ABSTRACT
Stress and distress among immigrant communities in the United States have escalated under the recent sociopolitical climate (e.g., exclusionary federal policies, COVID-19), underscoring the urgent need for additional data to better understand immigrant experiences. Yet, the very stressors that generate this need for data also create fear and trust-related barriers that might impede research success. Barriers, including a lack of trust, power differentials, language differences, and varying cultural norms, negatively impact the collection of valid data. Recommendations to address these barriers are provided, and integration of such strategies is an essential step toward growing the knowledge base of the profession, delivery of evidence-based interventions with immigrant clients, and better-informed discussions of culturally responsive approaches in social work education and practice.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Immigrants comprise about 14% of the existing population of the United States. The period under Trump administration and COVID-19 in particular have been challenging for immigrants. The goal of this review was to present a landscape of immigrants in the US and their experiences during the exclusionary environment under Trump administration and the pandemic. Method: The study presents descriptive findings and chi-square results utilizing data collected from a survey. Our sample (N = 490) was collected during the early 2021. Results: Findings indicate differences in COVID experiences, stress impact as a result of travel bans, and resiliency by race. Minority communities compared to those who were White were disproportionately impacted. Discussion and Conclusion: By drawing on the literature, research and policy briefs and the study data, we discuss mental health implications and increased discrimination against immigrants. We propose ways in which researchers, practitioners and policy advocates can enhance support for immigrants. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Latino communities in the United States (U.S.) have long endured trauma due to multiple intersecting social and political forces. New restrictive immigration policies since 2016 and the COVID-19 pandemic have each created novel stressors for Latino communities, while escalating the risk of mental health disorders and highlighting the communities' vulnerabilities. The effects of these stressors have been particularly pronounced in southeastern states, such as Tennessee and Georgia, due to their state-level anti-immigrant legislation. Yet, we lack sufficient data to understand how these factors present among Latinos seeking services. To focus attention on the specific experiences of Latino communities living in the U.S. Southeast, the authors analyzed the perspectives of 44 service providers working with these communities in the region using qualitative data collected in an online survey administered during the COVID-19 pandemic and while President Trump's exclusionary immigration policies were in force. Four themes were identified: (1) Latino communities' strengths; (2) impact of the Trump administration on Latino communities; (3) impact of COVID-19's on Latino communities; and (4) strategies to enhance service delivery in Latino communities. Results provide meaningful data to inform micro- and macro-level service delivery in two exclusionary policy states and beyond. Findings suggest future research should include other new immigrant destinations and explore perceptions of Latino community members.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pandemics , COVID-19/epidemiology , Emigration and Immigration , Hispanic or Latino , Humans , Politics , United States/epidemiologyABSTRACT
We investigated the role of COVID-19 exposure and discrimination on depressive and posttraumatic stress symptoms among Latinx adults residing in the southeastern United States. Survey data were collected from 264 Latinx adults. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) procedures, we estimated a structural model for hypothesized direct and indirect relationships between the risk factors of COVID-19 exposure and discrimination, social support, and two mental health conditions: depression and posttraumatic stress. COVID-19 exposure and discrimination each had a significant and positive relationship with both depression and posttraumatic stress. Social support was found to have a significant and inverse relationship with depression and posttraumatic stress, as well as to mediate the relationship between discrimination and both mental health symptoms. Implications for service provision and program design are presented. Future studies should examine variation between southeastern states and consider the influence of documentation status among an immigrant-only sample.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Emigrants and Immigrants , Adult , Humans , Mental Health , Social Support , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Purpose: This cross-sectional study was designed to examine the impacts of three risk factors (i.e., Trump-era policy stress, incidents of discrimination, and COVID-19 exposure) and two protective factors (i.e., resilience and social support) on mental health status. Methods: Data were collected via an online survey with first- and second-generation immigrant adults (n = 447). Hierarchical linear regression was employed to assess the risk and protective factors, in addition to demographic characteristics, on anxiety and depression scores. Results: Trump-era policy stress and discrimination predicted higher symptoms of both anxiety and depression. In terms of protective factors, resilience and social support each had a significant inverse relationship with anxiety and depression scores. Conclusion: Findings contribute to the knowledge base of risk and protective factors during a stringent immigration policy context and pandemic in the United States. Discussion: Implications for practice, research, and policymaking are presented. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)