A Child Alone and Without Papers
A report on the return and repatriation of undocumented unaccompanied children by the United States
A Child Alone and Without Papers reveals what happens to more than 43,000 undocumented, unaccompanied children removed annually from the United States and repatriated to their home countries. Policy analysis and interviews with adults and children in the system revealed the United States often compromises children’s rights, safety, and well-being, contrary to international law and U.S. child welfare standards.
Full Report
A Child Alone and Without Papers (PDF, 2.2 MB)
Two-Page Report Summary
Press Release
Backgrounders
- History Behind U.S. Policy on Unaccompanied Children
- Apprehension and Custody of Unaccompanied Migrant Children
- Related Federal Code and Legal Precedent
- The Intersection Between State Services and Federal Agencies
- Report Methodology
- Complete Mexico and Honduras Case Studies
- Alternative Models of Return
Appendices
- Appendix A – 2007 INM Data on Unaccompanied Children
- Appendix B - Freedom of Information Act Request Processes and Direct Entreaties to Federal Agencies
- Appendix C- Mexico Interview Format
- Appendix D- Honduras Interview Format
- Appendix E – Honduras Statistical Data
- Appendix F - Local Agreements with Mexico
- Appendix G - Mexico Kids Count Data