The New Central American "Crisis": Unaccompanied Minors at the Border

Session Submission Type: Workshop

Abstract

Last summer Central America returned to the headlines. The sudden surge of “unaccompanied minors” at the U.S.-Mexico border, mostly from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, seemed to catch everyone by surprise—everyone except scholars of Central America and migration. While much coverage stressed the gangs and death, scholars recognize a more complicated, long-term reality behind the “humanitarian crisis.” In this workshop, experts discuss elements converging in this crisis: migration patterns, legacies of war, lack of opportunity, family reunification, risks to children, immigration law, gang violence, the effects of free-trade agreements, the role of activism, and more.

Sub Track

• Section Presentation

Session Organizer

• Debra H Rodman, Randolph Macon College

Chair

• Ellen E Moodie, University of Illinois

Presenters

• Patricia Foxen, National Council of La Raza

• Lisa Maya Knauer, University of Massachusetts/Dartmouth

• Leisy J Abrego, University of California/Los Angeles

• Ellen E Moodie, University of Illinois

• Debra H Rodman, Randolph Macon College

• Wendy Vogt, Indiana University, Purdue University Indianapolis

• Andrea E Dyrness, Trinity College

• Anthony W Fontes, University of California/Berkeley

• Jon H Carter, Le Moyne College