Children's Project
Protecting Children from Harm While Keeping Families Together
The Unthinkable Need
We have all heard the stories and seen the photos of children detained at our border without dignity or compassion and families forcibly separated with no clear process for reunification. We do not believe that children should be punished for seeking safety or that children should remain detained when there is an appropriate family member or guardian willing to care for them. The Children’s Project protects children from harm while keeping families together.
Free Legal Representation
The Children’s Project provides free direct legal representation to immigrant kids who entered the U.S. without a parent or legal guardian. This includes children who remain in federal custody in the Mid-South and those who have been placed with family or vetted “sponsors” throughout the Tennessee, Arkansas, or North Mississippi. MIA defends these children against deportation while helping them obtain lawful permanent residency in the U.S.
Serving Detained Children
Our Children’s Project provides trauma-informed legal screenings and age-appropriate Know Your Rights presentations to each child detained in federal immigration shelters in Tennessee. Our staff visits every child in custody to assess their legal needs, screen for trafficking or abuse, and ensure their rights are protected until they reunify with family.