Multicultural-Social Justice Leadership Strategies: Counseling and Advocacy with Immigrants

Abstract

Immigration in the United States has been steadily increasing. Accompanying the largest influx of migrants into the U.S. during the past 20 years have been stereotypes and myths about immigrant populations. Growing concern about the shifting demographics has resulted in political debates on immigration, discrimination, hate crimes, and escalating controversy about undocumented people, all of which has caused strong proponents for and strong opponents against stringent migrant policies and legislation. Changing demographics, policies, and falsehoods about migrants have led to increased mental health concerns within the migrant groups that require counselors and psychologists to understand and effectively work with the unique needs of migrants in culturally responsive ways. This article dispels some of the myths about immigrants and provides examples of culturally responsive interventions specifically targeting the distinctive experiences of migrant populations. Recommendations on advocacy activities and strategies for this group are also provided.

Promoting Wellness in Refugee Populations

“…Although there are interventions to address these mental health challenges, many are based on individualistic Western concepts (Sue & Sue, ). Thus, counselors serving refugee populations may have to work collaboratively with other helping professionals and client communities that use culturally sensitive modalities and interventions that are more collectivistic than individualistic (Chung, Bemak, & Grabosky, ; McCleary, ).…”

“…The Essential Self domain is composed of spirituality, self‐care, and cultural identity (Myers & Sweeney, ). Within this domain, we examine acculturation concerns, microaggressions, and self‐care concerns faced by refugee populations, as refugees often face increased levels of intolerance and discrimination that influence their self‐care and cultural identity (Bemak & Chung, ; Chung et al, , ).…”

“…Stereotyping and microaggressions . Refugees face increased stereotyping and microaggressions because of their status (Chung et al, ; Sue & Sue, ). According to Pupavac (), the westernized stereotype of refugees portrays a weak, traumatized population in which the label of victim is common.…”

“…According to Pupavac (), the westernized stereotype of refugees portrays a weak, traumatized population in which the label of victim is common. Furthermore, with the current political and societal rhetoric surrounding refugees, people are more likely to fear their neighbors and isolate themselves with like‐minded people rather than share a sense of social solidarity (Chung et al, ; Pupavac, ). Biased media coverage of refugee populations can also perpetuate a negative stereotype of refugees.…”

“…Biased media coverage of refugee populations can also perpetuate a negative stereotype of refugees. Specifically, negative media coverage can lead to increased misunderstanding, resentment in local populations, isolationism, increased fear, and mistrust of refugees (Chung et al, ). Thus, media reports can propagate negative feelings toward refugee populations by depicting newcomers in a deleterious way.…”