Undocumented Minors Flood across Border

As reported by the New York Times, the number of unaccompanied minors entering the United States from the southwest border has dramatically increased in the last year. Most of these children are from Mexico and the Central American countries of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. The youngest are generally brought into the country by smugglers. Many are as young as six years old. According to official figures, 21,842 of these minors were detained in the last year, which is a 48 percent increase from the previous year. Some of these children enter the U.S. illegally hoping to be reunited with parents who are also illegal immigrants. Others have left their parents and families behind in their native countries, looking to escape the violence of gangs and drug cartels. The majority are teenagers looking to create a better life for themselves. Those from Mexico are often returned to their homeland on a rapid basis, without any formal legal process.

The huge increase of undocumented minors who have been detained has created an increasing problem for U.S. immigration courts. Immigration law does not provide a lawyer for those who cannot afford one when facing the courts. Nor does immigration law offer specific protection for children. These children, even those as young as six, must face immigration judges alone and unrepresented. The youngest have little understanding of what is happening to them or speak English. Most are detained until they can be deported back to their native country without benefit of legal assistance.

New York Immigration Cases

The above story points up the importance of seeking legal representation in any immigration matter. Immigration law is a complicated and ever-evolving legal field; without the skilled assistance of an attorney, it contains a high risk of failure. If you are facing any type of immigration matter, whether it involves a visa, deportation defense, citizenship or other issue, the New York immigration law firm of Eiges & Eiges can help. The legal team has 75 years of combined experience in handling all types of immigration cases; the firm has been established for 30 years.

Ensure that your immigration case is handled in the most professional and convincing manner. Contact the firm to discuss your legal matter with an experienced attorney today.