As pediatricians, we strongly believe that all children deserve to feel loved, safe and supported. When children are supported, our communities prosper.
But because of the increased immigration enforcement action taking place across our country during these last few months, our communities are hurting, and too many children are being traumatized.
Here in Illinois, the fear in communities is pervasive, and children are paying the toll. Parents and caregivers are scared to walk a child to the bus stop, take them to the playground or library or allow them to play outside with friends — or to even leave home for a job that supports their family’s livelihood.
Some parents are so scared federal agents, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol officials, may take them away from their children, they’ve skipped being at their ailing children’s bedsides in their final moments, according to one Illinois-based palliative care pediatrician. No parent should have to confront such unimaginable hardship.
Schools are also reporting decreased attendance because parents worry about not having their children with them. As pediatricians, we know that when parents worry, kids worry. Some schools have gone on lockdown due to the presence of immigration authorities just outside of school grounds actively detaining people in the area. This is traumatic for every child in the school and has negative consequences on their emotional well-being and ability to concentrate and learn.
This is the reality in Illinois, and in many communities elsewhere in the U.S.
For children in immigrant families, the toll of these actions is devastating — from those who have suffered the direct impact of separation from a parent or caregiver to those who live in constant fear of one of their family members being detained or deported.
Even children whose families are not directly targeted are impacted, seeing armed agents on their neighborhood streets — often in face coverings or wearing military-type gear — and hearing military helicopters circle above. They may ask questions that parents might not have the answers to, or see images and videos online that leave them feeling afraid.
Witnessing harm to others and living in constant fear is traumatic to all children in the community. These stressors disrupt brain development and have long-term negative effects on the health and well-being of impacted children. Ultimately, the cumulative effects make these communities less healthy.
Pediatricians are also seeing a broader chilling effect that is leading families — including those with U.S. citizen children — to avoid seeking health care or make impossible choices in an effort to stay together.
In pediatric practices, families are not showing up for appointments. It’s during these visits when an infant’s growth and development is monitored, children receive routine immunizations and chronic conditions are diagnosed and managed. Some families report feeling afraid to go to the food pantry or even the grocery store, and children are showing up in pediatric offices hungry and scared.
We’re also seeing this play out in hospital emergency departments: Children are arriving sicker, and in some cases, alone, because their parents are afraid to leave home with them. Our colleagues report seeing children in the emergency room because their condition has become so severe after putting off routine medical care. We also see children who are left in the hospital and unable to go home because their parents have been detained.
Right now, families are frightened, and children are suffering. We also know the consequences of this trauma will be felt long after the current immigration policies have ended.
No child should live their life in constant fear. The policy that barred immigration enforcement in or near “sensitive locations,” including schools, health clinics or churches needs to be restored. Moreover, ICE’s past “parental interest” directive — since replaced by a weaker policy — must be strengthened to ensure that immigration enforcement accounts for whether someone is a parent or caregiver when determining whether to detain them. What is currently taking place in our communities is unacceptable, and harming children’s health.
All children deserve to spend their days with moments that fill them with joy and that allow them to explore with curiosity and wonder. They deserve immigration policy that recognizes their humanity and right to grow up safe and healthy. We must put children first.
Susan Kressly is president of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Michelle Barnes is president of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.