Everyone talks about this man who seems to be bothered by babies, since he has taken the reins of the most powerful country in the world and every day surprises us with a new barbarity. One of his most controversial actions and that in fact has ended up in the hands of justice is that of tightening of immigration policies in the United States.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, which represents 66,000 pediatricians in the United States, has not been able to shut up and has made a tough statement about the protection of immigrant children in which accuses President Trump of increasing anxiety and fear of immigrant children with his controversial decree.
In fact, the Academy statement was published on the same day that the president signed the executive orders with his first measures on immigration, border security and refugees.
On the one hand, it was announced the closure of borders to refugees around the world, including those from Syria. Many children in the world live stories that are not made for children and leave us photos that shock the world, such as that of little Aylam and many others, photos that we should not forget because they continue to be produced every day. And, in a world without solidarity, thousands of families are lost.
But it is that the concern in the United States also appears among people who do have legal status in the country or even already have a residence card, but who remain in limbo if Trump's executive order is applied (suspended for the moment ) that targeted citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries.
On the other hand, immigrants in the United States, following Trump's order, suffer from uncertainty because they do not know what will happen to them in the immediate future. In addition, in recent days there have been raids against undocumented persons to begin deportation, although not only people with a background have been prosecuted.
Immigrant children are their patients, families are part of their community
The scientific sector in general and the health sector is also concerned about other possible Trump measures that involve restrictions in certain areas of research, such as stem cells. But this is the first time that a large medical association has positioned itself publicly against the new government, despite not being partisan, simply because they are "proniños."
And, as they claim at the beginning of their statement, The mission of the American Academy of Pediatrics is to protect the health and well-being of all children, regardless of where their mothers or fathers were born. That is why they disagree with the policy of not receiving refugees or pressuring immigrants, reiterating their support for immigrant children and their families. In short, Trump's immigration policy puts children at risk, which clashes with the basic principles of pediatricians:
Immigrant families are our neighbors, they are part of each community and they are our patients. The Executive Orders signed today are harmful to immigrant children and families throughout the country. Many of the children who will be most affected are victims of indescribable violence and have been exposed to trauma. Children don't emigrate, they run awayThey come to the United States seeking safe haven in our country and need our compassion and assistance. The wide expansion of family detention only aggravates their suffering.
Too many children in this country already live in constant fear that their parents will be detained or deported, and the message these children received today from the highest levels of our federal government exacerbates that fear and anxiety. No child should ever live in fear. When children are scared, this can affect their health and development. In reality, fear and stress, particularly prolonged exposure to severe stress (known as toxic stress) can damage the developing brain and have a short-term and long-term negative health impact.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is not partisan and favors children and we ask President Trump and his Administration to ensure that children and families fleeing violence and adversity can continue to seek refuge in our country. Immigrant children and their families are part of our communities and our nation, and deserve to be cared for, treated with compassion and admired. Above all, they deserve to be healthy and safe. Pediatricians are with immigrant families, we want and will continue to advocate for their needs to be met and prioritized.
Finally, we hope that Trump's executive immigration orders, which have already been paralyzed, do not go ahead and incidentally that other countries are also more generous and do not forget the most needy and the most vulnerable in a situation of helplessness, children. Neither politicians, nor pediatricians nor, really, any sector of society, should we silence or obviate the tragedy of these children.
