Congresswoman Barbara Lee Concludes Congressional Visit to Facilities Housing Unaccompanied Minors at the Border
Oakland, CA – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) today issued the following statement after joining Congressional delegations to facilities on the Texas border on March 26 and 27 including the Carrizo Springs Office of Refugee Resettlement and the El Paso Border Patrol Central Processing Center.
“This is a heartbreaking situation that requires a long-term solution as well as urgent action to reunite families.
“In the El Paso facility, I saw a young girl, about six years old, reunite with an older brother, about 10 years old. When they saw each other, they ran to each other and embraced, both of them crying.
“The children arriving at our border alone are experiencing a difficult and in many cases traumatic ordeal. They need help, and we must do better. I know the Biden-Harris administration is committed to providing care and humane treatment of all unaccompanied minors, and to rebuilding our immigration and asylum systems after the previous administration spent years dismantling and defunding them.
“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, and as Chair of the Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, I will continue to be a strong advocate for more funding to these facilities for critical social services such as education and counseling. And I will work to make sure our development investments are helping the countries of origin strengthen economic and democratic systems so people don’t have to flee violence and corruption.
“People come to the United States seeking a better life. Immigration has made this country what it is. We must provide just and fair treatment for those seeking a better life in our country and I will continue to work with the Biden-Harris administration to find solutions.”
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