WASHINGTON, D.C. — Responding to the humanitarian challenge of unaccompanied migrant children crossing into the U.S., the Department of Justice and the Corporation for National and Community Service announced this week that they will partner to provide legal assistance to vulnerable children. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, National Latino Evangelical Coalition and National Immigration Forum have been paying close attention to this urgent situation, and leaders from these groups responded to today’s announcement:
“It is vital that these vulnerable children receive help navigating our complex legal system,” said Kevin Appleby, Director of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Office of Migration Policy and Public Affairs.
“They have real protection claims which should be heard. Without legal assistance, the likelihood of them receiving relief goes down dramatically.»
” “As an evangelical, the commitment to defend the most vulnerable is at the core of the Gospel, which transcends partisanship. Helping children transcends political points,” said the Rev. Gabriel Salguero, President of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition.
“Our first priority has to be the safety and well-being of this most vulnerable group of children,” said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum.
“This is a humanitarian crisis, not a political issue. We’re glad to see this response,” pointed out.
