Federal Data: Biden's HHS Lost Contact with Half of All Migrant Children Released to Adult Sponsors in U.S.
In the initial two years of the Biden administration, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reportedly lost contact with nearly half of the Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) placed with adult sponsors, raising concerns over safety and oversight. A Center for Immigration Studies report indicated that 112,872 UACs went untracked after 30 days of release, with a total of 235,249 UACs transferred to sponsors during that timeframe. Criticism has mounted, with Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley highlighting that over 11,000 UACs were placed with unvetted sponsors, while current HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. condemned the previous administration's policies as dangerously lax. This raises significant implications for child safety and immigration policy moving forward.
Dive Deeper:
Between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2023, HHS lost contact with 112,872 UACs, which constituted approximately 48% of all UACs released to sponsors during that period.
The data revealed that HHS transferred 235,249 UACs into the custody of adult sponsors, many of whom were not their biological parents or relatives.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley reported that more than 11,000 UACs were placed with adult sponsors who underwent no fingerprinting or background checks.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. described the Biden administration's handling of UACs as potentially facilitating child abuse, citing the absence of identification requirements for sponsors.
Critics argue that the policy of prioritizing speed over safety in the release of UACs has created an environment where children's safety could be compromised.
The findings have sparked debate over immigration reform and the need for stricter vetting processes for adult sponsors of UACs.
The implications of these findings may prompt legislative scrutiny and calls for reforms in the treatment and tracking of UACs in the U.S.