California Attorney General Rob Bonta, leading a coalition of 19 other state attorneys general, submitted a comment letter opposing a proposed U.S. Department of Health and Human Services rule that would add requirements for sponsors of unaccompanied immigrant children.
The proposed rule would require proof of identity and proof of income from potential sponsors. The coalition argues these requirements will make it more difficult for immigrant family members and other qualified sponsors to sponsor unaccompanied children, decreasing the number of available sponsors and prolonging children's time in federal custody.
"The changes proposed by HHS will achieve nothing but separating desperate families and increase the time kids are spending in immigration facilities," Bonta said. "I urge HHS to reconsider this course of action and make the pathway to family reunification easier, not harder."
In fiscal year 2025, approximately 3,000 unaccompanied children were released to sponsors in California. In fiscal year 2024, almost 11,000 unaccompanied children were released to California sponsors. The coalition argues that prolonging time in federal custody harms child development and mental health.
The comment letter argues that the proposed changes interfere with obligations under the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act and the Unaccompanied Children Program Foundational Rule, which require that children be placed in the least restrictive environment and released without unnecessary delay.