Rep. Griffith Slams Becerra Over Appalling Migrant Children Sponsorship Program

Concerns Over Unaccompanied Migrant Children Sponsorship

• ⚠️ Griffith expresses deep concern over the Biden administration's program for unaccompanied migrant children, particularly regarding the lack of thorough background checks.
• 🔍 Initial checks were limited to basic online searches, not comprehensive criminal or FBI background checks, which Griffith deems "appalling."

Inadequate Placement and Notification Procedures

• 🏠 The program initially relied on virtual checks, like video calls, to assess the suitability of homes for children, a standard Griffith compares unfavorably to domestic relations court rulings.
• 🚫 A significant oversight was the failure to notify local Department of Social Services and school systems about the placement of children, leaving them without crucial support or oversight.

Child Labor and Trafficking Risks

• 📉 A New York Times report indicated that approximately 75,000 children went missing from the system, and 12 unaccompanied minors were placed in homes without adequate vetting, leading to child labor exploitation.
• 💔 Griffith highlights a case where a sponsor allegedly abused a child for years, underscoring the severe risks associated with lax oversight.

Legislative Action and Oversight

• ✅ Griffith believes the current bill aims to close these loopholes and improve the protection of migrant children.
• ⚖️ He argues that the administration's actions were not just "not smart" but "outright negligent," failing to meet basic standards for child welfare.