The purpose of this thesis was to analyze underlying issues related to the Reuniting Immigrant Families Act of 2012, which attempted to reduce family reunification barriers for immigrant families by creating best practices across the entire state of California. A qualitative research design was chosen utilizing existing evidenced-based primary and secondary literature such as legislation, scholarly journals, and editorials, as well as reports from government agencies and non-profit organizations. Current restrictive immigration policies have led to an increase in deportations putting immigrant families at risk. Family separation due to detention and deportation may have a negative impact on the child’s overall well-being and can result in children being placed in the foster care system. Social workers supporting undocumented immigrants and mixed-status families in the reunification process have a responsibility to be well versed in these challenges and the policies that impact the daily lives of their clients.