Legislation Setting Health Care, Safety And Hygiene Standards For Detained Immigrants Passes House
Along with the standards, the legislation bars Border Patrol from denying lawmakers access to the facilities and it directs the agency to provide adequate training for its officers to carry out the new requirements. In other news on the immigration crisis: HHS plans to phase out temporary facilities to hold detained children and officials testify that the agency is still sharing information about separated families.
The Hill:
House Passes Bill Requiring CBP To Enact Safety, Hygiene Standards
The House passed a Democrat-led bill that would require Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enact safety and hygiene standards for migrants in their custody in a 233-195 vote on Wednesday. Just one Republican joined Democrats in voting for the measure. Under the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act — spearheaded by Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) — CBP would be required to conduct health screenings, provide emergency care and provide access to medication, translators and emergency transportation for undocumented immigrants. (Brufke, 7/24)
CQ:
HHS To Phase Out Temporary Child Migrant Facilities In 2020
The Department of Health and Human Services plans to have enough permanent facilities to house unaccompanied or separated migrant children by the end of next year to be able to phase out the temporary influx facilities criticized by Democrats and advocates for a lack of oversight. “Just like you, I prefer small, licensed shelters," Lynn Johnson, the assistant secretary of HHS' Administration for Children and Families that oversees care for migrant children, said Wednesday at a House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing. (Misra, 7/24)
Politico Pro:
HHS Still Sharing Information About Sponsors Of Migrant Kids
HHS' refugee director told House appropriators Wednesday that the agency is still sharing information about the sponsors of unaccompanied and separated migrant children with immigration enforcement agencies. But Office of Refugee Resettlement Director Jonathan Hayes told the panel that oversees HHS' budget that officials don't disclose the immigration status of any sponsors, and no longer fingerprint parents, grandparents or adult siblings of detained children who come forward as sponsors. (Ollstein, 7/24)
