Thread by @RAICESTEXAS

The Dept of Health & Human Services revealed in an email that they will end English classes, recreational programs, legal aid and other “nonessential services” for unaccompanied minors in federal custody.

All children have the right to life-saving legal aid, educational opportunities, the right to play and deserve an environment that fosters activity, stimulation, and growth.

The bottom line is this: If this administration removes access to legal services to thousands of children being detained, children will suffer and we will continue to see the increased trend of children dying while in the "care" of CBP.

These children are fleeing unspeakable violence and poverty and cutting programs that provide them respite and access to the legal services they so desperately need is inhumane, unnecessary, and illegal. Nobody would want this for their child or any child.

We believe all young people deserve for their human rights to be protected, whether that pertains to U.S. citizen children, dreamers, or migrant children at the border. The color of their skin and circumstance of birth should not determine quality of treatment by the US gov’t.

Funding is no excuse for what is happening to children in gov’t care. We must never forget: It’s legal to seek asylum. We should be allocating more funds to meet the basic human needs of those seeking shelter here.

We can do better and we will fight to make sure that happens.