Johanns Introduces Legislation Requiring Notification of Governors When Unaccompanied Minors Placed in State

 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R- Neb.) today introduced legislation requiring the federal government to notify state officials if unaccompanied alien children are placed in their states. Since last October at least 57,000 unaccompanied children have entered the United States illegally from Central America. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is responsible for caring for these children while they await immigration court hearings, places these unaccompanied minors in shelters or with sponsors across the country.
“States have a right to know the federal government is taking actions that impact their communities,” Johanns said. “HHS’ refusal to share with state leaders as they relocate tens of thousands of children is unacceptable. Frankly, the entire federal approach to this crisis has been misguided. Because the President has refused to address the cause of the crisis, I am working with my colleagues to develop solutions. In the meantime, it’s reasonable for states to be informed of federal actions.”
HHS recently reported that approximately 200 unaccompanied minors have been placed with sponsors in Nebraska in fiscal year 2014.