On March 8th, a federal judge ruled to expand the pool of migrant families separated at the U.S.-Mexico border who might be eligible for reunification under an existing court order.
This major ruling will likely create a major obstacle for the Trump Administration when it comes to tracking down and reconnecting children and parents separated as a result of the President’s “zero tolerance” border policy.
Under the zero tolerance policy that ran from April until June of last year, suspected border crossers, including parents and asylum seekers, were prosecuted for illegal entry, resulting in thousands of families being separated at the U.S.-Mexico border. The total number of separated families is still unknown due to poor record keeping on the part of the Trump Administration.
The Justice Department claims a broader reunification process would be too difficult, but U.S. District Judge Dana Sabraw disagreed, saying, “The hallmark of a civilized society is measured by how it treats its people and those within its border.”
According to court documents, the government has either reunited or discharged 2,741 children out of a pool of 2,816 deemed eligible for reunification. The new ruling will expand reunification to apply to cases where families were separated and the child was released from federal custody between July 1st, 2017 and June 26th, 2018.
Immigration Lawyers Serving Cleveland
At Sintsirmas & Mueller Co. L.P.A., we are here to assist with all matters related to immigration law, including family reunification cases. Our skilled lawyers can guide you through the entire legal process and explain all of your rights under the law. Stop by our office today to discuss the details of your immigration case.
Call (888) 491-8770 to request your appointment with our experienced legal team.
