Immigrant and refugee communities carry 'invisible backpack' of fear amid enforcement policies
By
Aimee Hilado
Crispy enough to crunch, soft enough to enjoy. A good bake.
Summary
The article examines how immigration enforcement policies and the threat of deportation have created a pervasive climate of fear and anxiety within immigrant and refugee communities. It describes this burden as an "invisible backpack" of worry that affects daily decisions, mental health, and even children's ability to focus in school. The piece critiques the justification of these policies as public safety measures, highlighting the hidden psychological and social toll on families.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledWe are living through a political moment where fear, surveillance and the threat of immigration enforcement have become part of daily life for many immigrant families.
Decisions about where to go, whom to trust and whether it is safe to seek help no longer feel ordinary.
The heaviness of this burden often shows up in ways that are not immediately visible. For example, children may sit in classrooms distracted by fears that their parents will not be home after school.
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