Trump Admin. Ending Educational, Recreational Activities for Migrant Children in U.S. Custody – Do You Support the Move?

What’s the story?

• The Trump administration is ending English classes, soccer, and legal aid for unaccompanied minors detained in federal migrant shelters.
• The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has begun cutting funding for activities that are “not directly necessary for the protection of life and safety, including education services, legal services, and recreation."

"Additional resources are urgently required to meet the humanitarian needs created by this influx — to both sustain critical child welfare and release operations and increase capacity," HHS said.

• "The program could run out of money in late June, and the agency is legally obligated to direct funding to essential services," HHS spokesman Mark Weber told the Washington Post, which broke the story.

What’s the response?

• "Basic educational, recreational, and legal services for unaccompanied children are imperative for their physical and mental well-being. ORR’s cancelling of these services will inflict further harm on children, many of whom continue to languish for months without being placed safely and expeditiously into a sponsor’s care," said Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), chair of the House Appropriations HHS subcommittee.

"That is not only unacceptable, it could be in violation of the law."

 What do you think?

Do you support ending recreational and education programs for unaccompanied migrants? Take action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman

(Photo Credit: iStock / silkfactory)