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2.0

ORR issues field guidance on DNA testing for proof of biological relationship

  1. Original Date Announced

    March 14, 2025

    Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) field guidance on DNA testing states that ORR’s Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) Bureau now requires DNA testing to support proof of relationship between a potential sponsor and an unaccompanied migrant child where a sponsor purports to be biologically related to the child. Specifically, ORR requires DNA results that confirm biological parentage, biological grand-parentage, avuncular relationship, or siblingships.

    ORR states that submission of a DNA sample by the potential sponsor is not mandatory. However, refusal to submit a DNA sample may be grounds for ORR to recategorize the sponsorship as an unrelated Category 3 sponsorship, and will require enhanced vetting procedures. The guidance also states that DNA test results will never be the sole reason for denying release to a potential sponsor, unless the sponsor misrepresented their relationship with the child. The guidance includes further information regarding sharing DNA test results with child, family, and/or potential sponsor; DNA record management policies; and transfer of children while DNA test results are pending.

    ORR also published "DNA Testing Instruction Sheet," which provides additional details on the DNA testing procedures.

    Trump 2.0 [ID #1621]

    2025.03.14 ORR: Field Guidance 27 - DNA Testing Expansion 2025.03.14 ORR: DNA Testing Instruction Sheet

Current Status

None

Original Trump Policy Status

Status: Final/Actual
Trump Administration Action: Change in Practice
Subject Matter: Enforcement
Agencies Affected: ORR

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