Durbin Delivers Opening Statement During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing On Ensuring The Safety And Well-Being Of Unaccompanied Children

Hearing

"Today, we have gathered for this Committee's second hearing this year examining the safety and well-being of unaccompanied children who seek refuge in the United States… I know there is bipartisan interest in this issue, as several Republican members of the Committee asked me to hold today's hearing. As I told them, I was happy to accommodate that request, because I was already working to schedule this hearing.

In fact, there is a long history of both parties working together to protect these children. In 2008, the Senate unanimously passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, also known as the TVPRA. This legislation's protections for unaccompanied children were championed by our late colleague Senator Feinstein. The bill was signed into law by Republican President George W. Bush.

As a result, our laws now require that unaccompanied children who arrive in the United States be screened for human trafficking, housed in child-appropriate settings, and reunited with family in the U.S. while they await their immigration proceedings.

These laws enshrine our nation's moral and legal responsibility to protect vulnerable children fleeing persecution. But the tragic reality is these children are still at risk once they arrive here. Since 2018, our nation has seen a nearly 70 percent increase in underage children working in positions in violation of child labor laws. And several states have responded to our labor shortage by passing laws that make it easier for children to work in many dangerous jobs.

I hope today's hearing will be an opportunity to continue the bipartisan spirit that led to the current laws protecting unaccompanied children who often have risked their lives to make the trek to this country. I want to remind everyone that these unaccompanied children are just that--children.

We all agree that no child should be abused, exploited, or trafficked. That's why I've tried to be consistent in my oversight efforts, whether the president is a Republican or a Democrat.

We cannot forget the responsibility of the United States Congress. It is easy to criticize the Executive Branch, but first we should look in the mirror. It has been decades since Congress passed meaningful immigration legislation. Instead of lobbing partisan attacks, let's come together across the aisle to fix our broken immigration system, secure our border, and protect these children.

We should provide adequate funding to increase enforcement against child labor violations and ensure these children have access to the services they need. We also need new safeguards that strengthen the promise of the TVPRA. This week, I am introducing legislation to improve sponsor vetting and placement, help children navigate our legal system, and better protect minors in government custody. I welcome my colleagues from either side of the aisle to join me in solving these complex problems."

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