The Relentless School Nurse: The Unbearable Choice – Self-Deportation
Robin Cogan, MEd, RN, NCSN, FNASN, FAAN
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A family from my school community is making the heart-wrenching decision to self-deport back to their home country, driven by the fear of being torn apart under the current administration’s immigration policies. This choice, born out of a desperate desire to keep their family intact, will uproot the children from the school community they‘ve grown to love, leaving an indelible mark on their lives and the fabric of our school.
Because (the U.S.) is not a Third World country like the ones many of us come from, I thought there would be a different culture here, and it was a rude awakening to realize that you and your family are not welcome. The reasons I left the United States are not only the uncertainty you’re living with as (Trump) returns to power, but also because it’s a country where people don’t have a sense of humanism. ‘Love thy neighbor’ doesn’t exist.” –Michel Bérrios who chose self-deportation
The constant fear of family separation can lead to chronic anxiety in children. They worry about their parents’ safety, their future, and the stability of their lives. This fear can manifest in physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, and sleep disturbances, which I often see in the health office. Children thrive on routine and predictability, so when a family decides to self-deport, it disrupts their daily lives, school schedules, and social connections. This loss of routine can lead to feelings of insecurity and a sense of loss, which can be deeply traumatic. The decision to leave means saying goodbye to friends, teachers, and a community they’ve grown to love, resulting in grief similar to losing a loved one. Students might experience sadness, anger, or even guilt for leaving their friends behind.
The Impact on the School Community
The fear and anxiety experienced by one family can spread to others, creating a ripple effect of emotional distress throughout the school. Students who are friends with those leaving might also feel the weight of this instability, leading to a less positive school climate. Teachers and staff, including myself, have to navigate the emotional needs of students who are dealing with this trauma. It’s not just about teaching; it’s about providing emotional support, which can be draining and challenging. The fear of immigration enforcement can lead to absenteeism, as children might avoid school out of concern for their parents. This can result in lower academic performance for the students directly affected and their peers who might be distracted by the situation.
A Call to Action
Schools must inform families about their rights and the protections available to them, which can help alleviate some of the fear and uncertainty. Providing resources and emotional support to families facing similar fears is crucial. This includes mental health services, legal aid, and community support networks. As a school nurse, I often connect families with these resources. Schools and educators can speak out against policies that separate families, pushing for more flexible enrollment policies that allow students to finish out the school year after a move. This can help mitigate some of the trauma associated with sudden changes.
A Message of Hope
While this family prepares to leave, their story is one of strength and determination. They’re choosing to keep their family together, showing their love and commitment. As they go, they carry with them the love and support of our school community. Their departure is a call to action for all of us to work towards a world where every child can succeed, no matter where they come from or where they are going.
The Failure of Immigration Deportation Policies
The current administration’s immigration deportation policies have failed our children. These policies have created an environment of fear and uncertainty, leading to the self-deportation of families like the one I’ve described. The ripple effects of these policies are far-reaching, impacting not just the families directly affected but also the entire school community. The trauma of instability, the disruption of routines, and the emotional toll on children are all consequences of these policies. We must recognize that our children are the future of our nation, and by failing to protect them from the harms of these policies, we are failing our country as a whole.
I will continue to move forward, keeping the sage words of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel in mind.
Over and above personal problems, there is an objective challenge to overcome inequity, injustice, helplessness, suffering, carelessness, oppression. Over and above the din of desires there is a calling, a demanding,…an expectation. There is a question that follows me wherever I turn. What is expected of me? What is demanded of me? – Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, Holocaust Survivor and Civil Rights Activist
