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The Kayla Hamilton Act would modify federal procedures for placing unaccompanied migrant children in the custody of sponsors. The bill would require the Department of Health and Human Services to consult with law enforcement and immigration authorities before releasing children, with the goal of ensuring children appear for legal proceedings and are protected from traffickers, smugglers, and criminal gangs. The legislation would mandate enhanced screening for children ages 12 and older, including examination for gang-related tattoos and obtaining criminal records from their country of origin.
The bill would also establish new restrictions on who can serve as a sponsor for unaccompanied children. Before placing a child with a sponsor, federal agencies would be required to share information about the sponsor and household members with immigration authorities, including their immigration status and background check results. Children with certain criminal histories or gang affiliations would face placement restrictions. The bill would take effect immediately upon enactment.
The legislation passed the House in December 2025 with a vote of 225-201 and is now under Senate consideration. Supporters argue it strengthens child safety protections, while critics contend it could keep children separated from family members and result in prolonged detention for vulnerable youth. The bill was introduced in response to a specific case involving a migrant who committed a serious crime.
AI-generated summary
Received in the Senate.
Dec 17, 2025
Received in the Senate.
Dec 17, 2025
Congress
119th Congress
Introduced
Jul 14, 2025
No CBO cost estimate has been published for this bill.
