Quetzabel Benavides1, Monika Doshi1, Mislael Valentín-Cortés1, Maria Militzer1, Spring Quiñones2, Ruth Kraut3, Raymond Rion4, Richard Bryce5, William D Lopez1, Paul J Fleming6. 1. University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA. 2. Washtenaw Health Plan (WHP), 555 Towner St, Ypsilanti, MI, 48198, USA. 3. Washtenaw County Health Department, 555 Towner St, Ypsilanti, MI, 48198, USA. 4. Packard Health, 3174 Packard St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, USA. 5. Community Health and Social Services Center (CHASS), 5635 W Fort St, Detroit, MI, 48209, USA. 6. University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA. Electronic address: pauljf@umich.edu.
Abstract
RATIONALE: Social support is a key determinant of physical and mental health outcomes. Implementation of restrictive immigration policies in the U.S. under the Trump administration impacted the way mixed-status Latino families (i.e., those with varying legal statuses, including undocumented) maintained social relationships and provided social support. OBJECTIVE: This paper examines how federal immigration policies introduced after the 2016 U.S. presidential election impacted social networks and support related to health for undocumented and mixed-status Latino families. METHODS: We interviewed 23 clients and 28 service providers at two Federally Qualified Health Centers and one non-profit organization in Southeast Michigan. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. RESULTS: Policies introduced during the Trump administration increased opportunities for deportation and contributed to the isolation of mixed-status Latino families by transforming safe spaces of social interaction into prime locations for immigration enforcement activity. Despite the limitations created by these restrictive policies, mixed-status families employed alternative mechanisms to maintain access to vital informal and formal support systems while simultaneously navigating emerging immigration-related threats. CONCLUSIONS: Elections have health consequences and immigration policies are needed that promote the health and well-being of Latino immigrant communities.
RATIONALE: Social support is a key determinant of physical and mental health outcomes. Implementation of restrictive immigration policies in the U.S. under the Trump administration impacted the way mixed-status Latino families (i.e., those with varying legal statuses, including undocumented) maintained social relationships and provided social support. OBJECTIVE: This paper examines how federal immigration policies introduced after the 2016 U.S. presidential election impacted social networks and support related to health for undocumented and mixed-status Latino families. METHODS: We interviewed 23 clients and 28 service providers at two Federally Qualified Health Centers and one non-profit organization in Southeast Michigan. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. RESULTS: Policies introduced during the Trump administration increased opportunities for deportation and contributed to the isolation of mixed-status Latino families by transforming safe spaces of social interaction into prime locations for immigration enforcement activity. Despite the limitations created by these restrictive policies, mixed-status families employed alternative mechanisms to maintain access to vital informal and formal support systems while simultaneously navigating emerging immigration-related threats. CONCLUSIONS: Elections have health consequences and immigration policies are needed that promote the health and well-being of Latino immigrant communities.
Authors: Jeffrey N Katz; Nancy Lyons; Lisa S Wolff; Jodie Silverman; Parastu Emrani; Holly L Holt; Kelly L Corbett; Agustin Escalante; Elena Losina Journal: BMC Musculoskelet Disord Date: 2011-04-21 Impact factor: 2.362
Authors: Mislael Valentín-Cortés; Quetzabel Benavides; Richard Bryce; Ellen Rabinowitz; Raymond Rion; William D Lopez; Paul J Fleming Journal: Am J Community Psychol Date: 2020-08-10
Authors: Paul J Fleming; William D Lopez; Hannah Mesa; Raymond Rion; Ellen Rabinowitz; Richard Bryce; Monika Doshi Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2019-07-15 Impact factor: 3.295