Murphy Helps Introduce Bill to End Family Separation at the Border

Press Release

U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy of Winter Park, Fla., today helped introduce a bill to end family separation at the U.S. border. The Keep Families Together Act, H.R. 6135, would prohibit children from being separated from their parents at the border and would ensure that families with legitimate asylum claims are treated fairly.

"As a mom, I am outraged by the way that innocent children are being treated at the border and frustrated to see this Administration implement a cruel and misguided policy that separates families," Murphy said. "As a former national security specialist for the Department of Defense, I know there are ways for us to keep our country safe without betraying our nation's core values. I'm proud to help introduce theKeep Families Together Act to end family separation at the border, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work together to pass this bill."

Recently, the Trump Administration announced that all adults who arrive at the border would be prosecuted for illegal entry regardless of their circumstances, which has resulted in the separation of parents from their children. The bill will protect the public from terrorists, drug traffickers, and other criminals while also ensuring that parents with a credible fear of persecution in their home country can apply for asylum.

"We are a country of law and order, but it seems to me like this Administration has forgotten about the order part," Murphy added. "The White House implemented this new border policy without fully considering the consequences, resulting in chaos. This is just another example of the Administration's half-baked approach to policy."

Murphy is also a cosponsor of three other bills to ensure families at the border are treated fairly and humanely:

The HELP Separated Children Act, H.R. 5950, to ensure that parents can remain in contact with their children if they are detained separately at the border.

The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act, H.R. 2043, to ensure unaccompanied children have access to legal counsel at every stage of their immigration proceedings.

The Protect Family Values at the Border Act, H.R. 2572, to require that detention centers meet certain standards in order to ensure that detainees, including children, are treated humanely.

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