The Central American Refugee Crisis: Human Rights Challenges and Needs in the United States and South of the U.S. – Mexico Border

In 2016, over 100,000 men, women, and children crossed the border from Mexico into the United States. The majority of these families and individuals were from the Northern Triangle in Central America – Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador – fleeing soaring rates of violence and organized crime. This program will explore the humanitarian challenges raised by the number of children and families crossing the U.S. – Mexico border in recent years and seeking protection in the United States, with a focus on the multiple types of human rights abuses that asylum seekers suffer throughout their journey from violence and persecution to asylum and refuge. Speakers will also address legal assistance efforts underway in the United States and projects seeking pro bono lawyers.

Panelists:
Denise C. Bell, Senior Campaigner, Refugee and Migrant Rights, Amnesty International USA
Luis Canales, Honduran refugee and U.S. citizen; Student, Villanova School of Law
Claire R. Thomas, Director of Training, Safe Passage Project & Adjunct Professor, New York Law School
Victoria Neilson, Legal Director, Immigrant Justice Corps

Moderator:
Farrin Anello, Visiting Assistant Clinical Professor, Immigrants’ Rights/International Human Rights Clinic, Seton Hall University School of Law

Sponsoring Association Committee:
International Human Rights Committee, Anil Kalhan, Chair

Co-Sponsoring:
Immigration & Nationality Law Committee, Farrin Anello, Chair
United Nations Committee, Michael Cooper, Chair
Inter-American Affairs Committee, David H. Flechner, Chair
Pro Bono and Legal Services Committee, Alison McKinnell King, Chair
The City Bar Justice Center