Journal of Psychology & Behavior Research ISSN 2640-9895 (Print) ISSN 2640-9909 (Online) Vol. 3, No. 2, 2021 www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/jpbr 21 Original Paper The Migratory Journey of Unaccompanied Children Joseph O. Prewitt Diaz 1* 1 Center for Psychosocial Solutions, Alexandria, VA, USA * Joseph O. Prewitt Diaz, Center for Psychosocial Solutions, Alexandria, VA, USA Received: April 7, 2021 Accepted: April 20, 2021 Online Published: May 6, 2021 doi:10.22158/jpbr.v3n2p21 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.22158/jpbr.v3n2p21 Abstract This article provides a brief discussion on the psychosocial needs of unaccompanied minors crossing the southern border of the United States. It highlights various aspects of migration, and the resulting emotional and psychological impact on unaccompanied minors; it subsequently proposes a resilience approach, in terms of protective behaviors towards increased adjustment and success in a new environment. Keywords unaccompanied children, psychological impact, risk, protective factors Introduction Recently, through both radio and television, we have come to better understand how a great many children and adolescents are attempting to cross the border. As expected, there was immediate outrage from the pundits about their inhumane treatment in detainment holding areas. The vacuum in its wake left many unanswered questions about this population shift, especially for the psychological well-being of the affected minors, and how we might enhance their protective factors—so they have a viable chance to become more resilient in this country. The migration stage from one’s home country to the border has at least four stages: (1) premigration trauma, characterized by events prior to the migration, serving as the main determinant for relocation; (2) traumatic events during transit; (3) traumatic events while crossing the border and being transferred to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) facility; and (4) substandard living conditions due to language and cultural diversity, inadequate support, and minority persecution (Perez, 2001). During the migratory process, minors are at risk of psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress (NeMoyer, Rodrigues, & Alvarez, 2019a). This article highlights various aspects of migration, and the resulting emotional and psychological impact on unaccompanied minors; it subsequently proposes a resilience approach, in terms of