Statement of Adrian Dominican Sisters on Separation of Immigrant Children from Parents

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them….” (Mt. 19:14)

The following is a statement issued by the General Council of the Adrian Dominican Sisters in response to the practice by Immigration Officials of separating immigrant children from their parents at the border of the United States and Mexico.

Adrian Dominican Sisters urge an immediate end to the morally reprehensible practice of immigration authorities’ separating children from their mothers and fathers at the US-Mexico border.

Heartbreaking stories of children being taken into government custody as their parents are sent to sometimes far-flung detention centers – with no way of communicating with their children for days or weeks and uncertainty about whether they would be reunited – speak of a nation that has lost its moral compass.

No matter our differences on immigration policies, it is hard to imagine American parents and grandparents countenancing such cruelty in enforcing border control.

We call on President Trump to stop his Administration’s ‘zero-tolerance’ policy of filing criminal charges against immigrants – including families seeking asylum from gang violence, rape, or political persecution. And we urge Congress to enact long-overdue immigration reform that enjoys broad public support and reflects American values, such as protecting young Dreamers and keeping families united.”