What are we going to do about the trauma being inflicted on children whose parents are seeking asylum?

Karen Key 6/19/187:07 AM

ProPublica - a remarkable nonprofit investigative journalism organization - has released audio of young children weeping and begging for their parents - being held in detention by US officials for seeking asylum here. After listening for perhaps 30 seconds I could not bear it - this is such a huge trauma trigger. However that doesn't mean I can't take action to fight for an end to the trauma being inflicted on these children. Everyone on this site understands the lasting harm being done to these children - I am searching for effective action to take, and would appreciate if others would share what they're feeling and what they're attempting in terms of organized action. Here is a link to the ProPublica piece: ProPublica piece on children separated form their parents being held by U.S. officials

Let me just say that public outrage does not mean that this will stop. Also, the bots on Twitter are swarming to spread false information in order to inflame Trump supporters - here is a link to a site where you can see how propoganda bots are deployed to cause an inflammatory false meme to trend on Twitter: Botsentinel - recent tweets

With the knowledge we have we have a commensurate responsibility to act to protect these children.

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Julie McDevittMember

As mentioned in the previous post, in parts of the country with significant immigrant/asylee populations, non-profit legal organizations are assisting with asylum claims for children and adults who have fled gang violence and domestic violence in Central America and Mexico. Licensed mental health professionals can help by linking to these legal teams and being able to provide evaluations which can put the symptoms in context. For example, being able to explain the impact of trauma on ability to remember dates or to tell a coherent narrative can make the difference for an asylum-seeker, when they have to tell their story in front of an immigration judge.

6/27/1811:05 AM

Tara MahMember

I share your outrage and feelings of powerlessness. I too am searching for action. The two biggest calls to action that I have seen are:

1) Calling your senators and representatives, especially if they are Republican. Depending on what state you are in, this may be extremely important to make your voice heard. We are their boss, and it is their job to represent us. Make your demands, by phone, or if you're near enough to an office, go in person and ask what they are doing to end this.

2) There are many legal teams working to reunite children with their parents. By donating to them, we can give the gift of representation and therefore reunification for at least one child. I've recently donated to RAICES, but there are many. And here's a link: https://www.texastribune.org/2...ted-immigrant-child/

This article also answers your question, and they have a list of some place to donate: https://www.thecut.com/2018/06...migration-trump.html

Lastly, although this is a long-term action, I have to say- it is critical that we vote in November, and that we organize voting for as many as we can.

Focusing on these fundraisers is helping me feel a little bit of hope. I know that the country is so dark right now. Best wishes to you.

6/19/188:17 AM

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