Introduction to the Crisis
Tens of thousands of children in the Houston area are affected by the country’s immigration policies, according to a new analysis by the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank based in Washington, D.C. This issue is particularly concerning due to its widespread impact on the community.
The Numbers Behind the Issue
The Migration Policy Institute estimates that 70,000 school-aged children in Fort Bend, Harris, and Montgomery counties are without legal status, and 283,000 parents of minor children are at risk of deportation. Moreover, Texas ranks second in the country for the number of children impacted by immigration enforcement, with nearly 1 million children across the state living with a parent who is in the United States without legal status.
The Impact on Children
Valerie Lecarte, a senior policy analyst with the Migration Policy Institute, notes that the threat of deportation impacts children’s mental wellbeing and ability to concentrate in school. It can also impact babies in utero through premature births and low birth weights. This suggests that the effects of immigration policies are far-reaching and can affect individuals from a very young age.
The Broader Community Impact
Lecarte emphasizes that the threat of enforcement itself, not just actual enforcement, has negative impacts on the health of communities. This means that even individuals who are not directly experiencing enforcement actions can still feel the effects, simply by being part of a community where enforcement is a significant concern. Being part of a group that is frequently targeted by enforcement actions, such as the Latino community, can trigger mental and physical health impacts, even for those with secure citizenship status.
The Data Behind the Estimates
The Migration Policy Institute created its population estimates by comparing the 2023 American Community Survey from the U.S. Census with other publicly available datasets, like refugee admissions. According to the report, nearly 10% of Fort Bend, Harris, and Montgomery County residents are in the U.S. without legal status, with nearly 61% of those residents having lived in the U.S. for at least a decade. Statewide, about 2 million Texas residents are undocumented, and across the country, MPI estimates there are 13.7 million people in the U.S. without authorization as of 2023.
The Complexity of Immigration Status
Lecarte points out that more than a quarter of the 13.7 million unauthorized immigrants in MPI’s count have what they consider limbo status: either DACA, or humanitarian parole, or a pending asylum application. These statuses are temporary and provide some protection from deportation and/or work authorization but are not a path to full legal status. The situation is further complicated by changes in policies, such as the ending of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for many immigrants, which can leave individuals feeling insecure about their status.
Conclusion
The impact of immigration policies on children and communities is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. Understanding the numbers and the nuances of immigration status is crucial for policymakers and service providers to address the needs of affected communities effectively. By acknowledging the depth of this issue, we can work towards creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
