Report: Children impacted by policies

Experts explore impact of immigration policies on Lake County children, families

A new report shows that children are significantly impacted by national and local immigration policies.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Race for Results says that too many of the country’s 74 million children are not growing up in thriving communities and stable families.

Although the vast majority of children growing up in immigrant families are U.S. citizens, they face numerous obstacles.

Statistics in the report state that 88 percent of children in immigrant families are citizens either because they were born in the United States or because they became naturalized citizens. Fortyeight percent of parents of children in immigrant families are U.S. citizens, 21 percent are unauthorized and 31 percent are lawful permanent residents or have some other legal status.

Painesville serves a diverse student population and the district educates students that are greatly impacted by immigration.

“Painesville City Schools is a community of parents, students, and teachers who provide education and support to one another,” said Ruth Haines, who is the director of English language development for Painesville Schools. “Any issue that affects one, affects all. The current state of immigration in this country has added an additional layer of stress to our school community. When students and families have to worry if a family member will return home, students often have trouble focusing on academic tasks.”

For the estimated 5 million children whose parents are undocumented, their parents’ immigration status threatens the stability

of their families.

“It also threatens their freedom,” the report said. “The absence of a parent — who is often the main source of income for the family — frequently sends the family into a spiral of financial instability and can result in children going into foster care.”

Experts say many families hesitate to access financial, medical, educational and other resources they

qualify for and need.

“Families are scared,” Mayra Alvarez, president of the Children’s Partnership in Los Angeles, told a group of journalists at the University of Southern California this summer. “Families are not going to the doctor for fear that even contact with medical professionals could bring them into contact with immigration authorities. There are horrific stories of parents not taking their children to the dentist until they have an abscess.”

This fear can also cause high levels of anxiety in children that is described

as “toxic stress,” impeding the ability to learn and develop social skills while posing long-term health consequences.

“Family separation and the fear it brings harm children’s mental and physical health, undermine economic security and further restrict access to education, public benefits and other services,” the report said.

A couple of months ago President Donald Trump announced that there will be a gradual phase out of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA.

“While new applications for work permits will not be accepted, all existing work permits will be honored until their date of expiration up to two full years from today,” Trump said. “Furthermore, applications already in the pipeline will be processed, as will renewal applications for those facing near-term expiration. Permits will not begin to expire for another six months, and will remain active for up to 24 months.”

On the other hand, according to the U.S. Department of Education Guide for Success in Secondary and Postsecondary Settings that was published in 2015, as a nation of immigrants, the United States has benefited tremendously from the talents, values, and contributions of newcomers to our shores. In the face of immense barriers, many undocumented youth have exhibited exemplary perseverance, work ethic, and leadership.

Haines says that DACA had been instrumental for many students.

“DACA has provided students with a way to pur-

sue their education beyond high school and move forward with their lives,” she said. “Many students have been able to go to college and/or participate in vocational training programs. Without DACA it would be difficult for students who go through some vocational programs to receive certificates in their fields.”

The Trump Administration Immigration priorities also includes ensuring safe and lawful admissions, defending the safety and security of our country and protecting American workers and taxpayers.

Trump’s plan is to strengthen i mmigration law enforcement with the hire of an additional 10,000 ICE officers and 300 Federal prosecutors to handle immigration cases; penalize “sanctuary cities” by making states and localities that refuse to cooperate with Federal authorities ineligible for funding from certain grants and cooperative agreements and increase overstay penalties and ICE’s enforcement tools to ensure that foreign workers, students and visitors respect the terms of their temporary visas, according to a White House Press Secretary news release.

Meanwhile, hundreds have gathered in Painesville to protest deportations and support DACA.

Painesville City Manager Monica Irelan also reviewed and revised Painesville Police Policy 413 to make the language more engaging and is exploring educational opportunities on immigration to share with City Council and residents.