Immigration Transparency and Transit Notification Act of 2022

Immigration Transparency and Transit Notification Act of 2022

This bill requires notifications to certain officials before an unaccompanied alien child or a non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) without lawful immigration status may be placed in or transported to a state or local jurisdiction. The bill also authorizes the office of the governor of the relevant state to prohibit the placement or transportation.

At least seven calendar days before taking such an action, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must notify (1) the relevant state governor's office, (2) the state attorney general's office, (3) the county or municipal government, (4) local law enforcement, and (5) federal and state legislators representing the relevant jurisdiction.

The action may not take place if the state governor's office objects no later than three calendar days after receiving the notification. This authority to object shall not apply if the action is to place an unaccompanied child with, or transport the child to, a family member.

Bill 117 hr 6592, also known as the Immigration Transparency and Transit Notification Act of 2022, aims to increase transparency and accountability in the immigration system while also improving communication between federal agencies and local law enforcement.

The key provisions of the bill include requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide regular updates to Congress on the number of individuals in immigration detention facilities, as well as the reasons for their detention. This information will help ensure that individuals are not being held indefinitely without due process.

Additionally, the bill mandates that DHS notify state and local law enforcement agencies when individuals in their custody are being transported through their jurisdictions. This notification is intended to prevent misunderstandings and ensure that local law enforcement is aware of the presence of potentially dangerous individuals in their communities. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to improve the conditions in immigration detention facilities, such as requiring regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with established standards of care. Overall, the Immigration Transparency and Transit Notification Act of 2022 seeks to promote accountability and communication within the immigration system, while also safeguarding the rights and safety of individuals in detention.