Suchergebnisse

Abstract
This study examined associations between perceived immigration policy effects and stress among Latinx immigrant parents living in Maricopa County, Arizona, which implemented a series of restrictive immigration policies. Three hundred Latinx immigrant parents participated in the study. A hierarchical regression model was used to examine the relationship between perceived immigration policy effects (that is, subscales include Discrimination, Social Exclusion, Threat to Family, and Children's Vulnerability) on parents' stress levels while controlling for demographics. The model also included protective factors (that is, familismo, social support, self-efficacy) and immigrant-specific indicators of health (that is, length of time in the United States and deportation of a family member). Findings revealed that threat to family and children's vulnerability were associated with heightened stress levels among parents. There were no differences in stress levels by length of time in the United States or deportation of a family member, and protective factors were not associated with reduced stress levels. At a practice level, findings stress the need to work with families to address their fears of family separation and parents' concerns for how the immigration policy context affects their children. At a policy level, advocacy is needed to secure access to care for immigrants and maintain families together.

This study examines community environment, social support networks, and other factors that impact the physical and mental health of Latino parents involved with the public child welfare system. Secondary data analyses were completed using data from the National Survey on Child and Adolescent Well-Being. The results reveal differences in parents' social support structure (i.e., number of individuals providing support) and perceptions of community environment safety by immigration status. There were differences in satisfaction with social support by Latino origin. Regression analyses indicate that household income, age, and social support structure predict parents' health. Implications for social work practice, policy, and future research are discussed.

Abstract
Informed by the ecological perspective, this study explored the ways in which macrosystemic influences interact with other systems and influence Latinx undocumented older adults—specifically, the obstacles and barriers they have faced while living in the United States. Thirty Latinx undocumented older adults (between 55 and 73 years old) participated in in-depth interviews. Four main themes captured participants' experiences: (1) unfulfilled aspirations; (2) social inequities; (3) fear, uncertainty, and threat of deportation; and (4) good immigrant ideology. Participants migrated to the United States in search of better opportunities; while they may have been able to secure jobs, they were limited by their status to achieve other dreams and aspirations. Participants reported that they lack the rights and privileges granted by citizenship. Their precarious status and the policy climates preclude them from feeling safe in the United States, and they fear detection and deportation. They shared that they hope to adjust their status and engage in best behavior as a sign of respect and to safeguard their future in this country. Several participants remarked that it is clear they are not welcomed. These are critical issues that demand attention at a policy and practice level.

Latino immigrants have historically faced many challenges living in the United States (U.S.). The economic crisis combined with new anti-immigration policies and harsh enforcement strategies may exacerbate the stress and anxiety Latino immigrant families already endure as a result of discrimination and financial hardships. The purpose of this study was to understand the current challenges Latino immigrant families encounter within an anti-immigrant social-political environment. Fifty-two first generation immigrants participated in focus group sessions, which lasted between 90 and 120 minutes. The findings reveal that the economic crisis, anti-immigration policies, and enforcement strategies have deleterious effects on Latino immigrant families' well-being. Participants stated that their limited English proficiency status and racial profiling were the basis for discriminatory practices they endured. Discrimination is experienced through instances of micro-aggression, as well as horizontal discrimination and institutional discrimination. Implications for social policy, social work practice, and research are discussed.

ABSTRACTThis paper examines, from the perspective of parents and child welfare workers, how cultural values and expectations are integrated and negotiated in public child welfare cases. The study focuses on the experiences and interactions of Mexican families with the public child welfare system in Southern California. Grounded theory is used to complete the content analysis. Findings indicate that workers' efforts to provide culturally congruent services are limited by organizational structural factors. Consistent with the value of personalismo, parents stress the importance of a good relationship with their worker and the implications to their case. Specific recommendations to enhance service delivery include (1) developing services models that are informed by families served; (2) developing/providing ongoing training and evaluation to ascertain if services are in fact culturally competent; and (3) promoting a change in child welfare policy that reflects the diverse needs of families.

This study explored factors that Mexican immigrant parents deem necessary to promote the well-being of their families. Mexican immigrant parents participated in focus groups following the passage of SB1070 in Arizona. Findings revealed four interrelated constructs that parents aim for to strengthen their families: family norms and practices; transmitting Latino culture; work and education; and goals and motivation. Participants' responses broaden and contextualize our understanding of Mexican immigrants' family norms. In light of anti-immigrant policies and sentiment, participants stressed maintaining/transmitting their culture, including the Spanish language, to promote their children's ethnic identity development; they also stated that parents' internal drive is crucial to promoting their families' well-being. Opportunities to ground interventions on Mexican family strengths are discussed.