I am deeply troubled by the Trump administration’s policy which has led to the separation of children from families at the United States’ southern border.

While President Trump has signed a new executive order revising his administration’s policy of separating children from their parents, his order does not address the more than 2,300 children who have already been separated. These children need to be reunited with their families.

If the administration will not do that on its own, then Congress must act to put the best interests of kids first. Fortunately, Senator Dianne Feinstein has proposed legislation – the Keep Families Together Act – that calls for the reunification of children who are separated from their families.

It would also make it law that kids can’t be unnecessarily separated from their families so this never happens again. This bill also requires training for staff in childhood trauma and child development, critical to ensuring these children get the care they need, especially if they are in a dangerous situation.
I urge Senator Gardner to support the Keep Families Together Act (S. 3036). America has always been a beacon of hope and refuge – it is what makes our country great.

Mary Catherine Kimling,
Wheat Ridge