In a recent policy shift by President Joe Biden, concerns are being raised about the potential increase in child trafficking at the border. Lora Ries, an expert from the Heritage Foundation’s Border Security and Immigration Center, addressed the Senate Judiciary Committee on the matter. She highlighted the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to halt DNA testing of adults crossing the border with children, warning that this could lead to a surge in child smuggling and trafficking.
While the decision may seem like a cost-saving measure, Ries argues that it removes a crucial safeguard against fraudulent claims of family relationships. Allowing adults to enter the country unquestioned simply by claiming to be a family is akin to leaving the front door wide open while on vacation.
DNA testing at the border was initially implemented by President Trump’s DHS in 2019 to verify family relationships. The tests proved to be instrumental in uncovering cases of individuals falsely posing as family members. However, the Biden administration has chosen to eliminate this security measure, disregarding the effectiveness of DNA science.
The potential consequences of this policy change are dire. Without the protection of DNA testing, countless unrelated adults could exploit the loophole and gain easy access to the United States by posing as families with children. Mark Morgan, a former Acting CBP Commissioner and current visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation, heavily criticizes the Biden administration’s decision, deeming it “unconscionable.” He warns that it will lead to further suffering and exploitation of vulnerable children.
Lawmakers are taking action to address this looming crisis. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) has introduced legislation that would require DHS to continue DNA testing for adult border crossers and migrant children. She is supported by Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and others. Representative Lance Gooden (R-TX) is also working on similar measures in the House.
The concern over child trafficking goes beyond just this one policy change. Reports indicate the existence of a vast labor trafficking network for unaccompanied alien children (UACs) in the United States. Shockingly, tens of thousands of these children are missing, and the Health and Human Services (HHS) department has been unable to locate them.
As Biden prepares to eliminate DNA testing at the border, the question arises: is this just the calm before an even bigger storm? The situation remains unresolved, leaving us on edge and frustrated. The saga continues, and it’s far from over.