Dr. Joyce Advocates for Migrant Child Safety, Oversight of Biden Admin's Border Facilities

Press Release

Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13), a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, this week exposed the Biden Administration's concerning policies affecting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), including delays of certain background checks on volunteers working with unaccompanied migrant children who have crossed the southern border without prior authorization.

During the current border crisis, record numbers of unaccompanied migrant children are entering ORR custody. In the midst of this crisis, the administration has waived key checks to protect children. At the hearing entitled "A Humane Response: Prioritizing the Well-Being of Unaccompanied Children," Dr. Joyce urged improved security and oversight of these Biden Administration facilities, and he demanded answers from HHS Acting Assistant Secretary of Administration for Children and Families JooYeun Chang on the agency's decision to waive certain FBI fingerprint background checks for ORR staff.

"In order to ensure that the Office of Refugee Resettlement's (ORR) facilities provide a safe environment for the children in its care, ORR imposes requirements for preventing and addressing potential dangers, including an examination of the background and qualifications of facility employees who have direct contact with the children, and minimum staff-to-child ratios," said Dr. Joyce. "…this spring HHS noted that, "ORR may waive or modify background check requirements on a facility-to-facility basis.'

During their conversation, Dr. Joyce raised questions about the safety and wellbeing of migrant children in ORR custody, including these security concerns. Acting Assistant Secretary Chang acknowledged these concerns and agreed to provide answers to these questions.

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