PRINTS Act Preventing the Recycling of Immigrants is Necessary for Trafficking Suspension Act
If enacted, SB3239 will amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to formalize the fingerprinting requirements for noncitizen minors. This could potentially alter existing practices regarding the handling of minors entering the U.S., ensuring that those suspected of being trafficking victims are subjected to systematic checks. Additionally, the bill imposes criminal penalties on noncitizen adults who use unrelated minors to gain entry into the country, allowing for fines and imprisonment to discourage the exploitation of children.
SB3239, titled the 'Preventing the Recycling of Immigrants is Necessary for Trafficking Suspension Act' or 'PRINTS Act', aims to combat child trafficking by instituting mandatory fingerprinting for noncitizen minors suspected of being victims of human trafficking. This legislation requires that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials obtain fingerprints from noncitizen minors under the age of 14 who are flagged as potential trafficking victims. The purpose is to enhance identification processes and establish a clearer mechanism for tracking instances of human trafficking at the borders of the United States.
The key points of contention surrounding SB3239 revolve around its implications for the treatment of vulnerable minors at the border. Proponents argue that mandatory fingerprinting is essential for improving the detection of trafficking networks and protecting children from exploitation. In contrast, opponents may raise concerns regarding privacy, the risks of wrongful identification, and the potential for increased bureaucratic hurdles for families with legitimate claims, particularly regarding how the bill may affect the reunification of unaccompanied minors with their families.