The Current Humanitarian Crisis: Children From Central America, Unaccompanied and Undocumented

Abstract

This research project explores the reasons for the influx into the United States by unaccompanied minors from the Northern Triangle countries in Central America. Research indicates that the people are coming because of high rates of violence in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. This research also explores the historic, political, and economic conditions that have contributed to the influx; including how United States foreign policy in Central America may have unintentionally contributed to the current refugee crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Refugee crisis are affecting the globe as refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Northern countries of Africa are fleeing to Europe for protection and safety. This global refugee crisis cannot be addressed through the incarceration of refugees as is currently taking place in the United States. Rather it requires a global humanitarian and sustainable approach to provide the necessary protection and care that vulnerable refugees require. In particular, special protection must be given to children who are fleeing their home countries due to extreme violence. Therefore, children from the Northern Triangle who are seeking refuge should be given protection rather than incarceration.