The Young Center for Immigrant Children's RIghts (formerly the Immigrant Child Advocacy Project ICAP) is dedicated to promoting the best interest – safety and well-being – of unaccompanied and separated immigrant children in the United States. The immediate focus of the Young Center's work is to serve as guardian ad litem (Child Protection Advocate) for unaccompanied and separated immigrant and refugee children in immigration removal proceedings. The Center also conducts policy advocacy at the local and national level to promote consideration of best interest – safety and well being – in all decisions concerning unaccompanied and separated immigrant and refugee children.
the Immigrant Child Advocacy Project at the University of Chicago Law School has a new name: The Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights. Our new name reflects the scope of our work, eight years since inception: serving as Child Advocate (best interests guardian ad litem) for unaccompanied children in Chicago, South Texas and select cases around the country. Our mission remains the same, to promote the best interests—safety, permanency and well-being—of unaccompanied immigrant children according to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and state and federal child protection laws. Our new name, The Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights, pays tribute to the children we serve by naming the organization after one of our first clients.
Young Zheng was smuggled by ruthless traffickers from China at the age of 14, and was expected to work off a debt of $60,000. In fear for his life, Young endured more than two years of legal battles to remain in the United States. His Child Advocate stood by his side, fought for his release and against his deportation. Today, Young Zheng is a lawful permanent resident and college student. He has graciously lent his name to this organization.
