Anti-immigration Policies and Fear of Deportation: A Human Rights Issue

Abstract

This paper examines how recent immigration policies and immigration enforcement strategies have impacted Latino immigrants in Arizona. Data were drawn from a sample of adult Latino immigrants (n = 213) living in Arizona. Analyses examined the relationship between fear of deportation and the impact of immigration policies on various aspects of daily life of Latino immigrants as a result of US immigration policies. Results indicate that participants who reported a greater fear of deportation were also significantly more likely to report: (1) trouble keeping a job; (2) trouble finding a job; (3) having been asked for immigration documents; (3) that friends have suffered; (4) that their family has suffered; (5) lower confidence that police will treat Latino immigrants fairly; (6) lower confidence that the courts will treat Latino immigrants fairly; and (7) lower confidence that they will have a better future. Implications for social work practice, advocacy, and research are discussed.