During what has recently emerged as a dual pandemic of COVID-19 and systemic racism, a shining glimmer of hope for our future comes from the diverse perspectives of my colleagues, families, and patients. As a pediatrician, I am honored to care for inspiring families from around the world, while working alongside healthcare providers who represent diverse nationalities. It is a joy to hear my young patients, many of whom faced unimaginable trauma before arriving in the U.S. share their hopes, dreams, and plans to give back to the country that welcomed them with open arms.
Our nation’s once-historic acceptance of refugees (those who are granted protected status before arrival) and asylees (those who receive protected status after arrival) has unfortunately faced multiple threats. The national cap of refugees allowed into the US has decreased from 110,000 in 2018, to 18,000 in 2020. Those who are fleeing violence or persecution face new threats with policies like family separation and the “Remain in Mexico” policy, formally known as the Migrant Protection Protocol, which forces asylees back into harm’s way while awaiting their asylum hearings.
On top of all of these challenges to the protection of migrants, a new proposed rule threatens to gut the asylum system. This rule from the Trump administration re-defines what it means to be persecuted. If enacted, the rule will impose barriers to obtain a fair day in court and will eliminate asylum eligibility for those fleeing domestic violence, gang violence or gender-based harm.
The pediatric profession has always required us to use our knowledge and expertise to advocate for those who cannot speak out. This has never been truer, and there still is time to protect asylum-seekers. You can learn more from the American Academy of Pediatrics toolkit and then comment on the proposed rule here (just click “Submit a Formal Comment”) by July 15th.
The pediatric profession has always required us to use our knowledge and expertise to advocate for those who cannot speak out. This has never been truer, and there is still time to protect asylum-seekers.
Dr. Julia Rosenberg
Julia Rosenberg MD MHS, a granddaughter of refugees, cares for children and their families at the Yale Primary Care Center and is a postdoctoral Pediatric Scholar who researches access to care for immigrant and refugee families. Follow her on Twitter at @jmrosenbergmd.