Closed casino hotels in Mississippi could potentially be used to house unaccompanied migrant children as the Biden administration grapples with finding suitable accommodations for the rapidly increasing number of minors arriving at the southern border.
With a surge in unaccompanied minors crossing the border in recent months, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is facing a shortage of appropriate housing facilities to house these children while they await processing and placement with sponsors or family members in the United States. As a result, the agency has begun exploring alternative options, including utilizing vacant hotels and other properties to temporarily shelter these vulnerable children.
In Mississippi, several closed casino hotels have been identified as potential sites for housing unaccompanied migrant children. These properties, which were shuttered due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic downturn, could provide the necessary space and amenities to accommodate the minors in a safe and suitable environment.
Local officials and community leaders have expressed mixed reactions to the prospect of housing unaccompanied migrant children in closed casino hotels. Some have voiced concerns about the potential impact on the local economy and tourism industry, while others see it as an opportunity to support the Biden administration’s efforts to address the humanitarian crisis at the border.
The decision to use closed casino hotels in Mississippi to house unaccompanied migrant children is still pending approval from federal authorities. If the plan moves forward, HHS will work closely with local agencies and organizations to ensure the safety and well-being of the children in their care.
Overall, the potential use of closed casino hotels in Mississippi as temporary shelters for unaccompanied migrant children highlights the urgent need for additional housing options as the United States continues to grapple with the influx of minors at the southern border. It remains to be seen how this proposal will be received by the local community and whether it will ultimately be implemented to support the growing number of children in need of assistance and protection.
