I have wonderful memories of my time participating in medical mission trips in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Peru. I will be going once more in a few weeks. Yet I wonder if on my return I will be harassed by TSA agents who no longer feel restrained by the rules. And I am a native-born American. For those who are not, I can’t imagine their fear. The apparent crumbling of the rule of law means a real danger for immigrant communities. I cannot give legal advice, but I can make a few suggestions to protect your children. First of all, now is not a good time to leave the country and expect to be allowed back in, even if you have the legal papers to do so. Naturalized citizens and green card holders are being held without charges. Second, it is not a good time to get noticed by authorities. If you break the law, even a traffic law, you may face more scrutiny about your status. You need to emphasize this with your teenage children. What they may consider harmless mischief, an authority may consider criminal. Third, you need to plan ahead for the worst, even if it is unlikely. Have a family backup and make sure the children are aware of who else they can call or see in the event you are suddenly unavailable. Finally, make sure your papers are in order. You may want to contact a legal immigration specialist about the need for carrying your passport, visa, or other documents. I actually don’t know whether that’s a good idea, but at the very least make sure you can access all your paperwork. Everyone should have copies of medical records, medicine prescriptions, and eyeglass prescriptions easily available.

What I am most concerned about – aside from an actual deportation – is the effect that adult anxiety in the family and the larger community is having on children. While we cannot ignore what has been going on in the past months, we need to speak calmly to our children and tell them as truthfully as possible how it might affect the family. If you had nothing to worry about in December, chances are you have very little to worry about now. Make sure your children continue to attend school and never miss their doctor’s appointments. Again, be prepared, stay informed, and get good advice. I hope all our readers continue to prosper in the United States.

Speaking of scared -- there is too much misinformation about protecting our children from life-threatening illness. I cannot emphasize enough that there is no evidence whatsoever that avoiding vaccination is safer than the illnesses that vaccination protects against. At this time of year, the hospitals are filled with children (and adults) who are sick with influenza, RSV, and other preventable illnesses. We desperately want to protect children from whooping cough, measles, and Covid-19. Don’t let foolish talk prevent you from saving your child from misery. These are life-threatening illnesses whose severity you can reduce or possibly avoid altogether. Ask your pediatrician. We love your children almost as much as you do.

Robert B. Golenbock, MD, is now retired. He cared for children in the Danbury area for 43 years, including at the Center for Pediatric Medicine (CPM), located at 107 Newtown Rd, #1D, Danbury, CT, 06810. For more information, please call (203) 790-0822 or visit https://centerforpediatricmedct.com.