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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is now enforcing "zero-tolerance" regulations on those who enter the US without documentation. Under the new policy, any migrant who attempts to cross the border will be prosecuted, even if they are victims of domestic abuse or gang violence seeking asylum.
The result is that, according to DHS figures, ICE has separatedat least 2,000 migrant children from their parents, who are awaiting hearings in separate detention facilities and shelters.
Several organizations are now working to help the families with legal assistance, translation services, children's safety, and other necessities.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a national nonprofit, works to protect the civil liberties of immigrants. With local affiliates in all 50 states, the organization is filing cases in both state and federal courts.
The Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights supports the safety and well-being of unaccompanied minors entering the US.
Based in Chicago, the Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights advocates for kids who cross the border. The national nonprofit recently launched a project geared toward helping children separated from their parents at the border.
The national organization will soon post a volunteer list for immigrant lawyers who wish to represent families at the border.
Kids in Need of Defense makes sure that migrant children have lawyers.
Kids in Need of Defense works to ensure that kids appear in immigration court with legal representation. The national nonprofit also lobbies for policies that push for immigrant childrens' legal interests.
Pueblo Sin Fronteras gives medical aid to migrants on the border.
The binational nonprofit Pueblo Sin Fronteras provides humanitarian aid, caravans, and shelter to migrants coming to the US. The organization is currently assisting families awaiting hearings.
The Women’s Refugee Commission works to protect immigrant women and children fleeing violence.
The Women's Refugee Commissionadvocates for the rights and protection of women, children, and young adults fleeing violence and persecution.
The group is asking for donations to assist separated families who are seeking asylum — and has published a list of five actions people can take that go beyond monetary donations.
CLINIC's Defending Vulnerable Populations works with local organizations that provide legal help to migrant families.
CLINIC's (Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc.) has a project called Defending Vulnerable Populations, which offers case assistance to hundreds of smaller, local organizations that help migrant families and children.
The Kino Border Initiative gives humanitarian aid to people on the border.
The Kino Border Initiative provides humanitarian aid to refugees and migrants on both sides of the US-Mexico border.
The team is now collecting supplies and monetary donations that will go to migrant families.
Here are more regional organizations accepting donations:
The Texas Civil Rights Project supplies lawyers who speak Spanish and native Central American languages to migrants on trial in Texas. The organization is now looking for volunteers who speak Spanish, Mam, Q’eqchi’ or K’iche’ and have paralegal or legal assistant experience.
The Legal Aid Justice Centeris a Virginia-based nonprofit providing unaccompanied children legal services and representation.
Together Rising is another Virginia-based organization offering legal assistance for 60 migrant children who were separated from their parents and are currently detained in Arizona.
In Maryland, DC, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, CASA helps children with legal services.
The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center represents all of the immigrant kids who the US government put in foster care in Michigan. Most of their current clients are separated minors. The nonprofit works to find their parents and formulate next steps.
In the Northwest US, the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project is defending the rights of immigrants through legal services, policy advocacy, and community education.
The Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network provides legal representation to immigrant children and their families who have been victims of abuse, neglect, abandonment, trafficking, and violence. They work with those detained in Aurora, Colorado.
To recommend an organization we may have missed, please get in touch at lgarfield@businessinsider.com.
