U.S. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, subpoenaed U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra seeking information about policies related to oversight of unaccompanied alien children (UAC). Jordan and others have raised concerns about the vetting process of sponsors and UACs prior to their release into the country.
The committee’s probe continues after multiple reports and hearings have highlighted serious deficiencies within the UAC program administered by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), which is housed within HHS’ Office of the Administration for Children & Families.
According to a federal law passed in 2003, "When a child who is not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian is apprehended by immigration authorities, the child is transferred to the care and custody of" the ORR. Federal law requires ORR to provide them with food, shelter and medical care and release them "to safe settings with sponsors (usually family members), while they await immigration proceedings."
Since last June, the committee has requested information about HHS policies related to UAC placement, sponsor vetting, and UACs with gang affiliations.
