Family Reunification EO (E.O. 14011)

Summary

Forms a special group to find and bring together children who were taken from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border because of past government rules.

What problem does this solve?

A previous government policy called the 'Zero-Tolerance Policy' caused many children to be separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border. This order creates a special team to find these children and help bring their families back together.

What does this order do?

Creates a family reunification task force

Establishes the Interagency Task Force on the Reunification of Families to manage the process of bringing separated families back together.

Identifies all separated children

Requires the Task Force to find every child who was separated from their family at the border between January 20, 2017, and January 20, 2021.

Provides support for reunited families

Directs the Task Force to recommend services for the children and their families, including help for trauma and mental health.

Sets reporting deadlines for the task force

Requires the Task Force to give regular progress reports to the President, starting with an initial report within 120 days.

Cancels a previous executive order

Revokes Executive Order 13841 from June 20, 2018, which was related to family separation.

Defines task force leadership

Appoints the Secretary of Homeland Security as the Chair, and the Secretaries of State and Health and Human Services as Vice Chairs.

Who does this affect?

Immigrant families separated at the U.S.-Mexico border
Children separated from their parents or legal guardians
Federal agencies involved in immigration

What is the real world impact?

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Reverses a past immigration policy

Aims to undo the effects of the 'Zero-Tolerance Policy' that separated children from their families at the border. The order calls the past separations a 'human tragedy'.

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Makes a statement on family values in immigration

Shows a shift in government priorities by stating that keeping families together is important. It condemns the previous administration's actions and promises to protect family unity.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately on February 2, 2021, and sets several deadlines for the new task force to report its progress.

Initial progress report

The Task Force must provide its first report on progress no later than 120 days after February 2, 2021.

Ongoing progress reports

After the first report, the Task Force must provide new progress reports every 60 days.

Recommendations report

The Task Force must submit a report with recommendations to prevent future family separations no later than one year after February 2, 2021.