U.S. Struggles to Cope With Surge of Children From Central America

Two Congressional hearings this week will consider what to do about the surge of children crossing the United States-Mexico border. According to the Obama administration, 52,000 unaccompanied minors have entered the country since October. Most are seeking refuge from the drug violence in Central American countries. President Obama has declared the surge in arrivals — up 90 percent from last year — an “urgent humanitarian situation.” Critics blame the crisis on the president, saying his lax deportation policies have encouraged people to come to the U.S. illegally. We discuss the conditions in detention facilities where children are being held, and what should be done about the crisis.

• More: From a Stream to a Flood: Migrant Kids Overwhelm U.S. Border Agents (NPR)