(Photo Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Screaming babies. Toddlers pleading. Sleeping in cages. No plan for unification in sight.
In the past week, the administration of the United States of America has decided to try and make a strong statement, by enforcing a policy that separates children of all ages from their parents at the border in a way to deter them from seeking asylum in this country. As of this moment there also does not seem to be a plan to reunify those children with their families in the future. Over 2,300 children have been taken away so far, some unaccounted for, and put into shelters where they are sleeping in cages and allowed leisure time outside one or two hours a day.
No it’s not a bad dream. This is life now in the United States.
The facts are there is no current law that states that families must be separated at the United States border. Instead it is part of the Trump administrations “zero-tolerance” policy in which they call for criminal prosecution of adults who try to enter this country illegally.
In early April, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that “illegally entering this country will not be rewarded, but will instead be met with the full prosecutorial powers of the Department of Justice.” He then spoke about the zero-tolerance policy and the reality that it could separate families at the border.
He later defended the policy by using the bible as a reference to the enforcement of law, “I would cite you to the Apostle Paul and his clear and wise command in Romans 13, to obey the laws of the government because God has ordained them for the purpose of order. Orderly and lawful processes are good in themselves and protect the weak and lawful.”
Former first lady Laura Bush strongly denounced the policy comparing it to Japanese-Americans during World War II and calling it cruel. Michelle Obama echoed that statement. Even current First Lady Melania Trump “hates to see children separated from their families.”
While President Donald Trump continues to say it’s “the democrats fault,” he fails to tell the American people that he himself implemented such a policy, and it can be reversed whenever he wants.
The man behind the policy Stephen Miller is the advisor driving the framework of his inhumane policy, calling “a simple decision.”
These are the facts.
U.S. was separating kids from families if: those children are suspected to not be the children of the adult that is passing the border or a victim of human trafficking, abused, or adult going to be charged with a crime. The difference is that the Trump administration is charging every adult crossing the border.
twitter.com/AnandWrites/status/1009448332132052992
Yesterday (June 19), MSNBC Host Rachel Maddow broke down in tears as a report from the Associated Press revealed that at least three “tender age” shelters have been set up in the United States with a forth set to be opened in Houston. These shelters will be holding babies and toddlers of adults who attempt to cross the border. These children reportedly are heard crying and “acting out” due to the seperations.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf_BTbPQARw
The same day former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski was in the midst of a debate where he mocked news of a 10-year-old with Down Syndrome being separated from her mother and not allowed to be consoled with the words “womp womp.” Something he’s denying today.
Lots of Fake News today. I mocked a liberal who attempted to politicize children as opposed to discussing the real issue which is fixing a broken immigration system. It’s offenseive that the MSM doesn’t want to talk about the fact these policies were started under Obama.
— Corey R. Lewandowski (@CLewandowski_) June 20, 2018
According to CNN, during a closed door meeting Trump said that the image of “the crying babies doesn’t look good politically.”
How can we help?
Call A Member Of Congress: Call 202-224-3121. State your zip code. “I live in ___. I support SB3036, the ‘Keep Families Together Act’.”
Donate: Essential items like diapers, wipes, shampoo, and soap directly to immigrant children, Baby2Baby and Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) who set up a baby registry at Target.
Protests: Look at protests and other ways you can help on MoveOn.org.
Ebro in the Morning discussed the troubling issue this morning. Watch the clip below.