NY1: Lawmakers Introduce Vulnerable Immigrant Voice Act
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are trying to help unaccompanied minors who enter the U.S. illegally.
A group of House members are introducing the Vulnerable Immigrant Voice Act. It would give children who are in the U.S. illegally access to legal representation. New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries is a co-sponsor.
He said it would give unaccompanied minors a chance to be considered for protections under current law. “It is virtually impossible to vindicate their rights under current law in the absence of counsel,” said Jeffries. As it currently stands, unaccompanied minors can seek political asylum. Some children are also eligible for special immigrant juvenile status.
Last week, the Obama administration announced new measures to help curb the influx of unaccompanied children flooding the Texas border.