A Global Refuge in Guatemala: new program serves repatriated youth
WASHINGTON, April 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Refuge, the nation's largest faith-based nonprofit dedicated exclusively to serving and advocating for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, today announced its international expansion to Guatemala.
- Record numbers of unaccompanied youth have been encountered at the U.S. southern border in recent years, with 42% originating from Guatemala in Fiscal Year 2023.
- For decades, Global Refuge has served this population in the U.S. through foster care and family reunification services, however an increasing number of youths are returned to their home country by U.S. and Mexican authorities.
- Through its new " Camino A Casa " program, the organization is providing support to repatriated youth in Guatemala for up to twelve months to ensure successful reintegration.
- "This program provides meaningful opportunities for returned Guatemalan youth to heal and thrive, and creates a viable alternative to making another dangerous and costly migration journey," continued Vignarajah.