The browser you are using is not supported. Please consider using a modern browser.

Skip Navigation
Act Now Donate
Start of main content.

News // Family Reunification

Global Refuge CEO Testifies to Congress On Behalf of Migrant Children

Global Refuge logo

Global Refuge Staff

August 1, 2019

Global Refuge to Congress: End Family Separation

and recommendations to safeguard the well-being of unaccompanied migrant children

Amid widespread reports of negligence, abuse and deaths of migrant children in U.S. detention facilities, Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President & CEO of Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service (LIRS), today addressed the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, calling for immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of unaccompanied migrant children under the care of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Vignarajah unveiled a series of recommendations, including urging Congress to require all large-scale influx shelters, such as the notorious Homestead facility, to adhere to strict, well-established child-welfare standards, including employing appropriate child-welfare professionals who are vetted and licensed.  Watch her testimony below.

Thumbnail for a video entitled 'LIRS Testimony to Congress on Unaccompanied Migrant Children'

The full list of recommendations is available here.

The Latest

  • News

    April 21, 2025

    Five principles for the fight against climate displacement

    Amid significant upheaval across immigration, climate, and international policy, this Earth Day may be a solemn one for those who care about the climate crisis and the people displaced by it.

    Read More
  • News

    April 16, 2025

    What is the Conflict in Sudan?

    This week marks the second anniversary of renewed violence in Sudan and the occupation of Khartoum. Global Refuge continues to call for the resumption of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program to help bring Sudanese to safety and for the maintenance of Temporary Protected Status for Sudanese families living in the United States. 

    Read More
  • Advocacy

    April 15, 2025

    Protections and pathways for Afghan allies under attack

    Protections and pathways for Afghans have been under a profound assault in recent months. The latest part of that assault: The Administration has reportedly decided it will terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan.  

    Read More
  • Press Release · Refugee Resettlement

    April 11, 2025

    Global Refuge Decries Termination of Humanitarian Protections for Afghan Allies in the U.S.

    “Temporary Protected Status exists for a reason: to protect people whose return to their country would place them in grave danger. Afghanistan today is still reeling..."

    Read More
  • News · Community Engagement

    April 9, 2025

    Baking the World a Better Place

    A local group of teenagers hosted a bake sale for immigration and refugee resettlement agency Global Refuge.

    Read More

Share