« Back to Newsroom

For Immediate Release

 |
Catherine Lee

Congress and HHS Must Stop Harm Inflicted on Latinx Children by Anti-Immigrant Politicians

A new study reveals the dire health consequences for Latinx children due to anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies
Contact: press@unitedwedream.org

Washington, D.C. – The health and well-being of Latinx children are under attack as a direct result of the damaging impact of anti-immigrant rhetoric and xenophobic policies championed by anti-immigrant politicians. A study published last week by the American Academy of Pediatrics and featured in CNN, exposes the heart-wrenching reality: Latinx children living in states promoting anti-immigrant policies are at significantly higher risks of experiencing mental and chronic physical health conditions throughout their lives. 

The study makes clear the life-threatening health disparities that Latinx children – regardless of their own immigration status or that of their parents – experience when exposed to anti-immigrant policies. These findings are consistent with UWD’s 2021 UndocuHealth report which similarly found the toll that racist and xenophobic policies have on the mental health of immigrant youth. 

Juliana Macedo do Nascimento, Deputy Director of Federal Advocacy of United We Dream, said:

“The harmful impact of racism and xenophobia on Latinx children is a stark reminder of the inhumanity displayed by anti-immigrant politicians. Despite this cruel reality, some politicians continue to promote xenophobic policies that target immigrants for their own political gain, while disregarding the life-threatening consequences these actions have on our children. These intentional, deadly outcomes are undeniable proof that white nationalism poses the greatest threat to our community’s health and well-being. It is crucial for Congress and the Department of Health & Human Services to investigate policies that harm immigrants, address these troubling health inequities, and hold those accountable for the irreversible damage they continue to cause for these Latinx children.”

###

United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the nation; made up of a multi-racial and multi-ethnic network of 1.2 million members, over 100 local groups, and a reach of over 5 million per month. UWD’s vision is to push for just policies that allow everyone to thrive regardless of immigration status. United We Dream is fighting for a multi-racial democracy that works for everyone by building a movement of young people who organize and advocate for the dignity and justice of immigrants and communities of color. You can find more at www.unitedwedream.org.

This March marks 21 years of ICE CBP & DHS terrorizing our immigrant communities.

Ever since their creation, ICE and CBP have targeted, detained, abused and deported immigrants while separating loved ones and tearing apart communities. Donate 21 dollars to help us fight back against the 21 years of terror.