Transformation Efforts
Transformation Efforts
As we imagine a new way of providing housing and support to unaccompanied minors and older youth immigrants without detention centers, we must push for true transformation and demand a fully funded, community-based support network.
Fully fund, on an annual basis, the housing and supports, including family-based services, kinship and family reunification services, family and independent housing, legal aid, health care, and comprehensive supportive services necessary to ensure that no unaccompanied immigrant youth (up to age 26) will need to enter an institutionalized setting and can live with family of choice or independently with support. These supports should align with the transformative efforts outlined in the child and family well-being justice pillar, ensuring youth that touched the immigration system have access to the same types of transformed transition supports as youth and their families who experienced the child welfare system.
Fully abolish the use of immigration detention centers for youth and young adults or any type of institutional alternative, divest from ICE, and invest in the supports outlined above.
Make federal, state, local, and private investments in neighborhood and community-based organizations led by immigrant communities, particularly Black, Brown, Indigenous, and LGBTQ folks. These investments must include support to the organizations to accept and operate the funding streams and give the organizations the flexibility to design and implement supports needed by differing immigrant communities.