Abstract
Suffer the little children: Child migration and the geopolitics of compassion in the United States by A. C. Bradford sheds light on the complex and often overlooked issue of child migration. Bradford takes readers on a comprehensive journey, offering a compelling exploration of the policies, practices, and attitudes surrounding child migration. By combining meticulous research with compassionate storytelling, the author succeeds in capturing the essence of this public policy issue and its profound impact on the lives of vulnerable children. The book begins by providing a historical context, tracing the origins of child migration and its shifting patterns over time. The author delves into the factors that drive migration, including poverty, violence, and political instability in children's home countries. Bradford argues that the U.S. response to unaccompanied child migration has been consistently driven by the “geopolitics of compassion” that prioritizes foreign policy and domestic political objectives over the best interests of children. According to Bradford, child migration policies in the United States started from a series of “ad hoc, voluntary agency-directed child-saving schemes targeting specific groups of endangered foreign children” (p. 3) and into a more honed “architecture of exclusion” with federal laws, policies, and programs regulating the treatment of unaccompanied minors (p. 4). One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its analysis of the geopolitical factors that shape the treatment of child migrants. Bradford dissects the political discourse surrounding immigration, addressing the contradictory narratives and competing interests that influence policy decisions. The author also highlights the role of media, public opinion, and advocacy groups in shaping public perception and policy outcomes. Embracing the core values of feminist social work, the book challenges power imbalances within social systems and encourages readers to critically reflect on their own biases, assumptions, and practices. This introspection deepens an understanding of how gender, race, and nationality intersect with the notions of care and compassion, especially in the context of child migration. While Suffer the little children: Child migration and the geopolitics of compassion in the United States is a comprehensive exploration of child migration in the U.S., the book could benefit from more explicit policy recommendations or a stronger call to action. Additionally, a closer examination of the long-term consequences and outcomes for child migrants would have added further depth to the analysis. Still, Bradford's writing style is accessible and engaging, making the book a compelling read for both experts and general readers who are interested in immigration policy. The author strikes a delicate balance between academic rigor and storytelling, ensuring that the narrative remains compelling without compromising on the depth of analysis.
Overall, Suffer the little children: Child migration and the geopolitics of compassion in the United States is a timely contribution to the literature on immigration and human rights. Bradford successfully captures the complexities of child migration, skillfully navigating the political, social, and humanitarian dimensions. As the crisis of unaccompanied child migration persists, this book emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive solutions and calls for the evolution of U.S. policy to address the critical needs of unaccompanied children. This book is an indispensable read for academic audiences, particularly those seeking a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by children that migrate and the imperative for compassionate responses.