End Child Trafficking Now Act
End Child Trafficking Now Act
Plain Language Summary
# End Child Trafficking Now Act Summary **What It Would Do:** This bill aims to prevent human trafficking by requiring stricter verification when foreign adults enter the U.S. with minors. Currently, an adult traveling with a child must prove their relationship through documents and witness statements. If that proof isn't sufficient, the Department of Homeland Security could require a DNA test. Adults who refuse the DNA test would be denied entry.
The bill also makes it a federal crime for adults to use unrelated minors to illegally enter the country. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects foreign nationals trying to enter the U.S. with minors who are not their biological children or legal dependents. This includes potential traffickers, but also could impact legitimate guardians, extended family members, and others transporting minors across borders who lack formal documentation of their relationship to the child. **Current Status:** The bill (S. 52) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
CRS Official Summary
End Child Trafficking Now ActThis bill imposes restrictions related to adult non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) being admitted into the United States with a minor.Such an adult may not be admitted with a minor unless the adult (1) presents documents and witness testimony proving that the adult is a relative or guardian of the minor, or (2) submits to a DNA test that proves such a relationship. The Department of Homeland Security may request a DNA test only if the required relationship cannot be established by the presented documents and witness testimony. An adult who does not consent to a requested DNA test shall be inadmissible.If the required relationship cannot be established and the immigration officer believes the adult is guilty of a felony offense, the officer may arrest the adult.The bill makes it a crime for an adult to knowingly use a minor to whom the adult is not a relative or guardian to enter the United States.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.