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Page 3 of 19 - AI Writing Submission Submission ID trn:oid:::17268:80252994
Unaccompanied Minors Crossing the Border
Project by
Student Name
National University
San Diego, California
College of Law and Public Service
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Emergency Management Homeland Security
Date
Page 3 of 19 - AI Writing Submission

1 Submission ID trn:oid:::17268:80252994
SENIOR RESEARCH PROJECT APPROVAL FORM

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 4
Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 4
Problem Statement ........................................................................................................................ 5
Purpose and Objectives of the Study ............................................................................................ 6
Rationale ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Definition of Terms ....................................................................................................................... 9
Limitations of the Study .............................................................................................................. 10
Theoretical Framework ............................................................................................................... 11
Research Hypotheses .................................................................................................................. 13
Summary of Remaining Chapters ............................................................................................... 14
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 16

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
Introduction
Unaccompanied minors crossing international borders represent a significant and complex
issue, intertwining aspects of immigration, human rights, and criminal exploitation. In many
cases, the children are propelled on longer journeys as they leave their homes because of
violence. The case is worsened by the fact that the minors cross international borders while they
are unaccompanied by their parents or guidance. Most children try to leave their country, to seek
safety, family reunification and more favourable economic opportunities (Maioli et al., 2021).
Management of unaccompanied minors crossing international borders stands as both a vital
immigration and humanitarian concern. Familyless children who escape persecution violence and
poverty endure hazardous transit after they depart from risky homes. When they arrive at their
destination they must face barriers of the law together with systems which fail to secure their
rights and welfare properly. The struggles unaccompanied minors encounter through U.S. laws
and the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA)
establish their rights will be analyzed here alongside an examination of U.S. Code § 1158
(Asylum) and other legal protection measures alongside current system assessments for
responding to these particular needs. The subject has caught scholarly, policy and humanitarian
organizations’ attention due to the minor’s influence on immigration systems, child protection
frameworks, and international relations. The cases are rampant in families in regions where
political instability, economic hardship, or violence forces them to make dangerous decisions. The
minors often arrive in their destination countries and are immediately detained, and denied access
to social services. They are also denied residency and citizenship. The objective of this paper is to
provide policymakers with a tool that will help to balance national security concerns with

humanitarian obligations by giving insights into how national security concerns ought to be
balanced against humanitarian obligations.
Problem Statement
What is happening with unaccompanied minors crossing borders is an immigration
control issue as well as a humanitarian crisis. It is a multisided problem illustrating the child's
vulnerability to a global migration system (Migliorini et al., 2022). The hardships that drove
these minors off, and away from home and safety, include political conflict, economic
instability, persecution and violence. Although they are often recognized under international law
as needing unique protection and rights, the management of migration does not fully meet their
needs. As a result, it leads to the children being exposed to exploitation, abuse and prolonged
uncertainty. Unaccompanied minors are one of the greatest challenges because there are no
cohesive policies or practices in place which prioritize the rights and well-being of such minors.
International frameworks, like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC),
uphold children's protection, care and support within the framework. However, the
implementation is not always adequate (Uzureau et al., 2022). Many destination countries
embrace policies that tend to privilege border security and immigration control over
humanitarian concerns. In addition, unaccompanied minors are detained, deported or neglected
in overcrowded, under-resourced facilities. Also, these experiences often have dire
psychological consequences and lack of support from extended family aid can only increase that
damage in the absence of a legal status.
Most unaccompanied minors travel through dangerous routes and can meet smugglers or
traffickers before they arrive at their destinations. As such, they may be the victim of violence,
extortion, sexual abuse or death. The challenges do not end when one arrives and survives.

However, many face legal systems that are either unable or unwilling to help them. The right to
education, healthcare and opportunities for integration are also significant issues (Migliorini et
al., 2022). The holes in coordination across international, regional, and national systems
contribute to these problems. Lack of consistency in policies and overlapping responsibilities
among several actors governments, NGOs and international agencies and the lack of
comprehensive support for unaccompanied minors undermines the needed attempts (Cintron &
Nojeim, 2023). In addition, social stigmatization, and general xenophobic attitudes of host
communities might prevent such children from moving on and rebuilding their lives.
Unaccompanied minors' predicament demands more than just an understanding of the root
causes of their migration. This study aims to shed light on these key issues and advocate for the
adoption of policies and practices that respect the rights and dignity of these vulnerable children
on their way through the migration process.
Challenges Faced by Unaccompanied Minors
During migration, unaccompanied minors must confront various substantial threats. The
dangerous paths that the many migrants cross expose them to trafficking and sexual harm along
with extortion and mortal danger. In most cases, the traffickers are aware of their vulnerability
and they take advantage by causing them physical as well as mental harm. Arriving in the
destination countries does not stop the ongoing challenges. Children confined to detention
centres face endangerment from poor facility maintenance, financial shortages and unsafe
conditions (McAuliffe & Mitchel, 2024). Their lack of healthcare, proper education and legal
help continue their emotional trauma while committing barriers to eventual social assimilation.
These problems worsen because different countries and domestic law enforcement groups fail to
use their laws in uniform ways. The practical execution of protection standards established by

the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the U.S. TVPRA suffers
frequent implementation failures. Border security interests in destination nations override basic
humanitarian responsibilities because children without protection receive wrongful detention
and deportation procedures.
Purpose and Objectives of the Study
This study aims to investigate the challenges that unaccompanied minors encounter in
their migration journeys. It also evaluates how the existing systems protect children's rights and
well-being. The research gap focuses on the gaps in legal, social, and institutional frameworks to
help better understand how children's needs can be addressed more comprehensively:
1. The first objective of this study is to analyze the factors affecting unaccompanied minors
during migration across borders.
2. To understand the kind of risk and vulnerability that unaccompanied children face during
and after their migration journeys.
3. To learn whether current international and national policies are adequate in protecting the
rights of unaccompanied minors.
4. To enable the production of actionable recommendations for improving existing
protection mechanisms, and ensuring they meet international human rights standards
compatible with the best interest of the child
Rationale
This study addresses the systemic vulnerabilities that expose unaccompanied minors to
exploitation and harm because of the critical need to address them. This increase in awareness of
the plight of these children does not translate into better protection from human trafficking,

abuse and neglect. In many cases, there have been several approaches to migration management.
However, they are not enough, according to experts. Not only do these failures jeopardize the
immediate safety and well-being of unaccompanied minors, but they also have far-reaching
implications for the future and the stability of society. This is because of the surging number of
migrants globally, and an increasing number of children travelling alone on dangerous journeys
(Uzureau et al., 2022). To this day, political instability, armed conflict, and socio-economic
disparities continue to force families to give up the struggle of sending their children
unaccompanied, in search of safety, or opportunity. However, there is still a lack of harmonized
international responses and weak national frameworks. Ultimately, filling in the systemic gaps in
protection is not just a moral and legal obligation, but an essential requirement for the promotion
of social cohesion, safeguarding the dignity and rights of all children. The process can contribute
to the global discourse on child protection and migration by means of a comprehensive analysis
of the determinants of unaccompanied minor migration. This is through analyzing the failure of
current protection measures in favour of solutions that put the child’s interest at the forefront.
Legal Protections and Gaps
United States law delivers multiple paths for unaccompanied minors seeking asylum.
Survivors of persecution are based on five protected grounds. For example, the nationality can
file for asylum under 8 U.S. Code § 1158. These grounds provide protection based on race,
religion, nationality, political opinion and membership in particular social groups. Once inside
the complex asylum procedure, most minors face access barriers to necessary legal assistance.
Strict criteria enforcement for asylum requests results in the victims being denied legitimate
claims of protection.

Unaccompanied immigrant children gain extra protection through The William
Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) which shields them
from becoming victims of trafficking or abuse. Under the ongoing William Wilberforce
Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA), unaccompanied children must be
sent from DHS control to HHS-specialized shelters within three days to receive appropriate care.
TVPRA guarantees unaccompanied minors will participate in removal proceedings with an
immigration judge who must provide them with the chance to seek asylum while other
protection options become available to them. Numerous protective measures. However, there are
numerous shortcomings (McAuliffe & Mitchel, 2024). The processing timeline exceeds 72
hours because shelters lack enough space. As such, the minor immigrants stay in DHS detention
facilities without sufficient care. A broken system allows immigrant children to be deported
hastily even though TVPRA law requires thorough screening on possible reentry to their home
nations.
Definition of Terms
To ensure clarity and consistency, the following terms are defined as they pertain to this study:
1. Unaccompanied Minor: A child below 18 years of age who migrates into another
country where no parent or legal guardian is present.
2. Human Trafficking: this refers to the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or
receipt of persons by means of the threat, use of force, or another form of coercion,
abduction, fraud, or deception, or of giving or receiving of payments or benefits in
consideration for the exercise of control, to exploit them.

3. Sex Trafficking: A subset of human trafficking for the purposes of commercial sexual
exploitation of individuals.
4. Trafficker: A person or group that seeks to take advantage of, or exploit someone else
through their malice.
5. Protective Measures: Interventions, practices and policies put in place to protect
vulnerable population’s rights and welfare.
6. Asylum: A country’s reaction to people who are fleeing persecution or peril in their own
countries for protection.
7. Vulnerability: Being put at risk, maximally or minimally, of harm or exploitation
resulting from physical, social or systemic factors.
8. Detention Center: A place where migrants, including unaccompanied minors, are
detained, pending legal proceedings, or deportation.
9. Best Interests of the Child: A principle that all decisions pertaining to children be made
in the best interest of their safety, well-being and development.
10. Family Reunification: Reuniting children with their family members in a destination or
in a country
Limitations of the Study
This study is subject to several limitations that may affect the breadth and depth of its
findings. First, the data available on unaccompanied minors has been unreliable for a long time.
For instance, there are large numbers of underreported or misreported cases of migration and
trafficking, which then causes gaps in our knowledge of the overall picture. In addition, human
trafficking is a clandestine business, which makes it difficult to get complete information about
the victims and culprits within systems. Second, the research is constrained based on the

geographic scope of the focus. While it gives insights that are transposable to wider contexts, it
primarily draws empirical evidence from a handful of regions where unaccompanied minor
migration is most frequent. The focus on this region may not sufficiently represent the ways of
experiencing that differ between countries and migration paths.
The study also depends on a second source of data and hence it is limited in verifying
that the source of data is accurate and objective. Though appropriate efforts have been taken to
use credible and reputable sources, the interpretation of data from reports, studies, and records of
governing established may be tainted by biases or omissions owing to circumstances present in
the original material. The timeframe of the study limits the breadth of its analysis as well.
Migration patterns and policies are naturally dynamic and evolving. Therefore, some findings
may become outdated as more things occur. In addition, the study also acknowledges that there
may be cultural, and contextual biases in interpreting findings. The issue may be perceived and
addressed differently in different contexts, partly due to differences in cultural norms legal
frameworks and social ideas about migration and trafficking. The research seeks to be balanced
and objective. The biases might sneak in and distort the conclusions. Even with these limitations,
this study seeks to add some meaning toward gaining a better understanding of the issues
unaccompanied minors face and to advocate for more humane and effective policies and
practices that will promote their rights and well-being.
Theoretical Framework
This study employs the Vulnerability Theory as its primary theoretical framework.
Vulnerability Theory emphasizes the inherent susceptibility of individuals to harm due to
personal, social, and structural factors. The theory serves as the main theoretical lens used in this

study. While Vulnerability Theory suggests that everyone is inherently vulnerable, systemic
inequities and social structures can make some people even more vulnerable than others
(Cintron & Nojeim, 2023). Unaccompanied minors, as a demographic, are extremely prone to
harm because it is made without legal protection. Also, unaccompanied minors are extremely
vulnerable because of the state of socio-economic instability. The framework allows for the
exploration of the interaction of individual and structural vulnerabilities to produce elevated
risks of exploitation, abuse and trafficking for unaccompanied minors. In addition, Ecological
Systems Theory is used to examine the many layers of influence on unaccompanied minors'
experiences. According to this theory, the outcomes of any single individual are determined by
interactions present within and among families, communities, institutions and larger societal
organizations (Migliorini et al., 2022). When applying this framework, the study investigates the
circumstances of family separation, community support, immigration policies, and the larger
world socio-political dynamics that come together at the individual level. They shape the risks
and experiences of unaccompanied minors. As a result, the theoretical perspectives offer a
comprehensive picture of the internal and external sources of vulnerability of unaccompanied
minors. Furthermore, they shape the design of interventions to not only meet imminent needs
but also design how to balance immediate and structural changes to guarantee long-term
protection and support for this population.
Recommendations for Improved Protection
A range of structural changes needs implementation to rescue unaccompanied minor migrants.
The essential requirement is solving migration causes that stem from international unity. The
ideas should be focused on determining problems including poverty, violence and political
instability which force children from their countries. Improved regional living standards across

these areas reduce the number of children who must take perilous migration routes (Phung-
Marion, 2024). The U.S. asylum system requires reimagination to make applications convenient
for unaccompanied minors. Qualified legal defenders combined as well as extensive case
examination for juveniles will guarantee that children get the just treatment in their asylum
claims. To better protect unaccompanied minors, the government must fund child-centred
facilities dedicated to custody as well as growing shelter accommodation. Public awareness
campaigns should serve two functions. These are defending against xenophobia while building
locally-based support for unattended minors. Child integration into seemingly new worlds
depends heavily on the active support of host communities to become successful citizens.
Research Hypotheses
1. The enhanced international and national legal frameworks for child rights will
substantially cut down the vulnerabilities of unaccompanied minors to be trafficked and
exploited.
2. Better coordination between government and non-government organizations will result in
more efficient protection and help systems for unaccompanied minors.
3. To reduce the number of unaccompanied minors making dangerous migration journeys, it
is necessary to address the socio-economic drivers of migration from origin countries.
4. Community-based care models will enable the integration and well-being of
unaccompanied minors in destination countries thus reducing long-term psychological
and social risks.

Summary of Remaining Chapters
This study is structured to understand various problems and offer solutions for unaccompanied
minors. Chapter I introduces the research and its objectives. However, the subsequent chapters
are organized and summarized as follows:
Chapter II: Literature Review
In this chapter, the researcher explores the existing research on unaccompanied minors and the
socio-economic, legal, and systemic factors that are most at play in rendering unaccompanied
minors vulnerable. It discusses international conventions, national policies, and case studies to
fill the gaps within protection mechanisms. The chapter also looks at the relationship between
trafficking networks and migration and exploitation.
Chapter III: Methodology
The research design, the data collection method, and the analytical approaches are discussed in
detail in Chapter III. It describes how qualitative and quantitative data, as well as secondary
sources and any primary research, have been used. Through this chapter the reliability of the
findings mentioned and the processes of the study is kept transparent.
Chapter IV: Findings and Analysis
This chapter presents the key findings of the study. It is specifically focusing on the experiences
of the unaccompanied minors throughout the migration and when they arrive in the destination
countries. It explores why existing policies and programs work so well (or so poorly) for them
and how systemic shortfalls leave them vulnerable.
Chapter V: Discussion and Recommendations
The final chapter of the study underlines various lessons for practical recommendations to
enhance the protection and support of unaccompanied minors. It also synthesizes the study’s

conclusions and offers practical recommendations regarding the protection and support of
unaccompanied minors, based on the results of the study. In this report, international
cooperation, policy reform and community-based interventions are emphasized as important
long-term strategies to address the basic causes of vulnerability for these groups.

REFERENCES
Cintron, M., & Nojeim, M. (2023). Unaccompanied Minors at the Border: Opinions of Latino
Adults. Journal of Family Strengths, 22(1), 5.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1467&context=jfs
Maioli, S. C., Bhabha, J., Wickramage, K., Wood, L. C., Erragne, L., García, O. O., &
Devakumar, D. (2021). International migration of unaccompanied minors: trends, health
risks, and legal protection. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 5(12), 882-895.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7615140/
Migliorini, L., Rania, N., Varani, N., & Ferrari, J. R. (2022). Unaccompanied migrant minors in
Europe and US: A review of psychological perspective and care challenges. Journal of
Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 50(3), 273-285.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joseph-
Ferrari/publication/351823240_Unaccompanied_migrant_minors_in_Europe_and_US_A_
review_of_psychological_perspective_and_care_challenges/links/629525e855273755ebc3
8f5f/Unaccompanied-migrant-minors-in-Europe-and-US-A-review-of-psychological-
perspective-and-care-
challenges.pdf?origin=journalDetail&_tp=eyJwYWdlIjoiam91cm5hbERldGFpbCJ9
Uzureau, O., Lietaert, I., Senovilla Hernández, D., & Derluyn, I. (2022). Unaccompanied
adolescent minors’ experiences of exception and abandonment in the Ventimiglia border
space. Politics and Governance, 10(2), 267-278.
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8763978/file/8763980

McAuliffe, E. L., & Mitchel, Y. (2024). Offering protection to immigrant youths in America: Is
asylum or Special Immigrant Juvenile Status truly in the best interest of the
child? International Social Science Journal, 74(254), 1675-1690.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/issj.12528
Phung-Marion, C. (2024). From Precedent to Policy: The Effects of Dobbs on Detained
Immigrant Youth. Washington Law Review, 99(1), 277.
https://digitalcommons.law.uw.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5295&context=wlr


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Page 1 of 19 - Cover Page Submission ID trn:oid:::17268:80252994

Submission Date 3,176 Words

Jan 27, 2025, 12:10 PM GMT+5:30

Jan 27, 2025, 12:11 PM GMT+5:30

Page 1 of 19 - Cover Page Submission ID trn:oid:::17268:80252994

0% detected as AI Caution: Review required.

2 AI-generated text that was AI-paraphrased 0%

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I interpret Turnitin's AI writing percentage and false positives?

What does 'qualifying text' mean?

Page 2 of 19 - AI Writing Overview Submission ID trn:oid:::17268:80252994

Unaccompanied Minors Crossing the Border

San Diego, California

College of Law and Public Service

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

Emergency Management Homeland Security

Page 3 of 19 - AI Writing Submission

SENIOR RESEARCH PROJECT APPROVAL FORM

Page 4 of 19 - AI Writing Submission

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 4

Problem Statement ........................................................................................................................ 5

Purpose and Objectives of the Study ............................................................................................ 6

Definition of Terms ....................................................................................................................... 9

Limitations of the Study .............................................................................................................. 10

Theoretical Framework ............................................................................................................... 11

Research Hypotheses .................................................................................................................. 13

Summary of Remaining Chapters ............................................................................................... 14

Page 5 of 19 - AI Writing Submission

Unaccompanied minors crossing international borders represent a significant and complex

Management of unaccompanied minors crossing international borders stands as both a vital

Page 6 of 19 - AI Writing Submission

balanced against humanitarian obligations.

What is happening with unaccompanied minors crossing borders is an immigration

humanitarian concerns. In addition, unaccompanied minors are detained, deported or neglected

in overcrowded, under-resourced facilities. Also, these experiences often have dire

damage in the absence of a legal status.

Page 7 of 19 - AI Writing Submission

contribute to these problems. Lack of consistency in policies and overlapping responsibilities

on their way through the migration process.

Challenges Faced by Unaccompanied Minors

Page 8 of 19 - AI Writing Submission

humanitarian responsibilities because children without protection receive wrongful detention

and deportation procedures.

Purpose and Objectives of the Study

during migration across borders.

and after their migration journeys.

rights of unaccompanied minors.

4. To enable the production of actionable recommendations for improving existing

compatible with the best interest of the child

Page 9 of 19 - AI Writing Submission

unaccompanied, in search of safety, or opportunity. However, there is still a lack of harmonized

Legal Protections and Gaps

Page 10 of 19 - AI Writing Submission

Unaccompanied immigrant children gain extra protection through The William

Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA), unaccompanied children must be

TVPRA guarantees unaccompanied minors will participate in removal proceedings with an

country where no parent or legal guardian is present.

2. Human Trafficking: this refers to the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or