Youth Project Not a ‘Shortcut’

I am writing regarding the Feb. 5 editorial “Too Sensitive and Serious for Shortcuts,” which criticizes Orange County’s Border Youth Project whereby certain Mexican National juvenile offenders will be returned to Mexico to the custody of that country’s juvenile authorities.

The editorial argues incorrectly that the federal Immigration and Naturalization Service will be bypassed, that Mexican juveniles will be denied their legal due process to a deportation hearing and that there is no real concern shown for the well-being of these young people.

These youths, ages 14 to 17, have been convicted of committing a crime in the United States, are in the country illegally and have no family here. In Orange County, the Border Youth Project process begins every Wednesday when the INS and representatives of the local Mexican Consulate interview potential candidates for voluntary return to Mexico. Before Orange County Juvenile Court makes an order to return a minor to Mexico, we must have written documentation that the youth is a citizen of Mexico and wants to return to his or her native country.

As a further safeguard, the United States Border Patrol at the Mexican border will make an inquiry to verify that the deportation is voluntary. If there is any objection, the youth can still receive a formal deportation hearing.

As The Times and other opponents of this project have failed to understand, it is not a question of whether or not these youths will be returned to Mexico. They are in the United States illegally.

It is a question of how they will be returned, either to be released directly to the streets of Mexico with no supervision or guidance, or to juvenile officials who will try their utmost to ensure that the juvenile is held accountable for his or her behavior, does not get in trouble again and has a chance for a better life.

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER, Chief Probation Officer, County of Orange