Dealing with the Stress of Trump's Immigration Policies

A new report issued by George Washington University states that the immigration policies of the Trump administration are stressing out Latino parents and children alike, which is likely to result in anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health problems for the long-term. Even worse, this study concludes that the resulting mental health problems inevitably will lead to higher costs for society as a whole, in terms of a failure to thrive in school, pressure on the healthcare system, and higher rates of criminal activity and substance abuse. These problems are not just affecting undocumented immigrants; even individuals with legal immigration status who are living in the U.S. are experiencing harassment and stress due to existing immigration policies. The study, which was published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, involved in-depth interviews of over 200 Latino parents, including U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, and those with temporary protected status (TPS). About 75% of the children born to these individuals were U.S. citizens, and the rest of the children are eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. All of those interviewed reported fears about loved ones being deported, as well as harassment from police and other authorities. Teachers and other educators also noticed immediate changes in children following the 2016 elections, which were full of anti-immigrant rhetoric. Children expressed constant fear, even if they were not themselves at risk of deportation. The teachers reported increased aggression in children, which is an immature coping mechanism often seen in children, as well as a higher rate of children dropping out of sports and after-school activities, as their parents no longer want them to be away from home after school hours. Previously outgoing children have become more introverted, isolated, and some are shutting down altogether. These findings are directly in line with the findings of another report that the Civil Rights Project at the University of California, Los Angeles, recently released. As you fight for your rights while detained or during deportation proceedings, we are dedicated to providing you with the essential legal advice that you need in this situation. We are here to represent your interests before the immigration court and appeal any adverse decisions, if warranted. We devote all of our efforts to advocating on behalf of you and your family before the immigration court. Don’t hesitate to contact the Bay Area immigration lawyers of Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., and set up your legal consultation today. We are here to help.