About our work
In 2011, in collaboration with Mexico Appleseed aand three other law firms, New Perimeter carried out a two-year investigation examining how the US and Mexican governments treat the thousands of unaccompanied Mexican minors who are apprehended each year as they try to cross the Southwest US border. The legal team researched and evaluated the screening, detention and repatriation procedures applied to unaccompanied Mexican minors and the domestic and international legal regimes governing the conduct of the two governments. The research was compiled in a comprehensive report containing policy recommendations and presented to US and Mexican officials and policymakers.
A decade later, New Perimeter came together again with Mexico Appleseed, new project member Texas Appleseed, and 6 other firms and entities across the US and Mexico to investigate and report on the situation of unaccompanied Mexican children. After two years of research and investigation, the group issued a 120+-page report, available in English and Spanish, that provides detailed findings related to (1) the factors that push children to migrate, (2) their experiences and treatment along their journey, and (3) the US and Mexican laws and policies that impact these vulnerable minors. The report also provides concrete recommendations for the Mexican and US governments to better safeguard the rights and well-being of these children. The Spanish-language report was presented in November 2023 at an event hosted at the Mexican Senate Chamber in Mexico City, and the English-language report was presented in June 2024 at an event hosted by the Mexico Institute of the Wilson Center in Washington, DC. The team continues to engage in efforts with US and Mexican authorities and civil society to promote the report’s recommendations, on behalf of Appleseed México and Texas Appleseed.
Key Deliverables
Key Facts
- Over 50 lawyers and legal professionals from the following organizations have contributed to the updated version of the report and follow-on advocacy: Appleseed México, Texas Appleseed, DLA Piper LLP (US), Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Hogan Lovells, Jáuregui y Del Valle, Sánchez Devanny, Holland & Knight México and El Rebozo.
- 40 civil society organizations and governmental entities from both countries were interviewed and/or provided information vital to the report.
Featured staff
Program manager:
Crystal Doyle
