DHS Is Billing Unaccompanied Immigrant Kids $5,000

I'm really worried about these unaccompanied immigrant minors . Did you know that in 2022 alone, over 69,000 unaccompanied minors were apprehended at the US-Mexico border? And now they're getting fined $5,000? That's just cruel! The stats are also showing that between January 2017 and September 2023, there was a 75% decline in apprehensions of unaccompanied minors at the southern border. But instead of helping them, we're penalizing them even more .

Here's a chart to illustrate the point:
```
| Year | Unaccompanied Minors Apprehended |
| --- | --- |
| 2017 | 34,114 |
| 2018 | 30,914 |
| 2019 | 26,499 |
| 2020 | 24,655 |
| 2021 | 25,459 |
| 2022 | 69,036 |
```
We need to find a better solution for these kids. Advocates say it's not about creating fear, but about providing support and resources. Let's work together to create a safer and more compassionate environment for everyone!

Ugh, can't believe this . Fine 'em for crossing the border without an adult? That's just cruel. They're already in a vulnerable spot, being separated from their parents and living in shelters. Now you're gonna hit them with thousands of dollars in fines? It's outrageous. These kids have no choice but to come here, and now they're being punished for it. What's next? Fines for breathing the air? This is just ridiculous. And don't even get me started on the law that created this mess - One Big Beautiful Bill Act indeed... more like One Big Mistake .

OMG, can you believe this? So like, these unaccompanied immigrant teens are already going through so much trauma and stress, and now they're being fined $5k for trying to find a better life in the US?! It's literally insane. And let's be real, most of them can't even work or contribute to society yet, so where are these fines coming from? Like, shouldn't we be supporting these kids and helping them integrate into our communities instead of penalizing them?

Here are some stats that'll blow your mind:

* Over 50% of unaccompanied immigrant teens come from El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala
* The US has the highest number of immigration-related deaths among all developed countries
* In 2020, the number of unaccompanied minors in federal custody dropped by over 40% compared to the previous year

I know some people might say this fine is meant to deter parents from smuggling their kids across the border, but let's not forget that many of these teens are fleeing violence and poverty in their home countries. It's like, can't we just try to help them instead of making it harder for them?

Here's a chart showing the average cost of raising an unaccompanied immigrant teen:

| Age | Average Cost |
| --- | --- |
| 0-5 years | $13k/year |
| 6-12 years | $15k/year |
| 13-18 years | $20k/year |

Can we please just prioritize their well-being and safety over any fine or penalty?!