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Emigration and immigration

House Democrats Introduce Bills to Protect Immigrant Families from DHS Data Sharing

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

House Democrats Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove and Rep. Juan Vargas led colleagues in introducing two new bills to block federal agencies from sharing personal data with DHS for immigration enforcement purposes. The legislation aims to prohibit HHS and CMS from sharing Medicaid data and HUD from sharing data, in response to the Trump Administration's unprecedented access to sensitive personal data of millions of individuals.

Key Takeaways:

  • Reps. Kamlager-Dove and Vargas introduced the LINE Act and the Home Together Act to block federal agencies from sharing personal data with ICE and DHS for immigration enforcement.
  • The LINE Act prohibits HHS and CMS from sharing Medicaid data, while the Home Together Act stops HUD from sharing data.
  • "We will never stop fighting for those we represent," said Rep. Rob Menendez (NJ-08), in support of the legislation.
  • Rep. Kamlager-Dove stated, "Healthcare or housing should never be conditioned on immigration status or fear of government surveillance, and fear of immigration enforcement should not stop people from seeking these necessities."
  • "Your home should be your sanctuary, but under Trump, nothing is sacred anymore, not even family," said Rep. Sylvia R. Garcia, a co-lead on the Home Together Act.
  • Congresswoman Rivas stated, "No one's personal information should ever be used against them. Our communities deserve to live in safety and without the fear that their private information will be turned over to ICE."

Statistics:

  • In the past 8 months, the Trump Administration has abused private, confidential data willingly provided to the IRS, HUD, HHS, and other agencies by immigrant neighbors.
  • Millions of individuals have had their sensitive personal data accessed by DHS officials through data sharing agreements with HHS, CMS, and HUD.

Sources:

  • United States House of Representatives
  • Dean, Alan. "The Trump Administration's Data War on Immigrants – Reps. Kamlager-Dove and Vargas Introduce Legislation to Protect Immigrant Families from DHS Data Sharing." Contify.com
  • United States House of Representatives - Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)

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