Representative Pete Hoekstra’s has introduced, H.R. 4603 (the HOPE Act), designed to expand the reach of the Humanitarian Parole policy announced by the Department of Homeland Security on January 18. This legislation is aimed at helping those Haitian orphans that are eligible for intercounty adoption but did not have a prospective family at the time of the earthquake.
According to Rep. Hoekstra’s office, the HOPE Act addresses those Haitian orphans that were not covered by the DHS policy exemption by:
- Having DHS create a “third category” to expand their humanitarian parole policy on a case-by-case basis for Haitian children who were legally confirmed as orphans eligible for intercountry adoption prior to the earthquake on January 12, 2010.
- Providing that, if a suitable family is not found to provide care for a Haitian orphan, they are eligible for placement in the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program.