Save the Children Statement on the Recent Settlement News Regarding Family Separation Case

WASHINGTON, D.C.(Oct. 19, 2023) – Save the Children welcomes the proposed settlement in the family separation case (Ms. L., et al. v. ICE) and the changes it brings to U.S. immigration policy for the long term. The social and legal benefits offered under the proposed settlement underscore the Biden administration's dedication to rectify the grave injustices endured by migrant families who were cruelly separated under the previous administration's zero-tolerance policy. Furthermore, the settlement establishes crucial criteria aimed at minimizing future family separations by barring border officials from using a parents' illegal entry into the country as a basis to separate them from their children.

The proposed settlement represents an essential step towards rectifying this grievous injustice. While we acknowledge that the trauma endured by these families may never be fully healed, extending the necessary support, and affording them the opportunity to seek asylum represents a significant and commendable step in the right direction.

“The separation of families at our southern border was a betrayal of our nation's values," says Christy Gleason, Vice President of Policy at Save the Children. "By providing wrap-around services to these families and implementing policies to prevent future separations, today's agreement addresses the impacts of those separations and helps ensure that nothing like this ever happens again."

Save the Children, together with its US political advocacy arm, Save the Children Action Network, remains committed to urging all relevant stakeholders to prioritize the protection and well-being of children and to take all necessary measures to ensure family unity. We believe that this settlement represents an important step towards achieving these goals, and we look forward to continued efforts to protect the rights and dignity of migrant children.

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we've been advocating for the rights of children worldwide. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming the future we share. Our results, financial statements and charity ratings reaffirm that Save the Children is a charity you can trust. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.