Children’s Safe Welcome Act of 2026

Sponsor: Sydney Kamlager-Dove (Democratic-CA)July 21, 2026

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Protections for children in immigration custody would be strengthened, and family separations limited.

This bill would create new rules to protect children in immigration custody, ensuring they stay with their families whenever possible and receive better care. It would set new standards for facilities, provide legal help, and establish an independent office to oversee these changes. These updates aim to improve the safety and well-being of noncitizen children and their families during immigration processes.

What Would Change

Currently, children in immigration custody may face family separation, varying facility conditions, and limited access to legal counsel. After this bill, family separation would be largely prohibited, and all facilities would need to meet strict federal standards for care, health, and safety. All unaccompanied children would receive government-funded legal representation and an independent advocate, and an Ombudsperson would oversee the system.

Key Provisions

Bans the separation of noncitizen children from their parents or legal guardians, except in specific cases of imminent threat or harm to the child.
Requires licensed child caregiver professionals to be present 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at border facilities that hold noncitizen children.
Caps the time noncitizen children can be held in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody at 72 hours and prohibits federal family detention facilities.
Requires all facilities housing noncitizen children to meet new standards for safety, sanitation, medical care, food, hygiene, education, and recreation.
Phases out the use of large group care facilities for unaccompanied noncitizen children within two years, prioritizing placement in foster family homes.

View on Congress.gov

HR 9805 · 119th Congress · July 21, 2026 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 9/10

Children’s Safe Welcome Act of 2026

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity