To Understand Child Migration, Look Beyond the Border - Andrew Wainer

“Few people are elevating social and economic conditions that compel people to take such dangerous risks by crossing the U.S. border or sending their unaccompanied children in search of a better life, but they are conditions that must be addressed if we are serious about fixing this crisis.” - Rev. David Beckmann

The surge of unaccompanied children crossing the U.S. southern border is a humanitarian crisis. The solution to help these children lies in addressing the causes that are driving them to make the perilous journey alone. 

The causes of this surge are familiar. They appear to be an intensified version of the traditional drivers and dynamics of migration from Central America. 

Push factors. Poverty and violence are widespread in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. 

Pull factors. People are often driven by economic opportunity, safe haven, and the hope for potential legalization in the United States.

Transnational immigrant networks. The family, community, and economic links that connect Central Americans with the diaspora in the United States and other nations compel people to make the journey.

Stricter border enforcement and better care for recently arrived child migrants won't make the issue go away. It's not enough. It's a stopgap.

The full article is available here