What's Going On: Finding homes for refugee children not as easy as it should be

 Before we found out my wife was pregnant with our third child, we looked into the possibility of adopting children.

Our first two were perfectly healthy, too healthy in fact, as they came out weighing 9.5 and 10-pounds. Hence, my wife’s desire to adopt number three.

However, after a few phone calls we were quickly discouraged for two reasons: the cost was extraordinarily high and we were told we weren’t ideal candidates because we could (and did) have children of our own.

This was frustrating on several levels, the most of which was the inability to help not only children but also a scared young woman who might consider abortion instead of adoption in fear of her unborn child not finding a loving home. 

Oh well. We accepted our good intentions would be forever thwarted by governmental bureaucracy and expanded our family naturally. 

Then a few weeks ago I heard about 1,000 Kids for Iowa. 

This grass roots organization formed after Gov. Terry Branstad issued his kind-hearted proclamation that Central American refugee children would not be welcome in Iowa. 

So naturally, the next day, liberals reacted and formed this group to do just that: welcome refugee children into Iowa. 

Regardless of the politics involved, I noted the group was trying to find homes for 1,000 children ranging in ages from birth to 17. 

With a baby joining a five and a two-year-old, my wife and I don’t really need any extra excitement around the house. But, it’s a big house, and we both have a soft spot for children; especially ones who need help. 

So I went to the meeting just to find out a little more information. 

An hour later, I left with a little more knowledge than when I first arrived, including these tidbits:

- These children are escaping countries torn apart by the ongoing war on drugs. As sea routes become more guarded, the cartels apparently are shipping drugs over land and essentially enslaving children to help do it. The 1,000 Kids for Iowa host said children are faced with a “join or die” decision and parents are desperately searching for other options, including sending their kids to foreign countries on a hope and a prayer. 

- The federal government does not support this action, yet. The group hopes after they get 1,000 commitments, the federal government will be willing to consider relocating these children locally. Until that happens, none of these refugees will be in Iowa. 

- While nobody said it, I left the meeting believing the chances of that happening are 50-50, at best. 

- If the federal government does agree to relocate these children, most will be needing a home for up to three years. A few would be available for adoption. 

It should also be noted the term “refugee” is a specific one, and not one that has been granted by the federal government, yet. Once deemed a refugee, individuals can seek asylum and their path to citizenship is a lot simpler. 

1,000 Kids for Iowa representatives estimate there are 70,000 refugee children who have recently crossed the border. At least 10 percent, or 7,000 of them, don’t have family here and are the ones being targeted for homes.  

Currently, nearly all these children are being housed essentially in warehouses. Think the Montgomery County Animal Rescue shelter, but with children instead of dogs. 

That bothered me. Children shouldn’t live in warehouses. 

As a result, Kim and I will further discuss making our home available to a child within a very specific age-range. If we decide to pursue it, I’m still skeptical the federal government will cooperate. 

Regardless, if you are interested in the organization or possibly opening up your home, you can find more info or sign up at 1000kidsforiowa.org. 

Gregory Orear is the General Manager/Editor of the Red Oak Express and Glenwood Opinion-Tribune. He can be contacted at publisher@redoakexpress.com.