Yellowhammer Times

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has joined Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) in introducing the Kayla Hamilton Act, a bill aimed at increasing background and criminal record checks on unaccompanied alien children (UACs) and their potential sponsors before placement. The legislation is named after Kayla Hamilton, who was sexually assaulted and killed by a 17-year-old MS-13 gang member and UAC who entered the United States illegally through the southern border. The individual was released to a sponsor under current federal procedures.

"Crimes that are committed by illegal aliens who shouldn’t be here in the first place are 100% preventable," said Sen. Tuberville. "Kayla Hamilton’s story is yet another tragic example of the Biden administration prioritizing illegal aliens over the safety of American citizens. Our bill is a crucial step in the right direction to ensure crimes like this never happen again."

The legislation has additional support from Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Thom Tillis (R-NC). In the House of Representatives, Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) introduced a companion version of the bill, which has passed out of the House Judiciary Committee and awaits a vote on the House floor.

If enacted, the Kayla Hamilton Act would require comprehensive background checks on UACs before they are released to sponsors. It would also prohibit releasing any UAC into custody with individuals or households where adults have criminal histories or lack legal immigration status.

Senator Tuberville serves Alabama in the Senate and sits on several committees including Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging.