Contact Congress about H.R. 4371: Kayla Hamilton Act
Unaccompanied immigrant children 12 and older could be locked in secure facilities based on gang ties or criminal history, even without a conviction. Adults who want to sponsor a child must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and pass expanded background checks. The new rules apply to all current and future cases the moment the law takes effect.
Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.
Kayla Hamilton Act is a Senate bill awaiting final action. The latest recorded action: Received in the Senate.
Latest action on H.R. 4371: Received in the Senate.
Who this affects: This bill directly impacts unaccompanied immigrant children in federal custody, especially those 12 and older, as well as the families and individuals who want to sponsor them. It also changes how HHS, DHS, and the Department of Justice work together on placement decisions.
Why this matters: This bill changes the balance between child safety and child welfare in the immigration system. Supporters say it will protect vulnerable kids from traffickers and gangs. Critics warn it could keep more children locked up in jail-like settings and cut off many kids from their closest family members in the U.S.
Key provisions in H.R. 4371
- HHS must consult with DHS and the Attorney General before placing any unaccompanied immigrant child, looking at whether the child will show up for hearings, needs protection from traffickers and gangs, and whether the child is a flight risk or danger.
- For children 12 and older, HHS must contact the child's home country to get any arrest, charge, or conviction records, and must check for gang-related tattoos and markings.
- Children should still be placed in the least restrictive setting in their best interest, but no child may be released on their own recognizance.
- Children 12 and older found to be flight risks or dangers must be held in secure facilities for their entire immigration case and, if ordered removed, until they are actually removed.
- Mandatory secure placement kicks in for children 12+ with gang-related tattoos, serious criminal convictions, aggravated felonies, or any gang-related arrest, charge, proceeding, or conviction in the U.S. or their home country.
How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 4371
You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.
Questions people ask about H.R. 4371
- What is H.R. 4371?
- Unaccompanied immigrant children 12 and older could be locked in secure facilities based on gang ties or criminal history, even without a conviction. Adults who want to sponsor a child must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and pass expanded background checks. The new rules apply to all current and future cases the moment the law takes effect.
- How do I support or oppose H.R. 4371?
- Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.
- Who should I contact about H.R. 4371?
- Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.
- Can Modern Action explain H.R. 4371 before I act?
- Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.
