The capacity of a nation depends on the capacity of each of its residents; whether they be legal citizens or not. When minor children enter the United States as immigrants or refugees, they are exposed to a multitude of environmental and family stresses in addition to cumulative negative messaging about themselves and their families. Messages come from media extremists, protesters, politicians, community members and eventually their school peers and can slowly erode the mental health and well-being of a child. It is important that each one of us in the U.S., regardless of our position on immigration, take responsibility for creating a safe, compassionate environment for every child in our midst. We as a nation will only benefit from civility and nurturing rather than demonizing any minors and their parents. We can have our battles on Capitol Hill without subjecting young minds to a world of hatred in a place they have entered, often as a refuge from hatred, poverty and violence.
This issue is very close to my heart and I hope it is to yours too. The featured video is on a beautiful program, Caring Across Communities, which addresses the needs of refugee children. It was originally produced by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. I have embedded great information and resources for any and all people who work with immigrant and/or refugee children.
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