“These policies are evidence that the Trump Administration is doubling down on its extraordinary efforts to stack the deck against unaccompanied children through policies that decimate basic protections in their immigration proceedings. Research reveals that video-teleconferencing has a profound and harmful impact on children’s legal cases.[1] These kids, some barely old enough to write their own name, have a tough enough time understanding what is happening in immigration proceedings when their cases have all involved parties present in person with child-friendly accommodations. The remote nature of VTC makes the proceedings even more difficult for them to understand and it isolates the child, circumstances that render the process even more confusing and unreal.
Relatedly, the new 60-day requirement will make it nearly impossible for unaccompanied children to obtain counsel or file their applications for protection ahead of this arbitrary deadline. Due to high demand and the sensitive nature of these cases, it often takes at least two months for a child to find an attorney. The Administration’s action will undoubtedly result in thousands more children appearing in court without attorneys and without the ability to fairly make their case for protection.
Together, these new policies essentially slam the door on due process and a chance for these unaccompanied kids to seek protection in the United States.”
[1] Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, Immigration Hearings by Video: A Threat to Children’s Right To Fair Proceedings, updated January 2020. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/597ab5f3bebafb0a625aaf45/t/5e4d5c0cc48abe2cc9bd102a/1582128140439/Young+Center+VTC+Report_Updated+January+2020.pdf
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Media Contact: Megan McKenna, mmckenna@supportkind.org, 202-631-9990
