Plain Language Summary
# PRINTS Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The PRINTS Act would make it a federal crime for someone to use a minor child to enter the United States illegally if that child is not a close relative or if the person is not the child's legal guardian. The bill aims to combat human trafficking by requiring U.S. Customs and Border Protection to fingerprint all non-U.S. children under 14 at the border if officials suspect trafficking.
These fingerprints would be shared with the Department of Health and Human Services if the child enters government custody, and the Department of Homeland Security would report to Congress annually on how many children are fingerprinted. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects migrant children under 14 entering the United States and the government agencies responsible for border security and child welfare. It could also impact adults who transport children across borders, as they could face criminal charges if they lack a legal guardianship relationship with the child. **Current Status** The PRINTS Act is currently in committee in the Senate (S 53, 119th Congress), meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full chamber. It was introduced by Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).
CRS Official Summary
Preventing the Recycling of Immigrants is Necessary for Trafficking Suspension Act or the PRINTS ActThis bill addresses migrant minor children entering the United States. Specifically, the bill makes it a crime for a person to knowingly use a minor to gain entry to the United States if the minor is not a close relative or if the person is not the minor’s guardian. In addition, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) must fingerprint all non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) entering the United States who are younger than 14 years of age if a CBP officer suspects that the child is victim of human trafficking.The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must share with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) any fingerprints collected under this bill from an unaccompanied child if that child is transferred to HHS custody.DHS must report to Congress on the number of children fingerprinted annually under this bill. DHS must also publish on a monthly basis the number of individuals apprehended for falsely claiming a child accompanying them into the United States was a close relative.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.