As the immigration crisis continues to grow on the U.S.-Mexico border, APA added to its immigration advocacy efforts by sending a letter to President Donald Trump and publishing a new article on psychology’s role in treating those affected by family separation and stress related to immigration.
APA CEO and Executive Vice-president Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, sent the letter to President Trump on June 27, 2019, calling for an end to the policy of separating families at the border. Citing research on the psychological harm experienced by children and caregivers alike, Evans’ letter called the separation policy “inconsistent with our values as a nation.”
The letter also requested prompt signing of the emergency border aid package passed by Congress, and requested a meeting with administration officials “to discuss how psychologists and psychological science can help improve conditions for all immigrants.”
A video produced by APA spells out the reasonsopens in new window APA is urging the Trump administration to take immediate action to address "the growing humanitarian crisis at the border."
An APA article, “Tackling the Escalating Immigration Crisis,” detailed how psychologists trained in research, clinical care and advocacy are acting in conjunction with social workers, teachers, physicians and lawyers to help those affected by the growing number of immigrants seeking entry into the United States. U.S. border agents predict that 1 million migrants may attempt to cross the border in a 12-month period, the article stated.
The article also summarized the association’s more recent action on behalf of immigrants.