Arguments over solutions to the “surge” of Central American immigrant minors are based on myths about why they have come to the U.S.

Recent weeks have seen increasing concern over the “surge” in undocumented minors arriving at the US-Mexico border, with Republicans and Democrats in Congress putting forward potential solutions to the apparent crisis. Robert Brenneman argues that much of the discourse around the border “surge” is based on myths about why unaccompanied minors have come to the US, and whether or not they will be an economic burden if they stay.