Interesting how the reader's picks are mostly in an anti-illegal immigrant vein, even when children are involved. No judgement here, just an observation on the possible outcomes of the upcoming election cycle. This and comment sections on other immigration related articles leads me to believe that a Blue-Wave slam dunk is not as probable as some would like to think. Interesting times. Pun intended.
12
Five to six hours of instruction per day amounts to learning English? Anything else it might be important for them to learn? Math perhaps? Or are they to be sent back to their country with good English under their belt?
4
While you liberal elitists dicker on how good shooling should be for the economic migrants invading our country consider the inner city schools that exist in Detroit, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., do you think anyone is thinking about those kids ?
I appreciate the fact that these are just kids, however, their parents chose to break laws to get here. I would rather spend my tax dollars aiding and assisting young kids that were and are here legally, the children of our fellow citizens, not the poor of the world, I owe them no allegiance.
24
What is being described is very similar to a general assessment of our public school systems across the US, some schools are better than others.
7
So these shelters were run under Obama, right? Doing the same things, i.e., the same spotty education? Why no media attention then? Serious question.
17
I think we need to focus our attention on the variable quality of education received by our American children.
14
These are children. They have exactly the same needs as any child born in the U.S.. Failing to provide them with a decent education will have exactly the same catastrophic life-long impact on them that it would on my child, or yours. Even in the very worst U.S. public schools, no child is stuck with a curriculum that simply cycles through the same material every two weeks. Even in the very worst U.S. public schools, 11-year-olds are stuck not in the same classroom as 2-year-olds. Even in the very worst U.S. public schools, hearing-impaired children are provided accommodations so that they also have an opportunity learn.
Children should never be the victims of adult arguments. It's true that we can't provide all things to all people. But we certainly can -- and must -- do better than what is described in this article.
7
Until seeing the comments from my fellow citizens here, I truly had not realized how shrunken and wizened our national heart had become. All I can ask them is what they used to ask themselves: "What would Jesus do?" When he said "suffer the little children" he did not mean it this way.
11
Every detail of detention of immigrant children is disturbing, but this report adds another awful and likely illegal detail.The children at the Shiloh Center in Manvel,Texas are administered drugs for depression and aggression.Parental consent is needed for medications.Who gave these people the right to drug children?Someone has to look into this.The children are being traumatized by a separation they do not understand and are then kept in centers where adults can administer drugs.This cannot be-not now and not in this country.
7
How would you.expect it to be? It is the point of educating potential newcomers to discuss patriotism. Assimilation is a positive goal. And geography is a very popular subject when you are teaching people from other countries. It is visual and kids and adults feel they have something to contribute.
I worked in refugee settlement. This constant, angry, negative drumbeat of accusation and outrage is insane.
13
What worries me the most is that this is exactly the kind of fertile ground for predatory behavior.
2
A special education approach focusing on the children as individuals would help.
2
This is merely a repeat of Trump's immigration ban - Remember ? He announces it with great fanfare, does his sickening little act, and suddenly all these people en route are stopped from entering the country ... NO one figured out how to implement it for weeks, and of course Trump and his 'staff' are too busy posturing, so it's chaos .... What happened at the border is the same; he makes an announcement but nobody really cares about doing it right or with minimal abuse; most of Trump's appointees seem only interested at hanging on, collecting their fat salaries at taxpayer's expense ... Do they work 'overtime' Do they they try to figure it out? Do they care ? ...
5
"Daniela Marisol, a 16-year-old migrant from Honduras, has been held at a series of shelters since August. She has not been able to fully participate in classes because she is partly deaf and has not received hearing aids."
I assume she arrived here, uninvited, without hearing aids, probably never having had any, and now it is the US's fault that she has not "received" them? Bring on the lawsuit!
This is probably the best school most of these kids have ever been in. But whiners need something to whine about.
21
What? No room in the private schools? Outrageous.
7
“some of the teachers do not communicate effectively in Spanish”: one of the great boondoogles of the last 50 years is bilingual education. Has anyone noticed this is just for Spanish speaking folks? Immersion is the best way to learn a second language. Has anyone noticed that immersion in English works for so many legal Cantonese, mandarin, urdu, hindi, arabic speaking people? Not to mention spanish itself is the language of violent conquistadores.....
9
"Elsewhere, the walls were emblazoned with images and quotations in Spanish and English from American presidents, from Lincoln to Trump."
Quotations from Trump?
Like when he referred to immigrants as criminals and rapists?
Or when he refereed to immigrant countries as shitholes?
Obsurd!
5
Demoralizing are the comments supporting any of the depraved administration’s policies on immigration. Just ignore the fact that there are parents incarcerated that presented at a port of entry in order to seek asylum through proper channels only to have their children ripped away from them who are now being held only god knows where. Attempting to provide an education for these children is absolutely the very least they should do.
18
Oh, my, they’re being taught English. How dreadful that they’re learning the language of the country that their parents brought them to illegally.
42
What an inappropriate comment. No one is complaining that they are learning English or any other subject for that matter. The article is focusing on the learning conditions and the limitations for both students and parents.
4
Even if a child is an "illegal", they're still children. I think it's human nature to care about children even if they belong to other people, and come from other nations. Surely we must not lose that connection to our humanity, and allow children to becomes mere and literal pawns in our adult political wars. I think what America is doing is right, educating and caring for these children. Would you really want to live in a nation where they wouldn't?
17
Replying to Una Rose:
Did you read the article? Kids are being doped up with psychotropic drugs. You think this constitutes doing what is right??
7
Can't overlook the irony of civics being a required course. Who fashions, informs, or inspires this civics curriculum? The racist, misogynist, dictator fawning president cipher? Republican congress? Secretary of education, Ms. DeVos? Such moral and intellectual authority they have. Teaching civics to those youngsters they've incarcerated. The horror.
29
Please. Civics is a normal and important part of any American education.
5
It probably would be political suicide for the feds to maintain top-rated educational facilities for children of detained illegals when so many schools in our more disadvant6aged communities would dismally fail to earn such a rating.
And consider: those who would be MOST offended by such an action would be the American who LIVE in those communities, and they tend to be overwhelming Democratic, when they vote at all.
23
It sounds like immigration is trying it's best to adequately deal with the children's needs. It can't be easy. I think it's wrong to look at the immigration system as being abusive. These children being forced to migrate, alone or with their families, their home nation's refusal to deal with its poverty and crime are the real problem. These kids are safe and being well cared for. They're going to be reunited with their parents. The situation is still stressful, but it's fine, and really not the fault of US immigration.
34
You wouldnt say it is fine if you had ever been a child at the mercy of an adult system. Even one night of uncertainty away from parents with total strangers can have a life long detrimental effect on children that they will still feel 50 years from now.
26
Most of these kids were not separated from their parents by the US government. They were separated by their parents and pointed north. They arrived alone. Some, were separated by the government.
Its a huge and difficult task to house, feed, care-for and educate these kids. Kudos to the teachers and administrators who take these jobs.
4
None of the children described in the article were forcibly removed from their parents. Ms. Baez noted that all of the children she taught had crossed as unaccompanied minors, so there family sent them across country on their own.
5
An Orwellian Nightmare of Epic Proportions
Working in Education for the past twenty years, I have worked at every level of Public Education, Pre-K through high school. Public Education has its flaws, and the only thing, that is positive about the Trump Administration, is it’s reprieve on “No Child Left Behind”.
However, the recent Human Rights violations by the Trump Administration, have put the idea of educating children squarely on the back burner. With 40% of American children, living in poverty, while others live in horrible conditions and threat of deportation, learning is the least of these children’s worries.
Reading this article, simply cements the fact that Trump and his evil minions, are nothing more, than uneducated and inhumane, bafoons.
For the American voter, this should serve as one more deplorable act, by a regime, that simply caters more to industry than the American taxpayer. As an American, I am truly ashamed of my government, that once stood for freedom and equality, which has now been reduced to a third rate power, with no direction home.
If this isn’t an Orwellian nightmare, I don’t know what is.
32
Robert, here’s a real ‘nightmare’ for you. This country becomes a third world country because of illegal immigration.
32
Olivia: This country already *is* a third world nation compared to other developed nation. And that's the fault of right-wing politicians who demand that we 99%ers give up everything of value to the 1%.
We've given up any notion of clean water, clean air, clean earth to corporations that value profits over the environment. We've given up on our dream of a free and equal public education, access to healthcare, retirement without penury, and any social safety net at all.
We've given up demanding that our President and his cohort refrain from lawbreaking; even treason seems acceptable now, at least to Trump voters.
Don't. Blame. Illegal immigrants.
2
I'm surprised how a Walmart can house and educate 1,500 boys from the age of 10 to 17 with the kids being conformable. These kids where most likely separated from their families, and now they have to live in this crowded place. How would these kids be able to have a life, and have fun in a place so crowded. Also, because of the wide range of age it should be hard to teach, and keep every age group of kids interested in learning. I personally feel really bad for the kids that have to stay in these places for longer than 2 weeks, because they will just be getting taught the same thing over and over again.
8
Alexa, their lives here are better than their lives where they came from. If they disagree, they are free to go home which would be best for Americans.
30
I am ashamed of your comment, ashamed that my ancestors fought for this nation...and now bigots are in charge.
Oh, for God's sake. Their criminal parents waltz across the border and we are expected to give their children an ideal Spanish-language education under impossible circumstances, while America kids go to schools with leaky ceilings and used textbooks?
Either this country has gone completely insane, or the New York Times has.
56
And don't forget all of the free medical care. Something most Americans don't even have.
24
Why do any American schools have leaky roofs and out of date text books? In Ontario tax dollars are distributed evenly to all schools and has eliminated the phenomena of some neighbourhoods have great schools while others have poor schools. It is an applauded system whereby children from all financial backgrounds get a chance at the same education. Individual households can provide more enrichment but the basic building blocks are available to all. Why is the USA so opposed to sharing resources?
11
Agnate, good question. The problem is local financing of the schools. Someone just challenged that in federal court, argued that the Chicago schools were unconstitutionally bad -- there was an article here about that a few days ago -- but a federal judged ruled that while conditions were awful. there is no constitutional guarantee of a good education.
As to why we don't do what Canada did, I think it's probably a combination of our very federal system -- most countries finance education at the national level -- and selfishness -- people in good school districts don't want to subsidize education for the poor, particularly poor people who have immigrated here, many illegal aliens. Bilingual and special education drains the coffers of school systems in areas with large immigrant populations and leaves little money for regular instruction.
If it were up to me, we'd spend the same on every American child, and at the same time crack down on illegal immigration so that we're spending money on the children of people who are actually citizens of our own country (sigh). But no, we ignore the children of poor American parents in Chicago and worry about the children of border-crossing criminals . . . sheesh.
3
Having read most of the comments I have come to the conclusion that the writers, and "recommenders" , including myself, have little or no knowledge of what is going on in the detention facilities. I fear that is exactly what the Administration wants.
Journalists and Congress, please fulfill your responsibilities!
24
And once again our teachers are the unsung heroes, making the best of a chaotic and unjust state of affairs. I must admit that it is somewhat of a relief to read of these efforts at these shelters. At least for five or six hours a day these innocent and desperate refugees are recipients of respect and some form of compassion and care.
But any teacher - and decent human being - would be among the many to argue that such a situation does not replace a mother or a father. And no matter if these young children unlikely stay in the US or are returned by force to their, for the most part, oppressive countries of birth, the psychological scars will last a life-time. Bless those who help these young victims from outside our borders. However, let us not lose sight of the ruthlessness and cruelty of this administration.
21
I'm having serious difficulties with this article, and the previous two supposedly exposing the scandalous money grab by the organizations which house and find foster care for unaccompanied minors. Those two articles painted all organizations housing anyone crossing the border at any point in time by bait and switching to talking about for profit prisons. This article finds ORR contracted places with people who are proud of the job they're doing and goes into the in-depth about an ICE run facility. One of the authors of this article previously reported on people moving through Mexico towards the U.S. border and described them as "immigrants".
Precision and detail is what the American public needs right now, this is a very complicated subject with interlocking very complicated processes. Attempting to find fault where there isn't, especially by confusing differently run organizations contracted by different agencies and running an underlying theme of scandal is just as propagandistic as the xenophobic sloganeering by the President and his staff.
20
Is it just me, or would it be nice for the inner-city schools to have focused on them the same amount of energy? We have federal laws on education, and many of our schools don't meet them.
34
Education, or indoctrination of our "prisoners of war"? Teachers may have good intentions for the children, but returning them to their families would be so much better for them.
7
Nanc, to whom would you like to return the kids that arrived alone to? Bulk shipments to South America? Just kick'em off the jet?
Drop them at the fence and point south?
The separated ones, sure. yes. Reunite those families. But for most, they need housing, medical care, food, clothes, education.
There is no reason to believe the Government is doing a bad job here. These kids will not just be spread out to loving foster families in quiet suburbs. Its just not possible. But, they are away from danger, being educated, and learning how to fit in. Yup, mom and dad met their objective when the pointed the kid north and alone. But at a huge cost.
6
Trump asked Congress for immigration reform. The Republicans hold the majority in the House and Senate, yet just as with Obamacare reform and replace, nothing happened. When the Republicans are in power they do nothing. They could legislate law but they are too busy carrying water for their lobbyists and wealthy donors or raising donations.
10
The lessons learned about the stark cruelty of this country and its leaders and a shockingly large segment of its population are lessons probably that will never be forgotten.
19
"Federal law requires that all children on American soil receive a free public education, regardless of their immigration status. "
Well, that's the problem right there. Our tax dollars have no business being used to educate foreign children unless they are legal residents.
29
If they were legal residents, they wouldn't be foreign. Or wait, maybe in the US they still would be. Hmmm
2
Ehhhhh.... Not educating these kids will produce a future with an uneducated class. Everyone needs an education, and a good one. Most of these kids will get through the system at some point with green cards and eventually passports. And, they will become Americans.
However, no issue here providing an American curriculum. Just like in any American school.
1
Nothing about these detention centers for children should be secretive. It should all be, at the very least, transparent.
20
"Students are bored and disengaged." Certainly that never happens in any of our public schools.
28
Comfortable with a level of CRUELTY that most of us are not.
Consider that when you VOTE.
There are parents counting on you.
8
How come there are no calls for those children separated during the Obama years to be reunited? They were separated then. Fanned out across the country. How come there are no Federal judges ruling that those children need to be reunited?
18
Your claim that children were separated from their parents during President Obama’s tenure is false. Many news sources have reported on this, and they are easily verified.
https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/immigration-border-crisis/fact-check-d...
17
To the commenters complaining about this column: Did you read the part where it states federal law requires all children in America, regardless of immigration status, are required to have some form of public education?
With the issues currently, it makes sense for the NY Times to write about this aspect.
As for ideas about who these children are, several years ago, I took a class on immigration in America. I was interested as a former refugee myself. What most people don't know are that immigrants, legal or illegal, are a selected population within a country itself: they're usually more diligent, more resourceful, and more savvy than the average person from any country. If they weren't, they would not even try to move.
This is why you should not presume that they are automatically uneducated or stupid: that janitor or taxi cab driver might have been a doctor or lawyer in their former country. Hence, I am not surprised that the teachers quoted at the end mention how eager these kid are to learn.
19
Federal law also says people may not enter this country without a proper visa. And by the way, people who built this country and those who currently keep it a dynamic and creative country are not illegal immigrants. They have been here for generations and they too work hard, at least as hard as illegal immigrants. And they support a generous immigration policy and laws, but not illegal immigration.
If willingness to work hard is the criterion for immigration, there are about 3 billion who qualify. USA is very generous in providing education to children brought here illegally by their parents. Our immigration laws have basically restricted ICE to “catch and release” if you bring children with you. Those “diligent“ Illegal immigrants are exploiting this situation. And they never show up at the court as they are required to by law. As an immigrant (I presume legal), the least you could do is support the laws of this country that govern our borders.
32
The US is educating over 2000 migrant children that arrived en masse and they were not prepared for this tremendous influx. Our country is doing the best it can under difficult circumstances. Some of them have probably received a minimum amount of education in their home countries and others may not have received any at all. The education that they are receiving here is far superior to anything they would be getting at home. They should feel lucky they are getting any and should be very thankful and not critical of our generosity.
23
Another article says many Americans have decided to delay having children, to have fewer children, or to not have children for economic reasons. Our country does not have the money to provide early childhood education, a high quality K - 12 education, or a free college education for our own citizens, yet it is expected to provide for every migrant who manages to cross our borders.
Rather than spending so much on the rest of the world, it is time we focused our limited resources on our own citizens.
51
Why pick on these kids? Are they denying our own kids the money needed for a good education, or are GOP lawmakers and voters cutting those funds? This is an obvious attempt to deflect the conversation. It must be getting uncomfortable.
9
The United States absolutely has the money to "provide early childhood education, a high quality K - 12 education, or a free college education for our own citizens".
The United States because of its history and institutions has chosen not to. I'm not saying this is good (so that people are self reliant) or bad (because everyone deserves a shot). I am saying it is a fact.
So, we can kick out all the immigrants. Tomorrow. And you still need a 529.
2
deep down inside every democrat—I am one- is deep discomfort seeing impoverished undocumented immigrants living here with multiple kids. 3; r or more. we liberals will keep losing if we do not show some resistance to the full open border folks among our ranks.
10
I'm glad to see that free public education is seen as a right that applies to all children regardless of immigration status and in that in this sense, it is considered a human right, not a citizen's right. Hopefully, health services are too, as well as safety, and decent, if simple, food and accommodations (in a rich first world country).
The quality of these rights--specifically education, the subject of this article--is a separate matter. But hopefully there are conscientious teachers making their best effort to educate and keep their bewildered students on task. It is unfair to expect them to keep the kids engaged as well, however. It is often difficult to do so even in the best schools these days... much less in the anxiety ridden state in which these kids must find themselves. At least they are keeping them occupied 5 to 6 hours a day; it is up to the kids to make the best out of their classes and visits to museums (a commendable activity). Hopefully they will also given the opportunity to play and practice some sport (soccer, basketball, volley ball) in their off time (sound bodies, sound minds). That should also be a right.
11
Healthcare is not a human right in the US. Its a choice.
2
Does anyone really believe children subjected to such emotional turmoil, fear, loss, loneliness and despair for their families actually have the ability to concentrate, to learn in an academic sense?
They will definitely carry this experience with them to their dying days, but the memories won't be of textbooks, pencils and paper....
32
It keeps them occupied at least even if they are unlikely to learn much. And some of the children may find a welcome respite from constant fear and worry by focusing on learning. The older children may also share their parents’ desire for good schools and may grab the opportunity. Worst possible thing for these poor kids is too much free time on their hands.
5
So cold. Where is the warmth that children need most of all?
With their parents of course.
I still can't believe my country is doing this. And creating obstacles to reunite the children with their relatives.
I cry.
51
These kids may be in 'school,' but many others have been scattered helter-skelter across the country to various child welfare organizations and foster care situations-- some good and some bad, and some eager to save their souls-- with few records and little follow-up, meaning that some will be lost permanently to their parents. Once 'lost' by Trump's system, these separated children may become a traffickable commodity for those eager to get them into the hands of American white-bread evangelical Christian parents on the theory that they're better off here than with their own parents. If this happens to any appreciable number of kids (though one is too many) the repercussions of this sinful and cynical exploitation will echo through American politics for decades.
29
As Bob Carey (director under Obama of the Office of Refugee Resettlement) says " The right thing to do is to get the kids out quicker." since detention itself could have a detrimental impact on children's academic growth and emotional health. It is hopeful that the teachers in certain shelters run by the public school system in Florida are so dedicated to their students and appreciate their students eagerness to learn.
10
Wow -- free education in a safe gun free environment, free shelter, free medical care and free food
There's alot of legal American citizens in Detroit and LA and the south side of Chicago who would love for the kids to have a setup like that
94
There aren't a lot of American kids who would love to be separated from the parents, and there doesn't appear to be a lot of educating going on. You're diverting to a different issue. But I agree that we need to invest more in our children, and we need effective gun safety laws that ensure their safety. Do you really want to see us invest more in our children?
32
Yes, and no parents to supervise and love them.
Quite a price, particularly for the younger ones!
6
Not if it meant they wouldn't know where their children were or if they'd ever see them again.
Send Trump to school in one of these cages. Teach him the Constitution.
57
And I bet the same thing happens all the time when citizens are criminals and go to jail.
15
No, it doesn’t. Children of people who are arrested are put into the care of CPD who either places them with a family member who can care for them or enters the foster system: not a great solution but they go to regular public schools and attempts are made to place them in a family situation. Isn’t this what we’d want for any child?
4
True, the way prisons are designed in this country is a crime in itself. The inmates are treated like ATMs for the for-profit prisons, which many people are unaware of. Being slammed into a wall or door by a correctional officer is a big thrill as well. We forget that inmates are in prison as punishment, not for it.
One difference here is that the "crime" of asking for asylum is not a crime. It is a human right. Even if someone does not enter by a port of entry, it is only a misdemeanor offense. No one goes to jail or prison for similar things, like traffic stops or parking in a No Parking zone. But you knew that, didn't you?
8
What is the problem. NYC and Los Angeles allow kids to go to failing schools every day, every year. This sounds like is a lot better than other schools. Give me a break. When The staff at nYt cares as much about kids in the city school system and the foster school system, as much as it cares about these kids, then we can have another conversations
64
What we never thought we would see here in America, a Authoritarian government where a dictator rules and personal freedom is lost. There is no law or authority that he will respect or follow. He will defy the courts, he will defy Congress, and he will dictate the form of government we shall have or not have. This man is as dangerous as every sinister and evil dictator in history when he can take the best democracy on the planet and transform it into the most twisted form of governance. Since he doesn't trust the FBI or the Justice Department, who will he use to enforce his decrees and edicts? Will he create a Gestapo or military type of enforcers to police the people and their obedience to him? These folks in this GOP Congress own this. They have allowed this demented man to abuse his office to cause ruin and division. They have failed America miserably. What were they thinking, that it's just him being him and in a few years he'll be gone and everything will be well again. Did the lessons of history not taught them anything, that all will not be well after the damage he will have done? It is clear with every passing day that this man is unfit to hold office. What more do they need to know? For the love of everything you cherish about America, impeach this man and remove him now. The fate of all Americans and our children are in your hands. Do Your Job to protect America now.
26
Well thought out.
What amazes and scares me is the number of "recommends" that think what is going on is OK.
What is the saying...Something like "Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it"
6
Of course the education is variable, and not that effective. Most of our public schools are somewhat the same.
25
"Daniela Marisol, a 16-year-old migrant from Honduras, has been held at a series of shelters since August." What????, Either the facts are misrepresented or the detainee shelters have been in place months longer than reported. 11 months sounds like unlawful imprisonment and multi-million dollar lawsuit.
13
There have been shelters for unaccompanied minors for quite awhile. Those are some of the pre-existing shelters that some of the first “unaccompanied” minors snatched from their parents’ arms were sent to. But the preexisting shelters were intended for older children not under 12 and have neither the room nor the programs and staff to cope with a huge influx of young traumatized children unexpectedly torn from their families and dumped into an unprepared institutionalized system.
5
Leave it to the NYT to find something else to whine about
These are largely Central Americans
The AVERAGE TOTAL length of education in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador is 4 (FOUR!) years .
The odds of any finishing what we call high school? Less than 10%.
Yep - only 3-5 years is the typical educational level in those countries.
Rural peasants are usually 0 to 2 years.
Anything - ANYTHING - they get in the shelters is more than they would get at home
BTW yeah the rest of us really resent getting stuck with the cost of hearing aides for some illegal migrant's kid.
Medicare (federal health insurance for elderly & disabled) does NOT COVER hearing aides ---- but we give them out for free to anyone who can sneak in...... gee why would taxpayers and citizens resent that freebie for law breakers and their criminal parents who sneaked in?
99
Ann, would you agree that it makes sense not to incarcerate all these children? Would it make sense not to separate young children from their parents? I doubt your claim that "anyone who can sneak in" gets a free hearing aid, but no one who supports Trump's policy of interning all refugees can claim to care about costs. It costs $450 a day for each bed in a private prison facility; it costs $25 a day per family to continue the Obama administration policy of case management of refugees, and 99 percent of refugees under that policy showed up for their day in court.
We're not talking about "law breakers." We're talking about refugees who are trying to follow our asylum laws. Our own government is breaking those laws by closing the ports of entry to asylum seekers.
8
If the conditions don't meet the standards of the NYT, why tells us? Tell the parents and coyotes illegally bringing the children over the border.
53
I think the major issue is that they have separated these kids from their parents without doing any kind of wrist bands to match them up with their kids. (Hospitals and clinics do this all the time) I can't imagine a child under the age of 5 being taken away from a parent. That child is tramatized for life due to no fault of their own.
33
The child is not traumatized. People send kids to camp and boarding school all the time. 1000s of English kids were sent Canada during WWII
5
I don't think any of the kids you are conjuring were forcibly separated from parents or kept in detention facilities.
Are these kids, and adults, screened for contagious diseases? The incidence of Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, has increased in the USA because of the migration of so many people where the disease is endemic.
23
Yes, ICE screens all immigrants for contagious diseases. ICE also vaccinates all immigrants against diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, etc. It's part of the intake process. This is probably the most highly vaccinated population in the U.S.
5
Ah, there is money being made in these contracts. Follow the ..
32
We just need to get these children and all the others who come illegally to the USA with or without their families back to their home countries ASAP. The liability to the American taxpayer grows exponentially every day. Oh yes, what about compassion? If that is the standard we use then we will have 2 billion people waiting at our borders.
53
It grows, but not exponentially. Per, child, Day 2 costs the same as Day 1. The correct description is “linearly”.
The monetary costs aren’t huge, but if you want to control them, not using jails is a good start. Detention costs $900/day; assigning a caseworker in a pilot program — that Trump cancelled — was $36/day, with 99% attending their hearings.
Compassion is not the standard. Compassion is a value that at least some of us want to see reflected on law and policy.
No, we can’t just let everyone in. Of course not.
On the other hand, surely we can make room for Syrian refugees instead of just barring them totally. Particularly since we had a hand in fomenting the war and did very little to stop it.
The violence in Honduras is real, too. We could do more to pacify the country, and provide asylum to those who seek it. The cost, if that’s your concern, is minuscule compared to the tax cut.
Or would you prefer to return them home to certain death? If not certain, how many lives would you sacrifice for the sake of ... whatever you’re trying to achieve?
8
We don't have two billion people waiting at our borders. We have about 25,000 people monthly. Most immigrants in the U.S. illegally arrived on a plane and overstayed their visa. We have more of a contrived immigration and racial scare than a real problem.
These families in internment are seeking asylum. By law they have a right to an asylum hearing, so they can't be deported without due process. I'm more concerned with the policy of separating children from their families than how much it costs to jail them. The Trump administration chose a cruel and expensive policy ($450 per day per bed) to replace a humane and cost-effective policy ($25 per family per day). Anyone concerned about the taxpayer should demand a return to case management for refugees.
7
Let's be equally concerned about the billions of dollars spent on our bloated military which is 7 times greater than that of any other country. Let's be equally concerned about the billions in tax breaks given CEOs who earn millions and more each year. Include billions in welfare subsidies for profitable corporations. If you think keeping children in tents and cages is expensive, you aren't thinking comprehensively. We spent millions to have Melania and Barron stay in NYC and millions on Pruitt's 20 person bodyguard. The kids at the border can't touch the waste of this Administration.
2
Who came up with this idiotic idea? Everything is free in America! Lets use our scarce resources to remove these illegal border crossers as soon as practical. No flights to the home country paid for by taxpayers. Just a bus ride to the border, let them then figure out what to do. It's not our problem, at the end of the day, they tried to play on our good nature, bring the children as a form of hostage, but we need to enforce the law or change it. I noticed none of the liberals introducing open border legislation, because they would be repudiated instantly. The ACLU will coach these illegals with a script of particulars they hope will unlock the legal system. There should be no legal process, once it is proven that we have illegal entrance. Reform the law, it was not intended to be used for mass migration problems.
55
We came up with the idea of public education in the nineteenth century. It's a pretty good idea, IMO.
Trump has convinced his supporters that anyone who doesn't support his policies wants "open borders." Nonsense. We can support strict border enforcement without creating a humanitarian crisis. I want to see these children reunited with their parents, and I'm tired of the cynical self-justification. The only one using these children as hostages is Donald Trump.
If any commenter is genuinely concerned about money, then release these asylum seekers, together with their children, under a case manager, as the Obama administration did. It costs $25 a day (as opposed to $450 a day per bed for the current policy) and 99 percent of refugees show up for their court date. If one can't be compassionate, be pragmatic.
52
I'd like documentation for your assertion that "99% of refugees show up for their court date." This contradicts every other statistic I've seen on what happens when illegal aliens are set loose and told to show up later for court.
Public education is a good idea but only for citizens. Shows Sandra H thinks we are obligated to educate, feed and house any kid who can sneak into the country. Doesn't pass the smell test, especially since they can't stay here. Maybe they can be taught that we are a nation of laws. And therefore, will have to go home.
3
I would imagine that many of these children are attending school for the first time in their lives - and the NYT find a reason to criticize that. These are not children separated from their parents by the feds - in the center for boys mentioned these are children as young 10 and as old as 17 who came across the border unaccompanied. I am not sure what people are expecting - Phillips Exeter? Articles like this and others (thinking of the one where the mother in detention with her children under Obama complained about a lack of snacks) just reinforce the idea that these illegal immigrants are coming across (or sending their children across on their own) for something other than "asylum" or refuge. These are economic migrants and they are looking for something for free from the United States. When we can educate all American children at a reasonable level of quality - then we can worry about the rest of the world.
79
The federal government has agreed that detained children are entitled to a certain standard education, and this administration, with its usual mixture of cruelty and incompetence, is failing to meet even this meager standard.
Thanks to Trump’s dehumanizing rhetoric, there are some Americans who apparently think that anything is good enough for these kids. The major cruelty, of course, is that they were torn away from their parents, but this adds insult to injury - and that shopworn phrase is literally true in this case. These kids, having been injured, are now being insulted by this poor level of care and education. It is a disgrace that stinks to heaven.
Every child in the country - not just citizens or those born here - is entitled to an education. When we start rolling back the rights that people have regardless of their immigration status, how long before our own rights begin to be taken away?
20
In fairness, the same can be said about U.S. schools generally.
36
Why not begin by teaching them [in Spanish] the history and political dynamics of their host countries?
11
What is the purpose of focusing on American geography, history, culture if they plan to kick these children out of America? It's sadistic. And c ruel, And totally expected of this administration, the dross of the world. Sadly it does sound like the poor education of every other American kid in a public school, as the current WH seems determined to make sure that the poor receive the worst educations possible, keeping them far away and outside of the rich golf clubs of the president.
15
Amazing that the party of Christian Family Values is responsible for ripping these families apart. Then you remember Republican Christians’ devotion and respect for families doesn’t extend to families of color.
Only one thing is more important to Republicans than religion and that’s racism.
65
I’m appalled. I demand that all these kids be immediately designated heirs to the throne and be privately tutored in their private royal chambers. This in inhuman as well as unconscionable. America has never been as low as this even during its depths with slavery.
38
Teaching civics, including the architecture of our republic, is a way to inculcate singular American values, like, dare I say it, Exceptionalism. If that were a staple in 3d grade classrooms, and then 7th and 11th grade, our Country would be vastly more aware of how great we really are, and how accepting we are of others! We would become more engaged because We understood it better. Even Congress. Our teaching American values is what makes real Americans anyway, no matter where they come from!
7
Are these children being educated, or indoctrinated?
9
There is no federal law that “requires that all children on American soil receive a free public education, regardless of their immigration status.” In Plyler v. Doe (1982), the Supreme Court ruled that states cannot deny school-age children of illegal aliens the opportunity to attend free public schools that they makes available to all residents. However, the children of illegal aliens have to established residency the same as children of citizens and they still have to enroll. It unclear whether children in Office of Refugees Resettlement centers would qualify as resident. Most says in the centers for less than two months. However, they would qualify to attend state public schools once they established residency. The federal government provides education to children in ORR centers because it’s the right thing to do.
17
Hmm...I really thought the NYTs would do a better job of fact checking first. "Federal law requires that all children on American soil receive a free public education"--this is false. Legal immigrants staying in the US have to pay for their kids to attend public schools in the US. If someone has a visa to come work in the US for two years, or even six months, and decided to bring his/her kid and enroll him/her in the public elementary, middle, or high school--they're asked to pay the cost that the school incurs for having an additional student (this obviously differs drastically depending on the city and state). If you're here illegally, you're welcome to all of our educational services for free. If you're here legally, well then you have to pay. Check with any of your public school systems--they might allow up to one year as a "foreign exchange student" but afterwards, you have to pay if you want to stay. This is why so many Chinese students are coming over but going to private middle and high schools--they have to pay either way, they don't get the free education just because they're on US soil.
46
I think this is a creative reading of federal law by rightwing sources. All children in the U.S., whether citizens, legal immigrants, or undocumented immigrants, have the right to a free public education through the 12th grade. It's the law.
Here's what it says on the U.S. Department of Education website: https://www2.ed.gov/policy/rights/guid/unaccompanied-children.html
4
Put these families back together as soon as possible. The policy of taking these children from their parents is wrong. Get the family together then get kids in school for next semester in
September.
9
I really don't know what is the problem is teaching them in English and teaching them about American culture and heritage. They can get the same education as any other American kid.
18
Perhaps some of them don’t speak a word of English or have learning disabilities.
4
Cry me a river. They get to learn English for free.
As a public school teacher who teaches primarily Spanish speaking families’ kids, it’s not really that complicated. You follow the curriculum, set up a routine for doing so and just plug away at it. Leave trying to polish diamonds in the rough or reinventing the wheel to the PhD s who like to write case studies.
8
People should redirect their anger over the separation of migrant children from ther parents to the federal court system. Previous administrations held accompanied children caught at the border in custody with their parents while sending unaccompanied children to Refugee Resettlement centers as required by the 1993 Flores Settlement. But in 2015, Judge Dolly Gee of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Court of California ruled Flores also applied to accompanied children; they could no longer be held in custody with their parents. Judge Gee’s ruling the reason—the only reason—the Trump administration separated migrant children from their parents and sent them to the ORR centers. Now the U.S. District Court for the Southern District has order separated children to be reunited. The Trump administration plans to place them with their parents in family detention centers.
9
Do not forget that the other reason - and, perhaps more realistically the only reason - that these kids are being separated is that Trump has chosen to arrest and imprison these families, rather than using less restrictive means to keep people in sight until their cases have been heard, in a place where the kids can be cared for by their parents. Oh - and the fact that he decided that being a member of a class that is not provided protection from physical harm by one's government is no longer a basis for asylum.
11
Do not forget that the policy of holding illegal border crossers in custody is a reaction to the catch and release program which caused a dramatic surge in the number of accompanied children apprehended at the border. The number rose from 14,000 to 75,000 a year. It has produced a backlog of 700,000 cases and pushed back hearing dates for several years.
Asylum seekers know they are supposed to apply for asylum at legal ports of entry, which is much easier and much safer than rafting the Rio Grande or trekking across the desert, and they don’t have to pay coyotes thousands of dollars to smuggle them across the border. Those who apply for asylum at the legal ports of entry can wait on the Mexican or Canadian side of the border while their applications are processed, or they and their children can stay in Department of Homeland Security shelters while waiting for their application process. They are not separated from their children. The process takes about three weeks.
Migrants who have little or no case for asylum game the asylum system by crossing the border illegally and applying for asylum if they are caught. This changes what is supposed to be an administrative decision made by Immigration and Border Protection officials at ports of entry into a lengthy judicial process that can last years.
3
William, you're sharing more misinformation. The Trump administration alone is responsible for this policy of separating children from parents--not the federal court system. Flores determined that children could not be held in long-term detention--a reasonable conclusion. The Obama administration very sensibly released families intact into the general population and put them under case management, a very cost-effective and successful policy (99 percent of asylum seekers under this system showed up for their court hearings.)
Trump separated young children from their parents for political reasons: he hopes to use these children as hostages for his wall, and he hopes to fire up ethno-nationalists in his base for the elections.
I have no doubt that Trump intends to put both children and parents in internment camps long-term, but he'll be violating the Flores decision. And most Americans are smart enough to figure out what he's doing.
You also include the false claim that asylum seekers can simply cross legally at ports of entry. Most of us have known for at least two weeks that the Trump administration is blocking legal ports of entry to asylum seekers. It's not an option.
5
How is the cultural indoctrination covered here any different than the brainwashing that the Soviets conducted in their "re-education camps?"
These children are coming to us from one of the oldest, richest, and most advanced civilizations in the Americas. The Mayans had one of the most sophisticated astronomical systems in antiquity, and in some cases these children speak native languages that are already facing linguistic extinction in their home countries.
In some regards, their unique cultural heritage is all that they have left. And now what, we're going to wipe it out with a bunch of forced cultural assimilation and language training? This is outrageous! These classes need to be stopped, now!
Furthermore, new classes should be taught. Classes that celebrate these children's culture and history, and classes in their own language. If there's a shortage of money, just take some from un-appreciative schools in the United States. Perhaps the privilege hoarders at Stuyvesant should have their money reallocated to these schools; I imagine the students in these centers are more grateful and deserving!
8
If they want to learn about their Mayan culture - maybe they can do that in their own country. I am not sure why the US needs to educate illegal immigrants about the great glories of civilization in the countries they left.
27
In many senses, I agree. But at the same time, aren't this kids from families that made an affirmative and desperately pursued effort to join the culture of this country? Admittedly, the approach to teaching that can take many forms, some much more racist, offensive and indoctrinational (sp?)_than others, but the basic concept of teaching about the country that their parents wanted so desperately to join doesn't seem so bad - other than the fact that we plan to throw these kids back to the wolves at the earliest opportunity. (Not saying that everything in their home country constitutes being thrown to the wolves, but as far as US foreign policy is concerned, clearly, as a nation, we don't care whether these kids live or die. I suspect that's part of what they are teaching these kids, whether they mean to or not.)
6
So US taxpayer dollars are supposed to go towards teaching kids about the great place they're desperate to escape from?
23
People hate Trump so much, that even the US government does something half-way decent, people with be critical of it. If the schools were good and the parents were allowed in, people who cry out that they were not being lodged at The Ritz Carlton and given scholarships to Rice University.
35
Um, shouldn't we first worry about the education we're providing to American citizens?
88
They are children - as in little young people whose parents sent them here. They are not responsible for being alive or their whereabouts.
3
Kudos to the teachers who make an effort to teach this ever changing group of unaccompanied minors. Several years ago my community was inundated with more than 50 Central American teens. Unaccompanied, but they had sponsors. The school system got no notice - the kids just showed up. Most had never been to school or at most 1st or 2nd grade; couldn't count to 10. Many spoke a language other than Spanish. A few were from remote areas without a written language. The reality is these young people will never graduate high school. They will work at very low level jobs. The very best teachers cannot bridge the academic gap of a teen who has at most a 1st or 2nd grade education.
35
What's wrong with teaching these illegal migrant kids English? If they are going to stay in America, as every Democrat, liberal and progressive seems to want them to, wouldn't it make sense to learn our common language? Or does the compassionate left want them to speak Spanish only, joining the millions of immigrants in America whose English language proficiency is minimal at best? Don't believe me? Walk into any big box store and interact with an Hispanic worker. You'll soon understand the problem.
75
Strange--I live in California, and I've never encountered that problem. Kids pick up languages pretty quickly.
Bilingual education obviously makes sense for those who don't speak English. From the beginning, you teach the kids ESL (English as a Second Language). It doesn't make sense to begin them with history lessons in English, but it makes sense after about a year of ESL.
4
Thank you; I've been waiting for the hysteria to be challenged. These children, who are not being handed over to potential child traffickers as happened during the Obama Administration (see Frontline, PBS, "Trafficked in America") are probably receiving the first education and medical care of their lives. They will be returned to their parents, better off than they were before.
"Frontline" documented horrible child labor exploitation of unaccompanied male minors from rural Guatemala. How about the New York Times look into what happened to the females in the unaccompanied minor categroy?
85
I believe this comment is saying that the current reason advanced in the conservative mainstream for indefinite family separation is that if children are not detained, indefinitely and away from their parents, President Obama and his deep-state appointees will hand them over to child traffickers.
8
What nonsense. I'm saying that no young child should have been put in this situation by desperate parents and overwhelmed officials, and the reality is that everyone, including their parents, is doing their best in an unsustainable situation. And we need to see that the older unaccompanied children are not exploited, which has been going on for years, under several Administrations, not only Democratic Administrations. I encountered a group of airline stewardesses in one airport who were collecting signatures and money because they were sickened by cases of what they suspected were groups of trafficked children and neither their employers nor local law enforcement were prepared to do anything about it, just let them fly on to somewhere else. If I blame anyone, it's Americans who have been letting this go on for decades, and, as reported in "Trafficking in America", allowing them to be shipped here and exploited by their own people. So let's put a stop to this situation without assigning political blame.
1
Mary, what would you do if there were a vicious gang in your town that had murdered your two oldest teenage sons. You have one other son, a seven-year-old. Would you remain in that town and leave your remaining son to the mercies of the gang? Don't you think matters of life and death are a pretty good reason to seek asylum?
I've never considered the separation and incarceration of children, some under a year of age, to be acceptable, nor do I consider opposition to this practice hysterical.
Surely you can't claim with a straight face that the Trump administration is separating small children from their parents for their own good. Do you really believe that line?
5
what is the point of this article? To rally against Trump? if you're interested in education, why not focus on all of the failing schools in the U.S? If you're concerned about housing, why not focus more on the homeless such as the article on LA in the NYT recently. I was in San Francisco recently-huge homeless problems. A large convention recently said they're not coming back due to the homeless problem
108
@Emmie C, Don't you know it's ALL about the illegals, immigrants, DACAs and refugees? Americans don't matter anymore.
22
Nonsense, Jan. I vote for legislators who work to improve schools, housing, and health care for Americans. Do you?
I find it comforting that Trump supporters have a newfound interest in homelessness and health care. I hope this interest is genuine and will continue beyond the current humanitarian crisis.
What convention was that?
2
Of all the outrageous stories NYT has published about this issue, this one is the worst. U.S. kids are languishing in some of the worst schools in the developed world and these reporters are wringing their hands about illegal immigrant kids. Nevermind that whatever education they are getting now is doubtless magnitudes better than whatever education they got before. Or that they wouldn't be here to receive their "uneven" education if they hadn't arrived illegally.
153
This comment, and so many others like it, illustrate the true problem we have in this country with immigration: many people don't view migrants as human beings who are equal to themselves.
Why should these children get the same quality of education that a citizen in public school would get? Because they are here and they are in our custody. It's that simple.
People grouse about the fact that these children or their parents broke U.S. law, and then use that as a basis to deny them the same level of human decency that we show our own people. Setting aside the basic idea that people who break the law are still human beings with rights, the fact is that the law they broke is a misdemeanor. They didn't rob a store, they didn't kill someone. They crossed a border.
You and anyone who agrees with your comment should ask yourselves what is really in your heart. Is it a commitment to law and order? Or is it a simple grudge against an entire demographic based on where they come from? Being a U.S. citizen is not a prerequisite for being a human who is equal to you.
73
Paul, I don't see hand wringing as much as reporting. The journalists are giving us information about a range of settings. You may not like reading about it, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be written about.
I agree that many children deserve a better education in our public school system. How do I know this? From reading about American public education in newpapers and magazines. If you aren't a teacher or parent in one of the schools it is likely you, too, learned about the problems in American education from the media. There has been a great deal of reporting about public education in America. This news story does not take away from that.
If you are an advocate for underserved students (as a teacher, parent, education writer, public office holder), keep fighting the good fight. If you aren't, then it seems you are using these American students to serve the argument that we shouldn't be concnered with the education of children in our nation's care. Using Americna students this way seems more than a little cynical. Are you really using the poor educational opportunites of one group as an excuse not to seek to understand the challenges face by other group of children?
22
They are not necessarily here illegally . Seeking asylum is not illegal .
Have a heart . These are children
19
Commentators who refer to the Office of Refugee Resettle centers as inhumane are poorly informed. The centers are not detention centers. They exist to give children who cross the border alone somewhere to go until they can be transferred to the care of parents, relatives are other guardians. The alternative would be to abandon them to the streets. For most, the conditions in the centers are far superior to conditions they were accustom to in their home countries. One child described one of the centers to the New York Times as a happy place.Most children spend less than to months in the centers.
Most children spend less than two months in before they are released to parents, relative or guardians. The centers are not detention centers.
53
"The centers are not detention centers."
So, the residents are free to leave whenever they wish?
6
Yes. The staff try to persuade them to stay until they can be placed with parents, family and children, but they can leave. However, nearly all stay. Most of children were sent for by parents, relatives or family friends already residing legally or illegally in the United States. Most children have contact phone numbers they call.
William, since the news media are not allowed into these internment centers, how do you know what the conditions are?
My understanding is that the centers vary significantly in the kind of care they provide. I've heard harrowing testimony from a teenage girl who was eventually freed from one such facility.
I don't believe that older children who cross the border alone are free to leave these centers at will--what's your source for this claim?== but we're also talking about very young children and infants who are involuntarily separated from their parents. It seems to me the best way to resolve this issue is to allow reliable news organizations to investigate.
2
Nearly 6,000 unaccompanied youth were found at our border (that we know of), last month alone. How is ANY of this, (mostly illegal economic migration), to be dealt with?
73
uncertified teachers, bored students, inadequate curriculum;
anyone who has taught in a rural or urban setting in america faces exactly the same issues. that hard-core fact does not alleviate the suffering of these unfortunate kids from other countries. as a former teacher my heart goes out to them. but it should give some insight to the frustration legal, tax-paying citizens endure when nothing of note is done for decades - not just months.
83
Uncertified teachers and inadequate curriculum?! In an Urban setting! Not if you are referring to our Public Schools! Truth be told, it is in the Private schools where teachers do not necessarily have to be certified! And in fact the better private schools usually follow the Public School curriculum!!!
6
This is a disgusting, ongoing Crime Against Humanity. We are all complicit every day these children are not reunited with their families. We did this to enslaved Africans abs a mechanism of torture, control and profit. We did this to First Nation Peoples as a mechanism of cultural genocide. This is very much what this country is all about.
26
More than 90 percent of migrant children in the centers crossed the border alone. Do you think they should be turned into the streets? The centers are not detention centers. They give the children someplace to stay until they can be transferred to parents, relatives or guardians. Conditions are far superior to what most were accustomed to on their home countries.
68
Take a second and read the article again. Don't be dupe for the democratic party's cheap political stunts. The article clearly states that ALL these children came to the US alone--abandoned and trafficked by their parents to the US border to work the "unacccompanied child" scam on the US taxpayer. And "We are all complicit every day these children are not reunited with their families." Their families ABANDONED them. Why don't you do some reading before spouting this empty democratic lies. And you are a voter? Can you read?
80
Fargel, you contradict yourself. On the one hand, you claim that these children came to the U.S. with their parents to work the "unaccompanied child" scam. Then you claim that they didn't come to the U.S. with their parents--that they were abandoned. It's unclear what you think, except that you obviously hate Democrats and think that this humanitarian crisis is all their fault.
Are students housed in shelters affiliated with religious charities also being fed religion with their reading and writing? That’s definitely not okay.
I teach in a public school for students who’ve fallen behind. An inexperienced teacher couldn’t just step in and start teaching multiple levels of (in my case) English, to single sex classes (much more difficult to control than mixed classes) of students who are probably also suffering serious emotional trauma. Charities who’ve been sheltering children for a long time may be doing fine, but I’d be surprised if the WalMart pop-up shelter is providing an adequate academic education.
15
These migrant children are living better than they ever have. Hope they and their parents appreciate it.
104
No, they'll have the ACLU sue the federal gov't for them.
18
These are children. You don't need to hate them. You don't need to be angry with them. They've done nothing to you.
6
Sure, we all dream of living in overcrowded cages with one toilet and no privacy, sleeping on a cement floor with only a mat and a crinkling space "blanket". Being separated from their family is a bonus. One boy reported having to stand for seven hours because there was no place to sit. All of this luxury they have and guards who yell at them and dehumanize them with insults, sort of like Trump as far as that goes. Yes, they are really having a dream come true, in the nightmare category.
6
Obviously, the children, who do not belong in detention, need to have activities to structure their time. (Math is a universal language. Teachers to be effective do not nec. need to be native speakers.) Can people in the outside community apply to work with the immigrant children as unpaid volunteers.
What I really want to know is how long are the children(of what ages) in detention centers. How many have been there more than two months, on year, etc.? After one year what is their citizenship status.? What if their relatives in the USA are undocumented, illegal immigrants, who have not been "caught?" I think of the dreamers many of whom would not really know their native language esp. well. Legally, this is a mess.
7
Most stay about two months before being transferred to parents, relatives are guardian. The centers are not detention centers. The children can leave if ther want. However, nearly all stay until they have someplace to go.
20
Just where is a six or seven year old child going to go if they want to leave? Out on the streets to become worse victims. Where is a teensger going to go? They can leave if they want to. What utter nonsense.
2
Correct. This is why virtually all children stay unto their parents, relatives or family friends pick them up. Most of the children were sent for by family members already residing leally or illegally in the United States. Most of the children have contact numbers. They call and relative, often an aunt or uncle, pick them up.
Maybe some of those Michigan area children receiving inadequate education need to pretend to sneak over the border illegally from Canada then someone might be more concerned about their education quality. And I hope that someone publishes a photo of that Michigan judge who said there is no Constitutional right to literacy so he can be shunned at restaurants or by his peer group who disagree with his opinion.
71
They could be joined by those who are affected by gang violence here as well.
15
"But according to lawyers and educators with firsthand knowledge of the child detention system, the education offered inside the facilities is uneven and, for some children, starkly inadequate."
Not to be without compassion, but what about all the failing and inadequate American public schools in our cities failing our own legal citizens???? They are not going to do any better there!
149
Yet probably better than what they may have been getting in their home country.
48
That is the correct question and how Trump will win again.
11
It's not either/or. We could do both well if we prioritized kids. Instead, we throw money at the military. And the same people who are fine with the treatment of these immigrant kids are also happy with gutting safety-nets and educational systems for US kids, too.
7
I'm surprised how many commenters begrudge these children the benefit of a classroom. We took responsibility for all of these children when we took them away from their parents and/or put them in internment camps. The law requires that all incarcerated children receive an education (btw, this applies to juvenile prisons too). I see a lot of hollow concern about the state of our own schools from many who probably vote for Republican candidates on a regular basis. They're speaking out of resentment of immigrants, not concern for our own.
83
I agree that some of the comments seem mean-spirited towards the foreign children and disingenuous toward our own kids. Migrants aren't destroying our nation, these attitudes are.
6
Amen, as I read the article and now the comments, I am overwhelmed by the tone that is apparent in the statements. American teachers who were on the picket line in the spring were victims of the GOP voodoo economics. States that don't believe in anything but putting a economic stranglehold on their citizens. Remember Brownback in Kansas, a thriving state has become a shell of what it was. Certified teachers striking for a living wage is that not pathetic.
Something is very wrong with this picture and we need to stop blaming and start thinking how we all can have a equal footing in life.
Over July 4 holiday it was GOP senators who went on a junket to Russia for the purpose of doing what? Yet certified teachers in their states are working two and three jobs to make ends meet.
What country are we living in where babies are yanked from their parents and put in detention camps. Children do not stay little for life and a bright classroom doesn't substitute for being with your family.
The GOP is in Russia while this confusion is unfolding on all media outlets
However no one should be surprised we did this type of insanity to the American Indians, slaves, Japanese our justice system where individuals are locked up for decades.
What is on display here is deliberate ignorance and racism. Register to vote, and vote in the midterms. If your shocked stay shocked and make a difference.
5
Hear, hear!
2
There should be only one single goal of the administration and that is to get these children back in the custody of their parents. Parenthood trumps everything else. We can't kidnap children. They have to be returned to their parents without delay. This country has the resources to do that. If they try to delay this they are complicit in kidnap. And I don't care whether the parents think it might be best for their children to be in this country.
49
yes, get them back to their parents. absolutely. and if they were sent here alone —send them back to their parents in their home country, not to someone who claims to be a cousin in chicago. if parents are here, reunite them and get the asylum hearing done ASAP.
9
I agree. But virtually every writer forgets that the majority of the kids were not separated by the government. They arrived alone.
10
Imagine: you are a child who has been yanked apart from your parents in a foreign country, whose language is nothing you know. Strangers are feeding you strange food. Strangers are putting you in a strange bed, in a very unfamiliar place. They put you in a strange place that seems like a school. Nobody understands you. You ache to see your mama, your papa, anyone you know and love. Learn? What? Get these children back with their parents!
79