At a recent policy-making meeting of the U.S.'s foremost doctors group, delegates said the policy "will do great harm to children and their parents or caregivers, who felt compelled to make a dangerous and uncertain journey because of safety concerns in their own countries," Madara wrote in the letter, which was made public early Wednesday. "Families seeking refuge in the U.S. already endure emotional and physical stress, which is only exacerbated when they are separated from one another. It is well known that childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences created by inhumane treatment often create negative health impacts that can last an individual's entire lifespan." The Trump administration announced the zero-tolerance policy in early May and views separating children from their families as a deterrent to illegal migrants, according to a report. The policy has been met with condemnation from many critics.