Minors crossing the U.S. border to escape violence

Americas Now

Minors Crossing the U.S. Border

Currently in this federal fiscal year, more than 52,000 children, unaccompanied by adults, have been detained at the border of the U.S.

And that number was nearly doubled in 2013. By the end of September, officials expect the numbers to reach 90,000. Roughly three-quarters of these children come from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, attempting to escape from violence and extortion by gangs. Under U.S. law, children crossing the U.S – Mexican border can be returned immediately. And children from other countries can be held by Customs and Border Protection for three days.

Minors Crossing the US Border .Still003 Elaine Reyes sits down with Laura Carlsen, Director for the Center for International Policy, to discuss the influx of minors crossing into the U.S. border. She provides insight into the conditions behind the crisis, and what, if anything, can be done to resolve it.

Minors crossing the U.S. border to escape violence

Currently in this federal fiscal year, more than 52,000 children, unaccompanied by adults, have been detained at the border of the U.S.

Links:
Laura Carlsen: http://www.ciponline.org/about-us/experts-staff/laura_carlsen
Center for International Policy: http://www.ciponline.org/