The risk of psychological distress among unemployed and underemployed Mexican and Colombian immigrants in the US and in their countries of origin

Abstract

We compare unemployed and underemployed Mexican and Colombian immigrants in the United States with people in the countries of origin in similar conditions, to better understand differences in psychological distress, thereby deviating from the literature on the Hispanic health paradox. We designed and conducted a survey that enabled us to capture aspects not broadly available in general surveys. Mexican immigrants report less distress than respondents in Mexico City, differences that disappear when controlling for differences in socioeconomic situation, financial tensions, and labor satisfaction. Colombian immigrants, generally in more favorable conditions than Mexican immigrants, report more distress than their counterparts in Colombia. Subjective factors such as the intentions of migration and especially the perceptions regarding mental health, but not the social networks, appear relevant for the reported distress. We conclude that heterogeneities between Colombians and Mexicans—both as immigrants and in their countries of origin—regarding objective and subjective characteristics must be addressed in greater depth.