U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Kamala Harris Bill to Help Border Regions Identify Missing Migrants Signed Into Law

January 2, 2021 – WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after his bipartisan bill with Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA), the Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains Act, which will help local jurisdictions improve the recording and reporting of missing persons and unidentified remains found along the U.S.-Mexico border, was signed into law:

“Nobody should ever have to wonder about the fate of their missing child, friend, or loved one. This bipartisan legislation addresses one of the most prevalent and tragic crises we face along our border,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Finally, South Texas communities will receive the resources and funding they need to identify the remains of those who have died along the border.”

For full article go here: Sierra Sun Times

NNIRR Board Chair, Eddie Canales of the South Texas Human Rights Center worked with border partners for many years to get this legislation passed said,”the passage of this legislation is historic. The act recognizes the humanitarian crisis of human beings dying on US-Mexico borderlands. The resources to address the forensic protocols and local costs associated with migrant deaths is critical.” NNIRR was among 100 groups that signed a letter endorsing the bill prior to passage in both the House & the Senate.