On one hand, being born in a prison camp on U.S. soil made me an American citizen. But when I did research on my family in the FBI files of my parents, there was also a face sheet on me. At 2 months old, I was designated an enemy alien. History proves we can never get complacent about privilege or belonging, and that democracy isn’t a fixed thing.

Ohio nonprofit leader Sudarshan Pyakurel on third country relocation and other immigration policies that retraumatize highly vulnerable Bhutanese refugees in the U.S.

Dr. Martin Teicher explains how immigrant trauma and family separation act as toxic stressors, permanently rewiring a child’s brain, reducing IQ, and increasing the risk of lifelong mental health challenges.

“ I felt guilty that my mom was home alone. I felt guilty that my dad wasn’t going to be there, either. I didn’t want my dad to think that I didn’t care that he’s in there and I’m out here having fun.”