Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra will testify before a House subcommittee regarding the ongoing crisis of unaccompanied migrant children. This follows mounting pressure from Republican members of the committee who have been demanding his appearance.
Representative Morgan Griffith, Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, announced the hearing scheduled for July 26th. The hearing, titled "Stopping the Exploitation of Migrant Children: Oversight of HHS' Office of Refugee Resettlement," will focus on the Office of Refugee Resettlement's handling of the unaccompanied child migrant program. Key areas of examination include the agency's responsibility for child safety and preventing exploitation after their release from HHS custody.
Representatives Griffith and Cathy McMorris Rodgers issued a statement highlighting the link between the Biden administration's border policies and the surge in unaccompanied children arriving in the U.S. They expressed concerns about the reported loss of contact with tens of thousands of children after their release, with many allegedly facing exploitation. They emphasized the importance of hearing directly from Secretary Becerra about the measures HHS is taking to address these issues and prevent future occurrences.
The hearing takes place amidst increasing scrutiny of the Biden administration's management of the border situation and reports of children being trafficked for labor to repay smuggling debts. The process for unaccompanied minors involves transfer to HHS custody after being apprehended at the border. The agency then attempts to place them with sponsors, typically family members already residing in the U.S.
However, recent reports suggest that officials may have disregarded warning signs of a growing child labor issue, with allegations that Secretary Becerra prioritized rapid discharge of minors. The number of unaccompanied minors arriving at the border has seen a dramatic increase, rising from 33,239 in FY2020 to over 146,000 in FY2021 and 152,000 in FY2022.
Republican lawmakers initially requested Becerra's testimony in March. Last month, they conveyed their disappointment over indications that he would not appear before the subcommittee. While they offered a full committee hearing as an alternative, this was reportedly rejected by Becerra's staff, who insisted on a prior hearing with a lower-ranking official. The Republicans stressed that the committee has the authority to determine its witnesses, hinting at potential subpoena if Becerra refused to cooperate.
Secretary Becerra has defended his agency's actions, attributing limitations to congressional authorities granted to HHS. He has stated that the agency's responsibility ends after a suitable sponsor is found, and while follow-up is attempted, neither the child nor sponsor is obligated to participate. In a recent House committee appearance, Becerra reiterated that HHS lacks jurisdiction over children placed with sponsors, placing blame on exploitative employers and companies.
