January 21, 2025: From Susan J. Kressly, MD, FAAP, President, American Academy of Pediatrics 

“As pediatricians, our number one priority is the health and safety of ALL children – including children in immigrant families. Many of the Executive Orders and directives issued over the last two days will create fear and hardship for these families by subjecting children—many of whom are U.S. citizens— to the harms of family separation and detention.   

“The AAP’s own evidence-based policy outlines the harms of practices like family separation and detention on child health, including exposure to toxic stress that can disrupt children's brain architecture and affect their short- and long-term health. This is especially harmful to children who have fled violence and armed conflict to seek protection in the United States.  

“We are stronger and healthier as a nation when all children, including immigrant children, can access the services – healthcare, nutrition, and education – for which they are eligible. The institutions providing these services must be able to do their work without the threat of immigration enforcement agents showing up at their doors. At the same time, when agents or other federal authorities encounter children, they must prioritize the child’s best interest in all decision-making.  

“Our federal leaders must remember that immigrant children are children. Policy changes impact real people: people who are a part of our communities and who we interact with every day. It means children may go without needed medical care with their pediatrician or avoid school out of fear. The AAP opposes any policies that are detrimental to children’s health and well-being.”  

Advocare Parsippany Pediatrics serves families with state-of-the-art care for children from birth through young adulthood. Established in 1978, we take pride in delivering pediatric care that is prompt, attentive, and personalized to meet your family’s needs.  Our team includes five board-certified pediatricians, two pediatric nurse practitioners, and a nursing and office staff all dedicated to making you and your children feel welcome and comfortable in our office.