Kayla Hamilton Act
House Passes the Kayla Hamilton Act to Tighten Rules for Migrant Child Placements
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
The Kayla Hamilton Act has passed the House of Representatives and is now waiting for action in the Senate. Although the bill is currently considered stalled, it remains active as it moves through the legislative process. There are no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.
Legislative Progress
225–201
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Unaccompanied migrant children face dramatically stricter placement rules. Children 12 and older can be held in secure detention facilities for the entire length of their immigration case if they are considered a flight risk or danger, or have any gang-related markings or criminal history. Children can no longer be released on their own recognizance. These changes will likely increase the time many children spend in government custody and reduce the number who are placed with family members or other sponsors.
“the unaccompanied alien child shall be placed in a secure facility for the duration of any immigration proceedings (and, if ordered removed, until such unaccompanied alien child is removed)”
Milestones
Received in the Senate.
The Senate has received the House-passed bill and will decide whether to take it up.
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 225 - 201 (Roll no. 340). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H5921-5922)
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 225 - 201 (Roll no. 340). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H5921-5922)
The House of Representatives voted to approve this bill. It now goes to the Senate.
Vote Results
2 votesOn Motion to Recommit
Related News
2 articles
House passes Kayla Hamilton bill despite 200 Democrats voting against it
The House passed the Kayla Hamilton Act in a 225-201 vote. The bill requires HHS to screen unaccompanied minors for gang tattoos and place those with markings in secure federal facilities. It also mandates that sponsors be U.S. citizens or legal residents with no serious criminal history.

Harford Sheriff calls out Rep. Crockett, says Kayla Hamilton remarks are 'reprehensible'
Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler criticized Rep. Jasmine Crockett for her remarks during a debate on the Kayla Hamilton Act. The bill seeks to mandate safety assessments and gang screenings for migrant children to prevent violent crimes by unvetted individuals released into communities.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Kayla Hamilton Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(2)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.