Trump gives in to public opinion, ends family separation at the border

According toReuters, a new order signed by US President Donald Trump on June 20 requires family members to be detained together when they are caught illegally entering the US, although it is unclear how long this will last. The order also requires authorities to prioritize parents with children in immigration proceedings.

However, Mr Trump's order does not end the administration's "zero tolerance" policy on immigration, which calls for criminal prosecution of those who cross the border illegally.

"It's about keeping families together and at the same time making sure that we have a very strong, very powerful border," Trump said as he signed the order in the Oval Office at the White House.

Images of babies in detention cells at the US-Mexico border and an audio recording of crying babies have sparked outrage in the US, from religious leaders to business leaders, as well as condemnation from the international community, including Pope Francis.

According to the White House, President Trump, a frequent cable news watcher, has recognized family separation as a growing political issue.

The move on June 20 was a rare time the US president reversed a controversial policy, rather than continuing it, since taking office in January 2017. He has taken a hardline stance on immigration, which has been a focus of his term.

A White House official said First Lady Melania Trump has urged her husband to change policy in private conversations between the two.

"The first lady has been making her point to the president for some time now that he needs to do everything he can to help families stay together," the person said.