The Lingering Trauma of Family Separation

Between 2017 and 2018, over 5,600 families were separated during former President Donald Trump’s presidency. Those apprehended tried to cross the southern border without a nonimmigrant visa or green card. It resulted in thousands of kids getting placed in the system or relatives’ homes.

According to federal data, there are over 400,000 children in foster care. Those left to fend for themselves in the system go through bouts of mental and physical trauma. The forced separation itself has posed significantly more issues, as parents get deported to countries they may have fled or sought asylum from.

As of this year, 1,000 families have yet to reunite with their loved ones. Between the long immigration processing delays and language barriers, addressing all 940 claims made to the government and immigration services will take time. This might not come as a surprise if you’re working closely with an immigration lawyer.

The federal government is still considering a payout of $450,000 per person for families separated and victimized by past immigration laws. According to Time Magazine, President Biden has admitted he would not support such a high settlement – but might be willing to consider a lower amount.

Subsequently on December 2, GOP Senators have further complicated the much-needed restitution. The new legislation would block payments, primarily toward families that have entered the U.S. illegally. It’s unclear when and just how much the government will provide to reunite families. Seeking employment, trying to afford rent and make ends meet are just a few concerns.

Amy Fischer, Americas advocacy director at Amnesty International USA issued a statement with Vox reporters on the intense trauma family separation has brought on. “There is robust evidence from pediatricians, mental health and public health experts that family separation causes significant trauma that can impact a child for years to come,” she said. “The U.S. government then bears the responsibility to compensate families for this trauma that was caused.”

If you’ve been presented with such challenges, the best thing you should do is to pursue legal immigration help from a skilled immigration attorney.