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Effects of Deportation on the Family

Effects of Deportation on the Family

Effects of Deportation on the Family

Deportation is defined as the act of forcibly removing a foreigner from a country, usually because they have entered the country illegally, overstayed their visa, or committed a serious crime. In recent years, the issue of deportation and its impact on families has become a hotly debated topic. The US government has been deporting increasing numbers of people every year, and the effects on the family unit can be devastating.

In this article, we will explore the effects of deportation on the family, discussing the psychological and emotional impact, economic consequences, and long-term effects. We will also examine current government policies and their impact on families, and discuss some of the strategies that can be used to minimize the harm caused by deportation.

Psychological and Emotional Impact

Deportation causes significant psychological and emotional distress to both the individual being deported and their family members. Families face significant stress and uncertainty, as the deportation process can be very long and drawn-out, with many cases taking years to resolve. Children may experience anxiety, fear, emotional instability, and behavioral problems, which can affect their academic performance and future prospects.

In a study conducted by the Urban Institute, it was found that the prolonged absence of a deported parent significantly affected the mental and emotional health of children, particularly those aged 6-9 years. These children experienced stress, depression, and low self-esteem, which consequently affected their academic performance.

Deportation often puts parents in an extremely difficult situation, as they may have to decide whether to leave their children behind or take them with them to their home country. This decision can be incredibly traumatic and can result in the separation of families for extended periods of time.

Economic Consequences

Deportation can also have significant economic consequences for families. Many deported individuals are breadwinners, and their removal from the household can plunge their families into financial difficulties. The loss of income and the increased burden of living expenses can have serious consequences, potentially leading to poverty, homelessness, and a decline in the standard of living.

A study conducted by the Center for Migration Studies found that around 81 percent of undocumented fathers and 76 percent of undocumented mothers are the primary breadwinners in their families. As a result, deportation of these individuals has significant economic implications and often results in additional social costs, such as potential reliance on welfare services and public health programs.

The long-term effects of deportation can be particularly damaging, as the loss of income can affect future generations. Children who grow up in financially insecure households may struggle to attain education and employment opportunities, perpetuating poverty cycles.

Long-Term Effects

The long-term effects of deportation often reverberate through generations, causing emotional, psychological, and economic harm for years to come. Studies have shown that children of deported parents are more likely to experience a range of negative outcomes, including economic hardship, educational challenges, behavioral issues, and psychological distress.

In addition, the stress and anxiety associated with deportation can lead to physical health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. The fear of deportation can also impact access to healthcare, as families may avoid seeking medical attention for fear of being reported to authorities.

Government Policies and Their Impact

The US government has pursued increasingly strict immigration policies in recent years, resulting in escalating numbers of deportations. These policies have significant impacts on families, particularly those with mixed immigration status, where one member of the family may be undocumented.

The Trump administration implemented a family separation policy in 2018, which resulted in the separation of thousands of children from their parents at the US-Mexico border each month. This policy sparked widespread outrage, and has had long-term effects on the mental health and well-being of families affected.

More recently, the Biden administration has announced new policies aimed at reforming the US immigration system. While these policies are a positive step towards reform, their impact on families is yet to be fully realized.

Strategies for Minimizing the Harm Caused by Deportation

There are several strategies that families can use to minimize the harm caused by deportation. These include seeking legal advice, seeking emotional support, and preparing financially for potential setbacks.

Legal advice is critical for individuals and families facing deportation. Legal counsel can provide guidance on immigration laws, help families understand their options, and assist with the application process for citizenship.

Emotional support is equally important, particularly for children. Families should seek support from community organizations, mental health professionals, and peer groups to help manage stress and fear associated with deportation.

Preparing financially is another important strategy for families facing deportation. Families can prepare for potential setbacks by seeking financial advice, building emergency savings accounts, and exploring alternative sources of income.

Conclusion

Deportation has significant impacts on families, resulting in emotional distress, economic hardship, and long-term effects on well-being. Government policies aimed at immigration reform have the potential to minimize the harm caused by deportations. However, families can take steps to minimize the short-term and long-term impacts of deportation by seeking legal advice, seeking emotional support, and preparing financially. It is important to remember that families affected by deportation are not alone, and there are resources available to help them navigate this difficult process.


Certainly, illegal immigrants who are deported or are sitting in a detention center awaiting deportation stand to be deeply affected by a decision against them in an immigration court. Communication across international lines may be costly, and may be downright impossible for those who are detained. What’s worse, concerning detentions, these terms of imprisonment may last months to years. In the event important decisions need to be made within a family, calls for deportations will hinder the ability to move forward. Moreover, some families may be forced to move on without the detainee/deportee.

Monetarily, the deportation of some illegal immigrants may be a major detriment to some families. Often times, an individual who is awaiting deportation will the “breadwinner” who earns the bulk of the family’s income, and the rest of the family will be not be able to get by without those wages. This also applies to any family or extended family in an immigrant’s home country depending on the money he or she sends.

Emotions, of course, are not to be disregarded. The emotional bond of the family, meanwhile, is the most critical of all if they are to survive as a unit. In the absence of a parent, a child may grow depressed, fearful, angry and otherwise unable to cope. Worse yet, if both parents are illegal immigrants and get deported, their deportations can essentially turn a child into an orphan overnight. Most people would agree a child’s biological parents are an important influence and source of support for the child, so to suddenly take them away could very well prove devastating to the young boy or girl.

Certainly, American finances and control of the borders must be bolstered. However, for a nation that prides itself on its devotion to the concept of family, deportation is something that must be measured carefully before any sweeping reforms or large-scale deportation orders are authorized.