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April 20, 2022

Innovating Protection for Migrant and Asylum-Seeking Children in U.S. Communities

The number of young people fleeing high levels of violence, crime, natural disasters, food insecurity and poverty and crossing the U.S.-Mexico border reached a 20-year high in the U.S. government’s fiscal year 2021 (October 1, 2020 – September 30, 2021). This included a record number of children who entered the United States unaccompanied. This is not just a wave. It is a trend that is likely to continue as children across the Americas continue to face a cascade of risks.

Many newly arriving migrant and asylum-seeking children arrive at the home of a parent or relative in the United States after years of separation. Some have lived with a great deal of independence, taking care of their own survival under extraordinary circumstances. Most need significant support upon their release from federal custody and as they navigate their new lives in the United States.

Communities across the country are challenged to meet the needs of newcomer children and youth, often with little federal or state support.

For this topic, the Collaborative on Global Children's Issues asks: What are the needs of migrant and asylum-seeking children and youth in the United States? What efforts are underway to help them find protection and stability in their new communities? Who is responsible for providing support?

Responses

Alondra Andrade
Community Solutions

Alondra Andrade, Community Engagement Coordinator, Tahirih Justice Center | April 20, 2022

International Mayan League/USA
Maya Peoples' Resurgence Across Settler Colonial Borders

Juanita Cabrera Lopez, Executive Director, International Mayan League; Dr. Emil’ Keme, Professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Lorena Brady, Policy and Program Manager, International Mayan League | April 20, 2022

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Safe Passages: A Path Towards Permanency

Kathleen Goss, Associate Director for Foster Care, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops/Migration and Refugee Services; Johanna Neece, Program Specialist for the Foster Care Team, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops/Migration and Refugee Services | April 20, 2022

Bienvenidos, Aquí para ti
The Case of One County

Marc Elrich, Chief Executive, Montgomery County, Maryland; Gabe Albornoz, President, Montgomery County Council; Gillian Huebner, Executive Director, Georgetown University Collaborative on Global Children’s Issues | April 20, 2022