This article provides a comprehensive account of the treatment in historical and contemporary sociology of children immigration in France. In the first section, this paper distinguishes different situations relating to migrant children who are visible in the public space. In the second section, this article examines the notion of migrant children in the social intervention concerning this domain. The third section extends to contemporary societies' perception of migrant children and the youth condition. This perception directly influences the emphasis placed on them, as well as their relationships with adults and between peers. Lastly, social sciences have their part of responsibility in determining the scientific interest towards these populations.