Through Their Eyes: How Immigration Enforcement Is Undermining the Health and Wellbeing of Children and Families

Children and families need safe, stable, and supportive conditions to be healthy and well—including health care, stable housing, nutritious food, economic security, supportive relationships, and communities that promote safety, belonging, and opportunity. Yet the rising cost of living is making it increasingly difficult for many families to meet even their most basic needs. For immigrant families, these economic pressures are intensified by a broader climate of fear, uncertainty, and exclusion created by rapidly changing immigration policies and enforcement practices.

To better understand how immigration policy and enforcement practices are affecting the health and wellbeing of immigrant families and their children, the Center for the Study of Social Policy, in partnership with The Children’s Partnership, conducted a qualitative study with community health workers (CHWs), promotores, and other trusted frontline providers serving immigrant communities in California. Our research illustrates how immigration policy and enforcement practices are compounding existing challenges, making it harder for families to safely and consistently access health care and other essential supports, and undermining the conditions children and families need to be healthy and well. Download the report to explore the findings and policy recommendations.