Attachment Theory, argues that disruptions in ‘affectional bonds’ with parental figures (especially mothers) can have profound negative psychological and developmental implications later in life. The loss of this bond with parents triggers grief responses that affect behavior.

Since the majority of immigrant parents come to work in low paying jobs. The children are left home alone. Not only does this add to loneliness, but there is no one at home to check on them once the come back from school. With this in mind, children are left unattended and they have the freedom to choose what they want to do with their time after school. They have the option to watch TV the entire afternoon and evening until their parents come, neglect homework, or even worse, be influenced by the wrong crowd. According to a study done by professor Tim Gindling Graduate Program director of Economics with a concentration of Economic Policy Analysis at the University of Maryland mentions that children who were separated from their parents and later reunited in the United States struggled more academically than students that were not separated when they immigrated to the United States with their parents.