Immigration enforcement is having a measurable ripple effect on children's health. A new national survey published in Pediatrics by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) found that nearly 40% of US pediatricians believe they are seeing fewer families for medical care due to fears about immigration status. The drop is especially visible in vaccination clinics — in San Diego, for example, August immunization visits were notably lower than usual as families avoided clinics where ICE agents have been reported waiting outside.

The survey also highlights broader social consequences: about a third of pediatricians noted fewer families applying for government benefit programs, and over 1 in 5 reported that some families have stopped sending their children to school altogether.

By the Numbers:

• 39.6% of US pediatricians believe they're seeing fewer immigrant families for care
• ~26.2% of their patients come from immigrant families
• 31.3% of pediatricians noted fewer families applying for government programs
• 21.3% said some families have pulled children out of school

Why it matters: When fear keeps kids from routine care and vaccinations, it creates gaps in child health and community immunity — problems that don't stay contained to one population. Pediatricians are calling for better tools to sensitively identify and support affected families while protecting their safety and confidentiality.