“Se extraña todo:” Family separation and reunification experiences among unaccompanied adolescent migrants from Central America

Abstract

There has been a record surge of unaccompanied immigrant minors (UAMs) entering the United States, with 86% of those apprehended at the US-Mexico border originating from the Central American countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. A majority of immigrant children are separated from either one or both parents at various points during the migration process. Although average separations last 4 or more years, and may be deeply distressing, there is little research on family separations among Central American UAMs. Further, little is known about the developmental impact of separations from extended family networks, or about reunification. To address these empirical gaps, this study used community-participatory qualitative methods to deeply explore the lived experiences and emotional repercussions of family separation and reunification. The sample included 42 adolescents who had all recently migrated to the Western United States from Central America. Thematic analyses revealed that separation experiences are distressing, multifaceted, and have important developmental implications for Central American UAMs. Results illustrate the socioemotional toll that family separation and reunification can have on this vulnerable population, and highlight the need for

Experiences of Undocumented Parents Reuniting with Children Who Entered the United States as Unaccompanied Minors

“…There is a considerable body of literature [17,18,43] indicating that family separation is one of many adversities children and families experience before, during, and after migration, and it negatively impacts individuals' health and well-being [8,16,43] and the parent-child relationships [15,17]. The findings of the current study are consistent with other studies in this regard.…”

“…A qualitative study of 30 UMC reunified with their parents demonstrated that reconnecting with parents after a long separation was a problem for the youth, leading to isolation, loneliness among children, and disruption of traditional family roles [17]. Another qualitative study with 42 UMC found that protracted separation was distressing and multifaceted, with many developmental implications for the youth [18]. These studies recommend providing developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive care to foster healthy adjustment among UMC.…”

“We could see our real selves:” The COVID‐19 syndemic and the transition to telehealth for a school‐based prevention program for newcomer Latinx immigrant youth

“…Immigrant youth leave their countries for a variety of reasons, including to reunite with family members, seek safer living conditions, and escape extreme poverty and violence (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 2014 ). Before, during, and following migration, immigrants may be exposed to violence, family separation, political and economic uncertainty, barriers to basic needs and human rights, and a difficult context of reception (e.g., anti‐immigrant political climate; Birman, 2011 ; Patel et al, 2016 , 2021 ; Sangalang et al, 2019 ). This exposure to poverty, violence, political uncertainty, and instability places migrant youth among the most vulnerable to developing psychological distress, traumatic stress reactions, and decreased well‐being (Bean et al, 2007 ; Derulyn et al, 2009 ; Hodes, 2000 ; Michelson & Sclare, 2009 ; Thibeault et al, 2017 ).…”

Respuestas ante la ausencia familiar en la migración de adolescentes no acompañados en México

“…4 Padres o madres de NNA migrantes frecuentemente han migrado antes que sus hijos, lo que hace que la relación con ellos sea transnacional, 5 y en la que ahora la principal figura de apego es un tío, el abuelo o la hermana. 6 Esto implica que NNA busquen una reunificación con padres que no conocen con el objetivo subyacente de ayudar económicamente a alguien de su familia extensa o para escapar de amenazas de las maras. 6 La ausencia física familiar expone a los NNA a mayor riesgo ante los peligros del tránsito migratorio: trata de personas, discriminación y violencia física y sexual.…”

“…6 Esto implica que NNA busquen una reunificación con padres que no conocen con el objetivo subyacente de ayudar económicamente a alguien de su familia extensa o para escapar de amenazas de las maras. 6 La ausencia física familiar expone a los NNA a mayor riesgo ante los peligros del tránsito migratorio: trata de personas, discriminación y violencia física y sexual. 7,8 Estas condiciones sociales tienen un impacto en la salud mental, por lo que se considera para este artículo un enfoque psicosocial donde se toman en cuenta tales condiciones -incluyendo razones para salir, relación con la familia e impacto del género-y las psicológicas, como sentimientos y vivencias que afectan el bienestar emocional.…”