U.S. Immigration Strategy under Widespread Condemnation

More than two thousand three hundred children have been separated from their parents after crossing the southern U.S. border since May.  According to the Department of Homeland Security, it is part of a new immigration strategy implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. Back in April, prosecutors were ordered to adopt zero-tolerance policy for illegal border crossings, which includes prosecuting parents traveling with their children, as well as those who attempted to request asylum. But since then, images of children separated from the families and others detained in cages and ‘tender age’ camps have stirred global conversation on immigration.  As a result, Trump Administration has come under widespread condemnation and global call for action to remedy the separation of families.  On Thursday, President Trump signed an executive order to end family separation. Adrienne Galanek of the U.S. Embassy in Belize commented on the growing situation.

Adrienne Galanek

Adrienne Galanek, Chargé d’ Affaires, U.S. Embassy in Belize

“We are very concerned about this situation and also I think that you have seen in the United States that it’s the subject of a robust Policy Debate ongoing right now in the United States and I know that congress is also considering a number of options and of course President Trump signed an executive order yesterday that will ensure that families are not separated when they enter the borders.   In terms of my understanding of the Executive orders is that they will be processed in accordance with the law; for any specifics of that I would have to defer you to the Department of Homeland Security but subject to the resources that are available, the families will remain united.”

Reporter

“Would you say the situation is being addressed properly by the Trump administration?”

Adrienne Galanek

“Well, I think that yes, the United States is balancing securing it borders with of course maintaining humanitarian standards and so I think that you see the United States issue and the administration with the executive order addressing the situation as well.”