H.R.3670: Short-Term Detention Standards Act
Overview
H.R. 3670 would ensure that immigrants held in detention facilities would have access to appropriate temporary shelter, food, and water during short-term detention. Currently U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is only required to provide food and water to detained individuals.
Additionally, the legislation would require the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Comptroller General to regularly audit and inspect, unannounced, such facilities. It would also barre DHS from preventing a member of Congress from entering a detention center.
The bill passed the House on July 25th, 2019.
Talking Points
- Many of those held in detention facilities are children and families
- The dehumanization of the immigrant community through the witholding of basic human needs, such as showers, shelter, personal grooming items, and the like, harms the health and well-being of every child and adult held in a detention facility.
- Immigrants make our society more diverse, enriching social, cultural, and civic life.
- When immigrants and their children are treated with respect, all members of the community thrive.