AUCD Strongly Opposes Family Separation at Borders, Calls on Lawmakers and the Administration to Take Action
June 20, 2018
Andrew J. Imparato, JD
Executive Director
240-821-9370
[email protected]
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The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) is a diverse, interdisciplinary leadership, research, training, and service network which includes the nation's leading experts on child development, family-centered care, and trauma. Those perspectives and our shared humanity provide the foundation to unequivocally oppose the separation of families as they enter America.
"We call on lawmakers, acting in a bipartisan fashion with the Administration, to instruct the U.S. agencies charged with border protection and enforcement of our immigration laws to cease and desist the practice of separating children from their parents and other primary caregivers at the border," said Andrew Imparato, Executive Director of AUCD.
The abundant evidence is clear. The current Administration's policy of familial separation and incarceration immediately subjects children to trauma and can lead to irreparable brain injury and neuropsychological harm. Children experiencing disabilities and complex medical needs are at an even greater risk for immediate harm due to separation from family members and caregivers.
"This practice is inhumane, inflicts harm to children and families, and is completely unnecessary to protect our borders," says Imparato. "America would not tolerate this treatment of our citizens by another country. As a nation built on principles of equality and liberty, we should be better than this."
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The Association of University Centers on Disabilities, located in Silver Spring, MD, is a national, nonprofit organization that promotes and supports the national network of interdisciplinary centers advancing policy and practice through research, education, leadership, and services for and with individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities. For more information, visit www.aucd.org or contact [email protected].
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