The Atlantic

The Toxic Health Effects of Deportation Threat

The fear of immigration raids can harm children’s brains and health, potentially for life.
Source: Jose Luis Gonzalez / Reuters

In her pediatrics practice in Winston Salem, North Carolina, Julie Linton has seen several young patients who she believes are psychologically suffering from President Donald Trump’s tough stance on immigrants.

One 9-year-old boy came in with headaches, which Linton said started when “he was being told in school that his parents would be sent back to their country of origin.” Another patient, a 15-year-old girl, began experiencing panic attacks in crowds because she feared she would be separated from her parents.

“It comes down to two points: Parents are scared,” Linton said, “and

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