Democrats call the Trump administration cruel for separating children from parents caught crossing the border illegally. Authorities separate the families so the parents can be jailed and prosecuted. The children are placed with relatives or other foster care.
Over 2000 children have been
separated from their parents since April under this policy. Reacting to pressure Trump
reversed this policy on Wednesday with an executive order.
Trumps No Tolerance
Trump started the new zero tolerance" policy in April. First time offenders are charged with misdemeanors. Repeat offenders are charged with a felony. Entering the country illegally is
not merely a civil violation. First time offenders can be sentenced up to six months in jail.
The Supreme Court decided in the 1996 decision
Flores v. Reno how illegal immigrant children should be treated. The policy favors release of the minors. It places children who remain in federal custody in the least restrictive environment.
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