for consideration.

Social Impact

The bill aims to clarify standards for family detention, potentially affecting family separation practices at the border. Social impacts would depend on how it is interpreted and implemented, with potential implications for families and immigration policy.

Business Impact

This bill could impact businesses that operate immigration detention facilities. If passed, it would likely lead to changes in their operations to comply with the new standards for family detention, potentially including increased costs or legal challenges.

Financial Impact

The financial impact is uncertain, depending on the implementation costs for detention facilities and the legal challenges. It may also have an indirect impact on state budgets due to the preemption of state licensing requirements.

Bill History

Friday, January 3, 2025
IntroReferral - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Friday, January 3, 2025
IntroReferral - Introduced in House

Bill Text

Introduced in House January 3, 2025
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Sponsors