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

Skip Navigation
Act Now Donate
Start of main content.

Press Release // Family Reunification

Global Refuge calls for additional protections and support for unaccompanied migrant children

Global Refuge logo

Global Refuge Staff

October 27, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 27, 2023

Contact: Tim Young | timothy.young@globalrefuge.org | 443-257-6310

Washington D.C. – Nearly 120,000 unaccompanied migrant children entered the U.S. government's shelter system in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, according to Congressional testimony from Robin Dunn Marcos, Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). The agency received 118,798 referrals from federal entities between Oct 1, 2022 and Sept 30, 2023. While arrivals of children traveling without a parent or legal guardian remain historically high, the figure represents a slight decrease from FY 2021 and FY 2022 which saw 122,731 and 128,904 referrals, respectively.

Under law, ORR is charged with housing unaccompanied children who lack a legal immigration status until they turn 18 or can be released to a sponsor, who is typically a parent or another close relative living in the U.S. According to the testimony, more than 85% of children were placed with a parent, legal guardian, or other close family member in FY 2022 and FY 2023.

For 40 years, Global Refuge has worked alongside the federal government to provide appropriate services for unaccompanied children, identify unique vulnerabilities to exploitation, and to protect their best interests. The organization delivered expert testimony to Congress earlier this year, stressing the need for more robust protections, additional resources for post-release services, and access to legal representation.

Heeding the call of Global Refuge and its partners, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced new legislation this week to provide a comprehensive framework to reform the federal government’s care and custody of unaccompanied children.  The Protecting Unaccompanied Children Act would improve existing safeguards for the release of children from government custody, increase their access to social services and legal protections, and create new safeguards and services for children’s safety.

The following is a statement by Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge:

“These historically high figures highlight the ongoing deterioration of humanitarian conditions across the world, and particularly in South and Central America. Unaccompanied children are among the most vulnerable populations, often having fled unthinkable violence, persecution, and forcible gang recruitment. When they arrive in the U.S, they have limited support and significant difficulty accessing services in their communities as a result of language and cultural barriers, as well as unfamiliarity with U.S laws designed to protect children.”

“Recent headlines on child labor exploitation serve as a stark reminder that we must continually improve sponsor vetting and family reunification practices so that incidents of trafficking or other harm are more readily prevented, identified, and mitigated. We are deeply grateful to Senator Durbin and his colleagues for their introduction of the Protecting Unaccompanied Children Act, and their commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of vulnerable children.”

“Now more than ever, Congress must commit to expanding ORR's permanent licensed bed capacity so that children are cared for by qualified staff and foster parents in family-centric environments instead of large-scale influx care facilities. We also need robust government-supported legal and post-release services so that, after so much hardship and adversity, children can be children again.”

The Latest

  • Press Release · Refugee Resettlement

    June 4, 2025

    Global Refuge Expresses Deep Concern Over Sweeping Travel Ban

    The Trump administration announced a sweeping new travel ban, fully restricting entry to nationals from twelve countries. Read Global Refuge's press release.

    Read More
  • News

    May 29, 2025

    A Mother’s Story: Valentina

    Across the country, refugee mothers are working every day to create safe, stable lives for their families in a place they’re just beginning to call home. Even as fewer new families are arriving in the U.S., the mothers already here continue to navigate daily challenges—finding work, securing housing, enrolling children in school—all while adjusting to life in a new culture. For Valentina,* seeing her daughter safe, happy, and thriving in the U.S. makes every hardship along the way feel worth it.

    Read More
  • News · Community Engagement

    May 29, 2025

    Fostering Joy: Misti and Megan’s Story

    In a time of immense uncertainty for refugees and other immigrants in communities across the country, many supporters of the work of welcome are stepping forward to do what they can—whether it’s donating money, volunteering their time, speaking out in support, or, as Global Refuge supporters Misti and Megan did, opening their hearts and home to foster one of the thousands of children who migrate to the U.S. alone each year.

    Read More
  • News

    May 21, 2025

    A Mother’s Story: Marie

    For Marie*, being a mother means making tough decisions and always finding a way forward, even when nothing seems certain. It’s that determination that drove her to flee the only home she’d ever known in search of safety for her daughter.

    Read More
  • News

    May 20, 2025

    Tomas’ Story: Building a Bright Future and a Healthy Home

    In a remote village in Guatemala, Tomas is building a new future for himself and his family—without having to leave home. 

    Read More

Share