Capabilities for Central American Minors
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
SURC 271
Start Date
21-5-2015
End Date
21-5-2015
Keywords
Ethics, Dignity, Immigration
Abstract
Based on Martha Nussbaum's Capabilities Approach, I argue that unaccompanied minors from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras should be granted asylum in the United States. Nussbaum's approach answers a basic question: what is this person able to do and to be? A just society should create freedom and opportunities by securing capabilities for each and every individual to function at a threshold level in every way required for decent human existence. Her approach is focused on protecting areas of freedom, so vital, that their removal would make life unworthy of human dignity. An individual should be provided these fundamental freedoms and opportunities created by a combination of personal abilities, political, social, and economic environments. Thus, because of political corruption, increased violence, and an ongoing failure to meet basic needs in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, Central American children fleeing to the United States should be granted political asylum.
Recommended Citation
Madrid, Sergio, "Capabilities for Central American Minors" (2015). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 7.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2015/oralpresentations/7
Department/Program
Philosophy & Religious Studies
Additional Mentoring Department
Philosophy & Religious Studies
Capabilities for Central American Minors
SURC 271
Based on Martha Nussbaum's Capabilities Approach, I argue that unaccompanied minors from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras should be granted asylum in the United States. Nussbaum's approach answers a basic question: what is this person able to do and to be? A just society should create freedom and opportunities by securing capabilities for each and every individual to function at a threshold level in every way required for decent human existence. Her approach is focused on protecting areas of freedom, so vital, that their removal would make life unworthy of human dignity. An individual should be provided these fundamental freedoms and opportunities created by a combination of personal abilities, political, social, and economic environments. Thus, because of political corruption, increased violence, and an ongoing failure to meet basic needs in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, Central American children fleeing to the United States should be granted political asylum.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Michael Goerger