A great deal of attention has been focused in recent months on the surge of illegal aliens, particularly unaccompanied alien children (UAC), through the southwest border of the United States. However, a federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) fact sheet points to the fact that a large number of male teens have been arriving in exponentially increasing numbers for several years.

According to an HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) fact sheet, “Most [illegal aliens] are over 14 and approximately three quarters of them are boys.” In addition, there has been a steady upward trend in the number of UAC’s entering the country since at least 2012. The number “jumped dramatically” in fiscal year 2012, almost doubling to a total of 13,625 served by ORR. That number nearly doubled again from FY2012 to FY2013 as the ORR saw “24,668 UAC referrals from DHS” for FY2013. 

Most recently updated in May 2014, the fact sheet goes on to project a greater exponential increase in UAC at more than double the previous year, approximately 60,000 for FY2014. However, some estimates expect even greater numbers. 

Should the 60,000 number prove accurate, that would mean an approximate 650% increase in UAC’s over three years.

Countries of origin for the youth served in FY2013 are listed as: “Guatemala (37%); El Salvador (26%); Honduras (30%); Mexico (3%); Ecuador (2%); and Other (3%).“

These numbers do not equal those UAC’s recorded as apprehended. According to a Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection report regarding those encountered at the southwest border through June 30, 2014, 56,547 UAC were encountered from October 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.

UAC’s continue to be dispersed to detention facilities including military bases and sponsor homes throughout the country and as far north as Alaska. Over 30,000 youth are reported as having being released to the custody of “sponsors,” according to the HHS ORR. 

Sponsors can receive $7,400 per month, reported Breitbart Texas writer Kristin Tate, after speaking with a representative from Catholic Charities. The spokeswoman told Tate that most of the children in their program are 15 to 17 years of age, but can stay in the program under certain circumstances until the age of 22.

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