Separation at the Border: Morals Over Politics
Under the Trump Administration, throughout the past four years, at least 2,654 children have been separated from their families at the Mexican border. After receiving criticism about his zero tolerance policy, where families illegally crossing the border were separated, Trump signed an executive order in June of 2018 to stop the separation. However, following June of 2018, it was found that more than 2,300 children were continuing to be isolated from their parents. While the number of separations after dismissing the “zero tolerance” immigration policy has decreased, the number of children separated remains too plentiful and cannot be disregarded.
According to the Save the Children organization, children arriving at the border are experiencing social, mental and physical abuse, after typically escaping previous circumstances of poverty and violence. Their treatment at the border, on top of personal adversities, is immoral and neglects the humane treatment they deserve.
The dishonesty in the government’s communication to the American public about the border separation is indicative of the relationship between the U.S. and their citizens. It can be challenging to trust officials who are in a position of power, and their power can be easily manipulated at times. Democracy protects its citizens from the executive power becoming too strong, but citizens and other government officials have to actively seek to enforce and uphold these American morals. The government not enforcing the executive order against family separation reflects overall negligence in how our government functions.
Furthermore, people often address issues of immigration with alliance to their own political parties, which is a part of the problem. Toxic and polarized politics impact the way in which Americans think far too heavily, where views on human lives now differ drastically. Separating children from their parents and abusing them is not a political issue but is a moral issue that should concern and worry every American.
Compassion for others with diverse backgrounds, different life challenges and regard for a child’s life are absolutely necessary, regardless of any political party beliefs or ties. The deplorable way in which human beings are treated within the U.S. cannot be overlooked. Children deserve love, care and opportunities to achieve their full potential, and their homelands must foster these things. The U.S. has to do better and be the place of opportunity it claims to be.