Echo from The Baltimore Sun ~ stop immigrant cruelty and child abuse

A letter to the editor of the Baltimore Sun from Patricia Ranney in Millersville, Maryland ~ echo opinion.

Beata Mariana de Jesus Mejia-Mejia, reunited with her 7-year-old son Darwin at BWI Marshall Airport Fri, June 22.

MILLERSVILLE, MD - I am deeply troubled by the treatment of children who have been separated from their families (at the US border with Mexico).

Since the “correct” port of entry for asylum seekers has been closed, this leaves all asylum seekers forced to enter a “door” that creates a “crime,” a stunning (and fearfully imaged) feature of the Donald Trump zero tolerance policy. Americans must pressure our government to establish humane due process at our southern border.

Children who were separated and placed elsewhere without their parents are kept away from access by the press, their families, lawyers and even elected officials. There is no way to know if they are being cared for. 

Melania Trump’s visit to a detention center was intended to quiet the voices of public wanting to see for themselves how the children are doing. I'm sure Ms. Trump’s intention was good and there may be some adequate (detention) centers, although not enough to cover the need.  Just as we celebrate the 7-year-old who was reunited at BWI airport — which took legal action and persistence — we do not absolve our government of this separation policy.

The bond between parent and child is a basic human right, and no humane country would separate them when families are seeking asylum at their border.

If this practice was done by any adult in society — a coach, teacher or religious leader — it would result in criminal charges. 

Kidnapping, child abuse and endangerment come to mind.

Let’s keep demanding human rights for those who come to our door. We would want no less if we were in their shoes. Due process matters.

Patricia Ranney, Millersville