General
Letter to Congress with Recommendations on Enhancing Protections for Noncitizen Children (November 9, 2023)
November 9, 2023
Dear Senator/Representative:
In recent months, several concerning reports have emerged regarding incidents of migrant children in the United States suffering exploitative labor conditions and other harmful situations. I write on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Migration to share the attached recommendations for your consideration. Developed by the USCCB’s Department of Migration and Refugee Services (MRS), these recommendations are specifically geared toward safeguarding unaccompanied children once they have been released to a sponsor in the United States by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). While we are also deeply committed to the well-being of these children prior to and during their time in federal custody, including steps taken by ORR to ensure safe sponsor placements, the scope of these recommendations reflects the reality that exploitation is most likely to occur when children lack access to support and become isolated from their local communities.
Among migrants, unaccompanied children constitute the most vulnerable group. Recognizing the unique needs of this population, MRS and its network of local, community-based care providers have long partnered with the federal government to offer home studies and post-release services, foster care, and small-scale shelters to noncitizen children in need. These programs are specifically designed to promote the safety, well-being, and best interests of those served, while also integrating our unwavering commitment to abolishing the evil of human trafficking.
Undoubtedly, the plight of these children, including their ability to reunify with family and receive protection in the United States, is closely interconnected with our country’s response to current migration-related challenges. As Pope Francis reminds us, “the right of states to control migratory movement and to protect the common good of the nation must be seen in conjunction with the duty to resolve and regularize the situation of child migrants, fully respecting their dignity and seeking to meet their needs when they are alone, but also the needs of their parents, for the good of the entire family.”
We thank you for considering these recommendations in the course of your important work. As always, we welcome the opportunity to engage further with you and your staff on these important issues.
Sincerely,
Most Reverend Mark J. Seitz
Bishop of El Paso
Chairman, USCCB Committee on Migration