Philanthropy California Statement On Family Separations

As Philanthropy California, we join our partners in philanthropy, along with advocates and immigrant communities, in calling for an end to the practice of separating children from their parents as part of the Administration’s “zero tolerance” policy on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Our nation has long been a place of promise of safety and respite from harm.  Today, for thousands of children and their families, that promise has been replaced with peril. Separating children from their parents inflicts unnecessary trauma on children that can cause lasting harm. (See the American Academy of Pediatrics’ 2017 policy statement regarding child health impact of separation). The current practices at the border are an affront to the shared values of decency, humanity, and compassion that underpin our work in philanthropy, and that we believe to be fundamental to a civil society.

This is one of those pivotal moments in history when it is important for all of us to speak up for what is right – to demand that all children and families, regardless of their immigration status, be treated with compassion, humanity, and respect.

If you are currently funding work for immigrants and refugees or are interested in this topic area, please e-mail Director of Learning Alan Kwok at [email protected].

Sincerely,