Collaborative on Global Children's Issues

Here in Houston and all across the United States we encounter youth migrants who arrive in search of a better life. The reasons for migrating to the United States are different for each child, but all are rooted in the same overlying experience of trying to escape the violence in their home countries. Many are exposed to gangs, to domestic violence, economic instability, and more. Tahirih Justice Center focuses on helping immigrants who have experienced violence in their home country as well as here in the United States.

Children and youth who have experienced migration are often vulnerable when arriving in the United States. Healing the trauma of violence is a challenge. Accessing basic services—education, shelter, health resources, food, transportation—and adjusting to a completely new life can be overwhelming, particularly if the young person has arrived in the United States completely alone.

When young migrants come to Tahirih, they complete an intake process and are linked with an attorney, social services, and education support to help them adjust to their new life in the United States.

One of our clients is a young girl who migrated from Honduras. She experienced physical, emotional, and sexual abuse in her home country and had no family to support her. She decided to migrate to the United States to reunite with her sister. Along her migration journey, she connected with other girls who supported one another throughout their travel across borders. Upon her arrival, Tahirih was able to help her connect with an immigration attorney and social services, including counseling. The effect of violence on a young person’s development is significant. Mental health support is critical and must accompany the provision of legal services.

Fortunately, there are a number of organizations that help youth migrants get stabilized once they arrive. Community groups play a pivotal role, particularly when immigrant-serving organizations reach capacity and can no longer take additional cases. Community groups and community solutions are truly the backbone of stability for many young migrants given the perennial shortage of attorneys and social workers who work with newly arriving migrant young people. It is the community that intervenes when the larger systems and processes fail to provide the support that these young people need.

Alondra Andrade joined the Tahirih Justice Center in 2020. As community engagement coordinator, she is responsible for supporting the advancement of local and regional strategies that combat the barriers immigrant survivors face to gaining safety and dignity under the law.