Two of the largest airlines in the United States have decided to take a stand against the Trump administration’s controversial zero tolerance immigration policy, which separates migrant children from their parents at the border.
United Airlines issued a statement this morning saying that they are concerned about reports that commercial airlines have been used to transport immigrant children separated from their parents by the newly implemented immigration enforcement policy.
The airline added that, from their own research, they have not seen any evidence showing these children have been flown on a United aircraft, and they would like to keep it that way.
“Based on our serious concerns about this policy and how it’s in deep conflict with our company’s values, we have contacted federal officials to inform them that they should not transport immigrant children on United aircraft who have been separated from their parents,” said a statement from Oscar Munoz, CEO of United Airlines.
“Our company's shared purpose is to connect people and unite the world. This policy and its impact on thousands of children is in deep conflict with that mission and we want no part of it.”
United asks U.S. government not to fly separated immigrant children on our aircraft. pic.twitter.com/MPPbhO6aqV
— United Airlines (@united) June 20, 2018
American Airline shared a similar sentiment, saying that the policy is not in alignment with their values.
“We bring families together, not apart,” said the airline.
American Airlines also stated that they have no knowledge of their aircrafts being used for this purpose, however they add that the government does not disclose information about the nature of the flights it takes or the passengers who are travelling. The airline added that if that were the case, they would be “extremely disappointed.”
"We have no desire to be associated with separating families, or worse, to profit from it. We have every expectation the government will comply with our request and we thank them for doing so,” said a statement from the airline.
ICYMI, this morning PM Trudeau spoke briefly w/ reporters re: U.S. policy on migrants:
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) June 20, 2018
"What's going on in the United States is wrong. I can't imagine what the families living through this are enduring. Obviously, this is not the way we do things in Canada." #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/9kZ6LmnyPL
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as well as B.C. Premier John Horgan, condemned the policy this morning, saying this is clearly wrong.
“What’s going on in the United States is wrong. I can’t imagine what the families living through this are enduring. Obviously this is not the way we do things in Canada,” Trudeau said.
President Trump: "We're signing an executive order, I consider it to be a very important executive order, It's about keeping families together while at the same time being sure that we have a very powerful, very strong border." pic.twitter.com/RZkumsDM8j
— CSPAN (@cspan) June 20, 2018
Trump has signed an executive order today in response to controversy over the original policy, but said they will continue prosecuting those who enter the U.S. illegally. Trump also stated that he’s sure the order will ultimately be matched by legislation.
The new order states that families would be detained together expect for in cases where it is deemed that the child's welfare are a concern, but for how long is unclear.
"If you're really pathetically weak the country is going to be overrun by millions of people, and if you're strong then you don't have any heart... perhaps I'd rather be strong,” Trump said when addressing the policy.
