Supporting Unaccompanied Children

When people request asylum at the border, U.S. officials remove their shoelaces before detaining them, reportedly for their own safety. But when migrants are sent back to Mexico to await their court hearings, they do not get their shoelaces back. This marks them as “easy prey” for criminals, because it identifies them as vulnerable people.

“I’m inspired and challenged to do a better job of welcoming and supporting these children.”

Becky, Child Advocate Volunteer Mennonite Central Committee U.S., Mennonite

 

“From December 2021 to now, I’ve volunteered as a Child Advocate for the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights. In that capacity, I get to work with a child once a week who has been classified as unaccompanied and is awaiting reunification with their families. I hear about their decision to come and their journey of departing and arriving, of being in ORR custody, etc. and I’m inspired and challenged to do a better job of welcoming and supporting these children.” 

FAITH GROUNDING: 

What of Becky’s faith inspires the work of welcome: Mennonites turn to the Bible, and especially the teachings of Jesus, to guide our response to immigrants and refugees. Hospitality is a central value of Mennonite faith, so is Hebrews 13:1-3.