Unaccompanied: The Plight of Immigrant Youth at the Border

Unaccompanied explores how humanitarian aid workers help and hinder the care of unaccompanied children as they arrive in the United States, highlighting the plight of immigrant youth at the border and illuminating our failure to manage the human casualties of a growing crisis.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 19 February 2022
Publisher: New York University Press

Every year, tens of thousands of children cross into the United States without a legal guardian at their side, often fleeing violence and poverty in their countries of origin. In Unaccompanied, Emily Ruehs-Navarro shows us one aspect of their heartbreaking journeys, as seen through the eyes of the aid workers who try—but too often fail—to help them. Drawing on interviews with aid workers, migrant children, and others, Ruehs-Navarro follows unaccompanied youth as they seek help from a wide range of professionals. From legal relief organizations to family reunification specialists, she shows us how different aid workers may choose to work for, with, or against unaccompanied immigrant youth, deciding whether they should be treated as refugees, child dependents, or, in some cases, criminals. Ruehs-Navarro highlights how aid workers, and the systems they represent, often harm the very children they are designed to help. Unaccompanied brings into focus the plight of immigrant youth at the border, illuminating our failure to manage the human casualties of a growing crisis.

Unaccompanied is a powerful documentary that explores the complex challenges faced by unaccompanied children as they arrive in the United States. These children, often fleeing violence and poverty in their home countries, arrive in the US without a legal guardian or family member to support them. As they navigate the complex immigration system, they face a range of risks and hardships, including exploitation, abuse, and neglect.

The film follows the stories of several unaccompanied children as they arrive in the US and seek help from aid workers and government agencies. It highlights the struggles of these children as they try to find safety, legal representation, and a sense of belonging in a new country. The aid workers featured in the film play a critical role in helping these children, but they also face many challenges in their work.

One of the primary challenges faced by aid workers is the lack of resources and support available to them. Many aid organizations are stretched thin and have limited funding, which makes it difficult for them to provide comprehensive support to unaccompanied children. This can lead to gaps in care, as some children may not receive the necessary medical attention, housing, or legal support.

Another challenge is the legal and political complexities of the immigration system. Unaccompanied children are often treated as refugees, but the legal process for determining their status can be lengthy and complex. This can lead to delays in receiving the necessary care and support, as well as uncertainty for the children and their families.

Aid workers also face cultural barriers and language difficulties when working with unaccompanied children. Many of these children have limited English proficiency, which can make it difficult for them to communicate with aid workers and receive the care they need. This can lead to misunderstandings and delays in providing the necessary support.

Despite these challenges, there are also many examples of aid workers who go above and beyond to help unaccompanied children. These workers are dedicated to providing the best possible care and support to these children, and they work tirelessly to advocate for their rights and needs. They also work to build relationships with the communities they serve, to ensure that unaccompanied children are welcomed and integrated into their new communities.

Unaccompanied is a powerful documentary that sheds light on the complex challenges faced by unaccompanied children as they arrive in the United States. It highlights the critical role that aid workers play in helping these children, but it also emphasizes the need for more resources and support to ensure that they can provide comprehensive care and support.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479838615