Us Congress House Bill HB2417

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/30/23
• Refer: 3/30/23

Caption

Protection of Children Act of 2023

Impact

The proposed legislation will have significant implications for the treatment of unaccompanied minor immigrants. It alters existing protocols surrounding their custody and repatriation, specifically by mandating that children who do not meet specific criteria be transferred to the Secretary of Health and Human Services within 30 days for removal. Additionally, amendments in the law would change how the special immigrant juvenile status is granted, ensuring it is not available to those whose reunification with a parent is viable based on state law considerations regarding abuse and neglect.

Summary

House Bill 2417, titled the 'Protection of Children Act of 2023', seeks to amend the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008. The primary objective of the bill is to facilitate the expedited removal of unaccompanied alien children who do not qualify as victims of severe forms of trafficking and do not exhibit any fear of returning to their country of nationality or last habitual residence. By allowing for quicker deportations, the bill aims to streamline immigration processes concerning unaccompanied minors.

Contention

Critics of HB 2417 raise concerns about the potential for expedited removals to undermine the protections currently in place for vulnerable minors. The bill's strict criteria for eligibility and expedited procedures are seen as risky, as they may prevent some children from receiving the necessary protections they could otherwise be entitled to. Discussions surrounding the bill notably reflect a divide between proponents advocating for tighter immigration control and opponents concerned about the welfare and rights of children caught in the immigration system.