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Separating Parents from Children: Book Group Discusses US Cruelty at the Border 

01/10/2022 03:33:40 PM

Jan10

by Lynn Silverman

Can you imagine being separated from your children and not knowing where they are or when you’ll be able to see them again? This was the cruelty of the US family separation policy in 2018, exposed by award-winning journalist Jacob Soboroff in his book Separated: Inside an American Tragedy. In early December, Temple members joined Dane Sanctuary Coalition’s “Big Read” to discuss this book and the larger issue of US immigration policies. 

In our discussions, we explored the long-term effects of this trauma on the families, the lies and ineptitude of the administration, and the racism underlying this policy. We discussed the reasons people leave their homes and communities to make the dangerous and uncertain journey to the US. We also recognized the importance and courage of the media in bringing this and other situations to light. 

Most importantly we looked at the implication for faith communities. What is our responsibility to our immigrant neighbors? How can we make sure that US immigration policies and practices are humane? Toward this end, we noted the importance of advocacy in several different areas: 

  • Pressuring Congress to pass the Build Back Better legislation, which would provide for work permits for undocumented immigrants;
  • Continuing to push for a pathway to citizenship;
  • Working to change the “remain in Mexico” policy from the Trump era, which unfortunately has been reinstated by court order; and 
  • Pushing for the Afghan Adjustment Act, which would allow Afghans to apply for lawful permanent residence status, rather than the two-year temporary status they have right now.

If these issues speak to you, we have more learning and advocacy opportunities coming up. 

April 30, 2025 2 Iyar 5785