Advocating for immigrant kids and families

Immigrant children and families face many challenges in the current environment including threats posed by the separation of children and families at the U.S. border, the uncertain fate of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, potential changes to public charge rules, among others. Emerging literature shows that protective immigration policies can have a positive effect on health care status and access. Conversely, current threats facing immigrant families are harming access to health care and contributing to poorer health outcomes. Pediatricians and the broader healthcare community have an important role to play in advocating on behalf of immigrant families.