“No one left behind”: A social determinant of health lens to the wellbeing of undocumented immigrants

Garcini, Luz M.; Nguyen, Kimberly H.; Lucas-Marinelli, Autumn K.; Moreno, Oswaldo; Cruz, Pamela Lizette

doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101455

Cited by 10 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 46 publications

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“…College students born in the United States but with a parent(s)/ guardian(s) who are undocumented are a group of understudied students. College students from these mixed-status households tend to experience similar economic, social, and other stressors that entirely undocumented households encounter (Garcini et al, 2022). For example, undocumented parents are likely to have lower wages, may be unable to hold a driver's license, and likely experience fear of deportation, all of which impact their U.S. citizen children's psychosocial well-being.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Immigration status, mental health, and intent to persist among immigrant college students.

Moreno¹,

Sosa²,

Hernandez³

et al. 2024

Journal of Diversity in Higher Education

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This study examined the moderating role of immigration status on the relationship between anxiety and intent to persist among 469 immigrant college students. Additionally, we examined whether depression mediated the relationship between anxiety and intent to persist. Results showed that anxiety predicted increased intent to persist and increased anxiety predicted increased depression. However, depression did not significantly predict intent to persist, yet immigration status positively predicted intent to persist. Combined, anxiety, depression, and immigration status accounted for a significant variation in intent to persist. Additionally, results suggested that there was moderated mediation in the model. Therefore, clinical, institutional policy and research implications are discussed in efforts to develop and implement initiatives that reduce or limit these social determinants and reduce immigrant college students' levels of anxiety and depression. Further, given that anxiety is associated with a greater likelihood of persisting, especially for students with specific immigration status (i.e., precarious status), culturally relevant initiatives can further be examined to promote assets, strengths, and protective factors among first-generation immigrant college students.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Immigration status, mental health, and intent to persist among immigrant college students.

Moreno¹,

Sosa²,

Hernandez³

et al. 2024

Journal of Diversity in Higher Education

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“…Consistent with a growing literature base, we also recognize that immigration status influences health both directly and indirectly through creation of economic opportunities, liberation (eg, access to social mobility), and overall health care. 47 – 52…”

Section: Immigrant Rhetoricmentioning

confidence: 99%

“… 85 , 90 Although in the larger literature the relationship between anti-immigrant and anti-Latinx policies and health is not a direct one, there is growing and compelling research that links anti-immigrant and anti-Latinx policies and negative mental health outcomes. 13 , 41 – 45 , 47 – 50 , 56 , 74 , 85 …”

Section: Anti-immigrant and Anti-latinx Policies And Practicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Buscando la Calma Dentro de la Tormenta: A Brief Review of the Recent Literature on the Impact of Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric and Policies on Stress Among Latinx Immigrants

et al. 2023

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The mental health burden associated with anti-immigrant rhetoric and ever-changing immigration policies is undeniable, though the psychological and emotional sequalae may remain invisible for years to come. Exclusionary immigration policies, as a form of structural racism, have also led to an epidemic of stress-related health within the Latinx community, particularly the Latinx immigrant community, across the United States. Recent examples of anti-Latinx and anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies include the 45th President's implementation of the Zero Tolerance policy, Migrant Protection Protocols, and Title 42. The recognition of previous and existing anti-immigrant policies, and the impact on Latinx immigrants, is critical in understanding the manifestation of psychological stress to prevent it from becoming chronic. For mental health providers, attention to existing policies that can be detrimental to the Latinx immigrant community is essential to understanding their mental health trajectory and applying frameworks that honor an individual's psychological stress to prevent pathologizing the immigrant experience and negative health outcomes. The objective of the present brief review is to shed light on recent research and offer recommendations for practice (eg, educating the Latinx community about the link between the immigrant experience and psychological stress) and policy (eg, drafting of legislation aimed at rescinding harmful immigration policies) regarding the relation between aggressive anti-immigration rhetoric and psychological stress among Latinx immigrants in the United States.

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“…Undocumented migrants and asylum seekers grapple with a myriad of social determinants of health, including housing instability, limited employment opportunities, and educational barriers. These factors create a cycle of poverty and social exclusion, profoundly influencing overall well-being ( 9 ) This cycle of adversity significantly heightens the vulnerability of undocumented migrants and asylum seekers to a spectrum of health challenges, spanning both chronic and infectious diseases. Specific diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, malaria, mental disorders, substance abuse, and sexual and reproductive health problems are prevalent among this population ( 10–12 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“We want our freedom back, that’s our only need”: a qualitative study of health and social needs among asylum seekers and undocumented migrants crossing the borders from Belarus to Lithuania

El Arab,

Urbanavice,

Jakavonyte-Akstiniene

et al. 2024

Front. Public Health

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BackgroundThe influx of undocumented migrants and asylum seekers into Lithuania, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, presents unique public health challenges. This study employs the Social Determinants of Health framework to explore the healthcare and social needs of this vulnerable population.MethodsIn May 2022, we carried out a qualitative study through semi-structured interviews with asylum seekers across four centers in Lithuania. Employing both purposive and snowball sampling techniques, we selected participants for our investigation. The study comprised 21 interviews—19 conducted in Arabic and 2 in English—with durations ranging between 20 and 40 min each. We audio-recorded all interviews, transcribed them verbatim, and subsequently performed a thematic analysis using Atlas.ti software. This process of design and analysis strictly followed the principles of thematic analysis as outlined by Braun and Clarke, guaranteeing methodological precision and rigor.Findings21 interviews revealed critical insights into the healthcare access challenges, mental health issues, and social integration barriers faced by the participants. Key themes included ‘Healthcare Needs and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic ‘and ‘Social needs and Aspirations Amidst Pandemic-Induced Uncertainty ‘. The findings highlight the multifaceted healthcare and social needs of asylum seekers, juxtaposed against significant barriers they face. Access to medical services is hindered by long waiting times and financial constraints, especially for specialized care such as dental services. Communication issues during medical appointments due to language barriers and the lack of gender-specific healthcare, such as access to gynecological services, further exacerbate the challenges. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic introduces hurdles such as limited testing, isolation measures, language-specific information barriers, and insufficient social distancing practices. Mental health has emerged as a critical concern, with asylum seekers reporting significant stress and emotional exhaustion due to uncertainty and restrictive living conditions. Social needs extend to delayed asylum application processes, inconsistent language education opportunities, inadequate clothing, and nutrition that lacks cultural sensitivity, and living conditions characterized by overcrowding and insufficient facilities. The restricted freedom of movement within asylum seeking centres severely impacts their psychological well-being, underscoring a deep longing for autonomy and a better life despite the myriad of challenges faced.DiscussionThe study illustrates the complex interplay between migration, health, and social factors in the context of a global pandemic. It highlights the need for culturally sensitive healthcare services, mental health support, and structured language education programs. Offering educational avenues alongside language courses for children and adults is essential for fostering social inclusion and securing economic prosperity. Addressing the challenge of language barriers is of utmost importance, as these barriers significantly impede undocumented migrants’ and asylum seekers employment opportunities and their access to crucial services. The findings emphasized immigration as a health determinant and underscored the importance of inclusive health policies and advocacy for undocumented migrants and asylum seekers’ rights and needs.ConclusionThere is an urgent need for comprehensive policies and practices that are grounded in the principles of equity, compassion, and human rights. Additionally, advocating for practice adaptations that are culturally sensitive, linguistically inclusive, and responsive to the unique challenges faced by undocumented migrants and asylum seekers. As global migration continues to rise, these findings are crucial for informing public health strategies and social services that cater to the diverse needs of this vulnerable population.

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“No one left behind”: A social determinant of health lens to the wellbeing of undocumented immigrants

Cited by 10 publications

References 46 publications

Immigration status, mental health, and intent to persist among immigrant college students.

Immigration status, mental health, and intent to persist among immigrant college students.

Buscando la Calma Dentro de la Tormenta: A Brief Review of the Recent Literature on the Impact of Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric and Policies on Stress Among Latinx Immigrants

“We want our freedom back, that’s our only need”: a qualitative study of health and social needs among asylum seekers and undocumented migrants crossing the borders from Belarus to Lithuania

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