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The surge by the numbers
The number of unaccompanied children entering the U.S.. has grown dramatically in recent years, from 6,000 children in 2011 to 13,625 in 2015, 25,000 in 2013, and in 2014 we project more than 60,000 children will arrive.
Who are the UAC?
Unaccompanied children (UAC) are undocumented immigrant children who come to the United States without a parent or guardian.
- 23% female
- 77% male
- In Fiscal Year 2013, 1 out of every 4 children were under the age of 14
Where do they come from?
The most common native countries for unaccompanied children in Fiscal Year 2013:
- Guatemala 37%
- Honduras 30%
- El Salvador 26%
- Mexico 3%
- Ecuador 2%
- Other 3%
Why are they coming?
48% were fleeing violence from drug cartels and gangs.
From the UNHCR report, "Children on the Run":
My grandmother wanted me to leave. She told me: "If you don't join, the gang will shoot you. If you do join, the rival gang will shoot you -- or the cops will shoot you. But if you leave, no one will shoot you."
Other common reasons:
- to find family members already living in the U.S.
- to seek work to support themselves, their families, their own children
- they were brought into the U.S. by human traffickers
What is ACF's role?
Our Office of Refugee Resettlement places them in the least restrictive setting that is in the best interest of the child. By law, it is our responsibility to temporarily take care these children, protect them, and place them with sponsors as they go through immigrations court.
Children receive medical screenings and all required immunizations.
The average stat as a facility for unaccompanied children is less than 35 days.
Along with mental and medical health services, the children also receive:
- nutrition
- information on their legal rights
- classroom education
- opportunity for physical activity
- placement services that facilitate safe and timely release to family members or other sponsors who can care for them during their immigration proceedings