National Catholic Reporter Editorial: Family separation is an immoral, ineffective policy

https://www.ncronline.org/news/opinion/editorial-family-separation-immoral-ineffective-policy

Central American migrants walk to the U.S.-Mexico border crossing April 29 in Tijuana, where they presented themselves for asylum. Now, however, following the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" policy, families who enter without first presenting for asylum are being separated. (CNS/David Maung)

My Response: I agree that the Trump administration policy of separating families is a "serious violation of the right of the child." It is contrary to the spirit of the Gospels: Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you." Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP #womenpriestsnow

We say: Making family separation a point of government policy is unacceptable and immoral. That is exactly what the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" policy is, and, according to the United Nations human rights office, is also "a serious violation of the rights of the child."

As Bishop Joe Vásquez of Austin, Texas, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Migration, said in a statement June 1, "Family unity is a cornerstone of our American immigration system and a foundational element of Catholic teaching. ... Rupturing the bond between parent and child causes scientifically-proven trauma that often leads to irreparable emotional scarring."

"My brother bishops and I understand the need for the security of our borders and country, but separating arriving families at the U.S.-Mexico border does not allay security concerns," Vásquez said. "Children and families will continue to take the enormous risks of migration — including family separation — because the root causes of migration from the Northern Triangle remain: community or state-sanctioned violence, gang recruitment, poverty, and a lack of educational opportunity."

"Policies should address these factors first as we seek to repair our broken immigration system," the bishop said.