What Rights Do Children Have?

Did you know that in the U.S. criminals are appointed a lawyer if they cannot afford one? Of course you do. But did you also know that if a child is brought into our country illegally by his or her family, he or she is not appointed a lawyer when facing deportation? I was speaking with a lawyer that shared through her nonprofit work, she makes certain illegal immigrant children have representation when appearing before a judge. Her current client is four and would have been in court alone had it not been for this nonprofit.

Another issue to hit Houston concerning innocent children who are held accountable for their parents' actions, is the issue of toys. This Christmas nonprofits such as Salvation Army demanded birth certificates before handing out gifts to make certain illegal immigrant children weren't receiving charity. I find this hard to swallow. See story here: http://www.theweek.com/article/index/103642/Free_toys_for_girls_and_boys__except_immigrants

I do not condone illegal immigration. I do not condone those who neglect this system we follow, however, should children be held accountable for their parents' crime? Children have been detained in strange government places while waiting on outcomes. Children, especially along our border towns, have been abused while waiting on outcomes in these places. I ask, in the country that is known as the best in the world, can we really afford to treat these children as though they have no rights? And yet, because of citizenship alone, we allow criminals to have more access to defense than children finding themselves in this country on no account of their own.