(The Center Square)–Instead of ending a program through which federal officials have lost track of hundreds of thousands of “unaccompanied alien children” (UACs) who were illegally brought into the country, Congressional Republicans allocated billions of dollars to keep funding it.
According to federal law, the care of UACs falls under the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families. For years, under multiple administrations, federal and state investigations have found UACs are being abused through the program, including at ORR-contracted facilities nationwide.
Under the Biden administration, ORR placed UACs with unvetted sponsors, background checks weren’t performed, children were released to alleged gang members, human traffickers, non-family members and sent to non-residential addresses, federal inspector general audits and a Florida grand jury found.
Inspector general reports uncovered that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were “incapable of monitoring” UACs released into the U.S., expressing alarm because “missing children are ‘considered at higher risk for trafficking, exploitation, or forced labor.’” ORR initially lost track of roughly 100,000 children, according to the reports. That number has since increased three-fold; UACs were being exploited in child labor situations, federal investigations found, and still are, most recently in Chicago, The Center Square reported.
Information about sexual abuse and physical neglect were so serious that U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-IA, filed criminal complaints that led to the Biden administration’s DOJ suing at least one NGO. Months later, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi dropped the charges.
She did so after investigations led by Grassley uncovered that UACs were being released to MS-13 gang members and sponsors who were allegedly putting them into forced labor, forced prostitution and sex-trafficking them.
Texas, California and Florida have historically received the most UACs; the number exponentially increased every year under the Biden administration, The Center Square first reported.
From fiscal years 2019 to 2023, ICE transferred more than 448,000 UACs to ORR. During that time, ICE didn’t issue notices to appear before an immigration judge for 65% of UACs transferred from DHS custody, leaving them in limbo, an inspector general report found, The Center Square reported.
Despite years of federal reports highlighting DHS, ICE, HHS and ORR failures to care for UACs, Congress extended funding for UAC oversight in HR 1, the budget bill referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
HR 1, filed by state Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, allocates more than $3 billion for UAC oversight for fiscal year 2025 through Sept. 30, 2029.
Under Part 2, Use of Funds, Sect. 70115, it appropriates $3 billion to ORR “to house, transport, and supervise unaccompanied alien children” in ORR custody pursuant to section 235 of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008.
Sec. 70116 appropriates $20 million to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for CBP officers, including Border Patrol, to examine UACs ages 12 and older for gang-related tattoos and other gang-related markings.
Sec. 70117 allocates $20 million to HHS to determine if UACs ages 12 or older pose “a danger to self or others” by examining them for gang-related tattoos and other gang-related markings.
Sec. 70118 allocates $50 million to ORR to screen potential UAC sponsors. It directs the HHS secretary to provide the Homeland Security secretary with information about the sponsor, including “the name of the individual and all adult residents of the individual’s household” and each of their Social Security numbers and birthdays. It also requires the sponsor’s residence to be validated and their immigration status and contact information to be confirmed and shared.
It also requires “the results of all background and criminal records checks for the individual and all adult residents of the individual’s household, which shall include at a minimum an investigation of the public records sex offender registry, a public records background check, and a national criminal history check based on fingerprints” be shared between agencies.
Sec. 70119 appropriates $100 million “to permit a specified unaccompanied alien child to withdraw the child’s application for admission pursuant to section 235(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act” to be repatriated to their country of origin on a case-by-case basis. The section only applies to UACs encountered at ports of entry – not between ports of entry – who immigration officials deem inadmissible.
Repatriation doesn’t apply if officials determine the UACs are victims of severe forms of human trafficking; face being trafficked once returned, or express “a credible fear of persecution” if returned to their country of origin.
How to Prepare for Food Emergencies if You Don’t Have a Homestead or Bunker
In an unpredictable world, where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, or economic instability can strike without warning, having a reliable food supply is more than just smart—it’s essential for survival. Whether you’re a “prepper” or not, we all know the golden rule: self-sufficiency is key. But what if you’re living in an apartment, working long hours, or simply don’t have the land to turn into a thriving homestead? Don’t worry; there’s a practical, effective way to build your food security without needing acres of soil or a fortified bunker.
The Ideal Prep: Building Your Own Food Empire
The ultimate dream for any serious prepper is controlling your own food production. Imagine waking up to a sprawling garden bursting with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs—tomatoes ripening on the vine, potatoes ready to harvest, and greens that provide nutrition year-round. Add in livestock like chickens for eggs and meat, and you’ve got a self-sustaining system that keeps your family fed no matter what chaos unfolds outside.
This approach isn’t just about calories; it’s about resilience. A well-maintained garden can yield hundreds of pounds of produce annually, while a small flock of chickens might produce dozens of eggs weekly. It’s empowering, cost-effective in the long run, and teaches invaluable skills like crop rotation, animal husbandry, and preservation techniques. If you have the space, time, and resources, starting small and scaling up is the best path to true independence.
The Reality Check: Not Everyone Can Homestead
But let’s face it—not all of us are in a position to go full homesteader. Urban dwellers might be limited to a balcony or community plot that’s far from sufficient for long-term needs. Busy professionals juggling jobs, families, and daily life often lack the hours required for daily tending. And for those in apartments, condos, or regions with harsh climates, raising livestock or maintaining a large garden simply isn’t feasible. Factors like zoning laws, soil quality, water access, or even physical limitations can make this ideal out of reach.
That’s where the frustration sets in. You want to be prepared, but without a homestead or bunker, how do you ensure your pantry doesn’t run dry during a prolonged crisis? The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice your preparedness goals. There’s a smart, accessible alternative that bridges the gap: investing in high-quality, long-term storage food.
The Smart Alternative: Long-Term Storage Food from Heaven’s Harvest
Long-term storage food is designed for exactly these scenarios—providing nutrient-dense, shelf-stable meals that last for decades without refrigeration or special conditions. It’s the perfect solution for preppers who can’t rely on fresh production but still demand reliability and variety in their emergency stockpile.
At Heaven’s Harvest, they specialize in premium survival food kits that make preparedness effortless. Their products are crafted with the prepper mindset in mind: non-GMO, made in the USA, and packed with real ingredients that taste like home-cooked meals, not bland rations. Whether you’re stocking up for a short-term blackout or a long-haul SHTF event, our kits offer:
- Extended Shelf Life: Up to 25 years of storage, so you can buy once and forget about rotation worries.
- Nutritional Balance: High-protein entrees, fruits, vegetables, and dairy alternatives to keep your energy up and health intact.
- Ease of Preparation: Just add water, and you’ve got hearty meals like beef stroganoff, chili mac, or cheesy lasagna ready in minutes—no garden weeding required.
- Customizable Options: From individual buckets to family-sized kits, scale your supply to fit your needs and budget.
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Unlike generic store-bought cans that spoil quickly or lack variety, Heaven’s Harvest focuses on quality and sustainability. Our food is freeze-dried or dehydrated to lock in flavor and nutrients, ensuring you’re not just surviving but thriving. And for those concerned about allergens or dietary preferences, we offer gluten-free and vegetarian options to keep everyone covered.
Why Wait? Secure Your Food Supply Today
Preparing for food emergencies doesn’t require a homestead or bunker—it requires action. By choosing long-term storage food from Heaven’s Harvest, you’re taking control in a way that fits your lifestyle. Start small with a 72-hour kit to test the waters, or go all-in with a year’s supply for ultimate security.
Visit Heaven’s Harvest today and use code “PATRIOT” for an exclusive discount on your order. Don’t let limitations hold you back; build your resilient future, one meal at a time. Your family will thank you when it matters most.
