Rep. Schneider Votes Against House Proposal That Undermines Safeguards for Victims of Human Trafficking

Statement

U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) voted against a measure that aims to address the influx of child immigrants on the southern border that included modifications to existing human trafficking laws that would undermine safeguards for victims of human trafficking.

"The ongoing flood of unaccompanied minors fleeing their home countries and seeking refuge in the United States is a growing humanitarian crisis demanding urgent Congressional action," Schneider said. "The U.S. has an obligation to ensure that efforts to address this crisis do not ignore the brutal realities that exist in Central America or force vulnerable children back into circumstances where they face persecution, abuse and even death. We must also ensure that our process for evaluating individual refugee claims reflects the principles, values and compassion at the core of our national identity and sadly, this measure fails to meet that crucial standard."

The House Republican proposal would amend the Trafficking Victims Protection and Reauthorization Act of 2008, establishing additional barriers to due process for vulnerable children seeking refuge in the United States. Specifically, the bill would subject unaccompanied minors from Central American countries to a streamlined screening process, as well as expedited immigration hearings without guaranteed legal representation.

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