Children in Transit: Results of Interviews with Central American Unaccompanied Minors Encountered in Mexico

Abstract

Unaccompanied minors are amongst the most vulnerable of migrants traveling through the Americas. As a result of their particular vulnerabilities, they become victims of some of the most serious security problems in the region, such as human trafficking, corruption of public officials in particular police, gang violence, and other more generalized forms of violence and crime. Despite the great need, there is very little research about this migration flow, particularly about Central American unaccompanied minors' experiences in Mexico. More research is needed to aid state and non-government actors in both the United States and Mexico in developing improved procedures for apprehension, detention, adjudication of immigration claims, and repatriation. This working paper summarizes findings from a study of unaccompanied minors experiences migrating from Central American to and through Mexico on their way to the United States. Findings from semi-structured interviews conducted with 77 detained and non-detained unaccompanied minors encountered in Mexico are summarized, including information on the demographic and social characteristics of the interview sample; their language skills, education, and levels of literacy; their living and employment situation prior to migrating; and their migration histories and experiences. The hope is that increased knowledge of this migration flow will assist policy makers in the region improve policies for the care, detention, and repatriation of unaccompanied minors, as well as develop effective preventative practices.