Today I visited an immigrant children's shelter in Pleasant Hill, CA with @RepThompson and @RepDeSaulnier to witness the traumatic effects of separating kids from their parents. #KeepFamiliesTogether
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I was refused access to any of the shelters in San Diego because @HHSGov claimed they never received my request. (We have a confirmation email from their staff.)
We also spent weeks corresponding with HHS to ensure we followed the correct protocols and clearance requirements.
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It's clear
@HHSGov wanted us to see this facility and not one that primarily houses children separated from their families. Still, all these children have difficult journeys-- fleeing violence, persecution, and more. We can't add to that trauma with zero-tolerance policies.Show this thread -
The staff at this facility was welcoming and dedicated to providing the best possible support and care for these children. We witnessed it in two classrooms where children learned English and Math, and in the faces of these committed and kind professionals.
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Thanks to everyone there for hosting us and their compassion toward our most vulnerable immigrants.
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Bottom line - no matter how well kids are treated at these facilities, it’s cruel and un-American to separate these kids from their families. We need immediate compliance with the federal court order to reunite.
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End of conversation
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