The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been forcibly separating children from their parents as they cross the U.S. southern border to deter families from seeking asylum.
The AAP opposes this policy. Prolonged exposure to toxic stress can harm children’s developing brains and their short- and long-term health.
The Academy has written the DHS Secretary on at least five occasions opposing the separation of parents and children. The latest letter can be found here. The AAP has also joined more than 200 child welfare, juvenile justice and child development organizations in demanding that the current administration abandon this ill-conceived policy.
This Friday, May 4, the Academy is leading a day of action to oppose the separation of immigrant children and parents at the border.
On Friday, May 4, a San Diego federal court judge will hear directly from lawyers representing parents who have been separated from their children. That’s why the Academy has chosen this day to take action.
How You Can Help:
On Friday, May 4 send a clear message to Congress to end this policy:
- Call your federal legislators and urge them to oppose any policy that separates children from their parents at the border. Urge them to tell DHS to immediately end this policy once and for all. You can find your members of Congress here: FederalAdvocacy.aap.org
- Share messages on social media using #ProtectFamilies to help explain the toll such a policy takes on child health.
The AAP is also leading efforts to engage national advocacy, health and medical groups to join us. By concentrating our voices on one day, we hope to draw Congress’ attention on the urgent need to act to protect these children and their families. Stay tuned for more information from the AAP and in the meantime, please spread the word!