The topic I will explore in this study is the issue of unaccompanied migrant children entering the United States. I have a personal connection to this issue as I plan to work with a local non-profit organization, D.C. Doors, after graduating from Walden University. D.C. Doors works with the Latino community to provide support and bridge the gap between transitional housing and long-term solutions. They have been working towards breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness since 2011, with a particular focus on addressing the needs of migrant children who often fall through the cracks of welfare programs.
Every year, thousands of unaccompanied children arrive at the U.S. border. The United States has faced significant debates and challenges in handling this flow of young asylum seekers and ensuring the protection of their human rights. Each administration has its immigration policies, but there are ongoing issues in the system. The current approach at the border is processing child migrants only, with the intention of allowing the system to rebuild and encouraging others to wait before approaching the border. However, this places a strain on the system and puts the children at risk (Holpuch, 2021)
SOCI 4080C Week 2 Topic Exploration
Migrant children face marginalization, discrimination, and bias when entering the U.S. Poverty is often the driving force behind their migration, and they may also face trafficking and forced labor in certain countries. The migration of children, whether accompanied or unaccompanied, is a traumatic event with significant developmental impacts. The suffering and exclusion experienced by these displaced children are unacceptable and preventable.
It’s essential to recognize that the immigration crisis is not limited to the southern border. Children fleeing violence from the Middle East also face persecution and bias in the United States. Stereotypes and prejudicial attitudes towards these children are perpetuated by misinformation and stigmatizing language. Hostile and oppressive behaviors towards Middle Eastern children must be addressed (Brown, 2017).
SOCI 4080C Week 2 Topic Exploration
Migrant children have moral and legal rights in the United States and should have access to social services, housing, healthcare, medical attention, and legal assistance. However, there is a lack of comprehensive policies in place in many states to improve migration laws and protect the rights of these children, particularly when they are unaccompanied. It is necessary to take legal action to address violations, xenophobia, unfair deportation practices, and the separation of children from their families (UNICEF, 2020).
Opponents of allowing migrant children into the U.S. often argue that there are insufficient funds and resources to support both “native-born” children and their migrant peers. The language of “illegals” contributes to this misconception. However, there are various ways the United States can ensure the social rights of migrant children and prevent their detention while they are being processed and beyond. Implementing bold tax policies, such as higher taxes on corporations and the top 1%, can provide more funds to support children in the country.
SOCI 4080C Week 2 Topic Exploration
Every child matters, regardless of their country of origin, religion, or reasons for leaving. Migration is a significant global social issue that has wide-ranging impacts on economies, workforce populations, nation-building, and technological progress. Understanding these impacts is crucial for comprehending the complexities of migration and recognizing the importance of addressing this social issue.
References:
Brown, K. (2017). Perceptions of Middle Eastern children in the United States. Social Sciences, 6(2), 60. Holpuch, A. (2021, March 16). ‘The border’ is closed’: US DETE’S adults but allows processing for child migrants. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/mar/16/us-homeland-security-immigration-mexico
UNICEF. (2020, September 23). Migrant and displaced children. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/migrant-refugee-internally-displaced-children
