Dismantling Systems of Protection
In the last few weeks, we’ve observed increased efforts by the Trump administration to destabilize the lives of immigrant children by dismantling the systems intended to protect them.
It’s happening right now as each of the following factors unfold and accelerate:
Longer delays in reuniting unaccompanied minors with their sponsors, and the arrests of some potential sponsors when they come forward
Cancelled contracts for legal representation for unaccompanied minors, demands for private information about children from their attorneys, and new contracts being issued to less qualified organizations
Removal of EBT and Medicaid eligibility from refugee families
More children detained or separated from detained or deported family members
Welfare systems struggling to care for kids when their parents or guardians are detained
Now, a new proposed rule would allow government employees to physically examine immigrant children in federal custody for tattoos or other markings it considers dangerous. Examining a child's body can create another source of trauma for children who may have already experienced abuse, violence, or trafficking. Children consistently report poor conditions and mistreatment in government shelters. This change could increase their vulnerability to abuse.
This proposed rule would also add new requirements for people seeking to sponsor children, including additional proof of identity and income, that may be difficult or impossible for some parents and relatives to provide. More barriers for sponsors can mean more time in federal custody and more time separated from parents, relatives, and other safe caregivers.
**Update: we joined forces with other advocates and left over 11,000 public comments on this proposed federal rule. The administration must review each comment before finalizing the rule. As of October 21, no final decision has been announced. There is still power in collective action.
