A new report from the National Council of La Raza and the Urban Institute titled "Paying the Price: The Impact of Immigration Raids on America's Children" has found that stepped up raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are having profound effect on children. The study--which analyzes the effects of raids in Greeley, Colorado, Grand Island, Nebraska, and New Bedford, Massachusetts--calls for laws that will provide support for children affected by raids and improved social programs designed to assist children. According to the report:
- For every two adults detained in immigration raids, a child is left behind.
- Two thirds of these children are U.S. citizens, more than a third are under six years old, and nearly two thirds are under eleven.
- Children face short- and long-term psychological damage when they are separated from one or both parents. This damage can include depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, feelings of abandonment, and suicidal thoughts.
- An estimated 10% of people detained in raids face criminal charges, the majority of which are for false documentation.
- Children also impacted economically due to loss of family income if one parent is detained.
For more on the topic, see "Paying the Price: The Impact of Immigration Raids on America's Children."
I commend you for highlighting this aspect of enforcement of immigration laws.
It's arguable that a child, whether or not they are a US citizen, has a right to be looked after by his or her parents as long as they are fit to do so.
From a UK perspective police here tend to 'visit' potential law breakers whilst their family are around them as it minimises violent reaction.
I think the logic might well work in the US as well, surely it's natural that parents are reluctant to have violent encounters in the proximity of their children.
Which approach is right or wrong is not in question but if society is going to pick up the tab for the childrens' counselling I think the US should consider the softer approach of a visit rather than a raid.
Hi
These Carlos from Lafayette, IN. And I just want to tell you that your report is good. Congratulations. I really enjoyed reading it good work.