What happened to migrant families separated at border?

Summary

This video explores the emotional and legal impact of the Trump administration's family separation policy at the U.S.-Mexico border. It traces the origins of the policy, its devastating effects on children and parents, and the public backlash that led to its eventual reversal. The documentary 'Split at the Root' follows a group of volunteers working to reunite families separated by the policy. It highlights ongoing struggles for justice and restitution, while emphasizing the continuing separation under current administrations. The film showcases both personal and systemic challenges, offering a powerful call for empathy and action.

Takeaways

• 😀 The family separation policy was implemented by the Trump Administration in 2017 as a deterrent for illegal immigration, separating children from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border.
• 😀 The policy, known as Zero Tolerance, led to the separation of thousands of migrant children from their families, with over 2,600 children separated by June 2018 alone.
• 😀 The policy applied to all migrants apprehended entering the U.S. illegally, and children under 18 were placed in the custody of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
• 😀 The policy continued after a court order in June 2018 demanded family reunification, with Amnesty International reporting that more than 6,000 family units were separated through August 2018.
• 😀 President Trump claimed the policy was the fault of Democrats and not his administration, despite the policy being widely criticized and its implementation during his tenure.
• 😀 Prior administrations did not separate families, and families were typically detained together while awaiting immigration hearings.
• 😀 Immigration advocates blame poor record-keeping and disorganization among border law enforcement agencies for the difficulties in reunification.
• 😀 The emotional, psychological, and physical toll of the separations on children and parents is still being studied, with reports of abuse and neglect in detention facilities.
• 😀 A new Netflix documentary, 'Split at the Root,' highlights the efforts of volunteers who helped reunite families separated by the policy.
• 😀 The Biden Administration has faced criticism for continuing to separate families through detention and deportation practices while also working to reunite those separated by the Trump Administration.
• 😀 Although the Biden Administration has succeeded in reuniting some families, about a thousand children remain separated from their families as of 2022, and compensation for the families has not been fully addressed.

Q & A

What was the initial policy that separated families at the U.S. Southern border?

The policy, known as the 'Zero Tolerance' approach, was implemented by the Trump Administration in 2017 and aimed at deterring illegal immigration by prosecuting all migrants who entered the U.S. illegally, which led to the separation of accompanying children from their parents.

When was the family separation policy officially reversed?

The policy was officially reversed in June 2018 after significant public backlash and a court order, although reports indicate that separations continued into 2018 despite the reversal.

How many children were estimated to have been separated from their parents under this policy?

Over 2,600 children were separated from their parents under the 'Zero Tolerance' policy, with Amnesty International reporting that more than 6,000 family units were separated between April and August 2018.

What did President Donald Trump say about the family separations?

President Trump claimed that his administration was not to blame for the separations, asserting that the issue was due to laws passed by Democrats and that the separation was necessary to deter illegal immigration.

How did past U.S. administrations handle family separations at the border?

Previous administrations did not typically separate children from their parents during the immigration process, instead detaining families together while awaiting their immigration cases.

What were some of the consequences faced by children separated from their parents?

Many children faced emotional, psychological, and physical tolls due to the separation. Facilities holding minors were often overcrowded, small, and dirty, and there were cases of abuse, neglect, and starvation.

What is the significance of the Netflix documentary 'Split at the Root'?

'Split at the Root' follows the efforts of a group of female volunteers who worked to reunite families separated by the Trump administration's policy, focusing on the emotional and personal toll of the separations and the grassroots efforts to reunite families.

What role did Julie Sweetheart Coyasso play in reuniting families?

Julie Sweetheart Coyasso, co-founder of the organization Immigrant Families Together, played a key role in reuniting over 130 families. She began by helping one migrant mother reunite with her children and expanded the effort rapidly after hearing a specific case on NPR.

What was the Biden Administration's stance on restitution for separated families?

The Biden Administration largely rejected financial restitution for families separated by the Trump Administration, although it has explored legal pathways for the parents and family members to gain temporary status.

How many families has the Biden Administration reunited since taking office?

As of 2022, the Biden Administration has reunited approximately 600 children with their parents, but around 1,000 children still remain separated from their families.