There are currently more than 14,000 minors in federal detention who traveled to the United States without their families, according to a government official.
The official said Health and Human Services (HHS) has more than 9,500 migrant children in its care, while Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has about 4,500.
The Biden government is working to cope with the swelling of migrant children making the dangerous journey from Central America to the southern border.
Government officials say most adults and families will be turned away, but the Biden government allows unaccompanied minors to stay in the U.S. while their immigration status is being processed.
The Biden administration seeks to quickly move these children out of the care of CBP and into sponsorship homes or HHS facilities where they can have access to educational, health and legal services.
However, CBS reports that 3,000 of the children in Border Patrol adult facilities have been detained longer than the law allows. Some facilities are reported to be more than 100 percent full.
The White House says it is looking for additional housing for children. The administrative officer confirmed that a convention center in Dallas will be opened to migrant children. A separate facility in Midland, Texas is already in operation.
Minister of Homeland Security Alexander MayorkasAlejandro Mayorka’s number of migrant children in US custody has exceeded 15,000: Sunday report shows preview: Biden administration wrestles with border crossing; US mourns shooting victims in Atlanta Mexico launches measures to limit border crossings from Guatemala MORE has authorized the Federal Association for Disaster Protection to assist with the processing, transfer and accommodation of migrant children.
While the government says almost all adults seeking irregular entry into the U.S. have been turned away, some families will be allowed entry under certain circumstances.
The administrative officer said that most families will be expelled at the border but that “there are certain limits to Mexico’s ability” to take in some of the families who are turned away. In these cases, the families were admitted to the United States to have their immigration complaints or asylum applications heard by a judge.
“These decisions are made on the spot, taking into account your circumstances,” said the official.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki
Jen PsakiBiden is hampered by lack of confirmation Feinstein opens door in support of filibuster reform The White House defends marijuana policy, according to a report from staff slated for use in the past said the “great, great majority [of families] those who come to the border are turned away. “
“There are limited, very limited circumstances in which border families go through the correct protocols, are tested, and then have their cases assessed,” she said.
Comments are closed.