The Trump administration’s barbaric “zero tolerance” policy has torn migrant children of all ages from parents at the U.S./Mexico border, no matter if the child is 17 years old or still breastfeeding. Legal advocates say that they’re representing separated children as young as five in immigration court. Others say their clients are as young as three:
Requiring unaccompanied minors to go through deportation alone is not a new practice. But in the wake of the Trump administration’s controversial family separation policy, more young children—including toddlers—are being affected than in the past.
“Just off phone with Lindsay Toczylowski” of the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, tweeted reporter Jacob Soboroff. “She represents that separated three-year old facing deportation. ‘Deportation proceedings in immigration court aren't designed for children.’ No food. No booster seats. Must sit still though ‘feet don't touch the ground.’”
Yet they’re still expected to be in court by themselves. Unlike criminal court, immigrants in immigration court aren’t guaranteed legal representation, no matter how vulnerable—or young—they might be. “It’s certainly grossly inappropriate,” said Dr. Benard Dreyer, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics advocacy committee and a physician at New York University School of Medicine. “I’m ashamed that we’re doing this.” Some, like the 3-year-old, are fortunate to have an attorney. But there are still other fears. Where are the child’s detained parents? What if they’ve been deported, and the child is still in the U.S.? What about the kids who don’t have anyone to advocate for them? “It’s difficult for adults at times,” said another attorney, Cynthia Milian. “They go to court and they get nervous before a judge. Now can you imagine a child having to go before a judge and just explain to them why they’re having to flee their country?”
These kids need your help. Join a “Families Belong Together” event this Saturday, June 30 to protest against Trump and his barbaric policy. All families belong together.
