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The Plight of Immigrant Youth at the Border: Critical Perspectives on Youth Detention

Oliver Foster

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Published in Unaccompanied: The Plight Of Immigrant Youth At The Border (Critical Perspectives On Youth 11)

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The plight of immigrant youth at the border is a humanitarian crisis that has been ongoing for decades. In recent years, the situation has only gotten worse, as the Trump administration has implemented a number of policies that have made it more difficult for immigrant children to seek asylum in the United States.

Unaccompanied: The Plight of Immigrant Youth at the Border (Critical Perspectives on Youth 11)

Unaccompanied: The Plight of Immigrant Youth at the Border (Critical Perspectives on Youth Book 11)

by Emily Ruehs-Navarro

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4968 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	245 pages

As a result of these policies, thousands of immigrant children have been detained at the border in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. They have been denied access to basic necessities, such as food, water, and medical care. In some cases, they have been subjected to abuse and neglect.

The detention of immigrant youth is a violation of their human rights. It is also a violation of international law. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) prohibits the arbitrary detention of children. The CRC also states that children who are detained should be treated with humanity and respect and should have access to legal representation.

The United States is a signatory to the CRC, but it has not always complied with its obligations under the treaty. The detention of immigrant youth is a clear example of the United States' failure to uphold its human rights commitments.

The Impact of Detention on Immigrant Youth

The detention of immigrant youth has a devastating impact on their lives. Children who are detained are more likely to experience mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. They are also more likely to have difficulty sleeping, eating, and concentrating. In some cases, they may even develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In addition to the psychological harm, detention can also have a negative impact on children's physical health. Children who are detained are more likely to get sick and they are less likely to receive adequate medical care. They are also more likely to be exposed to violence and abuse.

The detention of immigrant youth is a traumatic experience that can have a lasting impact on their lives. Many children who are detained never fully recover from the experience. They may continue to struggle with mental health problems, physical health problems, and social problems throughout their lives.

Critical Perspectives on Youth Detention

There are a number of critical perspectives on youth detention. One perspective is that detention is a form of punishment that is unnecessary and harmful. This perspective argues that detention does not deter children from migrating to the United States and that it does not make the United States any safer.

Another critical perspective is that detention is a violation of children's rights. This perspective argues that the United States has a legal obligation to protect the rights of all children, including immigrant children. Detention violates children's rights to life, liberty, and security.

A third critical perspective is that detention is a waste of money. This perspective argues that the United States could save money by investing in alternatives to detention, such as community-based programs that provide support to immigrant families.

Alternatives to Detention

There are a number of alternatives to detention that would be more humane and effective than the current system. These alternatives include:

Community-based programs that provide support to immigrant families.
Case management services that help immigrant children navigate the legal process.
Legal representation for immigrant children.
Education and job training programs for immigrant youth.

These alternatives to detention would be more humane and effective than the current system. They would provide immigrant children with the support and resources they need to succeed in the United States.

The detention of immigrant youth is a humanitarian crisis that must be ended. It is a violation of children's rights and it is a waste of money. There are a number of alternatives to detention that would be more humane and effective. The United States must invest in these alternatives and end the detention of immigrant youth.

Unaccompanied: The Plight of Immigrant Youth at the Border (Critical Perspectives on Youth Book 11)

by Emily Ruehs-Navarro

5 out of 5