J
JAZZGASM
Guest
For first-time illegal border crossings s the sole crime? Here's a list of misdemeanors. How many do you think we can find that people are almost never jailed for?
https://www.ussc.gov/sites/default/...seminar/2012/4_Table_Federal_Misdemeanors.pdf
I had heard he was also planning to separate families of those asking for asylum, but I don't recall if that ever went forward or not.
Yes, there are clear instances where immigrants were separated for border crossings based on prosecutions only for first time offense, especially prior to 2014 (keep in mind Bush did it too, none of this is new), when Obama changed his tune, Obama charged many first time offenders. After 2014, Obama changed his tactic and largely only charged multiple crossers or those charged with other offenses. I think the difference (I'm speculating) is Obama was separating families due to safety and other reasons. Trump was doing the same, but also doing it as a deterrent.
As far as misdemeanors where jail time can apply, I'm sure it does get applied in most crimes that are still enforced. But I think that is a very odd argument. Just because some laws are not enforced gives no justification to not enforce another one. If the Trump administration wants to enforce the law on the books, he can, unless it ruled unconstitutional or the law is changed.
And as far as separating asylum seekers, there is no way Trump's administration would be allowed to separate them, as there is international law that would prevent him from doing so.