Letter to the Editor: Stages of Immigration

Abstract

Western countries have long been a popular site for immigration. In recent years, high standards of living, job opportunities and open communications have increased this trend. Immigration has been divided into the stages of: (i) preparation; (ii) moving; (iii) over-compensation; (iv) crisis; and (v) transgenerational coping (i.e. adjustment between immigrant parents, their children and the interface of the two cultures) (Sluzki, 1979). Some professionals have used other classification systems based on their own experiences (Shin & Shin, 1999;Goldner-Vukov, 2004). From the mental health perspective, a modification of these stages is suggested.The initial dream starts with a preoccupation about moving to another country. This occurs after contact with or learning about the new land. Motivation to leave one's home can include political problems, persecution, conflict or simply the search for a better life (Sluzki, 1979). Entry methods to the new country range from legal immigration, studying abroad, marrying a citizen or illegal migration.The preparatory phase includes making a plan to leave one's homeland and seeking the means to migrate. This includes finalizing the decision to move, packing, selling property and finding transportation.A fascination phase occurs in the early years, with people being attracted to better employment opportunities and lifestyle. With time, emotional stresses develop, due to financial and/or acculturation issues including adjustment to the new society, climate and culture. Women may be more at risk to emotional turmoil or depression because of cultural changes or abuse, especially so if they lack employment or language skills (Midlarsky et al., 2006). Social adjustment at the time of immigration is easier for younger persons and more difficult for older people.A stability phase is characterized by completion of personal goals. Despite financial and occupational comfort, some individuals face crises of integrating their new life with the loss of contact with family and/or tradition. Some pick spouses from the new country while others choose from their homeland. Marital problems are more common for the former but adjustment difficulties to the new environment may be greater in the latter.A stage of remorse may occur with realistic appraisals of the decision to move and resultant problems. Social and cultural differences become apparent and ambivalence surfaces about whether to stay or return home. At this time, immigrants face increased risk of emotional upset, mental illness and/or divorce.In the transgenerational stage as families develop over time, immigrants adapt to the new country and abandon plans to return home. With the coming of children, new issues emerge concerning preserving the native language, religion and social values. First-generation children may experience conflict over the different cultures and will sometimes study in their native country. Some of

Immigration, Participation in Health Services and Social Occupations: A Literature Review

“…Furthermore, newly arrived immigrants were excluded as they are in a state of transition and therefore their characteristics can be different. 26 Excluded studies also included those that focused on health migrants (i.e. people accessing international health or community services and people who migrate with the sole purpose of accessing health services) and those concerned with children or families rather than adults.…”