Impact of New Policies on Unaccompanied Minors’ Detention
Recent data reveal a concerning trend regarding unaccompanied minors entering the United States. Although
the number of these children arriving has dropped significantly due to stringent border policies, those
already in custody are experiencing prolonged detention periods. This phenomenon is attributed to new
and complex requirements implemented under the Trump administration, which seem to hinder family
reunification efforts.
Detention Duration Increases Despite Fewer Arrivals
The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) observed an average of 6,212 children in custody as of October
2024. By March 2025, that number decreased to 2,173. However, the duration of detention for these
minors escalated sharply—from an average of 35 days in October to 112 days by March.
The Role of Policy Changes
Molly Chew, director of the ReUnite Project at VECINA, has been tracking the impacts of these policy shifts
closely. Her work involves aiding families who struggle to navigate the complex requirements for
sponsoring children in ORR custody. Since the introduction of new regulations, over 1,400 children
have been successfully reunified through her efforts.
Stringent Sponsorship Requirements
Existing legal frameworks prioritize parents and close relatives as sponsors for unaccompanied
minors. However, new regulations impose rigorous documentation requirements that many families find
challenging to meet. Chew stated that the lack of legal status often complicates these processes,
as families may struggle to provide the necessary proof of identity or income.
Systemic Challenges Faced by Families
One of the most significant obstacles families encounter involves the new fingerprinting requirements,
which extend to every adult in the household and any alternate caregivers. Additionally, ORR
recently updated its guidelines to restrict acceptable identification documents, which now exclude
foreign-issued IDs like passports. This has left many families unable to apply for the sponsorship
of their children.
Furthermore, families residing in mixed-status situations may experience disruptions, as seen in
the case of one family that had to relocate due to fears among housemates about fingerprinting.
Effects on Relationships and Mental Health
The emotional toll of these policies is significant. Many children in custody do not understand the
reasons behind their prolonged detention and may mistakenly believe their parents are not making the
effort to reunite. This misunderstanding can lead to feelings of abandonment and resentment, further
complicating familial relationships.
“It’s an endless moving target, and it’s breaking families apart,” noted Molly Chew on the shifting
requirements facing families.
Critique of Policy Justifications
While officials argue that these stringent requirements aim to protect children from trafficking,
critics like Neha Desai from the National Center for Youth Law emphasize that these measures seem to
be politically motivated rather than grounded in genuine concerns for children’s safety.
The apparent alignment of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) raises additional concerns. With ICE increasing its involvement and the
ability to access sensitive data about children and their sponsors, critics warn that the
Unaccompanied Minors program has been transformed into an arm of immigration enforcement.
The Need for Reassessment
As these policies continue to shape the landscape of unaccompanied minors’ detention, advocates urge
for a reassessment of the approach being taken. It is essential that the balance between ensuring
safety and maintaining family unity is restored, to prevent further harm to vulnerable populations.