By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Two-year-old American citizen Emanuelly Borges Santos was deported to Brazil with her undocumented parents by the Trump administration, despite possessing a U.S. passport and Social Security card. Brazilian officials were surprised by her presence among the deportees, and Manu now lacks access to healthcare and education while living on a temporary tourist visa. Her parents claim they were not given a choice regarding her deportation, contradicting DHS statements. This incident highlights concerns about the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts and the potential impact of a Supreme Court ruling on birthright citizenship.
Read the original article here
The Trump administration’s deportation of a two-year-old American citizen is a deeply disturbing event that raises serious questions about due process, the rule of law, and basic human rights. The fact that a child, undeniably an American citizen, was forcibly removed from the country is shocking and demands a thorough investigation.
The term “deportation” itself is problematic in this context. Deportation typically implies a legal process, involving established procedures and due process rights. The removal of this two-year-old, however, appears to have violated these fundamental principles, suggesting a far more egregious act. Some argue the more accurate term would be “exile,” reflecting the arbitrary and unjust nature of her removal. This lack of due process is a blatant disregard for the Constitution and the rights guaranteed to all citizens, regardless of age or background.
The implications of this action extend far beyond the immediate case. It raises concerns about the potential for similar abuses of power, creating a chilling precedent that could threaten the rights of other American citizens. It also highlights the vulnerability of children within the immigration system, underscoring the need for stricter safeguards and greater accountability.
The child’s subsequent statelessness further complicates the situation. The country to which she was sent reportedly lacks a clear pathway to citizenship for her, leaving her in a precarious legal limbo. This highlights the international implications of this action and the moral responsibility of nations to protect vulnerable children, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. That another country is scrambling to create a new citizenship protocol to accommodate this child is a testament to the severity of this situation, a stark condemnation of the previous administration’s actions. It’s also a sobering reminder that the international community often has to react to and rectify the damage caused by the US government’s inhumane immigration policies.
The incident also underscores a growing concern about the normalization of inhumane actions within the political landscape. The fact that the deportation of an American citizen child is even a subject of debate points to a worrying erosion of fundamental values. A concerning aspect is the seemingly casual acceptance of such events among some segments of the population. A child’s rights are not a matter of political opinion but are enshrined in both national and international law.
The narrative surrounding this case inevitably touches on broader political divisions. Many question whether the event demonstrates a systematic targeting of minority groups, and whether there is a disregard for the rights of those perceived as “other.” The indifference of some to the plight of the child also serves to amplify underlying socio-political fault lines.
The lack of transparency and accountability surrounding this event is deeply troubling. A thorough and independent investigation is needed to determine the exact circumstances of the child’s removal and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. This case demands more than just outrage; it demands systemic reform.
In conclusion, the deportation of this two-year-old American citizen is not merely a case of flawed immigration policy; it is a profound violation of human rights and an affront to the principles upon which the nation is founded. The implications are far-reaching, exposing a disregard for the rule of law, the vulnerability of children within the immigration system, and a disturbing trend towards normalizing inhumane actions within the political discourse. The urgent need for accountability, reform, and a renewed commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens cannot be overstated.