New Report Resurfaces Tough Conversation About Child Marriage in the US

According to a new report, the United States approved thousands of immigration requests made by adult men in the US for child brides from abroad, in addition to requests from minors to bring in prospective adult spouses, in the last decade. Though it’s 2019, child marriage is still legal to varying extents in all but two US states: Delaware and New Jersey, and only as of 2018. This puts thousands of girls and families at risk for increased incidents of domestic abuse, pregnancy complications, STIs, and more.

The data comes from a Senate Homeland Security Committee report on immigration and child marriage, published Friday. The DHS report states that between fiscal years 2007 and 2017, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approved 5,556 petitions for spousal approval from adults in the US for “minor beneficiaries overseas,” and another 2,926 petitions for “adult beneficiaries overseas” from minors in the US. One of the largest age discrepancies in petitions that were approved was a 61-year-old adult petitioning for a 17-year-old, according to the DHS report.

Of these 8,482 approved petitions, 4,749 (more than half) actually received green cards to live in the US. The vast majority of petitions received for child “beneficiaries” or petitioners came from Mexico, DHS figures reveal, while most of the petitions that were approved came from Jordan.

Though child marriage should be a completely antiquated and unacceptable practice in this era, it is still quite common in the US. What’s more, most child brides in the US are not foreign petitioners.

According to a 2017 PBS Frontline report, more than 200,000 American minors (overwhelmingly girls) were married to adults between 2000 and 2015. While Delaware and New Jersey have since outlawed this practice altogether, 17 states have no minimum age requirements for children to marry.And the US immigration system only evaluates the legality of marriages involving foreign minors based on the laws where the petitioners and “beneficiaries” live.

Ohio lawmakers were recently pressured to alter the state’s law on child marriage after a local newspaper investigation revealed that dozens of underage teens had been married to adults in Ohio between 2000 and 2015. The Dayton Daily News brought light to this issue in 2017, prompting Governor John Kasich to sign a bill on Monday that raises the state’s legal minimum age for girls to 18. (Ohio’s current marital age minimums are 16 for girls and 18 for boys, but those minimums can be waived with parental consent.) The investigation revealed that girls as young as 14 were married off to adults in this timeframe.

Once the new law goes into effect, only 18-year-olds will be able to marry in Ohio, with the exception of couples where the minor is 17 years old, there is no more than a four-year age difference between the minor and the adult, the minor has court permission, and the pair submits to a 14-day waiting period, according to the Springfield News-Sun.

Child marriage, which disproportionately harms young girls who are already vulnerable due to dire circumstances such as poverty, is a practice almost universally rejected by the mainstream. Though underage marriage has been in decline in the US for many years now, there is no reason for this harmful practice to be abetted by the US immigration system.

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(Photo via Getty Images)

The best part about fall – other than figuring out your Halloween costume and making all the PSLs in the world – is the comfort food. Though cozy lunches and dinners are great, you can kickstart your day with even more coziness with one of these fall breakfast ideas! From sweet to savory dishes, these fall breakfast ideas not only taste like the season, but they bring unparalleled mealtime satisfaction and enough energy to help you take on the day. You’ll definitely be excited to wake up in the AM knowing that one of these tasty fall breakfast ideas are on the menu – check the recipes out for yourself below!

Figen Kokol / PEXELS

Protein Pancakes

These hearty protein pancakes provide such a nice balance between getting your daily nutrition in while also enjoying a sweet treat. Pro tip: add in some pumpkin pie spice to give the batter even more fall edge and flavor! (via Brit + Co)

Leslie Grow

Lazy Breakfast Sandwiches

These crowd-pleasing breakfast sandwiches are made possible with the magic of Hawaiian sweet rolls. First, batch-cook your eggs and sausage in a sheet pan, then get ready to build the tastiest sammies of your life. The best part is they're highly customizable – add in veggies to the eggs and play around with different cheeses until you find your perfect fall breakfast combo. (via Maria Provenzano for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Muffins

Use up some oats, warm spices, and your apple of choice (we get it – not everyone can be a Granny Smith fan), and a few other pantry staples to craft these nutritious breakfast muffins. Just toss all the ingredients in one big bowl and bake, then you've got enough on-the-go bites to last you the entire week! (via Brit + Co)

Brittany Griffin

Vegetarian Egg Cups

These healthy egg bites are reminiscent of our fave Starbucks food order, but cost way less to make right at home. You can easily swap out the veggies and choice of cheese for your own personal taste, too. These meal prep-able bites make the perfect fall breakfast since they're packed with enough protein to fuel you for the day. (via Kelly Senyei of Just a Taste for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Traditional Norwegian Pancakes

You'd be surprised at just how easy these Norwegian pancakes are to make! Just 5 ingredients, and you've got some seriously delish, satisfyingly thin, and perfectly sweet flapjacks on your plate. Top your creation with seasonal fruits like apple, cranberry, or figs to really dig into the fall vibes. (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

Sarah Anderson

Chicken & Waffles

Does it really get better than some good ol' chicken & waffles? We think not. The crispy, breadcrumb-covered chicken tenders in this recipe do require a bit of extra work, but it's so worth it once you sink your teeth into a bite that's both sweet and savory. And syrupy – never forget the syrup! (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

Coup de Pates

Olympic Chocolate Muffins

Chocolate is yummy any time of year, which is why you need to try making these muffins that went viral over the summer Olympics. Made with a touch of instant coffee and packed with a rich dark chocolate ganache filling, these may not be the healthiest of fall breakfast ideas, but dang, are they good! (via Jordan Howlett / Brit + Co)

The Real Food Dietitians

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies

These healthy, gluten-free, and low-cost breakfast cookies will certainly set your day off on the right foot. Pumpkin puree, flax meal, pepitas, dried cranberries (for the fall-ness of it all), and coconut are all wonderful additions to the oat-packed dough. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

The Edgy Veg

Vegan Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

This dairy free, vegetarian, and vegan breakfast casserole is perfect for serving a brunch crowd with specific dietary restrictions. It's definitely super hearty since it's made with tater tots, tofu scramble, and plant-based sausage. It delivers the same bulky, breakfast-y effect as a non-vegan option would, and the best part is you'll have plenty of leftovers if you end up making it just for yourself! (via The Edgy Veg)

Clean Cuisine

Monkey Bread

Monkey bread is the childhood breakfast of our dreams, so if you're stuck on what to make the fam for a lazy Sunday brunch, let this recipe dissolve all your problems – no monkey business here! These soft and doughy bread rolls get coated in a delightful cinnamon-sugar blend before being glazed in a super-sweet cream cheese frosting. (via Clean Cuisine)

Half Baked Harvest

Cheesy Pesto Avocado Bacon Breakfast Burritos

These totally meal prep-worthy burritos combine cheese, eggs, spinach, roasted potatoes, avocado, and crispy bacon for a very satisfying fall breakfast. Your morning routine will become a thousand times easier if you make 'em ahead of time and freeze them so they keep the entire week! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Crowded Kitchen

Vegan Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash

Sweet potato and kale are an absolute power combo, but we bet you've never thought of having them for breakfast before. Don't shy away from hearty vegan fall breakfast ideas like this one – it's packed with essential vitamins and minerals, as well as protein to keep you full and satisfied all morning long! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Earthly Provisions

Matcha Overnight Oats

This overnight oats recipe is a delectable two-fer, being loaded with fiber from the oats and chia seeds, as well as caffeine from the matcha powder. So, you'll wake up to a nice boost of energy that's also great for your gut! (via Earthly Provisions)

Completely Delicious

Buttermilk Biscuits & Sausage Gravy

It doesn't get more fall than this! These buttery biscuits paired with a rich sausage gravy simply don't compare to anything you can order at a restaurant since they're made with love right at home. (via Completely Delicious)

Kathryn's Kitchen

Gingerbread Oatmeal

Your kitchen will start smelling like absolute heaven the moment you start whipping up this oatmeal on the stove top. With the help of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this hearty, fiber-rich bowl earns the tastiest fall twist. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

The First Mess

Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles

Potatoes and waffles are pretty much two of our favorite things, so combining each food into one is so genius. You'll fall in love with the crispy exterior, while the inside stays fluffy and tender. Serve with avocado, lox, or eggs to make these bites even more breakfast-worthy. (via The First Mess)

Feel Good Foodie

Shakshuka

Shakshuka – AKA runny eggs cooked in a bath of flavorful tomatoes, bell pepper, and spices – is a classic when it comes to fall breakfast ideas. There's a good amount of spicy flair and plenty of heartiness to go around. Share this one-skillet meal with friends and loved ones with a side of toasty, crispy bread for dipping delight. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Takes Two Eggs

Apple Cider Mochi Donuts

Apple cider donuts for the win! These sweet treats have a unique mochi-like texture, thanks to the addition of sweet rice flour. It makes them super tender and bouncy – you won't be able to get enough! These donuts would make an excellent addition to your Saturday breakfast plans alongside a cup of pumpkin-spiced coffee for fall time. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Butternut Bakery

Sweet Potato Muffins with Maple Pecan Butter

These muffins are 100% vegan, though they don't taste like it at all! They're also free of processed sugar, making them a healthy bite to enjoy in the AM. The maple-pecan butter totally makes this recipe. (via Butternut Bakery)

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There is no better feeling than finding a character that you relate to or feel seen by. And thanks to the past and present lineup of incredible leading ladies in television, women everywhere have had that experience, and have been reminded they’re not alone.

We’ve cried and laughed alongside these characters, and let them into our home week after week, episode after episode, and season after season because they mean something to us. Keep reading to see if your favorite made the list!

​Brit + Co’s Best Leading Ladies

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Kate Bridgerton from Bridgerton

There’s a reason fans of Bridgerton have continued to express their desire for more Kate Bridgerton, formerly known as Kate Sharma, on their screen as the story moves forward. Her devotion to family is admirable and her heart is always in the right place.

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Lorelai and Rory Gilmore from Gilmore Girls

You know how much we love the Gilmore girls, and it's no surprise. They're loyal, passionate, and will literally do anything from each other. That's true love, baby!

Netflix

Sarah, Kiara, and Cleo from Outer Banks

The Pogues prove that you can find your people no matter what. Where you come from doesn’t have to define you, which is presented perfectly through Sarah, Kiara, and Cleo.

ABC/Liliane Lathan

Meredith Grey from Grey’s Anatomy

Meredith Grey is a fierce survivor, never stopping regardless of what life throws at her. She constantly gives her all when it comes to her job and her patients, striving to advance medicine however she can.

Warner Bros. TV

Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen from Gossip Girl

These frenemies showed us what it meant to totally have your friends' backs — even if their methods are necessarily admirable.

Marvel Studios/Disney

Wanda Maximoff from WandaVision

We’ve seen Wanda grow for better (and worse) since her first appearance in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, but the deep emotion with which her grief is explored through WandaVision is all too relatable. We want to protect ourselves from the pain of loss, but we can’t stay in the safe space forever. We have to pull ourselves together and come out stronger on the other side.

FX/Hulu

Sydney Adamu from The Bear

In many ways, Sydney holds The Bear together. She is driven to succeed, never holding back her intelligence, and knows her craft inside and out. And she definitely makes everyone around her a better person.

Warner Bros. Television

Brooke, Peyton, + Haley from One Tree Hill

We see Brooke, Peyton, and Haley go from teenagers trying to find themselves to adults with families, making it feel as though we were going through life with them. Their loyalty to each other makes One Tree Hill feel like the home we could always go back to.

More TV Leading Ladies We Love

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, + Sophia from The Golden Girls

The Golden Girls brings the true joy of friendship to the screen in a totally timeless way. Audiences might come to laugh, but they leave with much more.

Virginia Sherwood/NBC

Olivia Benson from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Olivia Benson has become a comforting force for all survivors, especially those dealing with some from of sexual assault or abuse. She shines like a beacon of hope, promising that you are so much more than what’s happened to you.

The CW

Veronica Lodge from Riverdale

Veronica’s character development is a true highlight of Riverdale. Seeing her evolve beyond the spoiled, rich girl label to someone who would do anything for those she loves — with the strength to do what was right, even at a personal cost — was powerful.

Archive Photos/Getty Images

Lucy Ricardo from I Love Lucy

Is there anyone more hilarious than Lucy? She wasn’t what audiences expected from a leading lady, especially in a comedy. She provided an unexpected edge to TV, and that’s exactly why we loved her.

Eric McCandless/Freeform

Aria, Hannah, Spencer, Emily, + Alison from Pretty Little Liars

Seeing a show with five different female leads is rare in and of itself, but Pretty Little Liars allows each character to be their own force of nature. As a friend group, they stuck together and fought for each other, showing the beauty and complexity of female friendships.

Disney+/Walt Disney Studios

Alex Russo from Wizards of Waverly Place

Alex gave young girls permission to mess up, which is so crucial to understand when growing up. Despite her mistakes, she never failed to show total confidence in herself and know exactly what she wanted out of life.

Warner Bros. Pictures

Read up on The Best Movie Leading Ladies to check out your favorite gals of the silver screen!

If you’re one of those people who lives to create show-stopping couples costumes with your S.O. every year, then you’re in luck, because Harley Quinn and the Joker from Suicide Squad are the couple of the year, with their oddly heartfelt, twisted unity. Especially thanks to Joker 2 (okay, I know it's not the same Joker and Harley Quinn, but anything is possible in the multiverse, right?)

These two each have a chaotic history individually, but when the stars aligned to create their serendipitous love story, we couldn’t help but have a little empathy and fall in love with this quirky, villainous couple. This is what happens when being bad feels and looks so good! Read on for our costume tips and tricks.

Brit + Co

It doesn't get more twisted than this!

Harley Quinn Costume

Brit + Co

You can choose to buy or DIY this look, or do a little of both (which I recommend). Think about time versus money for each piece and then decide what’s best for you. I will say that the wig, shirt, choker, glove, tights, and holster were super clutch to purchase. I did some finessing to make them look even more authentic.

For the rest of the look, I got items that were close, and then made the pieces I couldn’t find, like the shorts, shoes and various accessories. You can get the full lowdown on how I made the Harley Quinn costume here. Either way, once you build the look (hair and makeup included), simply get into character. I found this oddly natural for me to do (it’s one of those costumes that takes you there, ya know?!).

Joker Costume

Brit + Co

Believe it or not, all I had to purchase here was the maroon shirt, which I found at a thrift store. Zane owned the rest and your boo probably does too. This look is really about the makeup. You can get the full Joker tutorial here.

How to Be the Villainous Power Couple

Brit + Co

Depending on your mood and the type of party you’re attending, you can bring along some fun accessories. The trick to this look truly is getting into character. Zane had way too much fun with this knife! Yikes.

The perfect amount of crazy, sexy, and weird all wrapped into one look!

Brit + Co

Bring on those playful lovers’ quarrels throughout the evening!

Check out even more Incredible Couple's Costumes for all your Halloween parties this year.

This post has been updated.