Number of immigrant minors apprehended by border forces increases

Over the past few weeks, the US border entities such as CBP (Customs and Border Protection) have reported a growing number of unaccompanied immigrant minors crossing the country’s borders without legal documentation.

According to official CBP figures, between October and November 2021, the first two months of the FY (Fiscal Year), border agencies encountered 9,128 unaccompanied immigrant minors at the southwest border, representing an increase of 32.64% compared to the same period in FY 2020, when border agencies encountered 6,149 unaccompanied immigrant minors at the country’s southwest border.

Adding to that, according to figures revealed in a recent CNN report, on Thursday, February 25, 2021, CBP had more than 1,200 unaccompanied immigrant minors in its custody, which is a fairly high number taking into account that, in recent weeks, CBP has encountered more than 300 immigrant children on a daily basis.

Several critics, members of the opposition, and government officials state that this number is rising disproportionately for several reasons.

Let’s see some of them:

• The Biden administration’s stance on immigration, which could contribute to a significant increase in irregular immigration if enforcement guidelines are not specified for border forces.
  You may also be interested in: Immigration Law Enforcement Also Needs Attention
• Conditions in Central American countries, which force thousands of people to seek alternatives to migrate to the US, looking for better opportunities.

Do you need help with an immigration case of any kind? It is important for you to know alternatives available for your particular case and start your process with the help of experts. Contact Motion Law Immigration today!

CBP cannot have minors in its custody

Since minors are more likely to be victims of extortion groups, kidnapping, human trafficking, and gangs, the US law states that unaccompanied immigrant minors cannot remain in the custody of border entities such as CBP for more than 72 hours.

Therefore, CBP must transfer immigrant children to the ORR (Office of Refugee Resettlement), which is one of the branches of the HHS (Department of Health and Human Services), where they receive specialized care while they are relocated within the US with their relatives or sponsors.

The current problem lies in the fact that HHS centers, which are specifically designated for the care of unaccompanied children, have already reached the maximum capacity allowed in the midst of the global Coronavirus pandemic. Thus, this entity is running out of facilities to receive children apprehended by border forces.

In fact, about 90% of beds available in HHS centers are already occupied and the federal entity is implementing new measures to accommodate immigrant minors who arrive at the borders unaccompanied. For instance, the Biden administration, despite the controversy surrounding the issue, reopened a facility for immigrant minors, which was initially used by the Trump administration in 2019.

The Biden administration states that this decision is a temporary emergency measure that will help HHS ensure the safety and well-being of unaccompanied immigrant minors amid the global pandemic.

Seek reliable help, contact our team!

If you, a family member, or a friend need help with an immigration case, please contact Motion Law today to schedule a FREE Consultation with one of our expert immigration attorneys. Our team will be happy to guide you through your immigration journey in the US.

Please contact Motion Law Immigration today at: (202) 918-1799.