Senate Committee Immigration Amendments At-a-Glance

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By Wendy Cervantes

Senate Committee Immigration Amendments At-a-GlanceThe First Focus Campaign for Children is committed to advocating for passage of immigration reform that addresses the specific needs and interests of children. On April 17, 2013, the bipartisan Senate “Gang of Eight” introduced the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act (S.744). While the bill as currently drafted represents a historic step forward for children in immigrant families, the bill also falls short of protecting the rights of children and families and ensuring access to critical safety net programs.

Senate Comprehensive Immigration Reform Hearing Testimony

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By Kevin Lindsey, Wendy Cervantes

Senate Comprehensive Immigration Reform Hearing TestimonyOn February 13, 2013, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on immigration reform. FFCC submitted this testimony, explaining that children have historically been disregarded or intentionally excluded from U.S. immigration policy decisions, which, combined with increased immigration enforcement, has had devastating results for children and their families. FFCC urged the committee to include consideration and protection of children and their best interests into account in immigration reform to address these issues.

Protect Our Kids Act Testimony

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By Shadi Houshyar

Protect Our Kids Act TestimonyTestimony submitted in writing to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Human Resources, on legislation to create a commission to recommend reforms to reduce child fatalities.

The Recession’s Ongoing Impact on Children, 2012: First Focus Campaign for Children Policy Recommendations

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By Megan Curran, Meghan McHugh

The Recession’s Ongoing Impact on Children, 2012: First Focus Campaign for Children Policy RecommendationsA December 2012 First Focus analysis by Urban Institute researchers Julia Isaacs and Olivia Healey paints an alarming picture of the economic reality facing America's children five years after the recession began. Their paper also notes that federal investments in children have avoided even greater harm. This companion paper offers specific policy recommendations for Congress and the President to strengthen protections for kids.