Why Is the US Separating Migrant Children from Their Parents? | Inside Story

The UN has urged the Trump administration to immediately stop separating migrant children from their families at its border with Mexico. It said on Tuesday the practice was a serious violation of international law. But the US is the only country in the world that has not ratified the UN convention on the rights of the child. And has recently adopted a zero tolerance policy with undocumented migrants.

Hundreds of children who cross its southern border have been held in custody since October. It followed an executive order issued by the president. The US defends its policy by saying it's a way to stop illegal immigration. So, can the UN convince the US to stop its policy of separating families?

Presenter: Elizabeth Puranam | Guests: Angelo Guisado - Civil Rights Lawyer at the Center for Constitutional Rights; Marsha Catron - Former Spokeswoman for the US Department of Homeland Security under the Obama administration; Jennifer de Haro - Managing Attorney at the Refugee and Immigrant Centre for Education and Legal Services