US Alarm at the Growing Number of Illegal Child Migrants

US President Barack Obama described the increasing number of unaccompanied children migrating to the United States as an “urgent humanitarian situation.” Most come from Central America and Mexico, and many are escaping domestic abuse, poverty or violent gangs who prey on them. However, children are unaware of the dangers of traveling alone, including sexual assault, forced labor and hunger. Since 2009, the number of children traveling alone has increased from about 7,000 to more than 60,000 this year, reports Cecilia Muñoz, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council. The US government suggests the number of illegal child migrants could grow to nearly 130,000 by 2015. The White House has asked Congress for an extra $1.4 billion to temporarily shelter the children in two military bases, presumably providing education and re-connecting them with families or guardians. – YaleGlobal