Immigration policy has been and continues to be a controversial topic in the U.S. Over the course of the election and since taking office, President Trump has intensified national debate about immigration as he has implemented policies to enhance immigration enforcement and restrict the entry of immigrants from selected countries the Administration believes may pose a threat to the country. The climate surrounding these policies and this debate potentially affect 23 million noncitizens in the U.S., including both lawfully present and undocumented immigrants, many of whom came to the U.S. seeking safety and improved opportunities for their families. They also have implications for the over 12 million children who live with a noncitizen parent who are predominantly U.S-born citizen children. We conducted focus groups with 100 parents from 15 countries and 13 interviews with pediatricians to gain insight into how the current environment is affecting the daily lives, well-being, and health of immigrant families, including their children.
Findings from this study indicate that immigrant families "are experiencing resounding levels of fear and uncertainty," particularly fear of deportation and family separation and that these increased fears are leading to negative health and wellbeing outcomes for children that have lifelong consequences.
