FROM FYI: Congressman Lou Barletta held a news conference this morning. He announced a bill that he plans to introduce that would empower states on relocation of unaccompanied minors... Here is the news release from the Congressmans Office. We will have complete coverage on FYI tonight at 5pm. HAZLETON – Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today announced that he will introduce legislation next week to empower governors and local elected officials to control whether or not the federal government can place unaccompanied minors, who have illegally entered the country, into their communities. The “Unaccompanied Alien Children Transparency Act” would require the federal government to inform states and localities of relocation plans in advance, and would require the federal government to certify to the states that the minors will not pose a health or public safety risk to the community. It would also require the federal government to provide information such as the costs associated with the housing and education of these minors. “The president has put out the welcome mat for people who break our immigration laws,” Barletta said. “Too often we are finding out that people in our communities, and even the governors of states, learn about the relocation of so-called ‘unaccompanied minors’ through the news media, and not from the federal government placing them. That has to change.” The Unaccompanied Alien Children Transparency Act is in response to the flood of illegal immigrants streaming across the United States border with Mexico, a result of Obama administration policies that advertise that those who violate U.S. immigration law will not be returned home. Thousands of unaccompanied minors have been transported to communities across America, including 456 in Pennsylvania as of July 31, 2014. In Pennsylvania, those localities include Mechanicsburg, Womelsdorf, Bethlehem, Montgomery County and Philadelphia. Various news reports indicate that many of the unaccompanied minors arriving at the border are carrying infectious diseases, or are affiliated with violent, criminal gangs. Earlier this summer, Rep. Barletta learned of a proposal by the non-profit U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants to house unaccompanied minors in Hazleton. Once Barletta released this information to the public, the organization cancelled its plans following community opposition. Had Barletta not been informed of the situation by Hazleton officials, the plan would have proceeded without public notice. “It’s just common sense that if the government is going to move illegal immigrants into a state, a city, or a small town, the people who live there ought to know about it,” Barletta said. “People should have a say in matters that greatly affect their communities.” Provide Information The legislation, which Barletta will formally introduce when Congress returns to session next week, will require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide detailed information regarding plans for relocation. The Secretary will have to inform governors and local elected officials of the locations and durations of any housing contracts awarded, and also provide an assessment of the costs associated and potential impact on education, health, and public safety. The Secretary must also certify to state and local officials that the unaccompanied minors have undergone health screenings, including vaccinations, and pose no public health threat. Additionally, the Secretary must certify that the unaccompanied minors and the facilities taking custody of them have undergone background checks and pose no public safety threat. “Not only should states and localities know about these plans, they ought to know what impact the unaccompanied minors will have on the community,” Barletta said. “Who exactly are they, and what kind of background screenings have been done? If they will be educated locally in public schools, how much is that going to cost? These are important questions that any community would ask.” Empower States and Localities The legislation will require HHS to provide a 30-day notice and comment period for states and localities to review any proposed contract and accompanying certifications of health and public safety background checks. At the conclusion of the 30-day comment period, HHS will have to hold a public hearing within 10 days and provide a representative to address community concerns or questions. At the end of the initial comment period, the governor of the state in question must affirm the contract within seven days for it to take effect. The contract would be vetoed if the governor does not affirm the contract. If the governor does affirm the contract, then a majority of the county commissioners with jurisdiction over the proposed location will have seven additional days in which they must also affirm the contract. Similarly, if the commissioners do not then affirm the contract, the contract would be vetoed. “This is common sense information that local communities should know, and I find it unfortunate that my legislation is even needed. The influx of minors into our communities is the inevitable consequence of President Obama’s unwillingness to enforce our immigration laws,” Barletta said. “The people in my home city of Hazleton found out about the plans for unaccompanied minors there, and they made their voices heard. It’s only fair that Americans everywhere have the same opportunity, through their elected officials on the local and state level.”
Posted on: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 15:21:28 +0000
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