Child and Family Migration to the United States: Continuing Flows and Evolving Responses

A webinar examining the shifting pattern of Central American migration between 2011 and 2014 and expectations for 2015, why inflows in this period present a particularly acute policy challenge, and how states, localities, the U.S. government, and other countries in the region are responding to the crisis. 

The number of Central American unaccompanied children and family units arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border has surged in recent years, reaching a peak of 137,000 in 2014. This inflow, expected to continue in 2015, has tested the ability of the United States to carry out its core immigration functions of preventing the admission of unauthorized immigrants and providing humanitarian protection. Additionally, states and localities are working on how best to respond to the unique educational and human service needs of this population.

In this webinar, MPI experts will discuss the shifting pattern of Central American migration and expectations for 2015; why inflows present a particularly acute policy challenge; and how states, localities, the federal  government, and other countries in the region are responding. Speakers will provide recommendations on policies that advance both critical protection and enforcement goals in situations of complex, mixed-status flows as well as means to address impacts in communities where child migrants have settled.

Speakers:

Marc Rosenblum, Deputy Director, U.S. Immigration Policy Program, MPI

Margie McHugh, Director, National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy, MPI

Moderators:

Doris Meissner, Senior Fellow and Director, U.S. Immigration Policy Program, MPI

About the National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy

The Center is a national hub connecting policymakers, educators, community leaders, and service providers with evidence-informed policy research, technical assistance, and data to advance effective immigrant integration at U.S., state, and local levels.

About the U.S. Immigration Policy Program

The U.S. Immigration Policy Program provides analysis of U.S. immigration pathways, the impacts of enforcement and other policies, and the characteristics of immigrant populations.