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Introduction to Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS)

  • Speaker Introduction
    • Name: Krisho Maravignaraja
    • Position: President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS)

Context of Unaccompanied Children at the Southern Border

  • Current Situation
    • Recent headlines covering the influx of unaccompanied children at the U.S. southern border.
    • Increased attention and concern from the public regarding this issue.

Historical Background and Recent Trends

  • Data from April 2020 Onward
    • Continuous rise in the number of people arriving at the U.S. southern border.
    • Many individuals are seeking protection and safety; among them, unaccompanied children are defined as those not traveling with a parent or guardian.
    • Notable increase in arrivals from the Northern Triangle region (El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras).

Factors Contributing to the Crisis

  • Emergencies Requiring Children to Flee
    • Various factors have converged in 2020 and early 2021 creating an emergency state that compels children to seek safety outside their home countries.
    • Many children are fleeing for their lives due to violence, corruption, poverty, and other life-threatening circumstances.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • Complications Introduced by the Pandemic
    • The pandemic has exacerbated the existing challenges faced by these children.

U.S. Legal Framework for Unaccompanied Children

  • Process as Defined by U.S. Law
    • According to U.S. law, unaccompanied children are required to be processed by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and subsequently transferred to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).
    • The ORR specializes in child welfare and has a network of providers, including LIRS, that care for these children until they can be safely reunited with a sponsor.

Challenges Faced by ORR

  • Capacity Issues
    • The capacity of ORR has been significantly reduced over the past year, straining its ability to fulfill its responsibilities.

Temporary Solutions Implemented by the Federal Government

  • Opening of Temporary Influx Facilities
    • In response to the urgent need, the federal government opened temporary influx facilities intended to move children out of CBP detention.
    • Criticism of These Facilities:
    • These facilities are viewed as inadequate and not a long-term solution.
    • Emphasis that no child should be held in CBP detention, which is not designed for children.
    • Highlight the duty to uphold child welfare best practices during the care of these children.
    • Relocation of children should align with principles that exclude operations by private for-profit entities.

The Role of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS)

  • Family Reunification Efforts
    • Approximately 85% of the unaccompanied children at the border have at least one parent or relative already residing in the U.S.
    • LIRS is actively engaged in reuniting these children with their families, working to provide a stable and safe home environment.
  • Advocacy at the National Level
    • LIRS is involved in national advocacy efforts to ensure that children are protected and cared for adequately.

How to Support the Cause

  • Call to Action
    • LIRS invites support through various means:
    • Donations
    • Prayers
    • Advocacy efforts
    • Applications to become foster parents
    • Encouragement for collaboration to foster compassion, empathy, and education surrounding the needs of children at the border.
    • Reminders that all children, including those at the border, deserve love and safety.
    • Appeal to join in the collective mission of welcome for these vulnerable populations.