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Migrant and refugee children are among the most vulnerable people in the world. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is a recognized national leader in protecting and promoting their well-being.
Our extensive service expertise and experience informs our advocacy on issues affecting migrant children. We represent their best interests by monitoring federal immigration legislation and policies that affect migrant children, speaking up for their just and fair treatment, and engaging in advocacy with Congress, numerous federal agencies, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
Legislation
Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act of 2011
For many years the US immigration system has kept thousands of promising young people from pursuing higher levels of education or US military service. The DREAM Act is a bipartisan bill, introduced in every session of Congress since 2001, that would allow undocumented students who were brought to the United States as children, are long-term US residents and have good moral character to become lawful permanent residents provided that they attend college or serve in the US military for two years.
In May 2011, Senator Durbin (D-IL) reintroduced the DREAM Act. The bill is supported by a majority of Americans, and it has been endorsed by President Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and former President George W. Bush administration officials
Click here to read a summary of this bill: The DREAM Act of 2011.
The Trafficking Victims Protection and Reauthorizaton Act of 2011
A reauthorization of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2008, the TVPRA of 2011 would provide the following improved protections for vulnerable migrant youth and other victims or potential victims of trafficking:
- Granting unaccompanied minor children who obtain “U” visas access to the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor program which allows children to access federal foster care tailored to the specific needs of vulnerable migrant youth
- Increasing resources and tools available for law enforcement to investigate trafficking crimes
- Requiring a federal government study to evaluate whether DHS is adequately screening unaccompanied minors who arrive in the U.S and may be victims of trafficking or persecution
- Extending authorization of the current law until 2015
Click here to read a summary of this bill: TVPRA of 2011
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How You Can Help Migrant Children
Stay Informed
Learn how LIRS helps unaccompanied Haitian children in the United States.
Take Action
Visit the LIRS Action Center to advocate for unaccompanied children by sending a letter to your member of Congress:
- Thank or express disappointment to your legislators regarding their DREAM Act votes.
- Support improved services and protections for unaccompanied children.
- Support improved protections and assistance for human trafficking victims.
- Support the Humane Enforcement and Legal Protections for Separated Children Act.
- Support the Refugee Protection Act of 2011, which would help protect family unity for refugee children separated from their loved ones.
Meet William and Elizabeth
Thon “William” Chol and Elizabeth Anok Kuch were resettled to the United States from Sudan by LIRS. They shared their stories of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the U.S. House of Representatives about their experiences traveling as unaccompanied refugee minors and the resettlement experience.
Read Elizabeth's testimony.
Read William's testimony.
Read LIRS's statement of support.
Watch William speak about his testimony.
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