[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 5]
[House]
[Page 7047]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  THE FOSTER CHILDREN OPPORTUNITY ACT

  (Mr. O'ROURKE asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be introducing the Foster 
Children Opportunity Act today. This legislation will ensure that 
abused and neglected immigrant children have an opportunity to succeed 
in our country. It is supported by over 175 child welfare 
organizations.
  As we debate immigration reform, it is critical that we consider the 
needs of immigrant children involved in the child welfare system. This 
is a population that is especially vulnerable and frequently 
overlooked.
  Despite being eligible for special forms of immigration relief, 
foster children are slipping through the cracks and leaving care 
without a resolution of their immigration issues. As a result, they 
cannot work legally in the U.S. and face the threat of deportation back 
to a country they don't know, one where their abuser may still live.
  We owe these children better. My bill will make sure immigrant foster 
youth are assisted with resolving their immigration issues prior to 
leaving care and guarantees that they have access to programs, such as 
Medicaid that foster youth depend on to make a healthy transition into 
adulthood.
  May is National Foster Care Month. I urge my colleagues to join me in 
supporting the Foster Children Opportunity Act.

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