Chapter 6, Unequal Access, explores the systemic barriers mixed-status families face when trying to
access healthcare and other social services. Despite U.S. citizen children qualifying for programs like
Medicaid or CHIP, many families avoid enrolling due to fear of immigration repercussions.
Undocumented parents are often left without care, leading to health disparities and increased stress.
Mixed-status households are constantly at risk of exposure, and medical requirements are frequently
subordinated to fear or deportation. The chapter emphasizes how many people turn to unofficial or
alternative healthcare options as a result of being excluded from formal healthcare systems.
The trauma brought on by detention and deportation is the main topic of Chapter 7, Family Separation.
Family separation is common and quick in border communities, where people are frequently deported
the same day, they arrested. These occurrences have significant financial and emotional repercussions.
Family roles change, children are compelled to assume adult responsibilities, and some even make lastminute financial and custody arrangements in case a parent is deported. The chapter focuses on the
psychological effects on kids, household economic loss, and the general decline in institutional trust.
I felt a lot of emotions when I read about these families. It is tragic to think that deportation will force
kids like Jason to take on the role of “man of the house.” It made me think about acquaintances whos
families were constantly afraid that a parent might not come home because of ICE raids.