Separation anxiety
The President [Wednesday] claimed to reverse course on an inhumane and un-American family-separation policy of his own creation, yet the true impact on refugee and asylum-seeking families remains unclear. The executive order signed [Wednesday] does nothing to address the unjust detention of refugees and asylum-seeking families who came to America fleeing violence, the threat of murder and kidnapping back home. Instead, it allows for indefinite detention and fails to promptly reunite families already separated. Many more questions remain about the conditions and treatment of refugees and asylum seekers in the custody of the United States of America.
It is reprehensible that the President only changed his policy of forcibly separating children and toddlers from the arms of their parents after mounting bipartisan backlash. This is clearly one of the most shameful moments in an already shameful administration. Like many Americans, I remain fearful that the worst is yet to come. All Americans who care about human rights and decency must remain vigilant and continue to hold this administration accountable.
Alex Padilla
Secretary of State
California
