I’d like to update you about LIRS’s serious concern for vulnerable migrants fleeing persecution. Without congressional action by January 18, our nation’s ability to provide a long welcome to newly arrived refugees, vulnerable migrant children, and the communities who walk with them will be sorely diminished.
Growing instability in Central America and reduced government protection has led to a spike in the number of migrants fleeing the region. An unprecedented number of them are unaccompanied children, fleeing to escape extortion, killings, forced recruitment into gangs, and general violence. Each month, thousands of children cross the U.S.-Mexico border alone seeking safety. They are at special risk for abuse, exploitation, and trafficking during their journey and after arriving in the United States.
To keep all unaccompanied migrant children safe once they arrive within our borders, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) is in urgent need of additional funding. ORR protects children and invests in the employment, education and health of other vulnerable migrants. Without additional funding from Congress, these populations will be at greater risk.
Join LIRS in calling your members of Congress through the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Urge them to support robust funding to serve unaccompanied migrant children and refugees. You can find more information and a sample script here. You can also take action through our Action Center and subscribe to LIRS advocacy updates, Stand for Welcome.