Republicans claim ACLU is hypocritical for challenging immigration policies under Trump but not under Biden.
Republicans Accuse ACLU of Hypocrisy in Immigration Debate
Republicans have accused the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of hypocrisy for prioritizing the fight against family separations under the Trump administration while seemingly neglecting the issue of unaccompanied minor children missing under the Biden administration.
During a hearing of the House Homeland Security Committee, GOP lawmakers criticized ACLU lawyer Lee Gelernt for showing more concern over the 5,500 children separated from their parents under Trump than the 85,000 unaccompanied children who were recently revealed to be unaccounted for after being released into the country.
Seeking Clarity on the ACLU’s Approach
Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) questioned Gelernt about the differing approaches of the ACLU in protecting immigrant children under the two administrations. He asked if the ACLU planned to sue the Biden administration over the 85,000 missing children.
Gelernt responded, “I think we always will sue whichever administration is in place, but I think on those children — that we don’t know that they were missing. I suspect that their sponsors often don’t answer calls from the government.”
Republicans continued to press Gelernt on the issue, but his response remained consistent — the ACLU believes the 85,000 children are not missing, but rather their sponsors are not responding to government calls.
Criticizing the Biden Administration’s Policies
Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) criticized the Biden administration for discontinuing rapid DNA testing of immigrants claiming to be families at the border. He argued that the administration claims it is inhumane to separate families, yet they do not even verify if the individuals being brought over are actually related.
Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement, questioned Gelernt about the potential violation of civil rights for the 85,000 missing children.
Gelernt responded, ”Our view is that those children are not likely missing, that sponsors don’t simply answer the phone.”
Higgins countered, “The sponsors are not real. You know that, right? It’s a racket. It’s a sponsor racket. Our hope is that the ACLU takes a serious look at exactly what kind of cases the ACLU is taking up.”
Republicans Urge the ACLU to Reconsider Legal Action
Chairman Green and others urged Gelernt to reconsider taking legal action against the Biden administration. They suggested that if the ACLU truly seeks to hold both parties accountable, this would be an appropriate case to pursue.
“We’ll be watching to see because I think if you really do take on both, both parties administrations, this one would be a good one for you guys to look into,” Green said.
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