The Buzz: Lady Liberty is Weeping. And so am I.

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” – Statue of Liberty

Lady Liberty is weeping right now. And so am I. The images and stories of families being separated at the US – Mexico border have been devastating to say the least. The Trump Administration’s “zero tolerance” policy including the separation of families is, simply put, cruel.

Immigration is an extremely complex and polarizing issue in the United States, and I do not claim to know all the ins and outs and all the laws. But I do know that what is happening in our country right now is extremely disheartening and inhumane. How did we get to this place?

Advocates for the “zero tolerance” policy that included separation of children from their families, claim that the children are being treated well and that it is the law. Laura Ingraham, Fox News host, likened the detention centers to summer camps. Attorney Jeff Sessions quoted the bible in a speech to law enforcement officers in Fort Wayne, Indiana. “I would cite you to the Apostle Paul and his clear and wise command in Romans 13, to obey the laws of the government because God has ordained the government for his purposes,” he said to justify the separation of families, despite the fact that there is no law requiring this. We should note that the bible also states, “…Inasmuch as ye have done to the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40, 45) and “The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it” (Proverbs 29:7).

Yesterday, it seemed as if there might be a glimmer of hope and that the Administration saw the error in its ways when President Trump signed an executive order – even though just days before he claimed he could not do this – to end the component of the policy that involved separating children from families. Under this new order, the Administration still claims to have “zero tolerance”, however families will now be detained together. He claims his reversal shows his “compassion”.

When did you find this compassion, sir? Only when the images and audio from children were released? Only when you started feeling pressure from your wife and daughter? When it seemed like this would be a good political move?

Trump waited too long and gave too many excuses to be able to claim that he has compassion around this issue. The Administration could have ended this inhumanity a long time ago. Now there are over 2,300 children (some just babies!) displaced from their families in over a dozen states – how will they be reunited?  It seems that, like with most of the actions or words of this Administration, things are done or said without much thought to the consequences.

After signing the executive order, Trump held a rally in Minnesota. During the rally, Mr. Trump talked about the recent reversal and reiterated his claim that he will halt foreign aid to countries from which people emigrate illegally. “They’re not sending their finest,” Mr. Trump said. “We’re sending them the hell back. That’s what we’re doing.” Your lack of compassion is showing, Mr. Trump.

In just a matter of hours he went from saying he “didn’t like the sight or the feeling of families being separated” to claiming that those coming here to seek asylum are not the “finest” and are being sent “the hell back”. Many of those seeking asylum are women and children – fleeing gang violence and similarly desperate situations. Fleeing, even in legally precarious situations, is the only option for survival. Unfortunately, we have leaders in the current administration who have no problem lying as it suits their political aims and at the expense of innocent people.

A serious side-effect of these actions is trauma. The trauma caused by the Administration’s family separation policy has lifelong effects. In a letter to Trump officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, the executive vice president of the American Medical Association urged the government to withdraw the zero tolerance policy:

“Families seeking refuge in the U.S. already endure emotional and physical stress, which is only exacerbated when they are separated from one another. It is well known that childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences created by inhumane treatment often create negative health experiences that can last an individual’s entire lifespan.”

Forcible separation places these children at elevated risk for mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and conduct problems. This trauma extends beyond the children and families – the perpetrators and those witnessing the actions in some way can also experience traumatic affects that last for years, if not a lifetime.

Speak Up and Speak Out

It is hard for me to believe that our nation has come to this (although the U.S. has a centuries-long history of separating families). We cannot sit back and be silent. Yesterday, The Winters Group issued a statement, taking a stand for equity, justice and inclusion. What do you stand for? What will you do to make a change? How will you let your voice be heard? In our statement we offered suggestions for actions you can take to continue to speak up and speak out about this injustice:

• Call your Senator at 202-224-3121 and support the “Keep Families Together” Act (SB 3036).
• Research your local election dates, and plan to vote for candidates who prioritize equity, inclusion, and diversity in their platforms.
• Use your social media networks in service of inclusion, justice, and equity, and speak out against the policies and practices that are at odds with this work.
• Donate to and serve with organizations that are supporting families in need at the border.
• Connect with local activists and advocates for justice and equity in your community.
• Attend a protest or vigil to show solidarity.
• Hold your organizational leaders, Offices of Inclusion, Social Responsibility, Government & Community Affairs accountable for standing for inclusion inside and outside the organization.
• Don’t stop speaking up and speaking out.
• Commit to Live Inclusively.