![\"Immigration](\"https:\/\/www.safehorizon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Immigration-Reform-Must-Lead-with-Humanity-and-an-Understanding-of-Trauma-1024x683.jpg\")
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Photo credit: John Moore, Getty Images<\/em><\/p>\n Update<\/strong>: President Trump signed an executive order on June 20, 2018, ending his policy of\u00a0separating families. However, the crisis continues as this harmful policy would merely be replaced with another\u00a0profoundly harmful policy \u2013 the\u00a0indefinite detention of families. Moreover, there is no plan to reunite the thousands of\u00a0already separated children with their parent(s). Therefore, the information provided\u00a0below (published before the issuance of the executive order) remains relevant and useful.<\/p>\n By Ariel Zwang Since early May, a reported 2,342 children have been separated from their parents after crossing the southern U.S. border. As a mom and the CEO of Safe Horizon, the nation\u2019s largest victim services agency, I am deeply troubled and saddened by these recent developments. Separating a child from a safe caregiver is harmful to any child. And that harm is magnified if the child has a history of experiencing or witnessing violence, or living in a dangerous and unpredictable environment. Moreover, placing children in institutional settings without their parents can make them vulnerable to abuse here in the United States.<\/p>\n The painful reality is that many children and their parents or caregivers are fleeing domestic abuse, gang killings and other forms of violence in their home countries, desperately seeking a path to safety. Despite this reality, migrating is not easy as they leave behind their loved ones and communities. The journey can be long and treacherous.<\/p>\n Safety is one of the most fundamental human needs. And at Safe Horizon, we unequivocally believe that all people deserve a life free of violence regardless of immigration status. Yes, we need comprehensive immigration reform. But that reform must lead with humanity and an understanding of trauma.<\/p>\n To discuss, I sat down with two of my trusted colleagues, Deputy CEO Liz Roberts, and Director of Safe Horizon\u2019s Immigration Law Project<\/a> (ILP) Evangeline Chan. We talked about what makes this policy different from past immigration policies, why separating children from their parents is harmful, what we think would be a better immigration policy for survivors, the importance of asylum for survivors of domestic violence, and much more.<\/p>\n The U.S. Government has long been trying to address the flow of migrants coming across the southern border. How is this new policy different from past immigration policies?<\/strong><\/p>\n EVANGELINE: In the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of families crossing the border together. The issue that arose was how to handle them. Under current laws and regulations, children arriving unaccompanied at the border are handled differently from adults\u2014adults could be detained but children could not be held for long periods of time. Instead, children are released to sponsors or family members in the U.S. willing to take responsibility for them. When there was a \u201csurge\u201d of families crossing together around 2014 and 2015, the government was faced with a dilemma: what to do with the children who came with their parent(s)\u2014process them like children or like adults? What the Obama Administration did was detain them all together in family detention centers. This was also controversial: immigration advocates generally oppose detention, especially of children, and there were reports of substandard conditions, inadequate care, abuse and denial of access to legal counsel. But, at least families were kept together, which is really important to a child\u2019s well-being.<\/p>\n What is new under President Trump is this \u201czero tolerance policy<\/a>\u201d and the separation of families. Our government is now prosecuting anyone crossing over illegally \u2013 even if they are seeking asylum. The adults are being criminally charged and detained separately from their children. This means that children, some reportedly only months-old,<\/a>are being detained without their parent(s) to care for them while they follow the track of eventually being released to shelters or foster care.<\/p>\n LIZ: One of the things that really troubles me about the way the policy is being implemented is that it appears that many children are being placed in large, institutional facilities. We know from years of experience in the child welfare field that this practice is incredibly damaging. Young children should never be in institutional settings. The lack of a consistent caregiver is incredibly harmful to their development. And they\u2019re really vulnerable to abuse in these types of settings.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s talk about the children who are being separated. What impact could separation have on them?<\/strong><\/p>\n LIZ: Children\u2019s healthy development depends on secure attachment to a consistent, nurturing caregiver. We\u2019ve known this for 70 years. That secure attachment to one or more caregivers is what allows a child to have the confidence to explore the world, to learn, to develop both social and emotional competence and their full cognitive potential.<\/p>\n One thing that we know about childhood trauma is that the cumulative impact of multiple traumatic events is much, much worse than just one traumatic experience. We\u2019re talking about children here who have lived in neighborhoods and communities where there was a lot of violence, where they felt unsafe, where their parents felt unsafe. But at least they had their caregivers as a source of protection and reassurance. By now removing a child from their parent, we\u2019re adding another potentially traumatic event. It greatly increases the likelihood that these children will have lifelong struggles.<\/p>\n And what are some of the long-term struggles?<\/strong><\/p>\n LIZ: We know from the ACEs study<\/a> and other research that trauma increases the risk of poor educational outcomes, unemployment, substance abuse, chronic health issues, depression, and PTSD. We also know from many years of research that the best way to prevent those outcomes is for a parent or caregiver to be supported in helping the child feel safe again.<\/p>\n Many young children are referred to our Counseling Center<\/a> because they have witnessed violence or been physically or sexually abused. Our approach is always to work with caregiver and child together because we know that the caregiver\u2019s ability to help the child regulate their emotions and to reestablish a sense of security is the most important thing for a child\u2019s healing.<\/p>\n EVANGELINE: And this is a compelling reason why we should not be separating families. Children require special treatment.<\/p>\n What would be a better policy?<\/strong><\/p>\n LIZ: For starters, the policy should be to keep families together unless there is a clear instance where the parent is a threat to the child. And I would hope for us to have a compassionate immigration policy where we create avenues for families fleeing danger to enter the U.S. safely and be given thoughtful consideration for temporary or permanent residency here.<\/p>\n EVANGELINE: I absolutely agree. Detention is not the answer unless a person is a flight risk or threat to the public’s safety. There are alternatives to keeping track of immigrants that the U.S Government should utilize, such as supervised check-ins.<\/p>\n At Safe Horizon, we have an anti-racist framework. If we look at this recent policy with that lens, we see that this country has a history of immigration policies that create additional barriers and hardships for people of color. How do you see this new policy, given the historical context?<\/strong><\/p>\n EVANGELINE: The Administration claims it is deterrence. However, this policy affects mostly Mexican and Central American crossers (nationals of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras), many of whom are fleeing for their lives and coming to the U.S. to seek asylum. Turning them away or in any way \u201cdeterring\u201d them from seeking refuge here is contrary to our obligations under international law, which requires us not to return a person to their home country if they fear persecution there.<\/p>\n LIZ: This policy is creating more barriers for survivors of violence from these countries, and it unfairly targets Latinos\/Latinx. It\u2019s disheartening, racist, and misguided.<\/p>\n Many of the individuals migrating are fleeing violence and seeking safety through asylum. At Safe Horizon\u2019s Immigration Law Project (ILP) what are some of the common reasons clients are seeking asylum and how have you seen it improve their lives?<\/strong><\/p>\n EVANGELINE: A lot of the individuals and families we help to apply for asylum have suffered gang-based or gender-based violence. When we are able to successfully obtain asylum for a survivor, it essentially saves their lives. It grants them protection. They can live and work here lawfully. They can be reunited with their family. They have a pathway to permanent resident status and citizenship. They can begin to rebuild their lives with stability and security.<\/p>\n LIZ: Asylum has been an important avenue to safety for so many survivors of horrifying violence and abuse. We were also deeply troubled by Attorney General Jeff Sessions\u2019 recent decision<\/a> to create significant new barriers for individuals and families seeking asylum in the U.S. after fleeing domestic or gang violence in their home countries.<\/p>\n For immigrant communities viewing this news and feeling more frightened to seek help from non-profits or government entities, especially if they may be victims of violence themselves, what is your message to them? How can Safe Horizon help?<\/strong><\/p>\n EVANGELINE: I want the immigrant community to know that we are fighting hard for you. We hear and share your concerns. We are doing all we can to fight back against these dangerous and harmful policies and we are not giving up. At ILP, we can help you seek safety and protection under the immigration laws. We are here for you.<\/p>\n LIZ: I want immigrant victims of violence to know that we stand with you today and always. Always.<\/em> At Safe Horizon, we will continue to defend and fight for your humanity and safety.<\/p>\n Safe Horizon CEO Ariel Zwang and other experts explain why any immigration policy should keep families together.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":{"id":6017,"alt_text":"Immigration Reform Must Lead with Humanity and an Understanding of Trauma","caption":"","description":"","media_type":"image","media_details":{"width":1200,"height":800,"file":"2018\/06\/Immigration-Reform-Must-Lead-with-Humanity-and-an-Understanding-of-Trauma.jpg","sizes":{"thumbnail":{"file":"Immigration-Reform-Must-Lead-with-Humanity-and-an-Understanding-of-Trauma-150x150.jpg","width":150,"height":150,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","source_url":"https:\/\/www.safehorizon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Immigration-Reform-Must-Lead-with-Humanity-and-an-Understanding-of-Trauma-150x150.jpg"},"medium":{"file":"Immigration-Reform-Must-Lead-with-Humanity-and-an-Understanding-of-Trauma-300x200.jpg","width":300,"height":200,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","source_url":"https:\/\/www.safehorizon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Immigration-Reform-Must-Lead-with-Humanity-and-an-Understanding-of-Trauma-300x200.jpg"},"medium_large":{"file":"Immigration-Reform-Must-Lead-with-Humanity-and-an-Understanding-of-Trauma-768x512.jpg","width":768,"height":512,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","source_url":"https:\/\/www.safehorizon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Immigration-Reform-Must-Lead-with-Humanity-and-an-Understanding-of-Trauma-768x512.jpg"},"large":{"file":"Immigration-Reform-Must-Lead-with-Humanity-and-an-Understanding-of-Trauma-1024x683.jpg","width":1024,"height":683,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","source_url":"https:\/\/www.safehorizon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Immigration-Reform-Must-Lead-with-Humanity-and-an-Understanding-of-Trauma-1024x683.jpg"}},"image_meta":{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0","keywords":[]}},"post":6016,"source_url":"https:\/\/www.safehorizon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Immigration-Reform-Must-Lead-with-Humanity-and-an-Understanding-of-Trauma.jpg"},"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2013],"tags":[340,344,382],"class_list":["post-6016","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-statements-and-press-releases","tag-immigrant-rights","tag-immigrant-victims-of-crime","tag-immigration-rights","issue-child-abuse","issue-domestic-violence","issue-human-trafficking","issue-rape-and-sexual-assault","issue-stalking","issue-homeless-youth"],"acf":{"page_header_title":"","page_header_excerpt":"","page_header_image":false,"original_url":"","related_initiative_title":"Learn more about our Immigration Law Project","related_initiative_link":"https:\/\/www.safehorizon.org\/our-services\/legal-and-court-help\/immigration-law-project\/","related_initiative_link_text":"Visit the page","featured_posts":[{"ID":3662,"post_author":"13","post_date":"2017-01-27 18:51:37","post_date_gmt":"2017-01-27 18:51:37","post_content":"\n <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n By Shani Adess At Safe Horizon, we believe that a person\u2019s legal status should not be a barrier to one\u2019s ability to seek help, obtain justice, and live a life free from violence. Safe Horizon\u2019s Immigration Law Project (ILP) is staffed with trained and experienced attorneys that advocate on behalf of immigrant survivors of crime, torture, or abuse in New York City. The statements and conversations around immigration during the recent presidential election have sparked numerous concerns, which I will address in the following blog post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We have received many calls from clients and others in our community who have expressed increased concern and anxiety. It is very important that anyone with questions speaks with a qualified legal representative. Talking to an immigration law expert can help one to better understand their rights, evaluate their and their families\u2019 eligibility for permanent immigration relief, and create a safety plan to protect them and their children should any issues regarding their immigration status arise in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to remember that we do not yet know if any changes will take place after January 20th<\/sup>. Nevertheless, we are working hard to ensure that we are able to quickly respond to any changes that might occur, and will continue to promote and protect the rights of undocumented immigrants in our community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For victims of violence or abuse, nothing is more important than safety. Every individual has a right to live free from harm, abuse, and violence. Local, city, and state agencies in New York firmly support all peoples\u2019 rights to have access to services to ensure their safety. This includes access to; emergency shelter, emergency health care, courts to seek orders of protection, law enforcement and the criminal justice system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since 2003 New York has been a \u201cSanctuary City.\u201d This means that city agencies are not authorized to report people who seek assistance to immigration authorities. These agencies include New York Police Department (NYPD), Administration for Children\u2019s Services (ACS), Human Resources Administration (HRA), and Family Courts. In recent weeks, local and city agencies, our Mayor, and our Governor, have all reasserted their commitment to protecting undocumented immigrants in our communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are afraid and need help call one of our three 24-hour hotlines that operate seven days a week, 365 days a year. Advocates are standing by right now to help you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a temporary immigration benefit created through an Executive Order by President Obama. DACA gives undocumented immigrants that meet certain criteria the ability to obtain employment authorization and protection from deportation. DACA has enabled undocumented immigrants to continue their education, obtain jobs, and advance their careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We are hopeful that policy makers will recognize the positive contributions that DACA has made possible, and will advocate for its continuation. However, given the adversarial statements made during the election, we do not recommend that people submit new applications for DACA at this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For people who currently have DACA and who want to renew their status, we recommend speaking with an attorney in advance about the risks and the practicalities of whether their applications would be evaluated prior to any change in law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Immigration law is complex, and it is important to seek qualified legal advice if you have any questions. One of the best things someone can do is to create a safety plan in the event that they are apprehended and\/or arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Immigrant Legal Resource Center has created a fantastic guide to creating a family preparedness plan that includes arranging for childcare, keeping a list of important information for caregivers as well as access to legal documents or accounts they may need, and ensuring that your family or friends know who to contact and what to do if you are detained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read ILRC\u2019s Family Preparedness Guide Here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n You have rights! Immigrants, regardless of their status, have rights and protections afforded to them under the law, including the right to due process. So what does this mean?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Someone with a prior deportation order is more at risk of immediate removal, so we recommend that if anyone has been previously removed from the United States and\/or has an arrest record (even without convictions) in the United States, they seek legal advice as soon as possible as they may be more at risk for future immigration action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a lot of fraud and misinformation being spread by non-legal advocates urging people to file applications for which they may not be eligible. This may put people more at risk, and it is important that they speak with a legitimate service provider before submitting any application to immigration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ILP remains dedicated and committed to promoting and protecting the rights of the vibrant and diverse immigrant communities that provide so much to our city and country. We will continue to stand with them, and with survivors of crime throughout New York City. If you have questions, or in need of assistance, please contact our intake hotline at 718-943-8634 (M-F 9am \u2013 5pm). For further resources or information please visit our ILP page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Safe Horizon stands with all immigrants, all survivors of violence, and all people who have been marginalized. Please stand with us, as we advocate and make clear: all humans are equal and deserve a life free from violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nJune 20, 2018
\n<\/em><\/p>\nAt Safe Horizon, we firmly believe that a person\u2019s legal status should not be a barrier to their ability to seek help, obtain justice, and live a life free from violence. To reach Safe Horizon\u2019s Immigration Law Project, please call: 718-943-8632<\/a> or visit the webpage<\/a>.<\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
January 27, 2017<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Changes Has ILP Seen Since the 2016 Presidential Election?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Should Undocumented Immigrant Victims of Crime Still Feel Comfortable Seeking Help If They Need It?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What Is DACA And What Will Happen to DACA Under the New Administration?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Can I do to Best Protect Myself and My Family?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Else Should I Know?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Why Is It Important to Speak with an Immigration Lawyer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Additional Immigration Resources:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Help Protect Immigrant Victims of Violence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","post_title":"Undocumented Immigrant Victims of Crime: Know Your Rights","post_excerpt":"Are you an undocumented immigrant victim of crime? Shani Adess Esq., senior supervising attorney at our Immigration Law Project, outlines what you should know.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"undocumented-immigrant-victims-crime-know-rights","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-06-10 14:40:22","post_modified_gmt":"2025-06-10 18:40:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"http:\/\/www.safehorizon.org\/?p=3662","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]},"yoast_head":"\n