Families that seek asylum are often escaping violence and death in their own countries. Our laws allow people to seek asylum in the U.S. when they have experienced persecution based on race, religion, nationality or political opinion. People in Venezuela, Honduras, Nicaragua and other Latin American countries are escaping such violence. In fact, 17 of the 20 countries with the highest murder rates in the world are in Latin America. The U.S. may be the nearest “safe” country!
Early childhood trauma is related to poor health and well-being. We now consider Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) when children struggle in school. ACEs can disrupt brain development. ACEs are linked to social, emotional and cognitive damage, risky behaviors, diseases, disabilities and early death. We also know that even very young children experience traumatic stress when they lose a parent. Taking children from parents at the border may cause irreversible damage. Further harm might result from physical, emotional or sexual abuse — or physical or emotional neglect — in detention centers.
In the U.S., we prosecute child abuse. Child abuse includes emotional, physical or sexual abuse, emotional or physical neglect, violence inflicted on a child, or violence which a child observes. Given the damage we know is caused by these ACEs, how can we allow these crimes to be committed against children whose parents are seeking safety?
Jesus said, “Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:14). What are we? People who follow Jesus’ teachings, people who believe in loving our neighbors, or people who allow our country to commit child abuse?
Cathy Callow-Heusser, Park City