First Focus Campaign for Children sent the following letter to the lead sponsor of the FAIR Proceedings Act (S. 2389) in support of the legislation, which would ensure that children and families know their rights and have support as they pursue safety and protection in the United States
Excerpt from the letter:
We applaud you for introducing a bill to ensure that children and families know their rights and have support as they pursue safety and protection in the United States. By providing counsel for consolidated cases, this legislation recognizes that children are a part of their family and what happens in their parent’s case affects their safety and well-being. Research shows that when individuals are appointed counsel, the efficiency of proceedings significantly improve and people are more likely to be granted a form of humanitarian relief.4 Children and families who have endured significant trauma both in their home countries and during their journeys should not be without counsel during proceedings that could have life or death consequences.