What Child Is This? How Immigration Courts Respond to Unaccompanied Minors

The author’s opinion states: “As a result of the survey findings, the Immigration Court should consider several steps to improve its handling of cases involving unaccompanied minors: 1) modifying its database to identify and track cases involving juveniles, including unaccompanied minors; 2) actively assisting efforts to develop programs for pro bono legal representation; 3) pursuing one or more pilot programs to identify a possible role for a personal representative or friend of court; and 4) encouraging Immigration Judges to respond flexibly when circumstances suggest the possible need for modified courtroom procedures. Additionally, the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge should solicit advice from those judges around the country with extensive experience handling dockets involving naccompanied minors. It should also consider replicating this survey among other groups – the Immigration and Naturalization Service, pro bono and private attorneys, personal representatives, custodians, and juvenile aliens themselves, seeking their insights on how well the Immigration Court is responding to the challenges presented by these cases.” – Publisher’s description CONTENTS Abstract Part I: Introduction Part II: Review of Literature Part III: Methodology Part IV: Findings Part V: Conclusions Appendices Bibliography