Facts and Data

General Statistics

Data provided by fiscal year (October 1 – September 30)


Age

Age breakdown of unaccompanied alien children by fiscal year (October 1 – September 30)

Age FY2017 FY2016 FY2015 FY2014 FY2013 FY2012
0-12 17% 18% 17% 21% 14% 11%
13-14 13% 14% 14% 16% 13% 11%
15-16 37% 37% 38% 36% 40% 39%
17 32% 31% 30% 27% 34% 38%


Country of Origin

The top three countries of origin shifted slightly from FY2014, with the highest percentage of children in FY2015 coming from Guatemala, followed closely by El Salvador and Honduras.

Country of Origin FY2017 FY2016 FY2015 FY2014 FY2013 FY2012
Honduras 23% 21% 17% 34% 30% 27%
Guatemala 45% 40% 45% 32% 37% 34%
El Salvador 27% 34% 29% 29% 26% 27%
Mexico <3% 3% 6% <2% 3% 8%
All other countries 3% 2% 3% <3% 5% 4%


Gender

The demographic breakdown in FY15 changed slightly from FY14 to reflect an increase in male UAC arrivals and decrease in female UAC arrivals.

Year Males Females
FY2017 68% 32%
FY2016 67% 33%
FY2015 68% 32%
FY2014 66% 34%
FY2013 73% 27%
FY2012 77% 23%


Home Studies and Post-Release Services

Number of home studies conducted by ORR and number of unaccompanied alien children served by post-release services (PRS).

Year Home Studies UAC served by PRS
FY2017 3,173 13,381
FY2016 3,540 10,546
FY2015 1,895 8,618


Length of Stay

Average length of stay of a child in shelter care* in FY2017 was 41 days.
*Includes Shelter and Transitional Foster Care only


Referrals

This reflects the number of referrals ORR receives from the Department of Homeland Security each fiscal year. Read more about referrals to ORR and initial placement.

Year Referrals
FY2017 40,810
FY2016 59,170
FY2015 33, 726
FY2014 57, 496
FY2013 24, 668
FY2012 13, 625

 

Release to Sponsors

View the number of unaccompanied alien children released to sponsors by state and by county

View ORR Fact Sheet on Unaccompanied Alien Children's Services

Last Reviewed: May 8, 2018