This article talks about the recent failure of the new Central American Minors program, which allows refugee children from other countries to apply for refuge here in the United States. To date, not a single child has entered the United States through this program. Of the 5,400 children that have applied to the program, only 90 have been interviewed to be considered and no one has been actually chosen. The program was created last December to help counter the large number of children illegally entering the country, often in very dangerous conditions. Over 40,000 unaccompanied children from Central America illegally came to the United States last year. Administrative officials argue that the delay is justified because if any mistakes are made about who is allowed entrance, it could give political adversaries motive to have the program shut down. But activists from international refugee organizations disagree, saying that children in these areas are still in dangerous situations, and don't have time to wait. Do you think the program is a waste of taxpayer's money, seeing that it has not legally permitted any children into the country, as proposed? Or do you think the program is a good idea but needs to be executed faster? Also, do you think that the wellbeing of these endangered children trumps "bureaucratic concerns"?
Thursday, November 5, 2015
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This program is a good idea in my opinion. Anything that could effectively aid children who are in need is something I support. However, the key word in my last idea was "effectively." Forget about the program working faster, the program needs to actually do something first. The lives of endangered children will always trump bureaucratic concerns. Some of the people in power don't see it that way and that's why the program isn't working, bureaucracy sometimes has to be put on hold for issues like this to be solved in any semblance of a timely manner.
ReplyDeleteI also think this program is a great idea - it just needs to actually work. The article mentions the president of the US Committee for Refugees, Lavinia Limón, and she said it's "pathetic" and "indefensible" that the program hasn't actually admitted any refugees to the US. I agree. Of the 5,400 who applied, 90 were seriously considered and only about 10 were chosen. However, none of the 10 have actually entered the country yet because of delays and bureaucratic / security concerns. This is ridiculous. I understand that these concerns are legitimate, but the safety of these kids is more important. So couldn't concerns be investigated more extensively once the refugees are safely in the US? Many of these kids are in danger right now, so the process needs to be improved so it can work much faster.
ReplyDeleteAs it stands, yes the program is a waste of money because nothing has been accomplished. This program is a great idea just it needs to be executed more efficiently and it shouldn't have a concern of their political opponents which is what is holding it back. When the opponents are finally ignored at least slightly the program will yield results.
ReplyDeleteI support the program in its ideologies, but as with many government programs the execution is lacking. The United States should put in an effort to assist those displaced from conflict, especially children. It's unfortunate that a good program is riddled with bureaucracy. Those in charge need to get the word out to the public. People are often very sympathetic to suffering children and once the public is aware I suspect the program will work more efficiently.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the program is a good idea. It is a waste of taxpayer money if nothing is getting done, though. This happens all too often and policy makers need to be able to overcome this chronic problem. The well being of these endangered children, or any endangered person, is far more important than "bureaucratic concerns."
ReplyDeleteThe program certainly seems like a good idea, but its current slow execution process is a waste of taxpayer money. The wellbeing of the children definitely trumps the bureaucratic concerns as they are currently in danger. The fact that none of the children have entered the country proves that this is currently not another option for illegally entering the country. The program should be fast and efficient, and work to get the children in the country at a speedy pace. Bureaucratic issues can be worried over later, after the children are in safety.
ReplyDeleteThe program is currently wasting taxpayers money. The concept is a great idea, but due to the slowness, it's a waste. The welfare of children, or even adults, is more important that any "bureaucratic concerns".
ReplyDeleteI think it's an excellent program, and while it has been a waste of money, if in two weeks they start allowing children into the country, then was it really a waste at all? If the program was shut down before anyone immigrated, then it would a waste. But based on the article, that is not the case. The program is beginning to pick up and allowing children into the country. On the other hand, I agree that the process is excessive and way too slow. Of course these children are more important than bureaucratic concerns. But in the government, is there ever anything more important than bureaucratic concerns, other than money? I think these claims are to be expected. Overall, I think it's a wonderful program that just needs a bit more time to prove its worth.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it is a waste of money, as it has a great goal. While it is wasting taxpayers' money at the moment, it seems as if the bureaucratic problems with this program have been recognized and (much-needed) efforts to improve the process will begin. I don't think it is a waste, so long as they actually start greenlighting these children soon - better late than never. Also, given the danger of the situation many of these children come from, their wellbeing absolutely trumps the bureaucratic process. And if the bureaucratic process is taking so long, measures should be taken to provide temporary safe care for these children while they wait out the process.
ReplyDeleteI think we need to either do the program, uninhibited by bureaucratic concerns or we need to stop the program. I love the idea and I would be happy if taxs went to such a program but right now they are just going to paperwork leading no where. This program could be optimized, but if it doesn't we need to cut it.
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