New Act Mandates GPS Trackers, DNA Collection for Unaccompanied Minors and Their Sponsors

The “No More Missing Children Act” establishes a massive new federal program called the Unaccompanied Alien Child Anti-Trafficking Program, run jointly by Health and Human Services (HHS) and Homeland Security. Simply put, this bill is setting up a comprehensive, highly technical surveillance system for every unaccompanied minor released to a sponsor in the U.S. All children released after the law passes are automatically enrolled, as are those already here but still under 18 or without legal status. The goal is to stop kids from disappearing or falling into trafficking situations, but the methods are unprecedented in scope.

The New Rules of Placement: GPS and Voiceprints

If you plan to sponsor a child under this program, prepare for a total overhaul of your privacy. The law mandates continuous GPS monitoring for both the child and the sponsor using body-worn devices. That’s right—uninterrupted satellite tracking for the duration of the placement. If the child is over four, both the child and sponsor must also check in monthly via phone, where their voice is matched against a recorded voiceprint. This isn't just about knowing where the child is; it's about constant, real-time tracking of the sponsor, too. The bill defines "continuously monitored by GPS" as uninterrupted satellite tracking. This level of surveillance is a significant change, applying a system typically reserved for parolees to minors and their caregivers.

DNA and Deep Dive Vetting

Before a child even steps foot in the door, the government requires DNA samples from the child, the sponsor, and every single adult living in the sponsor's home. If you’re claiming to be a relative, DNA testing is mandatory to prove the relationship. Beyond biometrics, the sponsor vetting process is exhaustive. It includes in-person interviews, checks against the FBI’s National Criminal History database, CODIS (the DNA index system), terrorism watchlists, and foreign criminal records. They also run a “synthetic identity check” to catch fraud. Crucially, these checks aren't one-and-done; they must be run again, at least every quarter, to ensure the sponsor remains eligible.

Who Can’t Be a Sponsor?

The bill is extremely strict on who qualifies. The most immediate impact is on family members who are undocumented: if a sponsor or any adult in their household is unlawfully present in the U.S., they are ineligible—unless that person is the child’s parent, legal guardian, or biological relative. Furthermore, anyone associated with a criminal street gang, a transnational criminal organization, or a designated terrorist organization is banned. If you have a felony conviction (a maximum sentence of one year or more), you’re out. Even if you were charged with a crime and the case is still pending, you are ineligible. This means many families who might otherwise be safe placements could be disqualified due to immigration status or old, minor legal issues.

The Unannounced Home Visit Requirement

If you make it through the vetting process, the government will be a regular presence in your home. The Secretary must conduct an in-person inspection before the child is placed. After placement, the bill mandates at least six unannounced, in-person visits during the first year, followed by at least four unannounced visits every year after that. If a sponsor fails to ensure the child complies with program rules—say, missing an immigration court date—the placement ends immediately, the child is taken back into custody, and the sponsor is permanently barred from ever sponsoring another child. This creates a high-stakes, zero-tolerance environment for caregivers who are likely already juggling work and family life.

The Real-World Trade-Off

On one hand, this bill directly addresses the frightening problem of children disappearing after release, offering the strongest anti-trafficking measures seen in this policy area. On the other hand, the cost is a massive intrusion into the privacy of the child and the sponsor’s household. Continuous GPS tracking, mandatory voiceprints, and DNA collection for every adult in the home are measures that treat the entire household like a potential security risk. While the intent is to protect children, these rules could severely limit the number of available sponsors, potentially keeping children in federal custody longer while HHS attempts to manage this complex, high-surveillance system.