Is the US Border Entry Process Failing to Safeguard Children?
Are lax border checks enabling child trafficking? Concerns rise over the lack of travel document scrutiny for US border entries with kids.
The process of crossing the US border with children can be puzzling for many.
The experience of entering the United States from a foreign country is complex and can raise several questions especially when traveling with kids.
Dual Citizenship and Recent Experience
As a dual citizen of both Brazil and the United States, I recently encountered a surprising occurrence when returning from a trip to Europe.
Accompanied by my 9-year-old son, my fiancé, who is not the child's mother, and her 9-year-old nephew, we crossed the border into the US through Philadelphia.
As all three of us hold US passports, we were not asked for any travel authorizations for the children, which was unexpected.
Border Security Concerns
This raises alarms, as my fiancé and her mother have crossed the US border multiple times with her nephew/grandson without being asked for travel authorization.
This ease of entry leaves room for potential exploitation and child trafficking.
Furthermore, despite having a notarized authorization from the mother, the lack of inquiry into our travel authorization raises serious concerns.
National Security Repercussions
In the contemporary age where human trafficking and child abduction are critical issues, the laxity at the border poses severe national security concerns.
The essentiality of thorough scrutiny at the border cannot be overstated.
Absence of Regulation and Legal Implications
The absence of stringent regulations and obligatory documentation to verify the relationship between accompanying adults and the children can lead to legal implications and jeopardize children's safety.
Parting Thoughts
The current system relies on inadequate security checks, making it easier for children to be unlawfully transported across borders.
This lax policy not only compromises national security but also puts children at risk.
It is essential to reevaluate and reinforce the entry process for minors to prevent exploitation and ensure the safety of children traveling across borders.
