June 2014

Revelation of an urgent humanitarian crisis resulting from a steep increase in unaccompanied children (UAC's) arriving at the Texas border.  90,000 women and children entered the U.S. in the first six months of 2014 - mainly from El Salvator, Honduras and Guatemala. DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson declared a level-four condition of readiness within the department, which claims the situation has exceeded the capacity of CBP and ICE, and additional resources are necessary from DHS and other departments and agencies. The message from the Administration is clear: Those crossing illegally into the U.S. will not be eligible to earn a path to citizenship. Illegal immigrants will also not be eligible for citizenship under the comprehensive immigration legislation under consideration, nor would they be eligible for deferred action for childhood arrivals.