Child Migration and U.S. Immigration Policy in Guatamala

CHILD MIGRATION AND U.S. IMMIGRATION POLICY

Faculty Leader: Joanne Gottesman, Rutgers School of Law

Travel Dates: Spring Break 2020

Class Meeting Times: TBD

Course Number: TBD

Program Cost: Approximately $2,400*

Apply Now!

This timely course will examine the factors leading to the recent surge in Central American children coming to the U.S. border alone. In a weekly two-hour seminar, taught simultaneously to students in Camden and Newark via the law school’s brand new immersive classroom, we will examine four main areas: (1) U.S. immigration policy towards children, including substantive law and procedure; (2) current push and pull factors leading to child migration from Central America; (3) best practices in working with children in crisis and (4) the challenges of reintegration after deportation.

Up to 10 students in the course may participate in the spring break travel to Guatemala and earn an additional credit. By traveling to Guatemala over spring break, students will have the opportunity to meet with individuals and social service organizations that work with child migrants and repatriated children. Students will learn first-hand the reasons why children emigrate and the difficulties they face in the United States, and after repatriation. The in-country experience will provide a unique and valuable setting for students to enrich their understanding of U.S. immigration policy and the effects of that policy on individuals. The travel component will also introduce students to the indigenous cultures of Guatemala as we learn how indigenous populations have been affected by migration.
 

Program Cost Includes:

  • Airfare
  • Housing
  • International health insurance
  • Some meals and excursions

Program Cost Does Not Include:

  • Passport, visa, or airport entrance or exit fees (if applicable)
  • Vaccinations
  • Remaining meals

*Program cost is approximate and subject to change. Program cost is in addition to tuition.