Nonprofits Struggle With Influx of Immigrant Youth

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At the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), the number of unaccompanied minors who arrive at its doors have soared, tripling from 20 to 60 children per month. Photo courtesy of Mission Local

By Leslie Nguyen-Okwu, Mission Local

The Bay Area, and the Mission in particular, has long been a refuge for immigrants fleeing their country of origin for refuge. However, with a surging number of predominantly young migrants escaping intensified violence in Central America, the Mission District’s leading immigrant advocacy organizations are assisting underage migrants in need like they never have before.

Every week, unaccompanied children arrive in their lobbies seeking help for everything from imminent deportation to reuniting with loved ones in the Bay Area. The Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) estimates that 200 to 250 unaccompanied minors are arriving in the Bay Area each month.

These organizations are struggling to keep up with the demand.

Read the complete story at Mission Local. 

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