The membership of National PTA expects immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis at our nation’s border. It is urgent that a bipartisan border aid package is enacted into law before the holiday break.
“Thousands of immigrant children are being held at the border, many in reportedly horrific conditions,” said Leslie Boggs, president of National PTA. “Before they recess this week, Congress must pass and the president must sign a funding package that includes protections for children being held in federal custody and guarantees that they are provided water and appropriate nutrition, and that their hygiene and sanitation needs are met.”
National PTA has long believed that every child—regardless of their immigration status—has the right of access to adequate food and shelter, basic health care services and a high-quality public education. These services and basic standards of care should not be denied to anychild. Denying these services to children, regardless of their citizenship status, creates serious health and social concerns.
“At National PTA, our motto is ‘Every Child, One Voice,’ and two of our association’s founding principles are to promote the safety and well-being of all children and to advocate for children and families who are most vulnerable,” added Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. “It is unconscionable that any child is being detained at our border and we must raise our voice. We demand that they—and all children—are treated with dignity and respect, are adequately cared for and that their needs are met.”
In addition to speaking up for children being held in federal custody, National PTA has also raised its voice for children and their parents and family members who have been separated at the border.