HELP Separated Children Act of 2019
Humane Enforcement and Legal Protections for Separated Children Act of 2019 or the HELP Separated Children Act of 2019
This bill provides protections for children whose parent or caregiver has been detained for immigration enforcement purposes.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and entities cooperating with DHS on immigration enforcement shall determine as soon as possible whether a detained individual is a parent or caregiver of a child in the United States. Detained parents and caregivers shall (1) have the chance to make at least two phone calls to arrange for child care; and (2) receive contact information for child welfare agencies, family courts, consulates, attorneys, and other relevant entities.
DHS shall not transfer the detained individual to another geographical area until child care arrangements have been made, absent extraordinary circumstances. DHS shall (1) permit detained individuals regular contact with their children, and (2) give detained individuals the opportunity to participate in all proceedings impacting custody of their children.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.