CRS on Unaccompanied Alien Children (May 11, 2016)

CRS, May 11, 2016 - "Unaccompanied alien children are defined in statute as children who: lack lawful immigration status in the United States; are under the age of 18; and are without a parent or legal guardian in the United States or without a parent or legal guardian in the United States who is available to provide care and physical custody. They most often arrive at U.S. ports of entry or are apprehended along the southwestern border with Mexico. Less frequently, they are apprehended in the interior of the country and determined to be juveniles and unaccompanied. Although most are age 14 or older, apprehensions of UAC under age 13 have increased."