Moving minds: considerations for a trauma-informed approach to welcoming immigrants

Italy, a prominent hub for global migration, witnesses the influx of thousands of migrants annually via Mediterranean and land routes. This phenomenon aligns with 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, making migration a pivotal topic in global development. It also holds a central position in Italian political discourse, with a commitment to fostering orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration.
Beyond statistics, migrants are individuals with families, aspirations, and challenges, facing stress during migration and integration. Neglecting stress prevention and trauma healing exacerbates these issues. The paper explains the neuroscience of stress, trauma, and development, linking it to Italy's immigration discourse. It provides insights for policymakers, researchers, migrant care workers, and civil society to adopt a trauma-informed approach in addressing immigration complexities.