U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine told a Senate hearing yesterday that a presidential directive in 2012, aimed at protecting immigrant children, has contributed to a spike in unaccompanied minors coming across the U.S. southern border. Collins asked Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson what can reverse that:
"What, specifically is the administration doing to propose changes in the laws or regulations right now so that these children can be safely, and immediately put on planes and returned to their parents?" Collins said.
Johnson said the President's suggestion is the $3.7 billion funding request he has put before Congress. That, Johnson said, will let the government more frequently process immigrant children and send more of them back home sooner. Johnson said such deportations would send a powerful message to Central American parents to keep their children at home.
