Migrant Children

4/12/2021

Hear My Voice/Escucha mi voz:
The Testimonies of Children Detained at the Southern Border of the United States
compiled by Warren Binford forward by Michael Garcia Bochenek

The plight of immigrants arriving at the United States’ Southern Border is well documented. Politicians, media outlets, community leaders, humanitarian groups, and religious organizations have weighed in on the subject.

Sadly, the viewpoint of one faction is often overlooked.

Children. What do migrant children have to say about their situation? They live the experience. Day in. Day out.
Project Amplify documented what these minors had to say. Sixty-one young migrants from Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Ecuador, and Mexico describe in poignant detail their lives in detention centers. Warren Binford, a private citizen who inspects detention facilities, collected sworn statements of children ranging from ages five to sixteen. To protect each child’s identity, only the initial letter of a name identifies the author of individual testimonies.
This picture book offers a glimpse into the lives of migrants trapped in horrific conditions.

Seventeen Mexican and Mexican Americans artists illustrate the children’s descriptions of their current surroundings. These artists’ distinctive illustration styles offers readers a views of the migrant experience from multiple perspectives. Follow the links listed below to view the work of each visual artist.

Back matter contains historical context, basic information, and a description of current conditions. There are questions to ask, things to think about, and suggestions for individuals who want to help relieve the youngsters' difficult circumstances.

The heartbreaking messages and visually arresting art cannot be ignored. This dual English/Spanish picture book moves the frame of reference away from political dialogue. Hear My Voice/Escucha mi voz focuses attention on those who are unable to help themselves. Hear what they have to say.

"I am holding both little girls in my lap to try to comfort them.
I need comfort, too. I am bigger than they are, but I am a child, too."

Want to help?

"Project Amplify is a national nonprofit (501c3) launched to establish legal protections for children in government care." Co-Founders Professors Warren Binford, Hope Frye, Erin Albanese work to shape legislation and provide legal support for child migrants. All royalties from Hear My Voice/Esucha mi voz will be donated to Project Amplify.