Espaillat: City should find ‘creative ways’ to help migrant children
Gloria Pazmino
On the same day President Obama is set to meet with the presidents of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador to discuss the crisis of unaccompanied minors pouring across the Texas border, State Senator Adriano Espaillat called on the federal government to extend temporary protected status to Guatemalan children.
Salvadoran and Honduran nationals already qualify for temporary protected status, which is granted to residents of countries afflicted by natural disasters, ongoing civil war, or violence. The protected status prevents covered persons from being returned to their home country.
At a press conference on the steps of City Hall on Friday, Espaillat said while officials want to deter families and children from making the dangerous trip across the border, those who are already here should be protected.
"This type of status should be given to these children," Espaillat said. "Guatemala, which is currently not in the program, should be included. The program should be amended to include children so they have some type of protection while they determine their future status here in the United States."
http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/city-hall/2014/07/8549683/espaillat-city-should-find-creative-ways-help-migrant-children?top-featured-1
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