Bill Sponsor
Senate Bill 557
116th Congress(2019-2020)
REUNITE Act
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced in Senate on Feb 26, 2019
Overview
Text
Introduced
Feb 26, 2019
Latest Action
Feb 26, 2019
Origin Chamber
Senate
Type
Bill
Bill
The primary form of legislative measure used to propose law. Depending on the chamber of origin, bills begin with a designation of either H.R. or S. Joint resolution is another form of legislative measure used to propose law.
Bill Number
557
Congress
116
Policy Area
Immigration
Immigration
Primary focus of measure is administration of immigration and naturalization matters; immigration enforcement procedures; refugees and asylum policies; travel and residence documentation; foreign labor; benefits for immigrants. Measures concerning smuggling and trafficking of persons may fall under Crime and Law Enforcement policy area. Measures concerning refugees may fall under International Affairs policy area.
Sponsorship by Party
Democrat
California
Democrat
Delaware
Democrat
Massachusetts
Democrat
Massachusetts
Democrat
Minnesota
Democrat
Minnesota
Democrat
New Jersey
Democrat
Oregon
Democrat
Virginia
Senate Votes (0)
House Votes (0)
No Senate votes have been held for this bill.
Summary

Reunite Every Unaccompanied Newborn Infant, Toddler and other children Expeditiously Act or the REUNITE Act

This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reunite children and their parents or legal guardians who were apprehended for illegal entry into the United States.

DHS and HHS shall develop procedures and programs, including procedures to (1) identify separated family members, (2) allow apprehended parents or legal guardians to have frequent no-cost contact with their separated children, and (3) coordinate with foreign consulates to locate apprehended individuals.

DHS and HHS shall ensure immediate reunification of apprehended children with a parent or legal guardian, but may make exceptions for the child's safety.

DHS and HHS may use DNA testing to determine family relationships, but shall first use other methods, such as official documents. DHS and HHS shall develop procedures for instances where the aliens refuse to consent to DNA testing. Collected DNA information may not be used for any purpose other than family reunification, including criminal or immigration enforcement.

The bill restores the Family Case Management Program, an alternative to detention program that uses case managers to promote compliance with immigration law obligations. DHS, HHS, and the Department of Justice shall establish the Office for Locating and Reuniting Children with Parents.

Text (1)
February 26, 2019
Actions (2)
02/26/2019
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
02/26/2019
Introduced in Senate
Public Record
Record Updated
Nov 1, 2022 4:47:43 PM