S.1997 - Stop Government Abandonment and Placement Scandals Act of 2025; Stop GAPS Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1997, the Stop Government Abandonment and Placement Scandals Act of 2025, aims to revise the duties of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) concerning unaccompanied alien children. The bill mandates the ORR to track these children while they are in the United States and involved in immigration proceedings. It also requires the ORR to collaborate with states to find suitable placements for them.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would lead to increased oversight and tracking of unaccompanied alien children by the ORR. This could result in improved placement services and potentially reduce instances of children being lost within the system. The amendment to section 410.1201(a) of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, by striking paragraph (6) will change the requirements for sponsors of unaccompanied minors.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced tracking of unaccompanied alien children.
- Improved placement services through state collaboration.
- Potential reduction in cases of lost or abandoned children.
- Increased accountability of the ORR.
- Possible better outcomes for children in immigration proceedings.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased administrative burden on the ORR and state agencies.
- Potential for increased costs associated with tracking and placement.
- Possible delays in placement due to stricter tracking requirements.
- Risk of data privacy concerns related to tracking children.
- Potential for overreach by the federal government into state affairs.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the US Constitution is mixed. While the federal government has broad authority over immigration matters, as implied by Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, potentially raising concerns about federal overreach into state child placement services. The due process clause of the Fifth Amendment also applies to all persons within the United States, including unaccompanied minors, requiring fair procedures in immigration proceedings and placement decisions.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).