Suffolk Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On June 15, 2023, Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) introduced The Protecting UACs Through Enhanced Sponsor Vetting Act of 2023. The legislation would improve screenings for sponsors of unaccompanied alien children (UACs) and was cosponsored by Representatives Anthony D'Esposito (R-NY-04) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06). Specifically, the bill would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlements of the Department of Health and Human Services to establish additional procedures for making placement determinations for all unaccompanied alien children who are in Federal custody.

"Current law clearly requires the Administration to repatriate unaccompanied children to their last residence or home country. However, Secretary Mayorkas’ has repeatedly stated that they will not expel young children who have crossed the border alone," said Rep. Garbarino. "This failure to enforce the law encourages an increasing number of entries and puts these children in danger by creating a situation where officials are placing them in the custody of hastily vetted sponsors. Once there, they could be forced into child labor, sex trafficking, or transnational gangs like MS-13 on Long Island. The Protecting UACs Through Enhanced Sponsor Vetting Act of 2023 would require more stringent vetting of sponsors so that these kids don't fall victim to gang recruitment schemes which bolster the ranks of criminal enterprises and further endanger migrants and American citizens alike."

The Department of Homeland Security has overwhelmed the Office of Refugee Resettlement with a staggering number of referrals since Secretary Mayorkas took office. In 2020, DHS referred just over 15,000 UACs to the Office of Refugee Resettlement. In 2021, they referred 122,000 UACs to the Office of Refugee Resettlement.

“As illegal border crossings continue, we have seen innocent unaccompanied children endure a cycle of abuse at the hands of cartels and human traffickers. As an immigrant myself and a dad to six, it is devastating to see these children slip through the cracks — 85,000 according to recent reports — after leaving HHS and DHS custody, leaving them subject to more heinous exploitation. By bolstering the vetting process for sponsors of these children, we take an extra step – one that was previously ignored – to ensure they are placed in safe, caring homes,” said Rep. Ciscomani

"As the border crisis continues to impact communities across the country, it is critical that the federal government takes steps to prevent unaccompanied migrant children from being exploited by cartels and gangs," said Rep. D'Esposito. "I am proud to co-sponsor this important legislation that will strengthen screenings for sponsors of unaccompanied migrant children and help prevent nefarious organizations from abusing such vulnerable people."

The Protecting UACs Through Enhanced Sponsor Vetting Act of 2023 would mandate additional procedures for making placement determinations, including:

• Criminal records check for all sponsors;
• Consultation with relevant law enforcement agencies about a prospective sponsor’s criminal activity;
• Notification to state and local governments of the decision to place a UAC with a sponsor that lives within their jurisdiction; and
• Intelligence sharing related to a UAC or prospective sponsor’s involvement in a transnational criminal organization.

Read the text of the bill here.

Original source can be found here.