Discussions of legality, security, and economic impact have dominated the debate over U.S. immigration policy in recent years. However, the human cost—specifically, the catastrophic effects of family separations—has emerged as the most dramatic and problematic aspect of these political disputes. Families being split up at the border has highlighted the fundamental problems with immigration legislation as well as the need for change that puts humanity first.
After the "zero tolerance" policy was put into place by the Trump administration in 2018, the family separation issue became a national scandal. All those caught breaking the law and entering the country illegally faced criminal charges under this policy. Children were forcibly taken away from their parents or guardians—a practice that was swiftly met with considerable outrage from human rights activists, legislators, and the general public.
The separations' scope was astounding. Thousands of children were reportedly taken from their families, frequently with no consideration for the emotional or mental health of the children involved. Parents were incarcerated in locations remote from their kids, which made coordination and communication extremely tough. The problem was made worse by the government's absence of an extensive tracking system, which led to protracted and frequently endless separations.
Examining the effects of separation, mental health doctors and child welfare experts found reports of distress, anxiety, and developmental setbacks. The abrupt and capricious breakup of the parent-child relationship has long-term effects on a child's stability and sense of security. These separations leave emotional wounds that are difficult to repair and can affect a child for the rest of their life.
In June 2018, the Trump administration was compelled to halt the family separation program due to public uproar and legal challenges. Reuniting families was not without its difficulties. Inadequate record-keeping caused delays and, in some circumstances, irreversible separations. Many families remained split up despite the attempts to handle the immediate crisis, and the long-term ramifications of these splits are still being dealt with.
The reality of family separations also highlights the wider consequences of our immigration policies. It forces us to consider our national principles and to appreciate the humanity in people attempting to improve their way of living. Policies that prioritize punitive measures more than compassion compromise our moral values and fall short of providing a just solution to the complex issues surrounding immigration.
Immigration laws in the United States must be based on the values of justice, empathy, and respect as the country develops. Families should never be used as puppets in a political game, and when making policy decisions, the emotional and psychological health of children should be at the forefront.
The narrative surrounding family separations is about actual individuals and their immense pain, not just politics or policy. It is a call to action to create an immigration system that is equitable and humanitarian, one that upholds our fundamental principles and guarantees that each person is treated with respect. We must work toward a future where tragedies of this nature are not repeated, where our immigration laws preserve the best aspects of our identity as a country, and use the lessons we have learned from this traumatic chapter of dehumanization to make a better process for families.
Photo Credit: Lucas Jackson/Reuters
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