Trump defends 'zero-tolerance' border policy

United States President Donald Trump on Sunday defended his policy of separating children from their families illegally crossing the southern US-Mexico border.

In a series of tweets, he said that children were being used "by the worst criminals on earth" to get into the US.

"Children are being used by some of the worst criminals on earth as a means to enter our country. Has anyone been looking at the Crime taking place south of the border? It is historic, with some countries the most dangerous places in the world. Not going to happen in the U.S." Trump tweeted.

Trump also batted for stringent immigration laws in the country.

As per the Voice of America, the migrant children are labelled as "unaccompanied minors" and sent to the government's custody or foster care, while their parents are labelled "criminals" and sent to jail.

Trump warned that the US needed to avoid migration problems affecting Europe, adding, "(illegal immigration) crime in Germany is way up."

As reported by the Hill, the Trump's immigration policy is facing a backlash from both Democrats and Republicans, who call it inhuman to separate the minors from their families during immigration.

Trump is scheduled to meet Republican lawmakers on Tuesday, to address immigration measures including the family separation issues.

The issue of forcing children to leave their immigrant families may act against the ruling party, before the November's midterm elections.

Earlier in the day, US first lady Melania Trump said that she "hates to see children separated from their families" at America's border.

As per several media reports, around 2,000 children belonging to immigrant families have been taken into custody under Trump's administration.