Bible Backs Up Border Separations: Sessions

The attorney general cited Apostle Paul in his defense of the highly criticized practice
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jun 14, 2018 5:18 PM CDT
Updated Jun 14, 2018 5:30 PM CDT
Sessions Says Bible Backs Up Child Separation Border Policy
United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaks about immigration at Parkview Field in Fort Wayne, Ind., Thursday, June 14, 2018. Sessions cited the Bible Thursday in his defense of his border policy that is resulting in hundreds of children being separated from their parents.   (Mike Moore/The Journal-Gazette via AP)

Attorney General Jeff Sessions cited the Bible on Thursday in defense of his border policy, which is resulting in hundreds of immigrant children being separated from their parents after they enter the US illegally. Sessions, speaking in Fort Wayne, Ind., on immigration, pushed back against criticism he had received over the policy, reports the AP. On Wednesday, a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church said that separating mothers from their babies was "immoral." Sessions said many of the recent criticisms were unfair and some contrary to law. "I would cite you to the Apostle Paul and his clear and wise command in Romans 13, to obey the laws of the government because God has ordained them for the purpose of order," he said. "Orderly and lawful processes are good in themselves and protect the weak and lawful."

Last month, the attorney general announced a "zero tolerance" policy that any adult who enters the country illegally will be criminally prosecuted. US protocol prohibits detaining children with their parents because the children are not charged with a crime and the parents are. According to US Customs and Border Protection, more than 650 children were separated from their parents at the US-Mexico border during a two-week period in May. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Thursday that she hadn't seen Sessions' comments but affirmed that the Bible did back up the administration's actions. "I can say that it is very biblical to enforce the law. That is actually repeated a number of times throughout the Bible," she said. "It's a moral policy to follow and enforce the law."

(More immigration stories.)

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