At least 2,000 children separated from families at US-Mexico border
At least 2,000 children have been separated from their families or guardians who illegally crossed the US-Mexico border, since a policy allowing the same came into effect. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that 1,995 children travelling with 1,940 adults had been separated between 19th April and 31st May - the children are being held in detention centres, away from their families. Here's more.
Children were separated under the US' new 'zero tolerance' policy
The White House had enacted a "zero tolerance" policy for illegal immigrants in May, which treats undocumented entries into the US as criminal cases. While children of such immigrants were separated from their families, the adults are being held separately in "jail settings" as they await prosecution. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has been criticized heavily for the policy's harshness.
Most of the children are being held in Texas
Reportedly, around 1,500 boys are being held at a former Walmart store in Texas, while the government is erecting tent-like structures near the US-Mexico border to house the increasing number of immigrant children. However, DHS officials have said that its centers have the "highest detention standards."
The policy sparked widespread protests and criticism
Earlier this month, thousands demonstrated against the Trump administration's 'inhumane' policy of separating undocumented parents from their children. Human rights advocates have also criticized the policy, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights last week said that the policy amounts to an "unlawful interference in family life, and is a serious violation of the rights of the children."
Trump "hates" children being separated, but defends policy
The policy has also seen harsh criticism from faith leaders and Democrats, with top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi describing it as "shameful". President Trump has said that he "hate(s) children being taken away", but has clarified that the US will take a strong stand against illegal immigration. Meanwhile, the Republican-led House of Representatives is slated to vote on two new immigration measures soon.
Trump declares what he wants from new immigration bill
A hardline and a moderate bill are on Trump's table
The two bills on the table include a hardline bill drafted by House judiciary Bob Goodlatte, and a compromised Republican bill. The latter, it's reported, would provide for $25bn to make Trump's envisioned wall along the US-Mexico border, and would detail procedures pertaining to giving young, undocumented immigrants a permanent residency and ultimately, US citizenship, under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy.
