Republicans and Democrats in Congress say they want to address the child migrant crisis on the border before they break for their long August recess. That gives them just three short weeks to come up with a solution that can pass both chambers, which is a very tall order in this Congress, especially considering the polarizing nature of the immigration issue, says the Christian Science Monitor. The midterm elections are nearing, and that motivates politicians to show how they differ with the other party, not how they agree with it. Yet, the crisis is urgent and involves children – two big motivators to find a solution.
House and Senate Republicans say they're not going to rubber-stamp the president's request for $$3.7 billion for things like housing and care for minor migrants, more immigration judges, border security, and assistance to countries of origin. Any emergency funding would probably be only for the rest of this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. “It's too much money,” said House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY.) Today, Rep. Henry Cuellar (D) and Sen. John Cornyn R), both from Texas, unveil the HUMANE Act, Helping Unaccompanied Minors and Alleviating National Emergency. The measure aims to allow unaccompanied migrant children with a claim to remain legally in the U.S. to make their case before an immigration judge, to pay for more judges; require “humane facilities” to alleviate overcrowding; and deter future children from undertaking the treacherous journey.