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H.R. 7212House117th Congress (2021-2023)In Committee

Safe Sponsor Act of 2022

Sponsored by Fred KellerRep. Fred Keller (R-PA)
Introduced March 24, 2022

AI-Generated Summary

Updated February 8, 2026 at 10:16 AM UTC

The Safe Sponsor Act of 2022 changes the rules for placing unaccompanied alien children in the United States with private sponsors. It requires that any proposed custodian be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident and must prove that status with specific documents. The bill also mandates that the sponsor post a bond of at least $1,500 to ensure the child attends any required immigration court hearings. The changes affect unaccompanied alien children, their prospective sponsors, and the agencies that oversee their placement.

Key Provisions

  • Sponsors must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, verified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, using documents such as a passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, citizenship certificate, Report of Birth Abroad, or permanent resident card.
  • The Secretary of Health and Human Services must determine a sponsor’s eligibility before placing an unaccompanied alien child with them.
  • A bond of at least $1,500 must be paid by the sponsor before placement to guarantee the child’s attendance at any immigration legal proceedings.

Legislative Activity

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2 earlier actions
HouseCommittee Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.

Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee

November 1, 2022

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

March 24, 2022

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Judiciary Committee

March 24, 2022

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.

Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee

November 1, 2022

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued March 24, 2022

I

117th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 7212

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 24, 2022

Mr. Keller (for himself, Mr. Cawthorn, Mr. Weber of Texas, Ms. Mace, and Mr. Gohmert) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL

To amend the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 with respect to the release of unaccompanied alien children, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Safe Sponsor Act of 2022.

2.

Release from custody

(a)

In general

Section 235(c)(3) of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (8 U.S.C. 1232(c)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(D)

Citizenship or lawful permanent residency status

(i)

In general

An unaccompanied alien child may not be placed with a proposed custodian unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, determines that such custodian is a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

(ii)

Proof of status

For the purpose of clause (i), a proposed custodian shall demonstrate that they are a United States citizen or alien lawfully admitted for permanent residency by producing one of the following documents:

(I)

A valid unexpired United States passport or United States passport card.

(II)

A birth certificate proving birth in the United States.

(III)

A certificate of naturalization.

(IV)

A certificate of citizenship.

(V)

A report designated as a Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States, issued by a consular officer to document a citizen born abroad.

(VI)

An alien registration card or permanent resident card.

.

(b)

Requirement of bond for placement

Section 235(c) of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (8 U.S.C. 1232(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(7)

Bond required for placement

In addition to the requirements of this section and before placing an unaccompanied alien child with a proposed custodian, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall require a bond of at least $1,500, to be paid by the proposed custodian, in assurance that the unaccompanied alien child will attend, as necessary, each legal proceeding with respect to their immigration status.

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