트럼프, '아동 격리수용' 철회키로...행정명령 서명
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order designed to keep undocumented migrant families together at the Mexican border.
However, the fate of more than 2-thousand children already separated from their parents is unclear.
Ro Aram has more on this rare policy reversal, and its impact.
President Trump had previously argued he had no authority to stop separations of illegal immigrant families at the border and that it was up to Congress.
Just the day before he signed Wednesday's executive order, Trump said current law only allowed two policies - to open borders completely or criminally prosecute illegal entry.
But it turns out he was able to exercise his authority, and now migrant families are able to stay together.
Despite the executive order, Trump maintained his tough stance on immigration.
"So we're keeping families together and this will solve that problem. At the same time we are keeping a very powerful border and it continues to be a zero tolerance. We have zero tolerance for people that enter our country illegally."
Images of children being held in cages at border facilities and audio clips of them crying for their parents have sparked fury both domestically and globally.
Though the executive order solves the separation issue, families will still be detained together when caught entering America illegally.
Although they will be pushed to the front of the line for immigration proceedings, it is still unclear how long they will be detained.
The prolonged detention of children could spark a potential legal battle as a previous court settlement states minors caught at the border can only be held for 20 days.
Ro Aram, Arirang News.