Bishops warn inflexible vetting rules could bar eligible family members from taking in migrant kids

The U.S. bishops raised concerns about proposed federal sponsor-vetting rules, warning that they could further delay the release of unaccompanied migrant children and deepen the harms of prolonged custody.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) refugee office proposed a rule on June 26 to update how it runs the program for unaccompanied children, including adding tougher background checks for adults who want to take in those children.

In a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., William Quinn, general counsel for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), warned that the proposed rule could negatively affect unaccompanied children and their families.

The rule would add more requirements for evaluating sponsors before releasing unaccompanied migrant children from federal custody to them, including proof of identity and income, and background checks for sponsors and adult household members.

The bishops said they’re “grateful” for efforts to ensure “children are placed in safe and stable environments upon their release from government custody” but warned proposed sponsor‑vetting rules exclude otherwise eligible parents and relatives from…