The ripple effects of US immigration policy on refugee children: A Canadian perspective

Since 2016, an estimated 40,000 individuals have crossed the Canadian/U.S. border, seeking asylum, impacted by changing U.S policies on immigration.3 Some come from countries affected by the U.S. immigration ban, while others come as the result of failed refugee claims, worsening discrimination and immigration enforcement. In this perspective piece, we outline how domestic U.S policy can have rippling effects internationally, focusing on Canada. From direct health impacts from mental health and trauma, to limited access to health care, the impact on housing and employment, and finally the subtle but poignant shift in Canadian values, we argue that the impacts of U.S immigration policy are not only felt domestically, but globally. Finally, we seek to identify ways in which child health advocates and policymakers alike can support the well being of refugee claimant children across both borders