Attachment Parenting International condemns federal immigration policies that separate children from their parents at the U.S. border. API implores our leadership to prioritize the healthy attachment needs of all children and families, including immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. We strongly reject any immigration policies that traumatize children and their parents. API's Principle of consistent and loving care for children means that we believe in the importance of children remaining with their primary caregivers, especially in times of great stress. Decades of attachment and trauma research have shown that forced separation causes extreme and long-lasting psychological distress. API joins with the AAP, APA, APA, NASW, and many others (see links provided) in denouncing this policy.
American Academy of Pediatrics: https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/StatementOpposingSeparationofChildrenandParents.aspx
American Psychological Association: http://www.apa.org/advocacy/immigration/index.aspx
American Psychiatric Association: https://www.psychiatry.org/newsroom/news-releases/apa-statement-opposin…
National Association of Social Workers: https://www.socialworkers.org/news/news-releases/id/1654/nasw-says-plan-to-separate-undocumented-immigrant-children-from-their-parents-is-malicious-and-unconscionable
