Letter: Cruelty on the U. S. border

Dear Editor,

A policy off cruelty is being carried out by the US. government an the southwest border. Many Americans may think that only illegal immigrants are being arrested there as they try to cross the border undetected. But there is another category of people who arrive at the border who are being hurt: refugees

These people present themselves to authorities to be taken into custody so that they can apply far asylum. Over the past several years, the number of refugees coming from three Central American countries (El Salvador. Guatemala, and Honduras) has increased substantially as they flee horrendous violence in their countries. Many are attempting to remove their children from civil and criminal violence that is a threat to their lives

All refugees have the right to apply far asylum Previously, they were processed and either detained or placed in residence with sponsors. The government still Had the option to deport them. But families were allowed to stay together as they were processed and decisions readied about their applications.

Now the Justice Department has chosen to prosecute all people arriving at the border without passports or visas as criminals. In doing so. they are held in federal jail facilities, and separated from their children, who are being placed in other facilities. Same of these facilities are in other states* resulting in parents and children being held hundreds of miles apart

Americans must understand that the hurt being done here is not incidental-it is purposeful The separation of these children and families is being carried out to discourage other people from these countries from seeking asylum in America. The Catholic Bishop of Brownsville; Texas ha* called this a cruel and reprehensible policy, and he is right.*

President Trump has claimed that this separation IB required by law. Attorney General Seaaions has stated that it’s not his fault that he is separating children from their parents. But this is a policy of choice supported by the silence of LA Congressional delegation.

Yours,

Vinny Mendoza

38816 Drott Lone, Ponchatou-la LA 70454

Letter: Cruelty on the U. S. border