Brown, Cortez-Masto Introduce Legislation To Protect Young, Elderly, LGBTQ+, Religious And Ethnic Minorities, Families And Other Vulnerable Immigrants From Detention

Press Release

Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04) and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced the Alternatives to Detention Act of 2021, H.R.5347, which would shift certain vulnerable populations of migrants, out of incarceration and into alternatives to detention.

A recent increase in migrants and asylum seekers, particularly from Haiti, has put a strain on administration capacity and temporary migrant detention centers. This legislation would provide alternatives to detention for vulnerable immigrant populations which elicits a 95% compliance rate.

"America must lead by example with a humane immigration and asylum system that respects international human rights and our history as an immigrant nation. Immigrants and asylum seekers deserve decency, compassion and a fair review of their cases. As we work to address the root causes of migration, we need to create a system of humane alternatives that keep vulnerable populations out of detention," said Congressman Brown. "Alternatives to detention shield migrants -- particularly immigrant children -- from the trauma of detention, keep families together, and cost the government far less than mass incarceration of migrants and asylum-seekers.

Congressman Brown continued, "We cannot turn a blind eye to the plight of migrants in need. I believe we can build an immigration system that both humanely enforces our immigration laws and honors human dignity."

"As we work to improve our outdated immigration system, we must ensure that the U.S. is treating immigrants and asylum seekers with dignity and respect," said Senator Cortez Masto. "This legislation advances this goal and would provide humane, affordable and effective alternatives to dangerous detention centers."

The Alternatives to Detention Act would require the Department of Homeland Security to put all detained children, elderly, victims of domestic violence, persecuted religious or ethnic minorities, primary caregivers, and other vulnerable populations into alternatives to detention programs within 72 hours of being detained. It also allows the executive branch to appoint a cross-agency coordinator to oversee both the alternatives to detention programs as well as the reunification of families separated by the Trump administration.

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