On February 11, APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas (PDF, 88KB)opens in new window to thank him for establishing the Family Reunification Task Force and to express concern for any immigrant family separation that may still be occurring. In the letter, Evans asked that the secretary commit to the humane policy of housing families together. The letter also discussed alternatives to detention (ATD), which could include migrant families being housed together in temporary shelter care or a community placement.
Evans further explained that decades of psychological research have determined that it is in the best interest of the child to keep families together and that sudden and unexpected separation can add to the stress that immigrants already have from their life experiences. The research also shows that the longer parents are separated from their children, the greater the symptoms of depression and anxiety are. Such adverse childhood experiences can also have an adverse impact on adult health. However, early intervention such as mental health care or policies that release families into the community with a support system can reduce these risk factors. The letter also noted that clearly there are challenges to community-based alternatives for detention of immigrant families such as financial and staffing challenges, however, these challenges underscore the need for additional resources to such programs.
Finally, Evans offered several policy recommendations: prioritize family unity, detain families for the least amount of time necessary, hire child welfare professionals, enhance community support networks, employ ATD placements, and protect confidential health records of immigrant families. APA Services will continue to advocate for immigrant families and work with Congress and the administration to improve immigration policies.
For more information, contact Serena Dávila.