Did you know that immigrant children ( defined as all children of all immigrants—refugees, asylum seekers, recipients of DACA or of special temporary status, unaccompanied minors, and first generation Americans who are US citizens by birth living anywhere in the US) represent 19.6 million children, nearly 25% of all children living in the United States? According to the American Academy of Family Practitioners, these children face specific dangers to their physical and mental health stemming directly from immigration policies such as the right to asylum, detention and deportation protocols, regulation of health coverage, and access to physical and mental health care. The plight of unaccompanied minors is especially concerning. Let us show compassion and Christian love for these youngest residents of our country, who cannot effectively speak for themselves.
How can we urge our lawmakers and other policymakers to do the same?
Interested in joining MMOC’s Peace and Justice Ministry? Call Sharon Barron 314-892-2331.