In a post from last month we wrote about the many child immigrants entering the United States from several Latin American companies. The reason many of these individuals provide for coming to the U.S. is gang and drug violence. Once here, they are hoping to secure refugee status.
Recently, the Obama administration indicated it is seeking help from the United Nations to address the issue. The goal is to create a refugee resettlement program that could settle migrants in other countries. The United Nations refugee agency is being tapped to set up processing centers in these countries. The countries in which these centers will be located are not yet clear.
The new refugee program expands upon an initiative already in place. While the previous program was open to children whose parents were already residing in the U.S., the new one would open up the application for refugee status to adults as well. Other rules regarding eligibility are the same.
In addition to reducing the number of immigrants who make their way into the U.S. without proper documentation, the plan would presumably impact the number of people paying smugglers to take them on the dangerous journey across the country of Mexico. While some migrants would be sent to other countries, it is expected many—possibly up to 9,000—could end up in the U.S.
Many people in need of assistance with an immigration matter may not know where to go to get help. In many cases, it is beneficial to work with an immigration lawyer.