I have been experiencing so many emotions about the news regarding the current DHS policy of separating children from their parents at our Southern border. I’ve crossed the border pictured above several times, always for vacations in Canada. I’ve even picnicked at the beautiful Peace Arch park. But my most stirring memories of crossing the border is the Arch itself. It calls to you to pull out of the long line of cars and be moved by the beauty of the structure and the words inscribed on it.
Children of a Common Mother
Brethren Dwelling Together in Unity
May These Gates Never Be Closed
Right now I can’t write these words without tearing up. They move me that much.
Unfortunately for too many people seeking refuge, this no longer represents the spirit of this country. This administration’s current immigration practices are grounded in racism. Removing children from their parents is grounded in abject cruelty, meant to serve as a deterrent. Never mind that asylum seekers are allowed, by law, to request refuge in this country and we have no business punishing those who request asylum.
The Southern Poverty Law Center, SPLC, has released this statement about this policy.
Many families seeking safety in the United States are fleeing from violence and persecution. They make the dangerous trek to the southern border because they feel they have no other choice, not because they want to do so. Criminally charging them for seeking refuge in our country is a needless and heartless expansion of our nation’s mass incarceration problem, not a solution to the conditions that force people to flee.
www.splcenter.org/...
Add the separation of families to the other news that ~1500 children are currently unaccounted for by HHS. Keep in mind that the ~1500 is just the total from those taken into custody in the 4th quarter of 2017. There are more.
I believe we are witnessing an emergency. Please don’t tell me I don’t understand the issues, or I’m confused, or being hyperbolic. I do understand the different situations happening at the border. I do understand the problem started a few years ago under the Obama administration. I do understand that likely the vast majority of the missing children are probably safe. However, if any are not safe we have a huge problem. We absolutely should not be separating families at our borders, especially if we can’t keep track of the children.
One of the reasons we can’t keep track of the children is because sponsors are rightfully afraid of calling ICE. Afraid of checking in because we have a political party that is holding immigration policy hostage right now.
How you can help
- Call your two Senators and Representative. Let them know you are upset and want the policy of separating families changed, and that we need a functioning immigration policy.
- Call the gop Leaders of the DHS committees in Congress. Rep. McCaul can be reached @ 202-225-2401; and Sen. Johnson can be reached @ 202-224-5323. I was able to speak with someone at both of their offices. One of them asked for my zip code, which is not in their state. He implied I should be calling my representatives, so I told him I had and that I was contacting their office because of the committee position.
- If you’re able, consider donating to these organizations:
- Stay informed. There are excellent diaries here at this site that will keep you informed. Gabe Ortiz writes frequently about immigrant issues here, but he’s not the only one. Read the linked news articles that you see in diaries and tweets.
- VOTE! Make sure your friends and family vote, and in every election. They all matter.
- Rally on Friday, check local listings in the link in the tweet below.