Better Health for Children and Families Introduction for the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States, the vigorous national debate on immigration reform will determine their future whether they are allowed to stay, work and become citizens. But the undocumented themselves are not the only ones whose lives will be profoundly affected.Nationwide, an estimated 4.5 million children who are U.S. citizens by birth live in families where one or more of their parents are undocumented. These children will grow up to be our future family members, neighbors and co-workers–and their health and well-being as children today will translate into their health and well-being as adults, ultimately shaping the health of our communities.However, these children and their families live with anxiety about the future, fearful that arrest, detention or deportation will tear their families apart.more...See more text
