LIFT is deeply troubled by the inhumane treatment of families at the hands of the current administration. Families are arriving at the U.S. border seeking asylum due to the threat of violence as well as other dire economic and social conditions. Instead of being received with dignity and compassion, nearly 2,000 children have been forcibly separated from their parents and placed in the custody of this administration. No law mandates that we treat human beings, least of all children, this way. Nevertheless, the administration’s tone-deaf policies are leaving unconscionable trauma in their wake: children are being ripped from parents’ arms, mass trials conducted and tent cities erected.
At LIFT, we believe there has never been a more important time for us to cross the lines that artificially divide us. To demonstrate that when you invest in families – regardless of their immigration status – big things are possible. We celebrate the immigrant story because it is our story as Americans. And as an organization committed to ending intergenerational poverty for all families, social justice as well as fair and equitable treatment are the necessary foundation for all we do.
Due to this administration’s “zero-tolerance” immigration policy, the mental health and well-being of families and children are now in jeopardy. Advocates, mental health experts, and human rights organizations say this inhumane policy will cause lasting, irreparable harm to children and their parents. We cannot be silent because these policies directly impact the families LIFT serves – their ability to thrive in a safe, support and financially stable environment. The enforcement of this policy jeopardizes the progress our members are committed to making for their families.
We believe that bipartisan immigration reform needs to be addressed by our government. However, that should not stop us from acting now to end inhumane administrative policy. Given this, we strongly urge the U.S. government to stop the separation of migrant children from their parents and to reduce the duration of any separation when it is required under law. We also encourage American citizens to make their voices heard by calling their local Congressperson and Senators. Additionally, consider donating to organizations on the front line of this civil rights atrocity. Organizations such as the ACLU, Save The Children and RAICES (the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services).