Proposed HUMANE Act Would Protect Unaccompanied Migrant Children at Border Crossings

On July 16, 2014, Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX) introduced the Helping Unaccompanied Minors and Alleviating National Emergency (HUMANE) Act. This legislation, if passed, would reform current law to help protect and support better treatment of unaccompanied children at the U.S./Mexico border.

“Today Congressman Cuellar and I are proposing a solution to the current crisis on our border,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Our proposal would improve the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2008, treating all unaccompanied minors equally and ensuring Due Process under the law in a timely, fair manner.” ??

“The border region in Texas has been overwhelmed over the past few months by a deluge of undocumented immigrants from Central America,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Today’s legislation strengthens current law protecting unaccompanied children and responds to the crisis while supporting the men and women of Border Patrol. I would like to thank Senator John Cornyn for partnering with me on this legislation and I ask my colleagues in the House and Senate to act quickly on this bill.”