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Although they consider that there has been progress in the care of migrant children, defenders of this social group consider that the government of President Joe Biden has at least seven key pending issues, in order to improve the living conditions of minors.
The organization Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) published a new report, where it analyzes the progress of the Biden Administration in its first year, where it highlights that although it made changes towards a “fairer, safer and more orderly”, also maintained policies of former President Donald Trump that affect migrant children.
The report also highlights the work of the Reunification Task Force coordinated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
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The report marks as pending and recommendations:
1. Provide legal advice to all unaccompanied children in immigration procedures.
two. Reopen ports of entry to all unaccompanied and migrant children seeking humanitarian assistance and end the application of the Title 42 and the Remain in Mexico program.
3. Deploy child welfare professionals to lead the processing of children seeking protection at the border.
4. Formalize a policy to prohibit the separation of families, except in extreme cases where it is necessary to protect the kids.
5. Take urgent steps to end the use of emergency admission sites (EIS) and house children in small licensed facilities or home settings for the shortest time possible, until they can join with sponsors.
6. Implement strategies to address the root causes of migration and provide legal and safe pathways for children in need of protection.
7. Expand services for unaccompanied children after the resolution of their immigration cases, in order to help them to move towards stability and hope for their future.
The organization insisted that there had been progress, but also the need to end the policies of the previous Administration.
“We look forward to championing efforts that meet our remaining priorities, such as ending border closures, reuniting families, preventing family separation and providing counseling to children,” said KIND President Wendy Young. “The Administration has a historic opportunity to re-imagine how the US immigration system can better protect children, and KIND stands ready to support a new child-centered vision.”