Mental Health and Immigration

What are the psychological consequences of detentions, deportations, and family separations?  

The detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants have caused family separations and, in many cases, the separation of minor children from their parents and caregivers (De la Peña et al., 2019). Scientists have studied the impacts of these separations on mental health and child development (Bernhardt et al., 2024). The results of these studies suggest that forced family separations are associated with negative mental health and wellbeing outcomes in children and parents, and possible developmental issues in children. (APA, 2024) (APA, 2025).

What are the mental health impacts on small children of detention and family separation?

A 2021 review of 22 studies of asylum-seeking children detained by 6 countries (Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Netherlands, the UK and the US) indicated that detained children showed high rates of distress, mental health issues, and physical health and developmental problems. These problems were present from infancy to adolescence and persisted after resettlement (Mares, 2021).

One study evaluated the mental health of children held at a US immigration center. Their results indicate that, over a period of two months, among the 425 children whose mothers they interviewed, nearly half presented one emotional or behavioral concern, 32% had elevated scores for emotional problems and 14% for peer problems. (MacLean and colleagues, 2019). 

Young children (4–8 years old) appeared to present more difficulties, hyperactivity and difficulties than older children. Importantly, “children who had been forcibly separated from their mothers demonstrated significantly more emotional problems and total difficulties than those who had never been separated.” (MacLean and colleagues, 2019). 

What do we know about adult mental health when they are detained? 

In research that compared the health of detained and non-detained asylum seekers around the world, we know that detained asylum seekers exhibited outcomes such as severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), higher rates of self-harm, and worse social wellbeing. 

We also know that Latino U.S.-born children (ages 6 to 12), living with at least one undocumented parent at risk for detention or deportation, reported symptoms such as PTSD. More specifically, results indicated that: a) PTSD symptoms as reported by parents were significantly higher for children of detained and deported parents compared to children of permanent residents or undocumented without prior contact with immigration enforcement; b) overall child functioning reported by clinicians was worse on children of detained or at-risk of deportation parents than on their peers; and c) teachers reported higher externalizing for children with more exposure to parent-child separation (Rojas-Flores et all., 2017).

What do we know about migration and family separation?

Family separation, whether forced or due to constrained choices, along with fear of separation, were associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, behavioral and emotional issues, sleep disturbances, and stress/distress in children. In parents or caregivers, separation was associated with stress/distress, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. (Naseh and colleagues, 2024). 

Immigrant parents and Latinx parents reported significantly greater levels of perceived immigration threat than nonimmigrant parents and non-Latinx parents. Perceived immigration threat was also associated with child separation anxiety. (Barajas-Gonzalez and colleagues, 2022). Furthermore, 29% of foreign-born adolescents and 34% of parents experienced trauma during the migration process. Secret entry into the US, increased the risk of trauma and PTSD. (Perreira et al, 2013). 

What about the stress on babies?

We know that in children 0-6 years old, children’ social-emotional and cognitive development is strongly impacted. Repeated exposure to adverse experiences, separation from parents, parental distress and the duration and quality of resettlement in the host country influenced children’s development. (Bernhardt and colleagues, 2024). Displaced children had lower social-emotional developmental outcomes and lower cognitive developmental outcomes compared to non-displaced children. 

How can I help my clients or individuals if they are feeling distressed about immigration policy? 

The following APA websites include material based in psychological science to help alleviate toxic stress and anxiety. The information can be applied not just to immigration related stress, but to all aspects related to traumatic events. 

• This site addresses anxiety generally and offers numerous solutions on various topics. 
  
• This APA site addresses how to cope with traumatic stress. The information can be applied to immigration situations. 

How can I become more informed about the current landscape of immigration and its psychological effects on patients? 

Since the beginning of 2025, the immigration landscape in the United States has undergone significant changes due to the recent Executive Orders and legislative actions. These developments have resulted in increased enforcement activities, more stringent visa vetting processes, and potential travel restrictions. APA’s webpage has an abundance of information related to immigration. More specifically, see Federal Immigration Policy Changes: APA/APASI Analysis and Mental Health Impacts of Increased Detentions and Deportations.

What can I do if I want to get involved and help APA advocate on immigration?

APA is always happy to help others advocate on immigration or any issue. Visit our advocacy webpage here, where you can sign up for action alerts to send to Congress or other entities. This will take only a few minutes of your time. You can also sign up for APA’s bimonthly Washington Update which provides important advocacy work APA is pursuing. 

I have legal questions related to immigration, especially due process. Where can I go for questions about the law?

• National Immigration Law Center 
  Overview: The NILC advocates for the rights of low-income immigrants and refugees through policy advocacy, legal support, and grassroots organizing.

• American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
  Overview: Facilitates access to experienced immigration counsel through its nationwide network.

• U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)
  Overview: The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) is a nonprofit organization that supports refugees and immigrants by providing legal, social, and health services. They advocate for rights and influence policies nationally and globally.

• The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC)
  The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) is a national network that unites legal service providers who focus on supporting immigrants through legal services, advocacy, and training.