Unaccompanied Minors In Miami Take English Classes On 1st Day Of School
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The crisis of thousands of unaccompanied minors crossing the Mexican border is being felt across the United States and in South Florida as well.
The unaccompanied minors are being housed at three local shelters—including a place formerly known as Boys Town in Cutler Bay.
Miami Congressman Joe Garcia, on Monday, and Miami-Dade County School Board Member Raquel Regalado visited the center.
Even though the kids don't go to school, like many other children their age, they did take English classes at the facility.
"This being the first day of school, we wanted to make sure these children were getting the right treatment and yeah they're going to school." said Rep. Joe Garcia. "This is not a burden on our local school board, this is not a burden on our local government but we wanted to make sure."
In all, the Feds say 50,000 children, mostly from Central America, have crossed the border without their parents since October of last year.
Miami is one of ten cities where kids are being sent for immigration proceedings, as border shelters fill up.
"Obviously the cameras can't go and speak to them because they're minors and we have to respect their privacy but as an elected, it really is heartwarming to talk to them and how excited they are to be reunited with their families," said Regalado.
The local facilities are being funded by faith-based charities and the federal government.
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