Abstract
Over the past decade, the Latino population in North Carolina has increased 111%. More than half of North Carolina Latinos are foreign-born and most face issues related to immigration, acculturation, and often, discrimination. This article provides a brief overview of the historical context in which social workers engaged with immigrant communities, and argues that the profession brings strengths and unique skills to address North Carolina’s Latino immigrant population, historically, and within the current context. Key social demographics of Latino populations, sociopolitical realities, as well as theoretical and methodological issues related to the complex needs of this diverse population group are addressed. Two examples of Latino vulnerability in North Carolina, HIV/AIDS and discriminatory local immigration enforcement practices, are discussed to further highlight the unique strengths and challenges social workers in North Carolina and the New South face when working with Latino immigrants.
Highlights
Over the past decade, the Latino population in North Carolina has increased 111%
Despite a dearth of literature available on the impact of 287(g) in North Carolina related to social work practice, evidence gathered by economists, lawyers, and policy makers has suggested that 287(g) is detrimental to Latino immigrants’ experience with harassment and isolation, trust in public safety, and ability to contribute to local economies, which have been strengthened by Latino small businesses and tax revenues (Gill et al, 2009; Idilbi, 2008; Nguyen & Gill, 2010; Weissman, 2009)
The recent demographic shifts, burgeoning Latino communities, and accompanying vulnerabilities in North Carolina suggest that through direct service, community practice, and political advocacy, social workers have essential skills and professional responsibilities to address the needs of Latinos in the South
Summary
The Latino population in North Carolina has increased 111%. More than half of North Carolina Latinos are foreign-born and most face issues related to immigration, acculturation, and often, discrimination. Two examples of Latino vulnerability in North Carolina—HIV/AIDS and discriminatory local immigration enforcement practices—are discussed to further highlight the unique strengths and challenges social workers in North Carolina and the New South face when working with Latino immigrants.
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