A Lineage of Family Separation

Family separation is a practice rooted in U.S. history. In order to comprehensively examine the most recent execution of separating children from their parents under Trump Administration’s “zero tolerance” policy, one must follow and understand this That what Article does. Examining histories enslaved, Indigenous, immigrant families, it offers critical context reoccurring that has had devastating effects largely on communities color, across generations. By contextualizing migrant families crossing U.S.-Mexico border zero tolerance, identifies narratives colonial times present consistently rely racism, xenophobia, paternalism justify otherwise extreme its inhumanity. These justification are juxtaposed with counter-stories resist challenge including by humanizing those impacted articulating profound harm causes children, parents, communities. These stories have been told through first-hand narratives, Congressional testimonies, research studies, media reports, facts allegations lawsuits. Narratives describing caused powerful element putting practices an end. The historical record suggests these typically gained potency specific socio-political contexts rendered them compelling enough overcome justifications for family policies. Although were brought end, systemic reform elusive. case Indigenous separation, legislation enacted cease failed bring about substantial change, diluted persistent legal challenges. Historical against enslaved replaced systems separate prolonged or permanently. include present-day criminal immigration systems, where government separates scale as collateral consequence mass incarceration widespread detention deportation, little no scrutiny. outrage ended tolerance not extended ongoing examples separation. meaningfully address practices, urging valuation integrity be aligned societal will that, racialized justifications, continue mostly marginalized parents.