In May, the Trump Administration released a new policy that stated “authorities will criminally prosecute anyone who crosses the border illegally.” Because of this action many families have been separated. Parents spend time in federal prisons, waiting to be prosecuted, while the children spend time in facilities. “Immigration fights organizations say holding children in such facilities — especially children that are taken from their parents — is cruel and inhuman”. More than 11,700 children have been taken from their parents and placed into these facilities.

Many congressmen have visited borders to speak to the public about the separations and they have all kept their speeches similar, they want to take part in blocking this action but “it’s not easy.” While Krestjen Neilson says, “It’s important to note that these minors are very well taken care of. Don’t believe the press… we operate according to some of the very highest standards in the country.” The number of people being caught illegally crossing the border has only increased by 5%. This new policy is not working out the way administration officials wanted it to.

People who support this new policy are mostly Republican according to a recent CNN poll. “In the poll, conducted by SSRS.., 58% of Republicans say they approve of the family separations.” The administration officials argue that the new policy is the same way they treat U.S. citizens when they have committed a crime. Krestjen Neilson says, “Illegal actions must have consequences. No more free passes no more get out of jail free cards.”

Most doctors, politicians, and religious leaders are against this new policy, but one really important voice is former first lady Laura Bush.  She stated, “Our government should not be in the business of warehousing children in converted box stores or making plans to place them in tent cities in the desert outside of El Paso,” and  “These images are eerily reminiscent of the Japanese-American internment camps of World War II, now considered to have been one of the most shameful episodes in US history.”

After immigrant parents are prosecuted and ready to be sent back they receive a “toll-free” number that will help them locate their children, but many times the “overwhelmed system doesn’t work” according to many lawyers and organizations. And the children have no idea where their parents are or when they are going home. Unfortunately, many time parents get sent back without their children, not knowing where their children are, and wondering when (and if) they will ever see them again.

Sites used:

https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/18/us/immigration-family-separations-questions/index.html