Citizens are calling on Congressman Fred Upton to take action against the separation of immigrant families.
Dozens of protestors lined the street in front of Upton’s St. Joseph office Tuesday, urging the U.S. Representative to back up his statements with actions. The Department of Justice’s recent zero-tolerance policy regarding undocumented immigration, which involves separating children from their parents, has garnered harsh criticism from both sides of the aisle.
“I think it’s wrong for children to be taken away from their homes, and there needs to be a different plan for the United States of America,” said Susan Anderson, a supporter of the protest.
Upton released a statement Monday, saying that “it’s time for this ugly and inhumane practice to end now,” adding “It’s never acceptable to use kids as bargaining chips in political process,” and concluding with “Enough finger pointing. Time for action and solutions.” However, many protestors fear that statement may ring hollow.
“We felt that we needed to be here today to say to Fred, ‘Stand behind these words. You’re speaking the truth, but make it happen, and don’t flip-flop this time because lives are depending on it,’” said Sandy Feldman, an organizer of the protest.
The press release containing Upton’s statement also said that the House will be discussing legislative options to end the separation of families this week. A Senate bill that would do just that has garnered the support of every Democratic senator, but so far none from the GOP.
