A group of California lawmakers got a first-hand look at immigrant children that were moved from overcrowded Texas to California and found them to be well-behaved and learning about the United States. It was one of the first glimpses we've got of some of the thousands of children who have illegally immigrated to the U.S. this year.
Seven members of the California Latino Legislative Caucus visited the Naval Base in Ventura County on Tuesday where 575 undocumented teens between the ages of 13 and 17 are being held.
"I was very satisfied to see these children being treated in a humane way," said CA state Senator Norma Torres.
Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez spoke with my Sacramento, CA news radio station KFBK and said she felt better after the seeing the facility the children are staying in. She said it's nothing fancy, but clean and adequate.
Gonzalez, who has two children of her own, said the group saw the children playing soccer and basketball. She said they are also have schooling lessons and learning English and history about the United States.
As for the reports of disease, scabies and other illnesses coming into our country?
Gonzalez said the kids are screened twice medically. First when they arrive by ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and again when they are handed over to Health and Human Services.
State Senator Kevin de Leon called upon President Obama to do something about immigration reform, with or without Republican support.
For now, the children are just waiting to be reunited with members of their families in the United States.
Assemblywoman Gonzalez: "It can be uncomfortable for all of us I think, but at the same time gives us hope of how we can process refugees."