Immigrants, Refugees, and American Family Values: A Historical Reckoning  

I am amazed to learn some of these facts but I am not surprised. America has always been in flux and I hope that we can find our way through this with the next administration.

In the United States, the topic of immigration has ebbed and flowed with the times. Initially it was not quite as controversial as it is today; in fact, it was rarely a topic of discussion in some periods of American history. https://rapidvisa.com/history-of-the-k-1-fiance-visa/

I study immigration as a phenomenon in different countries of the world. Thanks for the information!
http://www.immigration-residency.eu/

I appreciated the idea of this moment as a reckoning. When these headlines emerged, I remember the moral panic that ensued. In that moment, I saw it as people disgusted with what was happening, but years later, I am now viewing that moral panic as an inability of the American public to grapple with a repetition of history, and further, an inability to name family separation practices as uniquely American in the first place. Thank you!

I am glad that you chose to note a connection between state-sponsored separation of migrant children from their parents today and events that have happened historically. Although I have learned about how Native children were stolen from their families and taken to government run boarding schools or how slaves were separated from their children when family members were sold to different plantations, I had never considered how these events were related to the conditions of the zero tolerance policy today. This relationship works to reaffirm the reality of the U.S. as a settler colonial state that values and humanizes whiteness while placing racialized bodies at a subordinate level.

As the saying goes “it’s a bitter pill to swallow” yet it is crucial for us to understand the ongoing historical and contemporary exclusionary practices that reflect through policy and implementation. We must be fully aware of what goes in order for us to create change. Thank you for the critical analysis.

The “American Dream” is idealized as the perfect white-family with perfect children and perfect jobs. But this poor idealization of an unachievable dream is what creates a racialized and stigmatized society around non-white folk. 
The belief that poor immigrants and people of color are incapable of “pure and selfless love”  is a consequence, among many others, of being different. And these consequences is what drives irrational beliefs of the needs and benefits of separating/detaining immigrants.

I do agree that this zero tolerance policy seems to be more “consistent” with American values, which has never really been open to people of color, and this is seen throughout the turn of the 21st century.  Although the attitude varies in different parts of the US, the current administration, who sponsor such a bill, is a reflection of the “American” values that have permeated, and tarnished US history.

I admired and appreciated how you emphasized that “Americans have long restricted the admission of those seen as racially, culturally or otherwise unworthy of living and working among us” it’s not siply something that has emerged from the Trump administration. It’s often overseen how the U.S. has a long immigration history of targeting and discriminating against those seen as racially inferior. This has and continues to be an ongoing flaw of the U.S. and these immigration laws and practices have only unraveled the hidden racism and discrimination in the nation.

I really appreciate how you uplift and highlight the ugly history of our nation that many try to erase. I almost alwasy cringe when I hear the phrases “we are better than this” or “this doesn’t align with our values as a nation”, because these practices are actually nothing but what our nation stands for and you highlight that very beautifully. This is who we are as nation, even if we don’t like it. Being a settler colonial nation, this is just a continuation of that ugly reality and history of who we are and how we came to be

The idea that America is place where you come to find a better life for yourself or your family has always been contradictory and questionable, much like the American Dream. The values this country holds have always been covered by phrases like “A Nation of Immigrants”, when in reality the true values are family separation laws and the criminalization of poor and or migrant folk. This post is a reminder that we must shed held and hold the government accountable for it what it really stands for.

I like the historical connection that serves as the foundational argument of this piece. I think that for many people it is oftentimes too easy to not worry or think about the struggles and injustices that transnational families must endure because they aren’t directly affected by it and don’t see any connection to it. But by highlighting the multiple instances of family separation by the US government, you effectively illustrated the ongoingness of this issue. Great read!

This blog was very interesting to read especially when thinking about the protests and other actions against family separation that treat it as something new in the United States. I think it is really important to know that there is a long history of these things and the problem is much larger than just this current administration as most people like to believe.

I really enjoyed reading this blog. Many of the topics discussed also angered me in the way that it paints immigrants families and families of minorities as incapable of taking care of children. We continue to go back to the idea of the white man being the savior of all when in reality they are the cause for the separation of families and the suffering of people.  These immigration policies target people who want a better life but yet continue to be depicted as criminals when all they want is a safe environment that years of US imperialism and colonization created.

I really liked your discussion on the notion of America being about “family values,” as it reminds me of the rhetoric around America being a “nation of immigrants.” Both claim a false narrative of American saviorism and superiority, while also working towards the erasure of the histories of people of color. The actions of the government in the present are not in a vacuum, but rather linked to the past as well.

I agree that it is very important to recognize the long history of familial separation in this country that has led us to the current policies. Maybe by examining the roots of this history of normalizing the idea that children of people of color are better off not being raised by their real parents, we can figure out how best to subvert this belief.

I am glad that you touched on how families begin separated has always existed and it you bring voice to the stories of folks who were victims to this in the past just by acknowledging that. I really like how you mentioned how the “zero tolerance” policy was more consistent with American views because I don’t think this is something that is talked about a lot or even mentioned. We need to take more accountability on what is being done to these innocent children and that starts with admitting the wrongs. Thank you for your piece, I really enjoyed reading it.

When living conditions of asylum and refugee seekers were exposed and made national news, I remember a lot of my peers and social media comments stating “this isn’t what America stands for”. One of my friends then created a twitter thread and stated “this is what America does, this is what America stands for” and it was shocking to see all the arguments of people retaliating and disagreeing. That moment really made me look at historical perspectives and notice that most readings and news articles talk about immigration issues that arise as something we do not condone in America. I enjoy how I am able to see America’s role in state sponsored separation and immigration policies.

It is very interesting to see that despite what we can think, Trump’s attitude towards immigration and immigrants is not new and takes place in a long history of oppression. I never thought about it that way and this point of view is very interesting. Thank you for sharing this analysis from a historical point of view.

The author agues the outrage triggered by the “zero-tolerance” policy is warranted but not surprising in the least. It is a common perception that the U.S. is a nation of immigrants, however the Bradford points out that U.S. has been using discriminatory and exploitative tactics for generations now- starting with slave trade and the removal of indigenous people from native lands. This is simply a repeat of history due to the U.S. not learning from it’s mistakes.  These actions boil down to the simple fact- people in power are misunderstanding and even neglecting the push/pull factors that have forced migrants to come to the U.S. If things are put in perspective, it becomes quite obvious that the migrants are not at fault, as they are doing everything they can to survive.

I think it is important to bring up the ironic contradiction between the forced separation of families and the United States’ commitment to “family values”. What becomes evident through the state sponsored violence committed towards migrant and refugee families is that the United States only recognizes certain ‘families’ as legitimate and worthy of defense, and certain families as ‘illegitimate’ and worthy of violence.

Very often people like to ignore the things that tend to repeat themselves and have been repeating themselves for decades. As someone who was separated from their parents due to their immigration status, I can attest that this has been going on since before the Trump administration. It is important to bring light to it and rather than ignoring it and turning a blind eye to try to change things. Thanks for the article it was very helpful and informative.

Speaking out against the separation of families by American imperial and genocidal tactics is such a necessity because as you’ve stated, this has been happening ever since the U.S. was conceptualized as a nation. Many people say “never again” when they think about the atrocities committed in other countries, and some even say it in reference to the U.S.‘s imperialistic and genocidal practices, however most of those people fail to acknowledge that this has been a regular practice for the U.S.

Thank you for the insightful blog. Back in my country, I used to think of the US as an immigrant welcoming nation because of the stories I hear about people successfully making it and living there. After coming to the US and learning more about the history and taking ethnic studies classes, I realized that those cases were to fulfill political purposes or make up for US wars or intervention. I am equally annoyed now by the common notion that the US is a nation of immigrants, and your blog serves as a great piece of evidence that I can present to people who argue for that.

I would agree that many Americans continue to view white, Christian, independently wealthy or highly educated immigrants as better people overall. I think this is a direct consequence of political rhetoric that over the years has become more and more inconsiderate and intolerable of other cultures. I also believe the perception people have on immigrants won’t be going away for many generations.

This article shows how the separation of immigrant families is not new and it is something that this nation lacks in recognizing.  I think the acknowledgement of this not being new to this nations history just goes to show who in reality they are speaking of when they pride themselves in being a nation that values ‘family’. It is important to understand that this has happened before and there is a pattern to these kinds of separations.

Historicizing the separation of migrant families through the “zero tolerance” policy helps us to understand the anti-immigrant attitudes and stances that the U.S. has taken up throughout its history. To forget about these violences is another violence in and of itself.  While it could be argued that it is more visible due to Trump’s rhetoric as well as the prevalence of the internet, it is also a matter of who truly cares to pay attention to these issues. I appreciate that this policy is called out as not exceptional because to know the history behind this changes how we approach the issue.

I appreciate you bringing light to this issue and I completely agree with everything you have mentioned. When you mentioned how only certain families and lives are valued and deemed worthy of living and working amongst us, I was reminded of Trump’s Muslim ban and how recently entrance into the nation was restricted for specific Muslim-majority countries. Time and time again, the hostility and racism America was founded and built upon is revealed.

I like the fact that you pointed out that whats happening now is nothing new and how deeply engraved the separation of families is in American history.  Your article really put these historical separations into perspective of what is occurring in modern day with this zero tolerance policy. I like how you end your article with a call for historical reckoning. Very good critical analysis and thank you for this insightful piece.

I appreciate how you made the connection of “more ‘suitable’ families” to whiteness and heteronormativity. Queer families/ queer understandings of familial bonds are never centered in this discourse.

Thank you for this great article. I believe it is important to understand that the separation of children is part of American history and has simply changed in the ways in which it occurs.

U.S. Saying that it doesn’t reflect the country’s values erases so much history and pain that people of color and migrants have endured throughout the state’s system of oppression. It erases the damage done to families and individuals who were stripped of their humanity. This idea upholds incorrect history and Casavantes does a great job of calling it out.

I realize that children of color who have been forcefully separated from their family have been one part of the U.S.  nation-building in order to assimilate,  exploit in labor terms, and or control the immigrant and refugee inner flow. However, I appreciate that you emphasize the need to bring this trauma to an end.

I really appreciate the recognition that the deeply racist and xenophobic narratives made against refugees at the moment are not a new phenomenon perpetuated by a “Trump era” but rather that they align with the long history of violence by the settler colonial state that is the US. It is disheartening to see the continuance of dehumanization against migrants as they paint them to be economic parasites who deserve to have their children taken away from them because they are inherently unfit parents and, how I often see, that they “should not have put their children in these dangerous circumstances”. There is a violent pattern in US history of ‘forgetting’ or ‘amnesia’ when it comes to recognizing the damage that the US has wrought on several countries in central and south america which has direct influence on this ‘crisis’. That is why I am grateful for this article pointing out that these current actions are simply reflective of US settler colonial values.

The way that refugees and immigrants are intensely vetted is yet another example of the US’s hesitation in housing/providing resources for countries they have ruined. I am not surprised that new forms of seeking asylum and immigration only increase in difficulty while asking for the impossible from individuals and families trying to survive, let alone defend themselves from specific legalities.

While reading this, I wondered about the belief that poor immigrant families could not practice a selfless love and how it has propagated the claim that migrant children are better off separated from their parents. I have not heard this belief before, where did it originate and who is responsible for spreading this? Speaking only from my experience, my migrant family has never withheld anything, including love… so I wonder who made this belief and what their intention was.

This message is a highly relevant one, because people do not truly understand how family values become a double-edged sword that the U.S. administration employs seamlessly. Family values are the winning argument behind a lot of discriminatory laws, but when it comes to separating families that don’t comply with Americanized standards, family values are somehow also called upon. Protecting the idealized American family standards is still far more relevant to U.S. lawmakers than protecting actual families that are suffering every day.

I enjoyed reading this blog post and as well enjoyed the historical perspective that was brought in to analyze the issue. The history itself shows that there is a common trend of exclusion, so it’s no surprise that the U.S has continued this exclusion even when the U.S has a hand in the issue.

I really appreciate that this blog points out that this recent practice of separating children from their families is not the first time this has been done in US history. I also feel like how it explains that this practice of separating children from families is a reflection of “American values”. Historically, the US has always exploited and subjugated people of color for economic gain or capital interest. This event is unfortunately an example of history repeating itself in a new way. It is very important people are more aware of this history because many do not make the connection of how American values have affected people of color.

This article points out to the way the U.S. government has taken its role in criminalizing migrants. When I was reading this article, it reminded me of a viral video where it was seen how children were being in court, by themselves without a lawyer. They were treating children as if they were adults who knew what they were doing. It’s unbelievable who its a considered a crime wanting to better yourself. Unfortunately, some law enforcement departments are working together with homeland security to criminalize migrants.

Some of the points made in this article might provoke uncomfortable feelings, but we can’t sugarcoat things anymore. The reality is that our policies were created to allow those in power to maintain their positionality and values. Additionally, I appreciate how you touched up on what constitutes as a ‘worthy’ immigrant in our country, I see that this is a growing issue and it just proves even further how false notion of the US truly being a space that invites all.

Honestly, this was not that surprising for me. We need to pay more attention to History, because it is very crucial. If something happened once, it can happen again. It was very interesting for me to learn some facts that I didn’t knew before. Thank You for the information!

I find it interesting the extent to which the present-day media has condemned the polarizing issue of family separation even though this practice isn’t unprecedented in American history. As seen through the constant media headlines, congressional visits to detention centers, and even a former First Lady’s op-Ed, mainstream society is quick to criticize family separation, yet it is failing to acknowledge the fact that US history is repeating itself. It shows the extent to which American culture is quick to paint over its history of discrimination as seen in the lack of conversations regarding separation during slavery and orphan trains.

it makes me feel so sad to see how humans are being treated like if they were not humans.  Trying to eliminate any person that is not a resident, without known their reasons for coming in the country is just devastating for me. Fortunately, my family and I have residency here in the United States but I do know many people who do not, and I cannot imagine how devastating would be for a family to be separated when they caused no harm.

This idea of another human being being able to treat another human being with such low respect is so disgraceful. US history is not meant to repeat itself yet it is.  The “American” people are so quick to believe what is told to them then trying to find out the truth. America has tried to cover up the history of discrimination in the lack of emotions and actions others have to go through. I have family members that have to worry every day now whether they will come back home to their loved ones. Unfortunately, the US is getting to comfortable with theses actions.

I think it’s ridiculous that refugees are immediately labeled as criminals, whatever their background is and reason for seeking asylum. The “zero policy” is extremely unfair because these people are detained as if they have committed something wrong and that they have to ask to be treated with basic decency. This is something that goes against what the foundation of this country was built on.

I am glad that there is an acknowledgement towards these immigration policies that goes against the narrative that it isn’t in line with American values. I believe it’s easier to fight these policies when one comes to terms with this as a truth.

Thank you Anita for highlighting and emphasizing the history of family separation for those of poor, non-white, and/or immigrant backgrounds in the United States. The comparison to Trump’s zero-tolerance policy and American values, although disheartening, is completely true as some of the first immigration laws in this country were in favor of only admitting certain groups of individuals. Overall, I found your piece to be very informative and insightful.

This piece is really great because it brings up truths that a lot of peopel wouldn’t believe. Many Americans believe that Trump has created a lot of these racists policies, but a lot what Trump is ding is bringing what America has been doing for a while and giving it more attention.  It is important for more people to be aware that America’s believed benevolence is a farce, and it is much more insidious than it claims.

I admire your imagination! Everything is very open, and the challenges are described very clearly. It was extremely educational. This article appeals to thinkers like me. Your website is extremely useful same as this immigration site https://visaexpress.us.com/blog/. Thank you for contributing!

Reading you writing was extremely inspiring and gave me a new perspective on these issues. Your articulate examination challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths about our nation’s past and present actions. Thank you helping us to see a path towards a better future for everyone!