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S. 286: Stop Human Trafficking of Unaccompanied Migrant Children Act of 2025

A Senate bill (S.) in the 119th U.S. Congress.

Overview

Congress119th U.S. Congress (2025–2026)
TypeSenate bill (S.)
Originating chamberSenate
Introduced2025-01-28
SponsorSen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]
Policy areaImmigration
Cosponsors2
Latest action2025-01-28 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Last updated2025-12-05

Summary

Official summary (Introduced in Senate, 2025-01-28):

Stop Human Trafficking of Unaccompanied Migrant Children Act of 2025

This bill establishes requirements relating to placing unaccompanied alien children with sponsors. (Under federal law, an unaccompanied alien child is a minor with no lawful immigration status and no parent or legal guardian in the United States to provide care and physical custody.)

Before the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may release such a child to a sponsor, the sponsor must complete a fingerprint background check and vetting that includes (1) a public records check, (2) a National Sex Offender Registry check, (3) a Federal Bureau of Investigation National Criminal History Check, (4) a child abuse and neglect check, and (5) state and local criminal history checks. Each adult in the sponsor's household must also undergo such vetting before the placement.

The bill also requires HHS to visit the home of a proposed sponsor before the placement and to conduct periodic home visits after.

A child may not be placed with a sponsor who is unlawfully present in the United States unless the sponsor is the child's parent, relative, or legal guardian.

HHS must retroactively apply these vetting standards to all sponsors for placements made since January 20, 2021.

Cosponsors (2)

NameParty / state
Ron Johnson R WI (original cosponsor) 2025-01-28
Ashley Moody R FL 2025-10-14

Full text & official record

The official bill text, section-by-section summary, amendments, committee reports, and the complete legislative timeline for S. 286 are published by Congress on congress.gov.

View S. 286 on congress.gov →

Frequently asked questions

What is S. 286?

S. 286 is a Senate bill (S.) introduced in the 119th U.S. Congress, originating in the Senate. Official title: Stop Human Trafficking of Unaccompanied Migrant Children Act of 2025.

Where can I read the full bill text?

The full text, cosponsors, amendments, and legislative status for S. 286 are available on congress.gov.

Bill data: congress.gov API (official congressional records).