Border Enforcement

The Illegal and Systematic Practice of Coercing Separated Families Must Be Investigated

The Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” immigration policy led to not only to the forcible separation of thousands of children from their parents, but the extreme duress and coercion of separated families while in DHS custody. The American Immigration Council (Council) and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) demand an investigation into the illegal and systemic practice of coercion used by DHS officials on the separated parents.  

Family Separation, Harsh Enforcement Tactics Do Not Deter Migration

When the Trump administration began prosecuting migrant families and separating thousands of children from their parents, many in the administration predicted this would significantly deter migrants looking to cross the U.S.-Mexico border. That has not been the case. A recent study based on new data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shows this policy […]

The Family Reunification Deadline Passed. What’s Next for Separated Families?

The court-imposed deadline of July 26 for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reunite families separated at the southern border has passed. So far, over 1800 children have been released to their parents. However, the Trump administration has refused to reunite hundreds of others by excluding many families from the reunification process. It remains unclear how far the […]

Despite Bipartisan Amendments, House Committee Passes Enforcement-Focused Bill

The House Appropriations Committee passed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill that provides the agency with its budget for Fiscal Year 2019, which begins October 1, 2018. The bill includes funding for record high levels of detention beds and billions for President Trump’s controversial border wall. Surprisingly, several amendments were attached that provide […]

The Trump Administration Is Funneling Money From Health Programs to Fund Its Family Separation Policy

The cost of the Trump administration’s family separation policy continues to skyrocket. In order to finance its self-made crisis, the administration has dipped into funds that were reserved for the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) medical research and rural health services. The financial ramifications of separating, detaining, and reuniting migrant children and their […]

Government Uses Separated Children as Leverage to Coerce Parents Into Signing for Deportation

Among the many questions presented by the separation of immigrant families at the border is whether detained parents are being coerced into signing paperwork ensuring their deportation. Without knowing whether or when they would see their children again, many parents may have unintentionally waived their right to seek asylum in a desperate attempt to speed […]