The United States has a long tradition of offering refuge to those fleeing persecution and war. However, the Trump administration, citing unfounded security concerns, put a travel ban in place, suspended the refugee resettlement program for 120 days and slashed refugee arrivals by more than half.

Families escaping gang violence and persecution in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador have undertaken a dangerous journey to seek safety in the United States. Central Americans have the right to request asylum in the U.S. without being criminalised or separated from their children.