Immigrant families live under a tremendous amount of stress in the United States of America, especially right now. In this episode, we speak with Bolivian American licensed professional counselor Yesseinia Arias and Dominican American Ana Victoria Morales, both daughters of immigrant parents. Morales shares her history with ICE and offers advice for families currently at risk of separation and deportation. Together, Arias and Morales make a case for stress management and open communication within the family unit.

Our podcast featuring advice for helping kids navigate difficult current events: Talking to Kids about Tough Subjects with Little Feet Community

Resources for Immigrant Families and their Allies:

• United We Dream
• Know Your Rights
• Preparedness Packet
• Immigrant Legal Resource Center
• Immigrant Defense Project
• ACLU Planning Kit
• Brooklyn Defenders
• National Immigration Law Center (NILC): Visit the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) website for information on immigrant rights.
• New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG): Visit the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) website for information on what to do after a loved one is detained by ICE.
• Freedom for Immigrants: Call Freedom for Immigrants at 385-212-4842 or visit their website for more information.
• ICIRR's Family Support Hotline: Call ICIRR's Family Support Hotline: 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693).
• ICE ERO Detention, Removals and Information Line (DRIL): Call 1-888-351-4024.
• ICE Website: Visit the ICE website for more information on detention conditions.

Children's Books:

Here are some titles that can help families address the subjects of immigration as well as stress. Some titles recommended courtesy of Mai Storybook Library on Instagram

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

The Arabic Quilt by Aya Khalil

Gibberish by Young Vo

Words Between Us by Angela Pham Krans

The Interpreter by Olivia Abtahi

Not Far From Here by Nydia Armenia-Sánchez

Watercress by Andrea Wang

Rostam's Picture-Day Pusteen by Ryan Bani Tahmaseb

Homeland by Hannah Moushabeck

I Dream of Popo by Alivia Blackburne

Eleven Words for Love by Randa Abdul-Rattan

A Boy From Mexico by Edwards Dennis

Islandborn by Juno's Díaz

The Worry Monster by Dr. Catherine Cook-Cottone

Ruby Finds A Worry by Tom Percival

Something Happened to My Dad by Anna Hazzard

I Wish I Knew by Jackie Azúa Kramer and Magdalena Mora

What to Do When the News Scares You: A Kid's Guide to Understanding Current Events by Jacqueline B. Toner