Immigrants should not drag their kids along

In response to the editorial, “No way to treat children” (May 30), I was appalled to read our country referred to as a “civilized nation” on one hand, and then supporting the passive encouragement for illegals to continue abusing their own children by consciously and deliberately putting them in serious danger on the other. Talk about moral bankruptcy!

The “treatment” of said children needs to be put where it belongs — not on President Donald Trump but on the parents. It is the duty of parents to put their children’s safety even before their own lives. How can any American parent nod in agreement that it is acceptable to try something as perilous and daring as crossing the southern United States border, illegally, with children in tow and seriously say nothing should be done to stop this practice?

Whenever a society’s parents cease to care for their young, decay and collapse follows. We have seen this in our own cities. It may take a village to raise a child, but this does not excuse parents for using children like mules while committing illegal acts. Regardless of how we feel about the legal issue, do we even want those among us who care so little for their own children that they would make the horrifying choice to put them in serious physical and emotional danger “simply to find employment?”

Is it meant to be a deterrent? Absolutely, if that’s what it takes. It is designed to let Mexico and others know that in the United States of America, things have changed. Contrary to the anarchic and chaotic state of affairs that has previously been the status quo (which is the awful road upon which we cannot continue), this new administration has a zero tolerance for breaking and entering into our country. But even more so, adults who recklessly use their children as covers and shields to protect them from enforcement of the immigration laws will find the U.S. federal government stepping in to protect these children in the absence of decent parenting.

Illegal immigrants know how the immigration system works, better than most American citizens. And if they care about their children, they will leave the kids home with other family members while attempting to break into our country. Or maybe reconsider doing it at all.