Zero-tolerance policy leads to family separation at border
Zero-tolerance policy leads to family separation at border
The zero-tolerance policy has led to the separation of 2,342 children from their parents along the U.S.-Mexico border
The zero-tolerance policy has led to the separation of 2,342 children from their parents along the U.S.-Mexico border
What happened?
Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the United States government would be increasing their actions in regards to illegal immigration along the U.S. and Mexico border. This zero-tolerance policy led to 2,342 children being taken away from their parents and held in "tender-age" shelters. Meanwhile, the parents were denied access to the United States. Both Republicans and Democrats have spoken out against the policy.
Who is separating families?
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities host families until the children are separated from their parents. At this point, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) will place the children in "tender-age"shelters and foster homes.
Statement from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
[We are] legally required to accept placement for any child meeting the definition of an unaccompanied alien child (UAC). HHS plays no role in the apprehension or initial detention of UAC prior to their referral to custody.
Texas senator on immigration systems
"We are a nation of laws and if policymakers will agree that all immigrants must abide by the rule of law, then we can reach consensus on ways to improve the immigration system in order to ensure national security and meet the needs of our society."
Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn
Children can be reunited after asylum is granted to the parent
Once the parent is granted asylum, they can apply to sponsor their child. Megan McKenna, senior director of communications and community engagement for Kids in Need of Defense, said this process took one month under former President Barack Obama’s administration, but is much longer under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Congress cannot agree on legislation
"This highlights the need for Congress to pass legislation that improves enforcement of our immigration laws, while making clear that families who cross the border illegally should be treated humanely."
Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn
In regards to the "recent apprehensions" at the southern border
President Trump signs Executive Order
On June 20, the president signed an Executive Order that will "rigorously enforce" the current immigration laws, but keep families together. The Executive Order is only good for 20 days and on July 10, Congress must come to a solution or the the Executive Order is revoked.
Cornyn's Plan
"I introduced the Keep Families Together and Enforce the Law Act (S. 3093) to end the separation of immigrant parents and children at the border. This legislation requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to hold immigrant families together at family residential centers pending the outcome of civilian criminal court proceedings, while providing appropriate accommodations and standards of care. The bill would also make clear that the executive branch must take affirmative steps to reunite families in their custody who were previously separated. In addition, the bill will improve due process by requiring the hiring of more than 200 new immigration judges and requiring the DHS Secretary and Attorney General to prioritize the court proceedings of families in their custody. Finally, this legislation would improve the safety of accompanied children who cross our border by ensuring they are not held in custody with human traffickers, child abusers, or violent criminals."
Federal judge order reunification for families
On June 26, U.S. District Judge Dana Sabraw ordered families to be reunited within 30 days and children under five to be reunited in 14 days. This is in response to the DOJ's initial statement they would not be reuniting previously separated families