Illegal Immigrant Minors in the US

 

Source: http://www.infoplease.com/us/immigration/migrant-minors.html

SUMMARY: A large issue that the United States is debating about right now is the fact that many unaccompanied illegal immigrant children are entering the United States. Due to the extreme levels of violence in El salvador, Suatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, children have been illegally crossing the border to find refuge in the US. Currently there is a large debate on how the US should handle this situation. Republicans say that President Obama hasn’t been doing enough to stop the illegal immigrants and that he should be held responsible for the increase in immigrant minors. But Democrats think that the children should be granted protection and should be allowed to stay in the US. In September, Obama allowed a program to set up places in Central American countries so children can apply for a refuge status which would save them from undergoing the illegal and dangerous journey of entering the US. But this is the only action that has been taken so far and this is still an issue that many people are debating about.


ANALYSIS: I think that the kids should be able to stay in the United States and should be protected here. The reason for the immigrant children coming here is due to the violence that is taking place back at their homes. The only reason they would come to the US would be to escape the violence and the risk of potential death that exist back at home. I think that if the kids had the courage and determination to come all the way to the US by themselves that they should be protected here until other family members are found that can take care of them. Maybe we could set up temporary homes such as foster care for the immigrant children until further actions are taken regarding this issue.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 

How do you think President Obama should handle this situation?

Who do you think is responsible for the increase in immigrant children? The violence back in their home countries or the lack of actions taken by the United States?

What can Americans do to help this situation?



LINK TO ARTICLE: http://www.infoplease.com/us/immigration/migrant-minors.html