The legal age: a nightmare for the unaccompained minors who are nationals of third countries

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the situation of vulnerability and the problems that the Unaccompanied Foreign Minors, who are nationals of third countries, encounter from the mo­ment they turn eighteen. The current solutions existing in Spain and in the Autonomous Community of Catalonia to help the Unaccompanied Foreign Minors along the transition period to adult life, are also analyzed. In addition, the analysis comprises the regularization of their situation in the Spanish territory and the eventual acquisition of Spanish nationality. For the completion of both processes, these young people have to demonstrate their integration in the Spanish society, a requirement that, in most cases, is difficult to comply with taking into account their lack of work experience, education, knowledge of the Spanish language and, in general, all the circumstances around them.