CICW Statement on Recent Immigration Executive Actions
February 3, 2025 — The Center on Immigration and Child Welfare Initiative shares in the collective feelings of anger, frustration, and deep concern in response to the policy actions taken in the first weeks of the Trump presidency. A slew of executive orders and the rescission of protective policies and programs now threaten the safety, wellbeing, and futures of millions of children in immigrant families and other vulnerable communities. These actions do not merely create policy shifts; they instill fear, destabilize families, and inflict lasting trauma on children who deserve stability, dignity, and the right to thrive. Furthermore, these measures severely undermine our collective wellbeing, values, democracy, and identity as a nation of immigrants.
In this moment of uncertainty and hardship, we stand in unwavering solidarity with immigrant children and families, affirming their humanity and rightful place in our communities. We stand resolute and prepared to ensure that child welfare agencies, practitioners, and their partners are informed of their rights and equipped with the tools to mitigate the impending harms to the immigrant children and families they serve. With a steadfast commitment to justice, we will continue to advocate, educate, and mobilize efforts to uphold the fundamental rights and protections that all children deserve.
We reaffirm our dedication to safeguarding the futures of immigrant children and strengthening the systems meant to protect them. We call on our partners, allies, and communities to join us in this urgent fight to uphold the values of equity, compassion, and justice for all children and families.
