The psychological sacrifice of strict immigration policies

From temporary removal of protected status from changes to asylum law, to separating families at US borders and threats to ending postponed protections Childhood The Arrival Act (DACA), the harsh immigration policy enacted over the past decade, has left serious psychological traumatized for many Latino adults, young people and families (Balajas Gonzalez, Aion, Torres, 2018; Green, 2018). Evidence from studies completed between 2017 and 2021 suggests that Latino immigrants are experiencing an increase in emotional distress. depression, anxiety, PTSD Symptoms, isolation, and social disruption – closely related to enforcement of active immigration policies (Rabin et al, 2022).

Researchers have caused this emotional and mental distress. This can be caused by either a threat of confusion or an actual upheaval –Psychological violence (Barajas-Gonzalez, Ayon, & Torres, 2018). This is consistent with the World Health Organization’s definition of violence. “The intentional use of physical or power that has been threatened or actual, against yourself, another person, or a group or community that is likely to or likely to result in injury, death, psychological harm, misdeed development, or deprivation.

Currently, the Latino community in the United States is facing a major shift in immigration policy, which could lead to some of the most insidious forms of psychological violence. For example, consider a policy aimed at promoting mass deportation. Not to mention the act itself, it is well documented that even the threat of detention and family separation is sufficient to create fearanxiety, and preconceived notions of undocumented or mixed status Hispanic families (Barajasgonzales, Ayon, and Torres, 2018).

Another example can be seen in changes in enforcement practices, such as the recent executive orders that allow immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) to traditionally “sensitive places” such as schools, churches, and hospitals. Such changes can not only create fear in Latin individuals, but also create climates that discourage them from accessing resources they may otherwise create and maintain. Resilience. In fact, some colleagues recently told me that some of their in-person clients have chosen to switch. Telehealth Treat them for fear of leaving their homes and for fear of being exposed to ice checkpoints. Parents in my own community, which includes a mixture of documented and undocumented individuals, recently received letters from their children’s schools to detail how schools are prepared for possible ice attacks and to let their parents know what their constitutional rights are in the face of ice. This has led some parents to question whether their children should be sent to school during the period of known ice presence in the area.

For many immigrant Latin people, living under the ghost of fear and persecution is a state of everyday existence. For everyone, the perception that threats are endless and inevitable is associated with major psychological trauma and serious confusion. Nervous system. The results can be serious, and often span multiple domains of functionality and may be more cumbersome than the idiosyncratic ones trauma event.

Needless to say, the long-term effects of such violence could be devastating for Latino communities, given the long-term exposures that US immigrant groups had in such a chronic way. stress In recent years there have been new concerns to be aware of. Recent developments in the field of trauma have provided new insights into the harmful effects of lasting, morally loaded trauma.

Complex PTSD It is now an official diagnosis with a range of more serious symptoms, including self-awareness, regulation of impact, interpersonal relationships and worldview disruption. New research Moral Injury– Psychological responses that may occur after a person has participated, witnessed, or prevented events that violate the moral code, indicating that morally harmful events can lead to serious social disruptions; Self-concept, shamedisgust, angerand suicide. Increasingly, studies on the effects of family separation, fear of detention/deportation, and anti-immigrant rhetoric appear to underscore the incidence of what appears to be C-PTSD and moral injury in immigrant populations. Tragically, these results are already above us and could continue to develop among Latino immigrant communities.

It is the broad reality of anti-immigrant rhetoric that exacerbates the damage. Terms like “illicitors” when referring to undocumented people or to “immigrant invasion” when referring to an increase in the flow of migration to the United States help to dehumanize people here without proper permission. This language is often used to reinforce the narrative that immigrants are responsible for “stealing” American resources such as work, academic placement and government aid. At best, this story reinforces the need for harsh policies and enforcement. In the worst case scenario, history shows that languages ​​targeting a particular group and subsequent changes in law are often the first steps in large-scale crimes against humanity.

The road ahead

There are no easy answers or solutions to these problems, but there are steps that mental health professionals can take to navigate this reality. Here we share one example (will further illuminate these ideas and post them in a subsequent post). As an expert, it is essential to faithfully document and accurately explain or explain what you see in the consultation room or lab when it comes to working with immigrants and immigrant children. This requires a strong cultural competence and deep understanding of various physical, emotional and psychological stressors and expressions in this group. It includes some questions to ask: ADHD Or autonomous hyperarousal and dysregulation due to trauma? Are you low in social skills or internalized? Racism and/or the fundamental belief that it does not belong? Is it a general anxiety disorder or is it a chronic preconception about whether undocumented families are safe?

Being able to have sufficient discernment to ask and answer these questions is important for the inevitable interventions that these communities likely need.