Our association is distressed by reports that children are being held in migrant detention centers under horrific conditions.
National PTA is committed to promoting the safety and well-being of all children regardless of their immigration status and as well as protecting undocumented youth from harmful separation from their parents or family members. Our association has been taking action on this issue.
On June 11, 2019 National PTA signed onto a letter condemning the administration’s decision to suspend recreational and educational services for unaccompanied migrant children and youth in federally contracted migrant shelters.
We also recently endorsed the HELP Separated Children (H.R. 3451) and Help Separated Families (H.R. 3452) Acts of 2019 which would offer enhanced protections for children by ensuring that parents have access to and are held in close proximity to their separated children and ensuring that immigration status alone does not disqualify a relative from being a placement for a foster child. We believe both bills will better protect children if they are separated from their parents for the purposes of immigration enforcement.
We are hearing reports that Congress will pass a bill which the president is expected to sign that will provide funding to address poor conditions at border detention facilities.
We will continue to advocate for family unity and to ensure that all children, regardless of their immigration status, have the right to access a quality public education, adequate food and shelter, and basic health care services.
If you have any questions regarding National PTA’s advocacy on these issues, please contact Jacki Ball, Director of Government Affairs at National PTA at jball@pta.org or at 703.518.1243.
National PTA Urges Immediate Action to Address the Humanitarian Crisis at the Border
ALEXANDRIA, Va., (June 27, 2019)—The membership of National PTA expects immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis at our nation’s border. It is urgent that a bipartisan border aid package is enacted into law before the holiday break.
“Thousands of immigrant children are being held at the border, many in reportedly horrific conditions,” said Leslie Boggs, president of National PTA. “Before they recess this week, Congress must pass and the president must sign a funding package that includes protections for children being held in federal custody and guarantees that they are provided water and appropriate nutrition, and that their hygiene and sanitation needs are met.”
National PTA has long believed that every child—regardless of their immigration status—has the right of access to adequate food and shelter, basic health care services and a high-quality public education. These services and basic standards of care should not be denied to any child. Denying these services to children, regardless of their citizenship status, creates serious health and social concerns.
“At National PTA, our motto is ‘Every Child, One Voice,’ and two of our association’s founding principles are to promote the safety and well-being of all children and to advocate for children and families who are most vulnerable,” added Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. “It is unconscionable that any child is being detained at our border and we must raise our voice. We demand that they—and all children—are treated with dignity and respect, are adequately cared for and that their needs are met.”
In addition to speaking up for children being held in federal custody, National PTA has also raised its voice for children and their parents and family members who have been separated at the border.
About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visitPTA.org.
