A recent commentary in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas sheds light on the mental health consequences of restrictive U.S. immigration policies. Policies such as the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, the “Remain in Mexico” policy, and expanded detention and deportation have had devastating effects on the psychological well-being of immigrant families.
Key findings include:
- Increased PTSD, depression, and suicidal ideation, especially among children and adolescents.
- Severe maternal mental health risks due to threats to birthright citizenship and fear of statelessness.
- Long-term effects on child development, emotional regulation, and early attachment.
- Cumulative trauma with intergenerational mental health consequences.
Immigrant families live in chronic fear, facing barriers to healthcare access and social services, all while carrying the burden of legal precarity.
The authors call for trauma-informed, community-based reforms:
- Psychological support in detention centers
- Mental health screening for asylum seekers
- Legal aid and counseling services
- Protections for pregnant immigrants
- Ending family detention policies in favor of compassionate alternatives
Without reform, we risk worsening mental health disparities and eroding the very social fabric we claim to protect.
