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S. 1517 · 117th Congress

Freedom for Families Act

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IntroducedPassed one chamberPassed both chambersBecame law (gold)Resolution agreed to (full, dark)Failed or vetoed (gray)

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Never voted on. It didn't reach a floor vote before the 117th Congress ended, so it expired. A bill has to be introduced again to be considered in a new Congress.

4 cosponsors · 4 D

3 signed on when it was introduced; the rest joined later. Cosponsors who withdrew aren't shown.

This bill prohibits using federal funds for facilities used to detain noncitizen families and addresses related issues.

What it does: CRS summary · Introduced in Senate · Apr 29, 2021

Freedom for Families Act

This bill prohibits using federal funds for facilities used to detain noncitizen families and addresses related issues.

Specifically, no funds made available may be used to operate or construct a family detention center, whether operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or a contractor. This prohibition shall also apply to funds made available before this bill's enactment.

Funds obligated to operate such centers must instead be used for implementing and developing nondetention programs that are community-based and consistent with international best practices.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may place an apprehended noncitizen family into such a nondetention program if DHS makes an individualized determination that doing so will facilitate the family's compliance with immigration laws. The programs must provide to participants a legal orientation and meaningful access to counsel.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov

About this bill and sources

Official title: Freedom for Families Act

Latest action (Apr 29, 2021): Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Policy area: Immigration · Origin: Senate · Introduced: Apr 29, 2021

Official page on Congress.gov · Bill text (GovInfo) · Status record (XML)

No recorded floor vote found.