World Immigration News

Child mental health crisis tied to immigration enforcement

Release Date
2025-08-08
Media
University of California, Riverside
Summary
A report by mental health professionals at the University of California, Riverside, highlights that aggressive U.S. immigration enforcement—such as detention, deportation, and workplace raids—is causing widespread emotional trauma among children in mixed-status families, including both immigrant and U.S.-born children. The report warns that this constitutes a public health emergency.

Children live in constant fear of parental separation, which disrupts their emotional development and academic progress. Caregivers, especially mothers, often suffer trauma that limits their ability to support their children emotionally. The mental health impacts vary by age, affecting infants, school-aged children, and adolescents differently, with older children often taking on adult responsibilities prematurely.

Clinical examples illustrate how children experience chronic anxiety and fear, sometimes avoiding school or therapy. Families are forced to create safety plans for potential separation, which reinforces their instability. Honest, age-appropriate communication and practical support are recommended over false reassurances.

The authors emphasize that immigration enforcement policies are key drivers of these mental health issues and violate children’s basic rights. If left unaddressed, the trauma can result in lifelong mental health problems and intergenerational effects.

Despite these challenges, the report finds hope in the resilience of communities, the strength of support networks, and the dedication of mental health professionals working to improve outcomes for affected children.
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