1. United States
2. Ga.
3. Letter

The recent case of the 2-year-old Venezuelan-Salvadoran girl, Antonella, being separated from her deported parents raises grave concerns about the treatment of immigrant families and children under current policies. Forcibly separating a toddler from her parents, with no clear plan for reunification, is a violation of basic human rights and dignity. This punitive approach causes immense trauma and suffering, especially for the most vulnerable. While ensuring safety is crucial, indefinitely holding a U.S. citizen child in foster care away from her family is unacceptable. There must be a clear and expedited process to reunite Antonella with her parents or appropriate relatives able to care for her. Prolonging this separation is detrimental to her wellbeing and development. This disturbing situation underscores the urgent need to reevaluate immigration enforcement protocols involving children and families. Prioritizing family unity, due process, and humane treatment should be non-negotiable principles. Overly punitive policies that traumatize children cannot be justified on any grounds. A comprehensive reform ensuring the rights and welfare of minors caught in immigration proceedings is imperative. The American ideals of compassion and justice for all demand no less.