CLASP submitted a comment opposing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) proposing changes to the Unaccompanied Children Program through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). The rule would create additional requirements in sponsor assessment to include restrictive proof of identity requirements, modified income verification standards, and expanded background checks. The NPRM also proposes the conduct of examinations of unaccompanied children for gang-related tattoos or markings related to considerations of “dangerousness.” These proposed changes would delay family reunification by deterring parents and other trusted caregivers from coming forward to sponsor unaccompanied children, prolonging unaccompanied children’s stay in federal custody, and exposing vulnerable children to further trauma, all without any evidence that the changes would improve child safety. We urge the ORR to withdraw or substantially revise this proposed rule to prioritize the well-being of unaccompanied children by safely and quickly facilitating family reunification.

>> Read the full comment here.