Ramirez, Salinas Lead Call to Recognize Impacts of Unlawful Immigration Enforcement on Communities’ Mental Health

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Health

Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), member of the Homeland Security Committee and the Mental Health Caucus, and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Chair of the Mental Health Caucus, introduced a resolution recognizing the impact of the Trump Administrations’ immigration enforcement tactics on the mental health of immigrant individuals, their families, and their community. The resolution also condemns President Trump and his administration, including Kristi Noem, Tom Homan, and Stephen Miller, for carrying out physically and psychologically harmful policies. While urging Congress to hold the administration accountable, members of Congress demand that the Department of Health and Human Services collaborate with nonprofits to expand culturally comprehensive mental health services to impacted communities. According to the American Sociological Association, family separation caused by incarceration can be more detrimental to children’s health, behavior, and academic achievement than parental death or divorce. Studies also find that children impacted by deportation proceedings display higher rates of depression, anxiety, and academic withdrawal. The resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), André Carson (IN-07), Yvette Clarke (NY-11), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At-Large), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

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