While children and their families immigrate to the United States for many different reasons, many are fleeing unbearable conditions. Their home countries may be experiencing high rates of violence and
poverty that are nearly impossible to overcome. They may have been victims of unspeakable trauma. Some families may have no other choice but to send a child alone.
When children and families reach the U.S. border and ask for protection, they face a complicated immigration system. This process may include being held in a detention center where they are often separated from loved ones.
Whether alone or with family members, children who are fleeing violence or poverty are vulnerable, scared and in need of compassion. Most of all, they deserve to be healthy and safe. Here are ways to support children in immigrant families and protect them from further trauma.
Standing together: how to support children in immigrant families
The people who care for children in immigrant families, including family members, friends and health care providers, can provide support by:
AAP policy explained
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a policy statement,
Detention of Immigrant Children, in response to the increase in unaccompanied minors and immigrant families at U.S. borders. We call for the following basic standards of care for immigrant and refugee children:
- They deserve our compassion and assistance.
- They should never be separated from their parents or families..
- They should never be placed in detention centers.
Leaders at the AAP have made their
presence known at U.S. southern border facilities since 2016. In response to safety concerns, inhumane treatment, family separations and, tragically, deaths in detention facilities, the AAP has
advocated to ensure access to safe conditions, medical care and pediatric expertise for all children who may experience detention.
Protecting children facing detention or family separation
The AAP firmly believes that no child should be in detention, separated from family or placed in unsafe conditions. Children in processing centers do not have adequate bedding, food, or water. They may sleep on cement floors. Temperatures can be very cold and lights are on 24 hours a day. Even short periods of detention or family separation can cause psychological trauma and long-term mental health problems.
Detention, family separation, and/or fear of separation from family members are very frightening and stressful experiences for children. As children grow and develop, their brains change in response to their environments and lived experiences. Fear and stress, especially if they occur over a prolonged period of time, can harm the developing brain. This is called toxic stress.
Toxic stress can cause the following health issues in children:
Problems with toileting, sleeping, eating, learning and concentrating
Depression, anxiety and symptoms of post-traumatic stress (such as difficulty concentrating or sleeping, or avoiding certain people or places that remind them of traumatic experiences)
Increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and depression later in life
Protecting children by minimizing detention and separation:
Instead of detention, the AAP recommends releasing children and their families into the community while their immigration cases proceed. Keeping families together—especially as they confront new experiences—is critical.
How to help children understand & cope with immigration-related stress
In these
uncertain times, it's understandable that many immigrant families feel a great deal of stress, anxiety and fear. However, there are things parents and caregivers can do to make sure children feel reasonably safe and protected in their day-to-day lives.
Listen. If your children experience
discrimination or
bullying, witness the removal of someone from their home for deportation, or express concern about any of these topics, validate their experiences (for example, encourage them to talk about how they feel—including their fear, anxiety or anger). Listen as your children talk about it—again and again if necessary—and reassure them of what you are doing to keep them safe.
Talk. When your children ask, talk with them about the recent changes in immigration policies and what they could mean for family and friends. The amount of information you give will depend on the age(s) of your child(ren).
For example, older children are generally ready for more specific details (e.g., "here are the documents we have with a plan in place in case we are separated") than younger children (for example, "we are here to keep you safe" or "there are many loving adults to help keep you safe: me, your aunt Lily, your homeroom teacher, your soccer coach....").
Pay attention to sources of information. Notice and be alert to what your children are seeing on TV, the internet and in social media. If children
watch the news, watch with them so you can talk about what they are seeing and how it makes them feel. Limit having the news or alerts on when possible; try turning off the screens and going outside or reading.
Families can select books with guidance from local libraries and immigrant support groups, including developmentally appropriate books that discuss deportation if it is a concern for a child.
Take care of yourself. Children notice when their parents or loved ones are anxious or angry. If you are worried or struggling with your own emotions, find someone you trust to help with your personal concerns. Children depend on the adults around them to feel safe and secure.
Advice for families concerned about immigration status
Immigration enforcement actions can lead to the sudden removal of a parent or primary caregiver without notice or time to prepare. If you are worried about your legal status or fear being separated from your family, it is extremely important that you develop a plan to ensure your children's health and safety.
How to help prepare for sudden family separation:
Complete a family preparedness plan.
Ask a trusted adult to serve as power of attorney so they can care for your children in the event of removal or deportation (only some states allow this).
Keep copies of all medical records, including immunization history, medications and other health information. Give a copy to a trusted adult.
Keep copies of your child's birth certificate, social security card and passport(s). Give a copy to a trusted adult.
Keep copies of your children's school records. Give a copy to the adult that you have designated as power of attorney.
In some instances, a pediatric provider can write a letter for families detailing the time the family has been in the United States, the care needs of the child, and the importance of avoiding separation and detention.
Families who need assistance with immigration cases should talk to a licensed attorney.
See "more information," below for additional helpful resources.
A final call for compassion
This is not the first time in our nation's history that people have sought refuge here while fleeing from war, violence or poverty. We must ensure children who are seeking safe haven in our country are cared for appropriately. We should treat them humanely and compassionately and avoid imposing additional trauma.
More information