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Letter to the Editor, Politico
- October 10, 2012
David Rogers in his story "Child-migrant problem on rise" published on Sept. 28 failed to highlight the unique vulnerability of children who come alone to the United States — many are fleeing severe violence, persecution and other human rights abuses and have no one in their home country to protect them. Imagine the desperation a child must feel to make the dangerous and difficult journey to the United States without a protector, leaving the only home the child has ever known, to seek safety in the United States.
Latina Lista Guest Voz: Immigrant children arriving in U.S. alone are Kids in Need of Defense
- January 1, 2009
As we prepare for the Inauguration of our nation’s first African American President, many of us are pausing to reflect on the true meaning of this historic event. From our earliest roots as a nation, the United States has represented a place where people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds come in the hope of finding shelter from poverty, war, and persecution and building a new life for themselves.
Letter to the editor, Kids used as bait
- March 30, 2009
Re: Carol Marbin Miller's March 27 article Family group blamed for turning in immigrants:
As a nation that defines itself by its family values, it is unconscionable that the United States continues to implement our immigration laws in a way that disregards the best interests of children and leads to the forcible separation of families.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement must make clear to agencies with which it has agreements that a child's well-being should be considered foremost in all cases, and that children should never be used as bait to lure their family members in for arrest.
Causing fear of child welfare agencies in immigrant communities will bring great harm to children and could endanger their lives.
This is no way to solve our immigration issues and no way to treat children.
WENDY YOUNG,
Executive Director, Kids in Need of Defense,
Washington. D.C.
Help's out there for immigrant kids
- June 14, 2009
Juan was 16 years old when he fled Guatemala for the United States to escape a life of abuse. His alcoholic father regularly beat him and forced him to work from a young age. Juan endured severe hardship on his journey to the U.S., and often wondered if he’d survive. Juan (not his real name) ended up in immigration court in Texas, where authorities are seeking to send him back to Guatemala.
Letter from Wendy Young
- June 26, 2009
- Letter
The Border Patrol did the right thing in correcting its mistake and ensuring that the best interests of these children be considered foremost. Regardless of where these young people are from or that they came into the country illegally, they are still children and need more protection than adults.
We don't owe these children a visa to stay in the United States, but we do owe them a fair chance to present their case and to receive the basic care that all children need and deserve.
WENDY YOUNG,
Executive Director, Kids in Need of Defense,
Washington. D.C.
Baltimore Sun, Op-Ed, Helping Immigrant Kids
- January 28, 2010
- Opt-ed
Helping Immigrant Kids: Baltimore's 'children's docket' is a step toward making immigration court more humane
The scene in a Baltimore immigration courtroom on a late October morning was unusual. Several dozen children of all ages filled the galley benches -- from a 5-year-old girl in pigtails to several 17-year-old boys in dress shirts, and all ages in between. Aunts, uncles and guardians filled the seats around them. The judge was in his usual place before the court, but instead of immediately banging the gavel and calling cases, he was addressing the children, patiently explaining the duties of the officials in the courtroom, what the children should expect during their appearance before him, and stressing the importance of education. The judge promised the children a piece of candy after their appearance. As the proceedings began, he called each child by name instead of only calling their immigration numbers.
Letter to the Editor
- January 30, 2010
- Letter
Regarding the Jan. 25 front-page story "Debate grows on whether U.S. should let more Haitians in":
There is no question that children with urgent medical needs that can't be taken care of in Haiti should be transported to the United States or elsewhere to receive the care they need. But it is important that these children be carefully documented and registered with authorities and that significant efforts are made to reunify the children with family in Haiti before any adoption proceedings are considered.
Women, Children and Immigration Reform
- March 21, 2011
To the Editor:
Re “Immigrant Detentions Draw International Fire” (news article, March 18):
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights is right to call out the United States on its treatment of immigrants in its custody. One group that is particularly vulnerable and often overlooked but desperately needs and deserves fair treatment is children who come alone to the United States.
Miami Herald; Letter to Editor by Wendy Young
- November 1, 2011
SECTION: A; Pg. 20
Kids used as bait
Re Carol Marbin Miller's March 27 article Family group blamed for turning in immigrants:
As a nation that defines itself by its family values, it is unconscionable that the United States continues to implement our immigration laws in a way that disregards the best interests of children and leads to the forcible separation of families.
Houston Chronicle Op-Ed by Wendy Young Sunday, June 14, 2009
- November 1, 2011
Help's out there for immigrant kids
Juan was 16 years old when he fled Guatemala for the United States to escape a life of abuse. His alcoholic father regularly beat him and forced him to work from a young age. Juan endured severe hardship on his journey to the U.S., and often wondered if he'd survive. Juan (not his real name) ended up in immigration court in Texas, where authorities are seeking to send him back to Guatemala.
Media Contact:
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"These children often have nothing; no money, no support and no family, yet they come to America seeking its promises of a better life."
