Gosh, this has grown since I last checked in! I've had a good think about the points raised, including from posters who are broadly supportive of the policy, or who aren't explicitly against it. Everyone I know in the Real World is saying how shocking it is, so it's been interesting (and informative) to read an opposing view point.
Just a few follow-ups and further thoughts:
- @battleax, by hoax, do you mean that it isn't happening at all, or that they're not in cages, but in something else, such as chain-link pens? If you believe it not to be happening at all, would you point me to a reputable source please?
On the subject of the title, I agree that it could be distressing, but then again some things just are. In hindsight, I'm more concerned that it might be triggering and so I shall refer to Mumsnet to see if they would prefer that I change it.
-@DN4GeekinDerby, my understanding is that the current situation arises from Trump's zero-tolerance policy which means that every migrant who crosses the border illegally – even those seeking asylum in the US – is subject to criminal prosecution.
I agree with you that the situation for many child migrants in the UK and the rest of Europe is also dreadful, at Yarl's Wood, in the camps in mainland Europe, on the streets of our cities, with homelessness, trafficking and other abuses. However, the fact that Thing A is wrong doesn't stop Thing B from also being wrong. It is also possible to be concerned about, and to want to do something to prevent, more than one thing at a time.
- This seems to be the result of a purposeful and targeted decision designed as a deterrent to migration and as a means to get agreement to build the wall. Lots of references to this: Washington Post 15/6/18 - “The president has told folks that in lieu of the laws being fixed, he wants to use the enforcement mechanisms that we have,” a White House official said. “The thinking in the building is to force people to the table.”
National Public Radio transcript and again the Washington Post - White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly told NPR that the point was to keep people from trying to enter the country. “They’re coming here for a reason. And I sympathize with the reason,” he said. “But the laws are the laws. But a big name of the game is deterrence.” He added that separating children from parents “could be a tough deterrent — would be a tough deterrent.”
All backed up by Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Jeff Sessions quoting the Bible as justification.
I firmly believe that it is just wrong to treat children in this way, be they unaccompanied minors or separated from their families by the enforcement agencies. They may have adequate nutrition and some sort of shelter, but there seems to be no evidence that their emotional needs are being met or that their wellbeing is prioritised. The way in which leaders and governments treat the most vulnerable members of society is, I believe, indicative of their moral purpose. Trump appears to have none.