NCIHC's Response to "Zero Tolerance" Border Policy

WASHINGTON - June 20, 2018 - PRLog -- The National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC) condemns the current U.S. Border policy that has led to the forced separation of approximately 2,000 immigrant children from their parents.  As an organization whose mission is to enhance and promote language access in health care, our members – many who are immigrants themselves -- work on a daily basis with newcomers.  We see the devastating effects these policies have on the health, and the mental health, of all involved, and we stand with our colleagues at the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Physicians, and the American Psychiatric Association in opposition to this practice.

Some may feel that this is a political issue and far removed from interpreting in healthcare. But these are our patients and the interpreter's code of Ethics includes "When the patient's health, well-being, or dignity is at risk, the interpreter may be justified in acting as an advocate." We feel justified in our choice to speak out in protest based on the health, well-being and dignity of these children and their parents, and on the inhumanity of these acts

We urge you to consider joining us, and offer the following ways in which you can do so.

Please see our full statement with hyperlinks to sources to assist at www.ncihc.org and click on NCIHC's response to the border crisis.  www.ncihc.org