Splitting Families up at the Border Sends the Wrong Message

When it comes to illegal immigration and families attempting to cross the nation’s southern border, there’s a real problem. No one is denying that.

There is, however, a disconnect, when it comes to determining the best course of action to be taken, in regards to a workable, rational U.S. policy on the issue.

And let’s be perfectly clear, here. Talk of a wall sounds good on the campaign trail and as red meat for a rabid rally crowd, but it’s not policy. It’s not something that can be implemented as a security measure right now.

It’s just talk, and were it to be any real solution, it’s still years away. We need something in the immediate to solve a right-now problem.

Part of that right-now problem has to do with children being brought across the border.

The Department of Homeland Security and the White House have pointed out loopholes in the 2008 Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act. They believe what they call “catch and release loopholes” are responsible for encouraging immigrants to risk an illegal crossing.

The Trump administration has a policy. Many of us just aren’t sure if it’s the right policy.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions said earlier this month, “if you cross the border unlawfully … we will prosecute you,” adding, “If you’re smuggling a child, then we’re going to prosecute you, and that child will be separated from you, probably, as required by law. If you don’t want your child separated, then don’t bring them across the border illegally.”

Harsh.

I’ve seen plenty across social media celebrating this hardline stance that threatens to take children away from their parents at the border.

That needs to stop.

First of all, it’s not the fault of the children. They have no say in what their parents do, and are forced to go wherever their parents or guardians lead them. Should they be made to suffer? They’re likely already disoriented and afraid.

On the other hand, however, who should be blamed for it? The parents choose to subject their child to the dangerous conditions of a desert crossing, and then bring them along, as they attempt to violate the laws of a sovereign nation.

Where do you draw the line?

As Sessions said, if you don’t want your child separated, then don’t bring them across the border illegally.

That is the part that seems to make sense, but is that compassion? Is that the best we can do?

It’s still punishing the children for their parents’ crime.

This one isn’t easy.

We need a cooler head, a voice of reason to step in, here.

Enter Florida Senator Marco Rubio.

While appearing on the Sunday morning news talk shows, Senator Rubio attempted to walk the center of the aisle, agreeing with his Democrat peers that separating families should be a no-can-do for us, as a nation, while also agreeing with his fellow Republicans about the need to move immigrants denied asylum swiftly back to their nation of origin.

“We have a problem and it needs to be dealt with. The ideal scenario is that families be kept together and returned expeditiously back to their country of origin,” Rubio told CBS’s “Face the Nation.”

“I would be open to changing that law but the better law to change is to secure our border and to send a clear message that you cannot continue to enter the United States illegally. It is actually inhumane not to secure our border because we are sending out a message that is encouraging people to come here. We have to understand a lot of these people that are crossing children are being trafficked here,” he added.

He makes a good point.

Sometimes, it’s not just parents who are bringing their children, but predators bringing their victims. Stopping them, getting those kids to safety should also be a priority.

If Republicans want to lead on this issue, they’re going to have to take off the MAGA hats and operate with compassion. Children should not be used as pawns in political games.

Kudos to Senator Rubio. Let’s hope the appropriate people are listening.