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HELP Separated Children Act

Introduced: July 31, 2009 See on congress.gov
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 Everywhere this bill has been 5 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Sep 14, 2009
Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.
Jul 31, 2009
Referred to House Ways and Means
Jul 31, 2009
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Jul 31, 2009
Referred to House Judiciary
Jul 31, 2009
Introduced in House
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Humane Enforcement and Legal Protections for Separated Children Act or the HELP Separated Children Act - Sets forth: (1) apprehension procedures for immigration enforcement-related activities engaged in by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or by other entities under agreement with DHS; and (2) related protections for apprehended persons who belong to specified vulnerable population groups.

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) authorize an alien who has been arrested or detained pending a removal determination to be represented by counsel (at no cost to the government); and (2) require that an alien who has been in such custody for more that 48 hours be brought for a custody determination not later than 72 hours after commencement of detention.

Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require that state plans for foster care and adoption assistance include provisions regarding foster care children with a parent, legal guardian, or primary caregiver relative who is in immigration detainment or has been removed from the United States.

Directs the Secretary of DHS to: (1) mandate vulnerable population and child welfare training for immigration enforcement personnel; and (2) ensure that immigration detention facilities take steps to preserve family unity.

What's happening now September 14, 2009

Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

 Committees of jurisdiction 3
 Cosponsors 3
All 3 Democratic 3