They just took him: Impacts of immigration enforcement on U.S. citizen Latino adolsecents’ well-being

Abstract

Abstract Background Escalating interior immigration enforcement by the Trump administration threatens U.S. Latino immigrant families, yet systematic evidence is limited regarding the impacts of immigration enforcement in this community. Our study explored lived experiences of U.S.-citizen adolescents affected by various levels of immigration enforcement, including parental deportation. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with adolescents (13-17 years old, N = 7) who experienced-or were at risk of-parental deportation as part of a larger, on-going longitudinal study. Interviews queried after their health, family life, perceived discrimination, conceptualization of today's anti-immigrant climate and, if applicable, the circumstances and impact of their parent's deportation. A preliminary qualitative analysis of the interviews was conducted. Interview summaries were created and reviewed systematically. Major themes and qualitative assertions were derived and discussed by the analytical team. Results Parental detainment/deportation was inherently violent and traumatic and had profound mental/emotional, physical, socio-cultural and economic consequences for separated adolescents as they assumed adult roles and responsibilities. The threat of deportation negatively affected the well-being of adolescents with deportable parents, resulting in increased vigilance and stress. Participants were ambivalent regarding their desire to talk about the risk of deportation or their experiences with it, as well as their own identities as Latinx citizens. They also reported feelings of isolation, discrimination and victimization related to immigration enforcement. Conclusions Anticipated and experienced parental deportation negatively affects health and well-being among U.S.-citizen adolescents. Family-friendly immigration policies, community-based interventions, and family counseling are critical to protect this vulnerable population. Key messages Following deportation, the deportee’s family—especially their U.S.-citizen adolescents—are profoundly and negatively affected. Even the threat of deportation stresses adolescents and their families and results in negative psychosocial outcomes.