2,000 children separated from their parents at US-Mexico border

A highly criticised “zero tolerance” immigration policy has seen no less than 2,000 children separated from their parents at US-Mexico border.

According to US Department of Homeland Security spokesman, 1,995 minors were separated from 1,940 adults who crossed the US border without documents between April 19 and May 31.

Reports say the adults were held in preparation of prosecution for undocumented entry into the United States, immigration violations, or possible criminal conduct.

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The separation of the kids from their parents are a consequence of this prosecution, as minors cannot be held with their parents or legal guardians.

The move has been criticised and has come under fire from politicians, immigration advocates and human rights groups.

Also, The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights averred last week that the practice “amounts to arbitrary and unlawful interference in family life, and is a serious violation of the rights of the child”.

 

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