COVID-19 has changed the way our world functions and the Young Center’s work is no exception. While we continue to advocate for the best interests of children in government custody, for the past month, our staff and volunteers have shifted to virtual visits with children. We are also working to expeditiously reunite children with families and loving caregivers in the U.S. and advocate for safe repatriation of children when it is in their best interests to be with family in home country, consistent with public health guidelines. Despite a global pandemic, immigration court hearings for children in custody continue. We are advocating on the Hill and through media for a complete halt to all immigration court hearings to protect the safety and well-being of our communities. We are also working with partner organizations at the border and through consultations to provide support to families who are trapped in Mexico under the administration’s Remain in Mexico policy.

On Tuesday, April 14, 2020, we hosted a webinar about new policies impacting immigrant children, how our work has changed under COVID-19, and how we are working with families caught at the border. The webinar included firsthand accounts of what we saw in Matamoros and how realities are changing for asylum-seekers at the border in light of the government’s recent policies. Webinar panelists included Executive Director Maria Woltjen, Child Advocate Program Director Gladis Molina Alt, and DC Managing Attorney Maria Barbosa Groszek who shared updates from the front lines of our work with immigrant children in custody and seeking safety. 

You can view the webinar below and access the transcript here.