U.S.-born children caught in middle of illegal immigration raids

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‘As federal authorities expand immigration enforcement in California and throughout the nation, teachers, mental health professionals and immigrant rights advocates are raising concerns about the effect on children ... who are U.S. citizens,’ writes the Times’ Anna Gorman in this story.

‘Last month, a California congresswoman held a hearing on the raids’ consequences for children.’

‘ ‘The administration must take the necessary steps to ensure that these raids are conducted in a humane fashion and they are protective to kids, not harmful,’ said Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma).’

‘During the hearing, an elementary school principal from the Bay Area city of San Rafael, testified that local immigration raids in 2007 traumatized children and resulted in high absenteeism and low test scores.’

‘About 5 million children in the U.S. have an undocumented parent, and two-thirds of those children are U.S. citizens. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials say they strike a balance between enforcing the law and humanitarian issues that arise during enforcement.’

-- Reed Johnson in Mexico City