American Medical Association blasts Trump Administration's "zero tolerance" immigrations policy
Industry association says the trauma of separating children from their parents have can lifelong negative impacts on their health.
U.S. Border Patrol agents check passports at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry. Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images
The American Medical Association has come out strongly against the Trump Administration's hotly-debated "zero tolerance" immigration policy that is separating children from their migrating families, namely parents and caregivers.
The "zero tolerance" policy was enacted in April and has come under a barrage of criticism recently. Immigrant families crossing the border illegally are separated, with adults entering the criminal justice system for prosecution while their children are put in detention centers without those parents while awaiting an unknown fate. Their parents face possible deportation and it is often unclear whether they will be reunited with their children. Published reports have documented sobbing children in such centers, where the staff are reportedly prohibited from physically comforting them.
In a letter was sent to DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, HHS Secretary Alex Azar and Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the AMA urged the federal government to withdraw the policy, instead asking the Administration to prioritize "protecting the health and well-being of the children within those families."
The policy was discussed at the AMA's Annual Meeting, which included delegates representing more than 170 state and national specialty medical societies. The AMA said it heard from delegates that the policy will badly harm children, and their parents or caregivers, who were compelled to make the journey to the United States because of safety concerns in their own countries.
"Families seeking refuge in the U.S. already endure emotional and physical stress, which is only exacerbated when they are separated from one another. It is well known that childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences created by inhumane treatment often create negative health impacts that can last an individual's entire lifespan. Therefore, the AMA believes strongly that, in the absence of immediate physical or emotional threats to the child's well-being, migrating children should not be separated from their parents or caregivers," the letter said.
Twitter: @BethJSanborn
Email the writer: beth.sanborn@himssmedia.com
