Proposed rule would tighten sponsor checks for unaccompanied children, including identity and income proof

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would change how the government checks whether a sponsor is suitable to care for an unaccompanied child in ORR custody.

Under the proposal, DHS would add new requirements and acceptable documentation for sponsor suitability assessments, including proof of identity and proof of income. The NPRM says the income proof would be required from potential sponsors of unaccompanied children in ORR custody, tied to the sponsor’s immigration status as described in the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008.

The NPRM also proposes updates to background check requirements for sponsor suitability and changes to how certain examinations are conducted, including considerations related to whether a child could be dangerous to themselves or others. DHS says these updates are intended to align with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (as referenced in the NPRM).

Finally, the proposal includes administrative updates meant to align numbering and terminology between the NPRM and existing regulations.

For the official document and to find the docket materials, see the Federal Register notice: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/26/2026-12946/unaccompanied-children-program-foundational-rule-sponsor-assessment-update-to-include-proof-of