Brooks, Hoosier Lawmakers Request Information from HHS on Unaccompanied Children in Indiana Communities

Statement

Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) today sent a letter signed by eight members of Indiana's congressional delegation calling on the Department of Health and Human Services to provide up-to-date and congressional district specific information on the 245 unaccompanied alien children (UAC) sent to reside in the Hoosier state.

"Up-to-date and transparent information is needed to properly accommodate the needs of both UACs and local communities," the members wrote. "Currently we do not know with whom the children are being placed and if their health and safety can be guaranteed. We ask that you properly disseminate information to all applicable stakeholders in a prompt and comprehensible way."

The letter is a follow-up to one sent by Governor Mike Pence to President Obama on Wednesday requesting similar information on children sent to Indiana between between January 1, 2014 and July 7, 2014. In addition to Representative Brooks, the letter is signed by Senator Dan Coats (R-IN) and Representatives Larry Bucshon (R-IN8), Luke Messer (R-IN6), Todd Rokita (R-IN4), Marlin Stutzman (R-IN3), Jackie Walorski (R-IN2) and Todd Young (R-IN9).

"Most especially with school starting soon, our constituents must have relevant information allowing them to assess potential challenges to their school corporations and make sure these children are treated compassionately," Brooks said. "We also must know sponsors are committed to providing a safe and caring environment for these children and will ensure they attend immigration proceedings that will reunite them with their families in their home countries. I am hopeful this group effort will compel HHS to adequately respond to these requests soon."

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