Kayla Hamilton Act

The Kayla Hamilton Act proposes to enhance the vetting process for unaccompanied migrant children (UACs) and the sponsors who receive them. It would require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct thorough background and criminal record checks on children before they are released from federal custody. For children aged 12 and older, the bill aims to mandate screenings for gang-related tattoos and requires officials to contact the child's home country to verify any existing criminal history. Children found to have gang affiliations or serious criminal records would be placed in secure facilities rather than being released into communities.

Additionally, the legislation proposes stricter requirements for potential sponsors and any adults living in their households. It would prohibit the placement of children with sponsors who are in the United States illegally or who have criminal records involving serious offenses such as sex crimes, human trafficking, or domestic violence. The bill also seeks to ensure that the federal government monitors these placements more closely to confirm that children appear for their immigration and judicial proceedings, aiming to prevent both the exploitation of minors and potential risks to public safety.