Center for New Americans' Deepinder Mayell Quoted in the Star Tribune About Central American Minors Program

Deepinder Mayell, director of education and outreach for the Center for New Americans, was quoted in a Star Tribune article examining the progress of the Central American Minors Program, a new refugee program that provides certain qualified children in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras a safe, legal, and orderly alternative to the dangerous journey many children are currently taking with human smugglers. Immigrant advocates say the wait as officials interview applicants and conduct DNA testing is often too long, apparently driving some applicants to use smugglers after all. “Kids and parents accept the dangers of this journey because the dangers at home are so much worse,” said Mayell. “To tell them to stay and wait is not always practical.”