Legis Daily

Freedom for Families Act

USA117th CongressS-1517| Senate 
| Updated: 4/29/2021
Jeff Merkley

Jeff Merkley

Democratic Senator

Oregon

Cosponsors (4)
Mazie K. Hirono (Democratic)Edward J. Markey (Democratic)Cory A. Booker (Democratic)Ron Wyden (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Freedom for Families Act This bill prohibits using federal funds for facilities used to detain noncitizen families and addresses related issues. Specifically, no funds made available may be used to operate or construct a family detention center, whether operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or a contractor. This prohibition shall also apply to funds made available before this bill's enactment. Funds obligated to operate such centers must instead be used for implementing and developing nondetention programs that are community-based and consistent with international best practices. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may place an apprehended noncitizen family into such a nondetention program if DHS makes an individualized determination that doing so will facilitate the family's compliance with immigration laws. The programs must provide to participants a legal orientation and meaningful access to counsel.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Apr 29, 2021
Introduced in Senate
Apr 29, 2021
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Nov 9, 2021

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 117-2925
Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.
  • April 29, 2021
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 29, 2021
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.


  • November 9, 2021

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 117-2925
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.

Immigration

Related Bills

  • HR 117-2925: Freedom for Families Act
Border security and unlawful immigrationChild safety and welfareCommunity life and organizationDetention of personsFamily relationshipsGovernment buildings, facilities, and propertyGovernment studies and investigationsImmigrant health and welfareImmigration status and proceduresLawyers and legal servicesPublic contracts and procurementRefugees, asylum, displaced persons

Freedom for Families Act

USA117th CongressS-1517| Senate 
| Updated: 4/29/2021
Freedom for Families Act This bill prohibits using federal funds for facilities used to detain noncitizen families and addresses related issues. Specifically, no funds made available may be used to operate or construct a family detention center, whether operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or a contractor. This prohibition shall also apply to funds made available before this bill's enactment. Funds obligated to operate such centers must instead be used for implementing and developing nondetention programs that are community-based and consistent with international best practices. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may place an apprehended noncitizen family into such a nondetention program if DHS makes an individualized determination that doing so will facilitate the family's compliance with immigration laws. The programs must provide to participants a legal orientation and meaningful access to counsel.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Apr 29, 2021
Introduced in Senate
Apr 29, 2021
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Nov 9, 2021

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 117-2925
Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.
  • April 29, 2021
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 29, 2021
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.


  • November 9, 2021

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 117-2925
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.
Jeff Merkley

Jeff Merkley

Democratic Senator

Oregon

Cosponsors (4)
Mazie K. Hirono (Democratic)Edward J. Markey (Democratic)Cory A. Booker (Democratic)Ron Wyden (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

Immigration

Related Bills

  • HR 117-2925: Freedom for Families Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Border security and unlawful immigrationChild safety and welfareCommunity life and organizationDetention of personsFamily relationshipsGovernment buildings, facilities, and propertyGovernment studies and investigationsImmigrant health and welfareImmigration status and proceduresLawyers and legal servicesPublic contracts and procurementRefugees, asylum, displaced persons