FACT BRIEF

Did the House block a measure requiring detained migrants to receive a negative COVID-19 test before release?

Thursday, April 22, 2021

By Stevie Rosignol-Cortez

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YES

The House of Representatives in March declined to consider a bill sponsored by two Republican members that would require immigrants detained at the border to have a negative coronavirus test before being released.

The measure would have required a negative coronavirus test for migrants released from the custody of border authorities, as well as those placed in “an alternative to detention program” within 30 days of entry.

One of the bill’s sponsors cited fears that a lack of testing would help spread COVID-19 beyond border communities, although increasing vaccination rates across the U.S. are reducing overall risks. In a March 10 report headlined “No evidence migrants at border significantly spreading virus,” the Associated Press found that doctors near the border said a surge in immigration was “far from the biggest factor” in the continuing spread of the disease.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

Sources

US House of Represenatives Draft of bill requiring negative coronavirus tests for released migrants

Kevin McCarthy, Republican Leader Update on bill to test immigrants for COVID-19

Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks Sponsor introduces REACT Act

AP News No evidence migrants at border significantly spreading virus

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