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What You Need to Know About the Family Separation Policy
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As of June of this year, more than 2,000 children have been separated from their parents at the U.S. border, a result of Attorney General Jeff Session’s announcement of the new “zero tolerance” policy, or “family separation policy,” which mandates that all individuals who attempt or who have crossed the border illegally be arrested and criminally prosecuted. While the parents sit in jail, the children are left in cells at the border, alone. At Kriezelman, Burton & Associates, we cannot bear to think of families being separated, much less children from their parents, and we do everything in our power to ensure that families stay together. Sometimes that entails defending clients in a court of law while other times it merely entails educating potential migrants. This post does the latter and provides brief details about the family separation policy.
What is the Family Separation Policy?
The family separation policy is precisely what it sounds like—a policy that supports the splitting up of parents and children should they be found crossing the U.S. border illegally. The concept was introduced in May when Sessions announced that the U.S. would take a stricter stance on illegal immigrants crossing the Mexican border. To emphasize the policy’s purpose, Sessions said, “If you are smuggling a child then we will prosecute you, and that child will be separated from you as required by law.” As if to justify such cruel and inhumane procedures, he further emphasized, “If you don’t like that, then don’t smuggle children over the border.”
From April 19 to May 31, approximately 1,995 children were torn from their parents.
What Has Become of the Children?
Children who are separated from their guardians at the border are not sent to live with family members, as one might expect, and nor are they put in the care of the state. Rather, they are kept in holding facilities run by the Office of Refugee Resettlement within the Department of Health and Human Services. These holding facilities take the form of abandoned warehouses, closed department stores, and converted supermarkets.
What Do the Experts Have to Say of the Policy?
Experts across the board have been citing statistics and findings regarding the harm such a maneuver can pose on a child’s mental well-being. Social workers, psychological experts, pediatricians, mental health groups, and human rights activists alike have been calling the policy “uniformly dangerous, inhumane, and deeply worrisome,” and anticipate that enforcement of the policy will result in long-term deleterious effects and irreversible developmental harm to those affected. Many mental health professionals agree that removing a child from his or her caregiver can create acute distress and hinder a child’s ability to cope and self-soothe in the future, which paves the way for mood conditions, personality disorders, psychiatric disturbances, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
What Can You Do if Your Family Has Become Victim of This Policy?
If you have been separated from your loved ones at the border, you may be feeling hopeless, angry, and alone. These are all completely normal emotions to be feeling. However, know that you are not alone and that you are not hopeless. Our Chicago immigration attorneys at Kriezelman, Burton & Associates, have been fighting for the rights of immigrants and their families for over 40 years, and now we are prepared to fight for you. Contact our office today to discuss your strategy for reunification and possible remedies for your pain and troubles.
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I had a wonderful experience working with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC. From start to finish, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to guiding me through every step of the process. They made what could have been a stressful situation feel smooth and manageable, always answering questions quickly and keeping me updated. I especially want to thank Khabit for his outstanding support—he was patient, detail-oriented, and went above…
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We worked with Kevin Raica from Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and I can confidently say he went above and beyond for us. Our process was very long and at times overwhelming, but Kevin guided us every step of the way with professionalism, patience, and dedication. He was always available to answer our questions, explained everything clearly, and made sure we understood our options at each stage. What stood out…
A family friend referred me to work with Maya Flores at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC to help me with my U.S. naturalization. Despite the current immigration tension, Maya helped make the process smooth and her familiarity with procedure helped ease my anxiety. She submitted the citizenship application on my behalf and let me know what to expect. I decided to retain her service for the civics interview as well,…
I really want to thank Justin and Kamila; they are the best. I waited almost 20 years and no one could help me get my green card and in 4 months they helped me get my permit, and I got my green card in less then 4 months. They are the best. I will always be grateful for what they did for me, thank you Justin and Kamila!!!!
I am writing this review to express my deepest gratitude for the hard work on our case by our Immigration Attorney, Lauren McClure and her Paralegal, Kamila Lada. My Green Card was approved! I know this wouldn't have been possible without their expertise and dedication. They both were extremely helpful, responsive, and guided us through every step of the way. Lauren took the time to train us for our interview…
I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Burton for his outstanding legal assistance in my immigration case, from my first consultation he heard me patiently demonstrating exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to my case. Immigration process can be overwhelming and stressful, but he and his team provided clear guidance every step of the way, always answering my questions promptly and reassuring me with their deep expertise. Thanks to their…
I had an outstanding experience working with Brittni Rivera. From our very first consultation, she demonstrated deep expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for my case. Navigating immigration processes can be incredibly stressful, but Brittni made the entire journey much more manageable and transparent. She were always responsive to my questions, provided clear guidance at every step, and never made me feel like just another case. Thanks to her hard work…
Highly recommend this firm. I had the pleasure of working with Lauren McClure and she is absolutely the best. She was very helpful and walked me through every step of the process, she is patient and she got the job done. I am very grateful with her and her team for helping me with the process of my case. Thank you so much.
I have worked with Kevin Raica for my VAWA application. Let me tell you he has been AMAZING. Unlike other lawyers Kevin has always went above and beyond for me. Kevin is not in it for the money he is in it to HELP people and make a difference. He has walked me through the entire process and always answers any questions I have no matter what. This law firm…
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