The Mental Health Implications of Living in the Shadows: The Lived Experience and Coping Strategies of Undocumented African Migrant Women.

Oluwatoyin Olukotun,Lucy Mkandawire-Valhmu,Kaboni Gondwe

doi:10.3390/bs9120127

Oluwatoyin Olukotun, Lucy Mkandawire-Valhmu + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/bs9120127

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Abstract

In the United States, undocumented immigrants often encounter complex challenges that impact their emotional well-being. Existing literature has primarily focused on Latino immigrants. Thus, little is known about the mental health needs of undocumented African immigrant women. To address this gap, we examined the stressors, mental health concerns and coping strategies of undocumented African migrant women in the United States. This qualitative study used a postcolonial feminist framework approach. Twenty-four undocumented African migrant women were interviewed, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings showed that the women dealt with complex stressors created by the sociopolitical environment. These stressors contributed to feelings of depression and anxiety which they coped with using social support and religion. The results uncover the need for culturally relevant tools for screening and addressing the mental health needs of undocumented women and increased awareness amongst healthcare providers on how social context and policies adversely impact the mental health of marginalized groups. Lastly, at a structural level, the need for policy and social change that fosters an inclusive and safe environment for undocumented persons.

Highlights

The Black, African immigrant population in the United States (U.S.) nearly tripled between 2000 and 2013 from almost half a million to nearly 1.5 million [1] with over 60% of the population originating from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Somalia, and Liberia [2]
Existing literature on stressors and mental health symptoms largely focuses on Latino immigrants in the U.S very few studies have simultaneously considered the stressors that undocumented women experience, the mental health implications and how they cope with them. To address this gap, using a postcolonial feminist lens that foregrounds how context shapes women’s experience, this paper reports on the stressors, mental health concerns and coping strategies for undocumented, Black African migrant women in the U.S
Through the women’s narratives reported in this paper, healthcare providers, faith communities and other allies can gain insight into what resources would be most helpful to women in alleviating some of the stressors they experience

Summary

Introduction

The Black, African immigrant population in the United States (U.S.) nearly tripled between 2000 and 2013 from almost half a million to nearly 1.5 million [1] with over 60% of the population originating from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Somalia, and Liberia [2]. There are a variety of avenues for immigrating to the U.S, African immigrants seeking permanent residence typically gain admission to the U.S either as refugees or as recipients of the diversity lottery program visa. Alternative modes of entry into the U.S for most African immigrants include temporary non-immigrant visas such as student visas, or through U.S permanent residence visas conferred through family reunification or employment provisions [2]. African immigrants may opt for other means to long-term residence in the U.S (such as an overstay of a temporary visa) which inadvertently results in a precarious migrant status. Migrants with precarious statuses, such as those who are undocumented, comprise 13% of the U.S African immigrant population [5]

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