Bonamici Stands Up Against Trump Policies Harming Kids in Immigrant Families

WASHINGTON, DC [12/04/19] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) spoke out on behalf of kids in immigrant families during the Education and Labor Committee's hearing on how the Trump Administration's immigration policies are harming children.

Video of Bonamici's remarks during the hearing can be found here.

"I was just in a WIC clinic in NW Oregon last week and I heard about the fear and the confusion this Administration has created because of its policies, with a chilling effect on families who are now afraid to seek out critical services that will help to keep pregnant women, babies, and children healthy," Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici said during the hearing. "That's really tragic because, as we heard and read in the testimony, this is a really good investment to make sure kids get a good start in life."

"The effects of the current administration's policies against families will have long term consequences for underserved populations," said Serena Cruz, Executive Director of Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation. "At Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center we see daily examples of the toll fear takes on our patients. Most notably in our women's clinic pregnant patients refuse pre-natal care because they are afraid of what will happen if they access services. Studies show that women without pre-natal care are seven times more likely give birth to premature babies, and five times more likely to have infants who die. Withholding services from the most vulnerable populations in our country is not only unconscionable, it is irresponsible to future generations."

"Approximately 35 percent of our student population is Latino, and while not all of those students come from migrant families, the fear of deportation of friends or family members is pervasive," said Mike Scott, Superintendent of the Hillsboro School District. "That fear makes it difficult for students to concentrate on their studies, and, in certain cases, makes students wonder if they should try at all – if there are no systems in place for them to attain higher education or secure their future, how do they dream?"

Bonamici, who is Chair of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services, has been a vocal advocate for immigrant families and children. She has introduced legislation to stop ICE from undertaking immigration enforcement at sensitive locations, including courthouses. Earlier this year she visited children in government custody who arrived in the US unaccompanied by a parent or guardian. In 2018 she visited asylum seekers who Customs and Border Patrol housed in a federal prison in Oregon.

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