ACLU Comment on Reported DOJ Revocation of Trump Rule That Led to Family Separations 

NEW YORK — The Department of Justice has reportedly rescinded a Trump-era anti-immigrant “zero-tolerance” rule that led to thousands of family separations.

The American Civil Liberties Union successfully sued to block family separation and immediately reunite families. Thousands of families were torn apart, sparking outrage around the world. Many families are still separated.

ACLU lawyer Lee Gelernt, the lead attorney in the family separation lawsuit, had the following reaction to today’s reported DOJ policy revocation:

“This action is a good start, but what is really needed is for Congress to repeal penalties for unauthorized entry that result in family separation.

“And the end of the zero-tolerance policy does not impact already separated families. The Biden administration should reunite the separated families in the United States and provide them citizenship, resources, care, and a commitment that family separation will never happen again.”