Undocumented Latinx/Hispanic immigrants’ perceived stigma, social barriers, coping and adapting during COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people and communities differently depending on individual social status and as members of society. Undocumented immigrants are a group that is especially vulnerable to uncontrolled community spread of COVID-19 in the US due to their low status in societal hierarchies, and obstacles like adverse policy. The undocumented immigrant population has been estimated to be around 10.5 million—nearly a quarter of the entire US foreign-born population, yet the inability to vote fundamentally excludes undocumented immigrants from the constituency that elected officials and lawmakers owe formal accountability. Consequently, undocumented immigrants often face substantial barriers not experienced by naturalized citizens of the host nation. The inability to identify oneself in the information economy and often being labeled as having no rights make undocumented immigrants an important group for understanding the detrimental effects of such social disadvantages. Through focus group studies, the researchers explore undocumented Hispanic immigrants’ experiences during the pandemic. Eight recurring themes were identified and discussed.