Maryland — On a warm summer day this year, a worried mother recorded a voice message on WhatsApp for this reporter. She said in Spanish, "My child was feeling suffocated this morning. I'm worried." Her son had a history of asthma.
This woman, known only by the first letter of her name, "M," declined to share her real name due to her and her husband's undocumented status. She responded to a suggestion to see a professional doctor by saying she is considering it, as she is worried she might be detained by immigration authorities.
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Public Concerns Among Immigrants
M's situation is increasingly common. A national survey conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics between April and June 2026 found that 40 percent of pediatricians have noticed families avoiding medical services due to immigration concerns. Additionally, 30 percent of doctors reported that families are refraining from seeking public health services and supports, such as Medicaid. They also noted that some families are avoiding sending their children to school.
Health Impacts from Avoiding Medical Services
Dr. Lee Beers, president of the academy, says that children's absence from school has health impacts. He added, "They can receive health and mental health services at school. This setting allows compassionate and supportive adults to identify emerging health or mental health issues."
As M's son's condition worsened, she recalled how pale he had become. She took him to a local clinic with her family, and the doctor told her that her child was in serious condition and needed oxygen.
Following this incident, M was worried about whether she would be safe on the way to the hospital. A nurse at the Maryland clinic paid for an Uber to get her to the hospital. In another voice message, she said, "And now I'm worried that they might ask me for immigration papers."
Some reports indicate that immigration authorities are present at medical facilities. Recently, there has been another reason for concern among immigrants, even those who are here legally. Starting this week, immigration officials will be reviewing a broader range of public benefits in assessing whether individuals can enter the United States or obtain legal residency.
These changes are part of the current administration's larger approach to enforcing immigration laws. Democrats have criticized this situation, stating that hard-working families should not be deprived of necessary support due to fear of detention.
Dr. Beers emphasizes that visiting a pediatrician is an opportunity to identify acute issues before they worsen. He warns that failing to identify and address these concerns can have serious and long-term effects on children's health.
Ultimately, M wrote again the morning after her son was hospitalized, announcing that he had developed a respiratory infection that led to a severe asthma attack.
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Source: npr.org
