American Medical Association condemns ‘zero tolerance’ policy

The American Medical Association (AMA) on Wednesday condemned the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” immigration policy, which has resulted in the separations of migrant families at the border.

The physicians group called on Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and Attorney General Jeff Sessions to end the policy and “give priority to supporting families and protecting the health and well-being of the children within those families.”

{mosads} Families make the dangerous journey to the United States to seek refuge from safety concerns in their home countries, the AMA said in a statement.

“Families seeking refuge in the U.S. already endure emotional and physical stress, which is only exacerbated when they are separated from one another,” it said. “It is well known that childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences created by inhumane treatment often create negative health impacts that can last an individual’s entire lifespan.”

Medical professionals discussed the “great harm” the policy will inflict on children and families during the AMA’s annual meeting in Chicago earlier this month. 

Other medical experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), have also warned of the potential “irreparable harm” to children’s lifelong development.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions began implementing its “zero tolerance” policy last month, which aggressively prosecutes adults who attempt to cross the U.S-Mexico border illegally.

This policy has led to more than 2,000 children being detained separately from their parents during criminal proceedings, according to The Associated Press.