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GOP senators move to close child-bride immigration loophole
Republican senators announced a new bill Wednesday aimed at closing a child-marriage loophole in immigration law.
Under the current system, a juvenile in the U.S. can petition for a spouse or fiance to immigrate to the U.S., and an adult here can petition for a juvenile spouse to immigrate.
No parental consent is required.
A study last year by the Senate Homeland Security Committee found Homeland Security approved more than 8,000 petitions involving child marriages from 2007 to 2017 — including two involving 13-year-olds, 38 14-year-olds and 269 15-year-olds.
The senators’ new proposal would prohibit any spouse or fiance petitions that include a minor.
“A visa to enter the United States is a privilege, and this straightforward reform will help close a loophole that can lead to the abuse and exploitation of children,” said Sen. Ron Johnson, chairman of the Homeland Security Committee.
More at link:
Senators move to close child-bride immigration loophole - Washington Times
Republican senators announced a new bill Wednesday aimed at closing a child-marriage loophole in immigration law.
Under the current system, a juvenile in the U.S. can petition for a spouse or fiance to immigrate to the U.S., and an adult here can petition for a juvenile spouse to immigrate.
No parental consent is required.
A study last year by the Senate Homeland Security Committee found Homeland Security approved more than 8,000 petitions involving child marriages from 2007 to 2017 — including two involving 13-year-olds, 38 14-year-olds and 269 15-year-olds.
The senators’ new proposal would prohibit any spouse or fiance petitions that include a minor.
“A visa to enter the United States is a privilege, and this straightforward reform will help close a loophole that can lead to the abuse and exploitation of children,” said Sen. Ron Johnson, chairman of the Homeland Security Committee.
More at link:
Senators move to close child-bride immigration loophole - Washington Times