Codifying President Trump's Affording Congress an Opportunity to Address Family Separation Executive Order Act
This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to codify policies relating to the separation of alien family members who enter the United States illegally.
The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to maintain custody of alien families during the pendency of any criminal improper entry or other immigration proceedings. DHS may not detain an alien family together when detention of an alien child with the child's parent would pose a risk to the child's welfare.
The Department of Defense shall provide new and existing facilities for the housing and care of alien families. Executive departments and agencies shall also provide appropriate facilities for the housing and care of alien families pending court proceedings for improper entry.
The Department of Justice shall (1) file a request to modify an existing settlement agreement to permit the detention of alien families together during improper entry criminal or removal proceedings, and (2) prioritize the adjudication of cases involving detained family.