In a recent audit conducted by the Health and Human Services Department (HHS), alarming findings emerged regarding the placement of unaccompanied migrant children in the care of nonfamily sponsors. The audit has raised concerns among advocates, who worry that some of these vulnerable minors may be at risk of exploitation and child labor.
The Office of Refugee Resettlement, responsible for overseeing the care and release of unaccompanied minors, conducted the audit. According to NBC, the results indicate that 344 unaccompanied migrant children were placed with nonfamily sponsors who were already hosting at least two other children. This raises questions about the vetting process and whether these children might be susceptible to exploitation by strangers who could exploit them for labor.
Increase in Placement of Unaccompanied Minors with Nonfamily Sponsors Raises Red Flags
Wendy Young, president of Kids in Need of Defense, an organization advocating for unaccompanied migrant children, expresses concerns about the well-being of these minors. In their work, they have encountered cases where children are placed with individuals they do not know, treated as second-class citizens within the family, and pressured to engage in labor.
When unaccompanied migrants under the age of 18 arrive in the United States, they are transferred to the custody of approved sponsors, typically family members. However, the audit highlights a notable increase in the number of children placed with nonfamily sponsors from 2021 to 2022, both in absolute numbers and as a percentage of all unaccompanied minors.
In 2021, out of 138,917 unaccompanied minors released by the government, 11.8%, or 16,456, were placed with nonfamily sponsors. The figures for 2022 show a slight decrease in the total number of unaccompanied minors released, with 124,781 children, but a higher percentage of them, 14%, were placed with nonfamily sponsors, amounting to 18,004 children.
According to Yahoo News, the audit did confirm that the Office of Refugee Resettlement's vetting procedure complied with regulations, including FBI background checks, sex offender checks, requests for child abuse and neglect registry information, and, in some cases, home studies. Officials from the agency assert that the number of children placed with nonfamily sponsors who already had two or more children under their care represents less than 1% of all children placed with nonfamily sponsors since the beginning of 2021.
Advocates Call for Enhanced Oversight to Protect Unaccompanied Migrant Children from Exploitation
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra underscores the agency's commitment to the safety and well-being of unaccompanied children. Becerra emphasizes that HHS takes its responsibility seriously and highlights the comprehensive care provided to these children who have experienced significant trauma. He further acknowledges the agency's dedication to vetting sponsors and coordinating efforts with the Department of Labor to address concerns about child labor.
The Office of Refugee Resettlement has faced increased scrutiny due to reports of child labor exploitation, including cases involving unaccompanied minors working in violation of labor laws. In response to these concerns, the agency issued new guidance in March 2021 to expedite the placement of unaccompanied children. However, critics argue that these changes may have inadvertently reduced scrutiny on sponsors, potentially leaving children vulnerable to labor exploitation.
To address these issues and protect the rights of unaccompanied migrant children, HHS is implementing an innovation and accountability team within the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The team will focus on identifying and mitigating opportunities for potential fraud, abuse, and exploitation among these vulnerable children.
According to NY Times, the audit's findings highlight the need for enhanced oversight and safeguards to ensure the well-being of unaccompanied migrant children. Immigrant advocates stress the importance of continued efforts to protect these children from exploitation and human trafficking, as they are particularly vulnerable due to their circumstances. Collaborative measures between HHS and the Department of Labor will play a vital role in safeguarding the rights and safety of unaccompanied migrant children. The HHS Office of Inspector General is conducting a further evaluation of sponsor vetting procedures, with a report expected to be released later this year.
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