H.R. 7212 – Reading Mode

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.

Short title

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

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.