Unaccompanied Children at the US-Mexico Border

Abstract

Unaccompanied children and youth arriving at the United States-Mexico border for entry have increased in number as they flee poverty and violence. In recent years they have not been allowed the support to become productive citizens, but have been cast as invaders who take taxpayer jobs and resources. While some youth arrive unaccompanied, others are separated from their families, caregivers and support networks. Young immigrants are often detained in prison-like settings in remote locations or put into hotels or foster care far from anyone they know. Reports of maltreatment are extensive and examples cruelty, torture and human rights violations, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Use of a clinical sociological approach could prevent rights violations in the first instance and mitigate the impact of trauma when violations occur.