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Answering FAQs about the unaccompanied migrant teens being housed in Texas

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3 years ago

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Hundreds of unaccompanied migrant teens are being temporarily housed in Dallas and Midland, Texas. Here’s a breakdown of everything we know so far.

DALLAS — The U.S. government has begun housing hundreds of unaccompanied migrant children in Texas. Federal officials said there has been a surge of people crossing the border this year and the U.S. government is quickly running out of space to hold them.

Two-hundred migrant teens arrived on busses Wednesday night at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. Officials said up to 3,000 teen migrants to be housed at the facility while they await their immigration cases to be heard.

Many of them are from El Salvador and Guatemala, according to Dallas Area Interfaith. Below is everything a breakdown of everything we know so far:

How old are the minors?

Up to 3,000 total minors will be brought to Dallas with around 2,300 of them being teenage boys between 15 to 17 years old.

Why are the unaccompanied children being transported to North Texas?

Federal officials said there has been a huge surge of people crossing the border this year and the U.S. government is quickly running out of space to hold them.

The convention center has been leased for 75 days and the goal of the facility is rapid reunification with their families.

Advocates said the teens are fleeing violence and threats against their families in their home countries. But Gov. Greg Abbott said the Biden Administration’s friendlier border policies have also contributed to the surge.

Abbott said since the teens are being housed in North Texas, he wants the administration to give DPS troopers access to interview the children about their journey here and the adults who brought them.




 

Are there other migrant housing facilities in Texas?

As many as 700 unaccompanied migrant children will stay at a housing facility in Midland County, where they will remain for the next few weeks.

According to an update from Midland Mayor Patrick Payton, 485 teens have already arrived as of Wednesday evening.

The U.S. federal government is also considering an additional housing site at the old Dick’s Sporting Goods store in Irving.

Sources tell WFAA, a developer in California owns the property and said it’s been offered to DHS as another housing site. If that plan is approved, FEMA could put up to 450 more migrant children there.

What COVID-19 protocols are being followed?

Texas Health and Human Services stated Tuesday that there will be a COVID-19 health screening protocol for all children which will follow CDC guidelines.

According to officials, these services will be provided by the American Red Cross, contractors, and federal staff.

Federal officials said they are increasing capacity at its permanent/licensed network by implementing COVID-19 guidance. Those who test positive will be placed in a hotel.

How you can help the migrant teens

People who would like to help the migrant teens being housed at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Center can volunteer with Catholic Charities Dallas or donate to the Red Cross.

Catholic Charities President and CEO Dave Woodyard said Spanish-speaking volunteers are needed but there are some already prepared to help the minors.

If you want to help, you can sign up to be a volunteer. The Catholic Charities Dallas does run multiple checks, including background checks, on volunteers.

The Red Cross is also providing supplies to the minors, including cots, blankets, hygiene items, masks, hand sanitizer.

The nonprofit said it has provided phones to organizations, which migrants can use to reconnect with family members back home to let them know they’re safe.

How does the unaccompanied children program work?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services answered some questions it said it has received about unaccompanied children coming into the country. Its full list of FAQs was most recently updated on Wednesday, March 17.

HHS said it’s legally required to provide care for all unaccompanied children until they are released to a suitable sponsor or almost always a parent or close relative, while they await immigration proceedings.

Below are some answers to FAQs posted on the HHS website:

Is there a system for keeping parents and children connected if they are separated for immigration proceedings?

A. Yes. When adults and minors are apprehended by immigration authorities, their information is entered into government databases by which their cases can be tracked.

What are the procedures for children separated from their parents to communicate with each other?

A. Within 24 hours of arrival, minors are given the opportunity to communicate with a verified parent, guardian, or relative living in or outside the United States. Every effort is made to ensure minors can communicate (via telephone or video) at least twice per week. This communication is paid for by HHS.

How can parents get in touch with their children?

A. Parents or guardians attempting to determine if their child is in HHS care should contact the ORR National Call Center at 1-800-203-7001, or via email at information@ORRNCC.com. Personal information will be collected and sent to the HHS-funded facility where the minor is located.

Do children have access to lawyers?

A: Yes. HHS fulfills all requirements of the Flores settlement agreement and informs all minors of their rights by providing a Legal Resources Guide, Know Your Rights presentations, and HHS-funded legal services.

How can very young children or children who are unable to verbally communicate be reunified with their parents?

A: The Office of Refugee Resettlement said it has procedures and systems for identifying the parents of young children and children who are unable to verbally communicate.

Are children who arrived as unaccompanied ever enrolled in local schools?

A: These children do not attend local schools while in ORR care. HHS said the children spend 57 days on average at the shelters and do not integrate into the local community while in HHS custody. They remain under staff supervision at all times.

When an unaccompanied child is released to an appropriate sponsor, while awaiting immigration proceedings, they have a right to enroll in local schools regardless of their or their sponsors’ actual or perceived immigration or citizenship status. More information about local educational agencies and unaccompanied children can be found online. 

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  • MCALLEN, TX - JUNE 12: A two-year-old Honduran asylum seeker cries as her mother is searched and detained near the U.S.-Mexico border on June 12, 2018 in McAllen, Texas. The asylum seekers had rafted across the Rio Grande from Mexico and were detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents before being sent to a processing center for possible separation. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is executing the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" policy towards undocumented immigrants. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions also said that domestic and gang violence in immigrants' country of origin would no longer qualify them for political asylum status. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

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Houston

Houston’s Mayor Admits His City Is Broke, Even Firefighters Aren’t Being Paid

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2 weeks ago

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April 16, 2024

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The Democratic mayor of Houston recently admitted that his city is suffering from a large deficit because of overspending done by previous administrations. To address the $160 million shortfall, the mayor has proposed 5% spending cuts to all non-essential city services while maintaining funding for police and fire departments.

During a recent City Council meeting, Mayor John Whitmire openly acknowledged the severe financial situation, stating, “I think we can all agree on that, we are broke.”

This admission highlights the severity of Houston’s budget deficit, showing the urgent need to take decisive action and address the city’s financial struggles.

The city of Houston is struggling with the serious budget deficit, the new Democratic Mayor underscores the seriousness of this concern. The reality of the seriousness of Houston’s financial challenges has ignited discussions regarding potential solutions and the broader implications for the city’s fiscal health. Mayor Sylvester Turner, the previous mayor, had established that he was leaving the city with a $420 million budget surplus.

Despite this, subsequent assessments have shown that Houston is faced with a $160 million deficit due to sustained overspending. Chris Hollins, the city’s Comptroller, gave insight on the ongoing financial challenges,

Saying that Houston is spending between $150 million to $200 million more annually than  it is generating in revenue. Mayor John Whitmire said, “It was broken when I got here.” He has also alluded that there may be a possible tax increase and fees to help make up the budget gap. Whitmire recently promised to give “$650 million for seven years of back pay,” to Houston firefighters.

He said, “I don’t like a 5 percent cut now, but you have to make tough decisions and the folks put me in this position to make tough decisions, and I’m going to do my job.”

Whitmire said, “I’m not going to play games with people’s lives,”  “I’m not going to play politics with people’s lives. So we have a responsibility to settle with the firefighters and protect Houstonians.”

Councilman Willie Davis said, “This is going to come down to a financial sacrifice by the city. Now we can either be $1.2 billion broke, or we can be $650 million broke.”

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Education

11 Communication Students Awarded Scholarships at TSU’s Commweek

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2 weeks ago

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April 16, 2024

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Each student received $1,000 through the SOC scholarship initiative.

Scholarships alleviate financial stress and contribute to academic success, diversity, and equitable access to education. They are a valuable resource for college students, opening doors that might otherwise remain closed due to financial barriers. The 2024 Commweek – the 42nd Intercultural and Communication Conference of the School of Communication (SOC) at Texas Southern University ended Friday, April 12 with a cheerful outcome. 11 communication students walked away with a fat check as beneficiaries of the SOC Commweek Scholarship initiative.

The recipients of the 2024 Commweek scholarships are Christopher Jarmon, Rachel Frank, Benjamin Clark, Racheal Lewis, Briannah Dilworth, Courtney Roberts, Precious Johnson, Douglas Gordon, Briana Williams, Zoria Goodley, and Erin Slaughter. Each student received $1,000 from the SOC scholarship initiative, aimed at helping students overcome financial obstacles while pursuing their academic goals. The funds can be used to cover tuition, textbooks, other educational expenses, and living costs like housing, transportation, and food.

Dr. Chris Ulasi, the Interim Dean of the School of Communication, explained that the scholarship funds were made possible through grants and donations from corporate and local businesses. These contributions were specifically designated for talented and economically disadvantaged students within the School of Communication. “Many of these students rely on financial aid to support their education. Therefore, we prioritized collaborating with private and corporate partners to support this initiative,” Dr. Ulasi stated.

Themed “Amplifying Diverse Voices in Media and Communication,” Commweek kicked off on April 8 and concluded with an Awards Gala on Friday, April 12, 2024, where scholarships were presented. Throughout the week, scholars, students, professionals, and civic leaders engaged in discussions on topics with cultural, political, economic, and social significance, as well as communication dynamics.

The School of Communication (SOC) at Texas Southern University is a dynamic academic institution that fosters interdisciplinary learning. With four departments and two graduate programs – Communication Studies, Entertainment Recording Industry Management (ERIM), Journalism, and Radio, Television, and Film (RTF), along with a Master of Arts (MA) in Communication and Master of Arts (M.A.) in Professional Communication and Digital Media (PCDM) – SOC has been a leader in training culturally responsive professionals and scholars for nearly five decades. Graduates are equipped to navigate diverse urban and international environments with inclusivity and a deep understanding of historical context.

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Education

TSU Announces 2024 Annual Communication Week

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1 month ago

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March 25, 2024

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TEXAS INTERNATIONAL GUARDIAN, HOUSTON, TX – The representation of diverse racial and ethnic groups, as well as sexual and gender identities in the media, is critically important because it accurately shapes decency, fairness, and unity in the community. When media lacks or portrays insensitive representations, it can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and discrimination, further marginalizing these identities.

The School of Communication (SOC) at the Texas Southern University (TSU) has announced its 2024 Commweek, signifying the 42nd Intercultural and Communication Conference. Themed “Amplifying Diverse Voices in Media and Communication”, the conference will be held April 8 – 12, 2024, and will culminate with an Awards Gala on Friday, April 12, 2024, at the University’s Tiger Room.

Ensuring a diversity of voices in the media requires holistic monitoring systems and the wider application of target-based measures for both public and private media. Amplifying diverse perspectives can instigate a richer and more inclusive media landscape that benefits the entire populace. The Intercultural Communication Conference provides a forum for scholars, students, professionals, and civic-minded leaders to explore topics with cultural, political, economic, and social implications as well as communication dynamics. But the theme is necessary and also, it is coming at the right time.

The challenges posed by a lack of diverse voices in media and communication can be seen across social, political, economic, and cultural spheres of influence. These issues can influence the views represented in news coverage and dissemination. Indeed, the diversity of perspectives is key to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

According to Dr. Chris Ulasi, the Interim Dean of the School of Communication, “The 2024 event will be special because we are equally raising scholarship funds for gifted and economically disadvantaged students in the School of Communication.  Traditionally, a majority of our students rely on some form of financial assistance to fund their education. This is why I am using this opportunity to appeal to individuals, corporations, and community organizations to support this cause.”

According to a release made available to our newsroom, proceeds from this event will,

  • Help SOC students break down financial barriers while pursuing their academic prospects.
  • Help SOC students cover the cost of tuition, textbooks, and other educational expenses.
  • Help SOC students supplement the cost-of-living expenses such as housing, transportation, and food.
  • Create retention possibilities for students who might drop out for financial reasons.
  • Act as incentives and encouragement to students in general.
  • This financial sponsorship will be a catalyst for expanding SOC’s ongoing professional relationship with corporate businesses, community organizations, and individual sponsors.

Dr. Anthony Ogbo, co-chaired by Professor Ladonia Randle, and Ms. Michele Jones, is joined by a team of very engaging and supportive members who meet regularly to finalize the machinery for a successful event.  According to Dr. Ogbo, “The 2024 Commweek is expected to draw a line-up of dignitaries from the business, academic, and government sectors. For instance, the City of Houston’s Vice Mayor Pro-Tem, Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum will lead the conference opening ceremony on Monday, April 8. Also, Dr. Kathleen McElroy, renowned Journalist and Professor at the School of Journalism and Media at The University of Texas at Austin will lead the opening session of the intercultural conference on Thursday, April 10.”

The School of Communication (SOC) at Texas Southern University is a transformational, interdisciplinary academic school with four departments and two graduate programs: Communication Studies; Entertainment Recording Industry Management (ERIM); Journalism; Radio, Television, and Film (RTF); and Master of Arts (MA) in Communication and Master of Arts (M.A.) in Professional Communication and Digital Media (PCDM). For 48 years, the school has been at the forefront of training culturally responsive professionals and scholars who can navigate urban and international settings with a deep sense of inclusivity and an understanding of historical legacy.

Texas Southern University possesses an impressive array of more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs and concentrations, a diverse faculty, 80-plus student organizations, and an extensive alumni network comprised of educators, entrepreneurs, public servants, lawyers, pilots, artists, and more, many of whom are change agents on the local, national and international stage. Nestled upon a sprawling 150-acre campus, Texas Southern University is one of the nation’s largest historically black universities.

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