“Affording Congress an Opportunity to Address Family Separation“

“Section 1.  Policy.  It is the policy of this Administration to rigorously enforce our immigration laws.  Under our laws, the only legal way for an alien to enter this country is at a designated port of entry at an appropriate time.  When an alien enters or attempts to enter the country anywhere else, that alien has committed at least the crime of improper entry and is subject to a fine or imprisonment under section 1325(a) of title 8, United States Code.  This Administration will initiate proceedings to enforce this and other criminal provisions of the INA until and unless Congress directs otherwise.  It is also the policy of this Administration to maintain family unity, including by detaining alien families together where appropriate and consistent with law and available resources.  It is unfortunate that Congress’s failure to act and court orders have put the Administration in the position of separating alien families to effectively enforce the law.”

President Trump writes, to the extent allowed by law and appropriations, the illegal alien families detained can stay together unless it “would pose a risk to the child’s welfare”.

His e.o. is riddled with ‘…to the extent allowed by law…’ terminology, which means it all boils down to ‘hey, we’re doing our best folks, but Congress needs to step up.’

‘Law’ is made by…Congress.

‘Appropriations’ are made by…Congress.

Except in asking for modification of a 1997 settlement agreement, the burden is on…

…Congress.

So, expect FakeNews to make much of the President ‘backing down’ but anyone with an elementary education in reading can see he’s batted the ball back at Capitol Hill…

…and at the same time, gets credit for trying to keep illegal alien families together.

Well played, Mr. President.