The situation of migrant families separated at the border between Mexico and the United States was the subject of an amicable agreement between the Joe Biden administration and the families concerned, thus ending a controversial policy of “zero tolerance”. This agreement, which must still be approved by a judge, represents an important step in repairing the harm caused by the policies of former President Donald Trump.
Under Trump’s presidency, nearly 4,000 minors were separated from their parents under the “zero tolerance” policy. This policy was intended to penalize anyone who entered the United States illegally by filing criminal charges and detaining parents without their children. This practice has been strongly criticized as shameful and contrary to human rights.
The amicable agreement reached between the Biden administration and migrant families aims to remedy this situation and prevent further separations in the future. It also provides compensation for the families concerned, particularly in terms of assistance with immigration procedures, housing and care.
The civil rights organization ACLU, which initiated the class action in a California federal court, called the agreement “historic” and the closing of a “dark chapter” of the Trump administration. The ACLU also emphasizes that one of the key points of the agreement is the government’s commitment not to renew the zero tolerance policy.
Since his arrival at the White House, Joe Biden has set up a unit dedicated to finding and reuniting separated migrant families. So far, more than 750 children have been reunited with their families through this cell, and more reunifications are underway.
This agreement therefore represents an important step forward for migrant families separated at the border, by offering a prospect of justice and reparation. It also marks a clear departure from the policies of the previous administration, and demonstrates the Biden administration’s commitment to a more humane and rights-respecting approach to immigration.