Protect Kids and Parents Act

Protect Kids and Parents Act

This bill requires that a child of alien parents or legal guardians who are asylum applicants must be detained in the same facility. A "child" is defined as an individual who has not reached the age of 18, has no permanent immigration status, and was in the custody and presence of a parent or legal guardian when the parent or legal guardian was detained for illegally entering the United States.

The bill also:

• directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to increase the total number of immigration judges and Board of Immigration staff attorneys;
• directs Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to increase the total number of DHS personnel who process asylum applications;
• requires DOJ and DHS to establish procedures for expedited consideration and processing of asylum applications;
• requires expedited removal of asylum applicants whose applications have been denied;
• establishes a strong presumption in favor of family unity;
• requires DHS to publish guidance for locating separated children; and
• requires the Government Accountability Office to study, and report on, the prosecution of asylum seekers between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2018.