WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX) and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) have introduced the End Child Trafficking Now Act. The legislation requires DNA testing to confirm a familial relationship between an alien and accompanying minor during their petition for asylum in America. 

To read the text of the bill, click here.

"The exploitation of innocent children taking place at our border is horrific. We must do everything in our power to stop human traffickers and put an end to this disgusting practice," said Gooden. "This bill allows law enforcement to quickly evaluate the veracity behind every claim of a familial connection at our border."

The End Child Trafficking Now Act requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to immediately deport alien adults if they refuse a DNA test and mandates a maximum 10-year penalty for any individuals who fabricate family ties or guardianship over a minor.

“Drug cartels and gangs are using children to falsely present themselves as family units and seek asylum at our southern border. These unaccompanied minors are especially vulnerable to trafficking and often forced to perform sex acts. Making DNA tests mandatory on anyone claiming a family relationship with a minor will send a powerful message that traffickers will be caught and aggressively prosecuted,” Senator Blackburn stated.

Nine other Members of Congress sponsored the bill, including Representatives Brian Babin (R-TX), Michael Cloud (R-TX), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), and Randy Weber (R-TX), and Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).