US lawmakers have introduced legislation to set humanitarian standards for migrants in US custody at the southern border, Congressman Joaquin Castro's office said in a press release on Tuesday
WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 13th February, 2019) US lawmakers have introduced legislation to set humanitarian standards for migrants in US custody at the southern border, Congressman Joaquin Castro's office said in a press release on Tuesday.
"Democratic Members of Congress announced the introduction of legislation directing US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to implement a set of minimum humanitarian standards for the treatment of individuals in CBP custody," the release said.
The bill specifically calls on CBP to conduct health assessments and emergency medical care, provide humane living accommodations, and ensure access to adequate water and nutrition.
The measure addresses the crisis at the southern border after two migrant children died last year while in custody of US immigration authorities.
The legislation is a result of a visit by Castro and his colleagues to a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility in southern New Mexico in December where it was discovered officials were unable to properly treat seven-year-old Jakelin Caal, of Guatemala, due to a lack of medical care and equipment in addition to other serious issues.
