Children are especially vulnerable to trauma, violence, and insecurity, experienced both directly and indirectly. Adverse experiences in early childhood can have an outsized impact throughout an individual’s life. While the situation in our country is changing day to day, here are some of the immediate ways we anticipate families and children in our community being affected:

Immigration

President Trump issued a series of executive orders which seek to overhaul immigration policy in the U.S. and which we believe threaten the identity of our country and the safety and wellbeing of every American.

The threat of “mass deportations” has terrified many members of our community and forced some caregivers to consider who would or should take custody of their child, should they find themself facing immediate deportation. This is a decision no parent should have to make.

The complete suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program means that many families in Massachusetts will be denied the chance to reunite with their loved ones for the next four years—including, in some cases, caregivers and children. Individuals who have been through decades-long screening processes to find safety in the Commonwealth will be denied that opportunity.

The Trump Administration has determined that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be allowed to enter schools and churches, creating deep uncertainty and fear within the institutions where so many members of our community seek safety and connection.

At Family Nurturing Center, we are already feeling the psychological impact of these decisions. Immigrant families are in crisis and scrambling for support.

LGBTQ+ Rights

 FNC’s participants, staff, and their loved ones include adults and children of all sexual orientations and gender identities. President Trump’s executive orders revoke protections against discrimination and restrict the freedom of self-determination for transgender people. Prejudice and violence based on sexuality and gender identity—which are perpetuated by these directives—lead to higher rates of mental illness and suicide for a population that is already vulnerable. These executive orders put our community, especially our young people, at risk.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Trump Administration has rescinded previous legislation on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and prohibits the delivery and funding of DEI programs by the federal government, as well as putting DEI initiatives in the private sector—including nonprofits—at risk.

Systemic racism has a profound health impact on children and caregivers alike, and DEI programs play a role in fighting back. The discontinuation of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives will deepen the intergenerational effects of racism in our society and adversely impact families in our community over both the short and long term. By closing windows of opportunity for historically marginalized populations, these changes make it more difficult for families to raise healthy children and stand in the way of the just society we envision.