The separation of migrant families is likely to become a fact of life on the US-Mexico border.

Thousands of children have been separated from their parents, under Donald Trump's controversial crackdown on illegal migrants.

Trump says he'll reduce the practice if lawmakers agree to fund the construction of his border wall.

But AP White House reporter Jonathan Lemire told Kate Hawkesby the US president is unlikely to ban it completely.

"This is something that this White House wants to do as a deterrent saying to parents don't come here because if you do you may be separated from your kids."

LISTEN ABOVE AS JONATHAN LEMIRE TALKS TO KATE HAWKESBY