Collateral Damage: Increasing Risks to Children in a Hostile Immigration Policy Environment.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To identify how recent immigration policies have affected the health of children in immigrant families (CIF).

Recent findings: As the number of children and families arriving to the US border has increased, so too have immigration policies directly targeting them.

Summary: Anti-immigrant policies increase the dangers experienced by children migrating to the USA, while also limiting access to needed resources and medical care for CIF inside the country, including many who are US citizens. The resultant deprivation and toxic stress are associated with adverse consequences for children's physical and mental health.