Border Security Is Kinder Than Giving Migrant Kids To Strangers

During the Biden administration, critics have raised concerns about the treatment of unaccompanied minors in the U.S. immigration system. Reports indicate that it has been easier for unvetted sponsors to gain custody of these children than for divorced parents to secure custody of their own kids.

Federal law mandates that sponsors of unaccompanied minors undergo fingerprinting, criminal background checks, and home studies. However, data released by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, reveals that between January 2021 and January 2025, the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) placed 11,488 children with sponsors who were not their parents or legal guardians and who did not undergo the required vetting processes.

Additionally, the Biden administration reportedly failed to conduct home studies for 79,143 children under the age of 12, despite regulations requiring such assessments for children placed with non-parental sponsors. Critics argue that this oversight has led to increased risks of trafficking and exploitation.

A March 2025 report from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) highlighted the challenges faced by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in monitoring unaccompanied minors. As of January 2025, ICE had not served Notices to Appear in court to over 233,000 unaccompanied children, with many failing to show up for their court dates.

The report noted that the lack of accurate sponsor information made it difficult for ICE to track the whereabouts of these children, with estimates suggesting that 80 percent of addresses provided were incorrect or nonexistent. This has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of children placed with sponsors who may not have been properly vetted.

Critics have drawn comparisons between the Biden administration’s handling of unaccompanied minors and the policies of former President Donald Trump, who faced significant media scrutiny for his administration’s practices. While Trump’s approach involved stricter border controls, proponents argue that it provided a safer environment for vulnerable children.

The debate over immigration policy continues to be contentious, with advocates on both sides arguing for the best interests of children caught in the system. As the Biden administration grapples with these challenges, the implications of its policies on unaccompanied minors remain a focal point of discussion.

Beth Brelje, an elections correspondent for The Federalist, emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to immigration that prioritizes the safety of children while addressing the complexities of the system.