As the debate continues on how to solve the illegal immigration issue in America, the focus has now shifted as many are concerned about the potential for families to be split up, and children to be left without their parents.
According to Fox News, the current policy has resulted in “nearly 2,000 minors being separated from their families” over the past six weeks, and it has drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen spoke about the policy and its effect during a meeting of the National Sheriffs’ Association, and said that it will continue.
“We will not apologize for the job we do or for the job law enforcement does for doing the job that the American people expect us to do,” Nielsen said during her speech in New Orleans. “Illegal actions have and must have consequences. No more free passes, no more get out of jail free cards.”
Recently, Mississippi Congressman Bennie G. Thompson joined 107 other representatives in a letter written to the Department of Homeland Security urging them to stop separating families at the border.
“Many parents arrive at our borders with their children to seek protection—a lawful act. In the last several years, the numbers of such families apprehended at our southern border has increased. Overwhelming evidence shows this is driven by rising levels of violence and persecution in their home countries,” wrote the members. “We believe that in a misguided attempt to reduce these numbers, DHS has been separating families with the hope that cruel treatment at our borders will send a message to and deter future migrants.”
At a campaign event on Friday, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith said that she doesn’t like what is going on, but for now, it’s the law of the land.
“As a mother, no one wants to separate [families], but there are laws in this country. When my child goes to another country, we have to abide by their laws, and it’s got to be the same way here,” she said. “Does my heart go out? You bet it does, and that’s why I want to set up a system that is better than what we have, but it’s still a system that says ‘if you’re not a citizen here there are rules you have to live by’.”
She went on to say that she wants to work with colleagues on a new quote common sense approach to the system. As for the President’s position on the issue, he has weighed in on Twitter stating that children are used by criminals to enter the country, and that the separation of families is the result of Democrats failing to help enact stronger immigration laws.
Children are being used by some of the worst criminals on earth as a means to enter our country. Has anyone been looking at the Crime taking place south of the border. It is historic, with some countries the most dangerous places in the world. Not going to happen in the U.S.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 18, 2018
It is the Democrats fault for being weak and ineffective with Boarder Security and Crime. Tell them to start thinking about the people devastated by Crime coming from illegal immigration. Change the laws!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 18, 2018
Last month, Homeland Security began referring all cases of illegal entry to the Justice Department for prosecution.
