GOP lawmaker proposes solution to end Biden-era border crisis for unaccompanied minors.

EXCLUSIVE: New York Republican Takes Action to Protect Unaccompanied Minors at the Border

Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) Introduces the Protecting UACs Through Enhanced Sponsor Vetting Act

“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,” Garbarino said.

The Biden administration’s release of 350,000 unaccompanied minors from the border has raised concerns among New York Republicans. Long Island Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) believes that the administration’s actions over the past two and a half years are illegal but fixable. To address this issue, Garbarino introduced the Protecting UACs Through Enhanced Sponsor Vetting Act on Thursday.

Under this act, existing federal law would be enforced to ensure that children who arrive alone at the border, and who have not been trafficked against their will, are repatriated. The legislation aims to close the loophole that allows the Biden administration to release unaccompanied children into the United States.

Garbarino’s bill would hold the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) accountable for the care and placement of these children. The bill proposes several measures to enhance sponsor vetting, including conducting thorough records checks, consulting with law enforcement agencies about prospective sponsors’ criminal activity, and sharing intelligence with other agencies if a child or sponsor is involved with a cartel or gang.

Garbarino’s concern stems from the fact that many unaccompanied children are placed with sponsors who may not have been properly vetted. This can lead to dangerous situations where children are forced into child labor, sex trafficking, or involvement with transnational gangs like MS-13 on Long Island.

By strengthening the vetting process for sponsors, Garbarino hopes to prevent unaccompanied migrant children from being exploited by cartels and gangs. The bill has gained support from fellow Republican representatives, Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), who have witnessed the impact of the releases in their own districts.

As the border crisis continues to affect communities across the country, it is crucial for the federal government to take action and protect these vulnerable children. The Protecting UACs Through Enhanced Sponsor Vetting Act is a step in the right direction to ensure that unaccompanied minors are placed in safe and caring homes.