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June 20, 2018

Congressional Panel Discussion Today on the Family Separation Crisis

(WASHINGTON) – On Wednesday, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, will sponsor a Congressional panel discussion on the family separation crisis. The discussion, entitled “Immigration Policy Failures: from Family Separation to Detention Practices” will include perspectives from subject matter experts and will provide Congress and the public with an opportunity to learn more about the long-term effects family separation and detention has on children. Since the Trump Administration has adopted its zero-tolerance policy, family separation has impacted thousands. Congress is expected to consider immigration legislation this week.

“Immigration Policy Failures: from Family Separation to Detention Practices”

Sponsored by Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS)

Wednesday, June 20th

2:00 PM to 4:00PM

 Congressional Auditorium and Atrium (CVC-200)

Capitol Visitor Center, U.S. Capitol

Moderated by: Tom Jawetz, Vice President, Immigration Policy, Center for American Progress

Panelists:

Ryan Mace, Grassroots Advocacy & Refugee Specialist, Amnesty International USA
Sanjeev K. Sriram, MD, MPH, Physician and Health Justice Activist, Doctors for America
Allen Orr, American Immigration Lawyers Association
Jennifer Podkul, Director of Policy, Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)
Jennifer Quigley, Advocacy Strategist, Refugee Protection at Human Rights First
Antonio Fernández, President/CEO, Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio, Inc.

Panelist Biographies

Refreshments served

DHS’ use of family separation as a deterrent for people seeking asylum or migrating illegally to the United States will have long-term ramifications. Despite repeated requests and statements by the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 200 child welfare, juvenile justice and child development organizations, and Members of Congress to stop the practice, DHS continues to either separate families shortly after apprehension or through immigration enforcement actions and detention.

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Media contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978