Home

'Secure Communities' still destroying immigrant families

A young activist gets his father released from detention but many more will be deported breaking up families with children born in the US.

Charles Shaw
11 February 2013

Since 2008 the Obama Administration's 'Secure Communities' program has deported more than one million immigrants, and 97% of those have been Latino. These deportation policies do not discriminate between migrant workers and long-time immigrants with American children. As a consequence, the Applied Research Center has reported that anywhere from 5,000 - 50,000 children have been left without parents, and as a consequence, have become ward of the State. 

On the heels of Obama's second inauguration, the question of immigration reform hangs heavy over an administration guilty of deporting more immigrants in one term than his predecessor did in two. This recent report by The Real News Network highlights one small victory in this war against mass-deportation, but also concedes that immigration reform won't stop the ongoing breakup of thousands of families. Make sure to check out their entire series on immigration reform.

Had enough of ‘alternative facts’? openDemocracy is different Join the conversation: get our weekly email

Comments

We encourage anyone to comment, please consult the oD commenting guidelines if you have any questions.
Audio available Bookmark Check Language Close Comments Download Facebook Link Email Newsletter Newsletter Play Print Share Twitter Youtube Search Instagram WhatsApp yourData