Politicians Want to “Do Right” by Central American Immigrant Kids

Officials and politicians have long been debating the best approach to illegal immigration and the treatment of undocumented immigrants. The issue has recently gained a new element with an influx of undocumented minors crossing the border into the United States from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.

Over 52,000 minors have been caught attempting to cross the border alone, and thousands more accompanied by an adult.

Jeh Johnson, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, said that the U.S. is not open to illegal immigration, but does have an obligation to "do right" by the children. The government deports illegal migrants, but is looking into ways to be more flexible towards children.

Criticism comes from both sides, as the administration is accused of acting too slowly or not taking a strong enough stance to secure the border.

On Monday, the White House stated that most of the children apprehended at the border would be sent home. Possible exceptions apply to minors who are the victims of domestic violence.

The administration prepared to ask Congress for $2 billion in order to address the border crisis. There is some expected opposition, as members of Congress agree that the spending should be offset by cuts from other government programs.

Other requests for Congress will include amending a 2008 law in order to speed up deportations.

President Obama has offered to meet with Texas governor Rick Perry to discuss the issue. Perry declined to greet the president when he arrived in Texas, writing that "A quick handshake on the tarmac will not allow for a thoughtful discussion regarding the humanitarian and national security crises enveloping the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas."

Perry has called for National Guard troops to be sent to the border as a means of combating the surge of immigrants. He criticized the administrations handling of the issue, stating that "they either are inept or don't care."

In the latest move to address the situation, White House officials revealed that Obama would request $3.7 billion from Congress. $1.8 billion would be provided to the Department of Health and Human Services to provide care for the unaccompanied children, and another $1.1 billion is sought for the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency for the removal of adults accompanying the minors.

While the funds from Congress would seem to be a necessary component of addressing the problems created by illegal immigration, Johnson appeared confident that the administration will find means of countering these issues regardless of congressional support, stating "there are a number of things the president and I, within the confines of existing law, can do to fix the broken immigration system. If Congress doesn't act, we will."