Anti-Immigrant Policies Fueling Mental Health Issues
Limited outdoor activities and family separation: The Colombian migrant, Sindy Estrada, and her family are experiencing severe mental health issues due to the relentless anti-immigrant policies of Donald Trump, reminiscent of the post-9/11 era.
Trump’s pledge to enforce the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history, targeting approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants, whom he labels as “criminals,” has exacerbated the situation. Additionally, he has revoked hundreds of thousands of temporary stay permits.
Estrada’s family’s struggle: Estrada, a 36-year-old entrepreneur, fled Colombia with her family three years ago due to extortion and insecurity. The imminent threat of deportation has caused emotional distress, leading to stress, depression, anxiety, and panic among her family members.
Impact on children: Estrada’s 16-year-old son is undergoing therapy due to his deteriorating mental health, characterized by nail-biting, sleep loss, and declining academic performance. Classmates inquire about his family’s future in the U.S., amplifying his uncertainty.
Trump’s Unprecedented Assault on Immigration
Arbitrary raids, detentions, and deportations: Trump’s relentless anti-immigrant campaign includes mass raids, arbitrary detentions, and deportations without due process to maximum-security prisons in countries like El Salvador. U.S. citizens with undocumented parents also face deportation threats, and the right to claim citizenship by birth is being eliminated.
ICE’s expanded presence: The increased visibility of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in immigrant-frequented neighborhoods, especially Latino communities, has heightened fear and anxiety.
Mental health parallels to 9/11: Juan Carlos Dumas, a mental health consultant for New York City’s Health and Hospitals Corporation, likens the current migrant community’s uncertainty, fear, and anguish to that experienced post-9/11. This has led to increased substance abuse, domestic conflicts, and self-harm among young people.
“No One Should Give Up”
Traumatic prospect of leaving: Undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for many years face an “absolutely traumatic” situation when considering deportation.
Seeking support and staying active: Dumas advises against despair and encourages immigrants to continue working. In New York City, a sanctuary for immigrants, numerous mental health services and professionals are available to provide support.
