WASHINGTON (KGTV) -- A bill was introduced by the U.S. Senate this June that would keep families together at the border.
The bill, called the Keeping Families Together Act of 2018, was introduced on June 7 by Senator Dianne Feinstein.
The bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from separating children from their parents except in certain circumstances.
The bill also required DHS to develop policies and procedures allowing parents and children to locate each other.
AUDIO: Children cry at detention facility after being separated from parents awaiting prosecution
In total, more than 100 representatives have come out in support of the bill. Read below for more information on what the bill hopes to accomplish:
- Limit criminal prosecutions for asylum seekers: According to the bill, the majority of parents separated from their children are being criminally prosecuted for illegal entry or re-entry. The bill would delay prosecution for asylum seekers accused of illegal entry.
- Increase child welfare training: The bill would require that all CBP officers and agents complete child welfare training on an annual basis.
- Add procedures for separated families: The bill should require DHS to develop policies allowing parents and children to locate each other and reunite if they are separated.
- Other requirements: The bill would promote the public understanding of the use of family separation. The bill would also require a report on the separation of families every six months.
