Untitled

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.