American Immigrants Research Articles

"It's an Odyssey:" Centering Mexican and Central American Immigrant Entrepreneurs in an Examination of County-Level Sanctuary

Using a comparative case study methodology, this research explores how Mexican and Central American immigrant entrepreneurs in two types of county-level sanctuary contexts (limited and robust) operate their enterprises. Through interviews with 48 small-scale entrepreneurs and 52 organizational contacts facilitated in part through lead local community partners, the study explores entrepreneurs’ perceptions of sanctuary as a factor affecting their business decisions. Self-employment and business registration data from the American Community Survey (ACS) provide context for the narratives. This research suggests that sanctuary policy has an indirect but contributing effect on entrepreneurs’ decision-making and livelihoods. Interviews substantiate the key roles federal and state policy play in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape for immigrants at the county level across sanctuary types. The research illuminates the multi-scalar environment in which immigrant entrepreneurs are embedded and the strategic choices they make with the tools at their disposal. Key recommendations for business ecosystems—including an emphasis on access to driver’s licenses and culturally responsive, multilingual resources—are highlighted. The insights of entrepreneurs deepen understanding of existing theory about immigrant entrepreneurship and the effects of sanctuary policy on immigrant choices.

Duration in Immigration Detention and Health Harms.

Length of custody is a mechanism by which carceral systems can worsen health. However, there are fewer studies examining US immigration detention, in large part because US immigration detention is largely privately operated and opaque by design. To examine the association between duration spent in US immigration detention with subsequent health outcomes. This cross-sectional study used a referral sample of recently detained immigrants who were released from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under a series of court orders in 2020 and 2021. Data were analyzed from June 2023 to October 2024. Detention duration less than 6 months vs 6 months or longer. We used multivariable regression analysis to assess the association of detention duration and several variables: (1) self-rated health, (2) mental illness (Kessler 6-item psychological distress scale), and (3) posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Primary Care-PTSD-5 Screen). We then calculated the likelihood of experiencing each outcome, controlling for covariates. As a robustness check, we conducted sensitivity analyses with detention duration as a continuous measure. The study included 200 respondents (mean [SD] age, 40.3 [10.1] years; 175 male [87.5%]; 149 Hispanic or Latino ethnicity [74.5%]). Results revealed a high prevalence of poor self-rated health, mental illness, and PTSD for all respondents, but especially among those who had been detained for 6 months or longer, who had significantly higher likelihood of poor or fair self-rated health (49.1% [95% CI, 40.5%-57.6%] vs 30.4% [95% CI, 21.8%-39.1%]; P < .001), mental illness (37.0% [95% CI, 28.2%-45.8%] vs 20.7% [95% CI, 12.6%-28.7%]; P < .001), and PTSD (59.3% [95% CI, 50.3%-68.3%] vs 34.8% [95% CI, 25.3%-44.3%]; P < .001). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the general robustness of these findings, with longer detention duration significantly associated with mental illness (OR, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.02-1.20]; P = .01) and PTSD (OR, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.03-1.20]; P = .005) in our adjusted models. In this cross-sectional study, detained immigrants experienced a high prevalence of poor health, mental illness, and PTSD, with detention periods of 6 months or more associated with higher rates compared with those detained less than 6 months. Duration of custody is one mechanism by which immigration detention might be a catalyst for worsening health.

Intergenerational Relations and Well-being Among Older Middle Eastern/Arab American Immigrants During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study aimed to examine the consequences of COVID-19 socialization restrictions on familial and social support systems of older Middle Eastern/Arab immigrants in Michigan, home to the largest, most visible concentration of Middle Eastern/Arab Americans in the United States. Six focus group (N = 45) interviews were conducted with Middle Eastern/Arab American immigrants aged 60 and older to assess difficulties faced during the pandemic as it related to familial, social, and medical care. Inductive analysis identified two major themes to advance meanings of intergenerational relations among older immigrants (a) the breakdown of family relations, which describes a shift in both the experience and expectations of intergenerational relations in Middle Eastern/Arab families; and (b) cultural sources of increased stress, illustrating how the pandemic interfered with valued family interactions to affect well-being. These findings indicated social and cultural sources of heightened stress linked to shifts in intergenerational relations among Middle Eastern/Arab American older immigrants.

Characteristics influencing COVID-19 testing and vaccination among Spanish-speaking Latine persons in North Carolina.

Latine populations in the United States continue to be disproportionately affected by COVID-19 with high rates of infection and mortality. Our community-based participatory research partnership examined factors associated with COVID-19 testing and vaccination within a particularly hidden, underserved, and vulnerable population: Spanish-speaking Latines. In 2023, native Spanish-speaking Latine interviewers conducted phone-based structured individual assessments with 180 Spanish-speaking, predominantly immigrant Latines across North Carolina. We used univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses to examine associations between participant characteristics and COVID-19 testing and vaccination. Participant mean age was 41.7 (SD = 13), and 77.2% of the sample reported being cisgender women. Most participants reported immigrating from Latin American countries (89.9%), being uninsured (66.1%), and lacking US immigration documentation (51.1%). While most reported ever being COVID-19 tested (83.3%) and ever being vaccinated against COVID-19 (84.4%), only 24% were up to date with vaccination. Nearly half of the sample reported one or more barriers to COVID-19 testing, and over one-quarter reported one or more barriers to COVID-19 vaccination. Higher educational attainment was significantly associated with ever being tested (P = .031). Fewer concerns about the vaccine, including fewer worries about side effects and having more confidence in vaccine effectiveness and safety, was associated with ever being vaccinated (P < .001). Spanish-speaking Latines face barriers to getting tested and vaccinated against COVID-19. Although ever testing and ever vaccination rates were high, being up to date with recommended vaccinations was low. Educational attainment and concerns about the vaccine were associated with COVID-19 testing and vaccination, respectively. Our findings suggest the need for culturally congruent strategies to address the challenges facing Spanish-speaking Latines in the United States.

The health-related experiences of detained immigrants with and without mental illness.

Incarcerated individuals with mental illness face unique health challenges, yet we know little about individuals with mental illness who are detained by US immigration authorities. We aimed to describe the health-related experiences of detained immigrants with and without mental illness. We conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey in 2021 with a sample of recently detained immigrants who were detained by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and released in the United States in 2020-2021 (n = 203). We used multivariable regression to assess the association between mental illness and the incidence of five outcomes while in immigration detention: 1) poor general health, 2) difficulty accessing medical services, 3) difficulty accessing mental health services, 4) interruptions to care, 5) and exposure to solitary confinement. 115/203 participants (56.7 %) had diagnosed mental illness, most commonly depression and PTSD. Rates of poor health, difficulty accessing medical and mental health services, interruptions to care, and exposure to solitary confinement during detention were high overall, and significantly higher among individuals with mental illness. There is pressing need for policy actions and protections to mitigate health harms experienced in immigration detention.

Korean American Immigrant Women’s Mammography Use in Korea: Factors Associated with Medical Tourism

This study examined social determinants associated with Korean American immigrant women’s mammography use in Korea after immigration to the United States. Data from a cross-sectional survey were obtained from 187 women in Los Angeles County, California. More than one-quarter (28.3%) of the respondents reported returning to Korea for a mammogram after immigrating to the United States. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that compared to those who had their first mammogram in Korea, Korean American immigrant women who had their first mammogram in the United States were less likely to return to Korea for subsequent screenings (AOR = 0.02, 95% CI: &lt;0.001, 0.05); also, those who had employer-based health insurance in the United States were less likely to get a mammogram in Korea after immigration (AOR = 0.01, 95% CI: &lt;0.01, 0.18). Findings suggest that women familiar with the Korean healthcare system and who are uninsured or have inconsistent healthcare coverage in the United States may seek care in Korea. To promote adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines among Korean American immigrant women residing in the United States, greater access to free or low-cost screening services and breast cancer screening education is warranted to reduce the risk of later stage breast cancer detection resulting from medical tourism.

Pre-and post-migration factors associated with sleep health among Latin American immigrants in the United States: A systematic review.

Immigrants face unique challenges and stressors before leaving their country of origin and upon arrival to their host country, all of which may impair their sleep health. We synthesized the literature on pre-and-post migration factors predicting sleep outcomes among foreign-born Latin American immigrants to the United States. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched three electronic databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. We supplemented our search using Google Scholar and by manually reviewing reference lists from all included studies and four reviews on similar topics. Out of 2581 references screened, 12 peer-reviewed studies met our inclusion criteria. All studies but one were quantitative. Most were cross-sectional, consisted of adults, relied on self-reported measures of sleep, and had a low risk of bias. Acculturation stress, perceived discrimination and racism, working multiple jobs, as well as poor physical and mental health were the most consistent predictors of poorer sleep health in this population. Being born in Mexico and greater biculturalism were predictors of better sleep health. We discuss gaps in the literature, highlight opportunities for future research, and argue for a more comprehensive examination of how pre-migration experiences impact post-migration sleep health.

Exploring Physical Activity Among Mexican American Immigrants in New York City Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Two-Wave Panel, Mixed-Method Analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with decreases in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and increases in sedentary time for children and adults, and there is some evidence that Latino populations were particularly affected. This article leverages a two-wave panel, mixed-method social network dataset collected before and during the pandemic with Mexican American immigrants living in New York City to examine social networks and other factors associated with physical activity and explore participants' perceptions about how the pandemic affected their physical activity. Participants (n = 49) completed in-person, egocentric social network interviews between January and June 2019 and virtual follow-up egocentric social network interviews between May and November 2021. Qualitative data collection with a subsample (n = 25) occurred between October and December 2022. Social network quantitative analyses found that age and female sex were negatively associated with participants' baseline physical activity level, but the proportion of alters (important persons identified by the participant) with whom the participant did physical activity at baseline was positively associated. Baseline physical activity level was inversely related to the change in physical activity, and the change in the proportion of alters who were close to the participant was negatively associated with physical activity change at follow-up. Qualitative results supported the quantitative findings, providing rich narratives regarding the importance of social support for physical activity during the pandemic. Social networks among Mexican American immigrants in New York City provided motivation and support for physical activity but became harder to sustain during a pandemic. The findings can inform strategies to create environments that are conducive to physical activity while also protecting public health.

What contributes to older Korean American immigrants becoming frail? A qualitative study

BackgroundFrailty is prevalent in older adults and represents a dynamic condition that can improve with early detection and interventions focused on influencing factors. Older immigrant populations, marked by diverse cultural backgrounds, distinct health beliefs and behaviors, language barriers, and low health literacy, require a focused exploration of factors influencing frailty. This study examines the perceived factors affecting frailty among older Korean American immigrants (OKAIs).MethodsA focus group interview was conducted with nine OKAIs (five frail/prefrail and four robust) in Alabama, supplemented by demographic and health-related surveys. Semi-structured questions addressed health literacy, physical activity, nutrition, and mental health. Data analysis included both descriptive and content analysis methods.ResultsParticipants displayed notable differences in health literacy scores between Korean and English assessments. Content analysis highlighted that social activities, health behaviors, and healthcare utilization for OKAIs were shaped by distinct environmental and healthcare contexts compared to those in Korea. Limited English proficiency and access to healthcare resources further influenced their experiences. Participants expressed a preference for Korean healthcare providers, interpreters, and traditional food options to maintain well-being.ConclusionInterventions aimed at preventing and managing frailty among OKAIs should consider their unique characteristics and challenges to improve effectiveness.

Sí se puede: The enduring legacy of Mexico on wine and politics

Societal Impact StatementThe cultural significance of the grapevine is undeniable. However, we fail to acknowledge how the grapevine has and continues to influence the most pressing political questions of our time. From the beginning of the Conquest, Indigenous peoples were forced to plant the vine, Spain burned the vines Miguel Hidalgo used to teach the poor, and César Chávez and the Delano grape strike demanded justice for agricultural laborers. From the Grito de Dolores to Sí se puede, we demonstrate how the continuing relationship between Mexico and the grapevine influences debates surrounding labor, immigration, and human rights in the United States and throughout the world. To enhance the reach of this work, a Spanish language version of the paper is available in the Supporting Information (see Translation_ES).SummaryThe wild grapevine species (Vitis spp.) that comprise the pedigrees of rootstocks, the Americas as the source (and solution) to the Phylloxera crisis that decimated European vineyards, and California as a premier wine‐growing region are the topics that usually frame the history of grapes in North America. This Anglo‐American perspective ignores that domesticated grape varieties were first introduced to North America in what is now Mexico and the singular contributions of Mexican labor to the California wine economy that continue to influence politics. Here, we highlight the neglected history of grapevines in Mexico and argue that the politics of labor that played out during the Conquest never ceased and still shape debates surrounding immigration. Beginning with Hernán Cortés, Indigenous peoples were forced to plant grapevines and when they were successful, they were abruptly forbidden by Spain to grow grapes. This interference influenced Miguel Hidalgo, who taught the poor viticulture as a trade and who would lead the Mexican War of Independence and pay with his life. The grapevine continued its journey north to California, where Franciscans established the missions and cultivated the Mission grapes, which had lasting impacts on the genetics of grapevine varieties. Finally, it was the Delano grape strike that coalesced César Chávez and the United Farm Workers to demand justice for agricultural laborers that is the foundation of the California wine economy and still shapes the current political debate of immigration, labor, and human rights between the United States and Mexico.

Migration Experiences and Mental Health of Older Latin American Immigrants in Australia

Migration Experiences and Mental Health of Older Latin American Immigrants in Australia

Examining Factors Associated With Intention to Seek Professional Mental Health Support Among First-Generation Iranian Americans.

Research suggests immigrants are at a greater risk of mental health disorders compared to native-born populations. Thus, the current study investigated factors associated with professional mental help-seeking intention among American immigrants. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 207 first-generation Iranian Americans, and data were collected using survey questionnaires. Younger Iranians living in western states in the United States and those with positive attitudes toward professional mental health services had greater intention to seek these services. Unexpectedly, those with better mental health literacy (MHL) held more mental health stigma (MHS). Findings elucidated valuable insights into the complex dynamics among sociodemographic factors, acculturation, MHL, MHS, attitudes, and intentions toward professional mental health help-seeking. We also highlighted the intricate relationship between MHL and MHS, suggesting that strategies to improve MHL may not necessarily mitigate MHS within this community. Therefore, integrating anti-stigma, contact-based approaches to MHL programs could effectively reduce stigma while facilitating mental health help-seeking. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].

Between the Homing Pigeon and the Vagrant: The Contract Labor System and the Creation of the Immoral Mexican Migrant, 1910–1929

Abstract This article traces how local, state, and federal officials in the United Sates weaponized morality against Mexican contract wage laborers in the first three decades of the twentieth century. The author argues that the sexual morals policing project targeting immigrant women suspected of prostitution and other immoral behaviors shaped the experiences of Mexican contract wage laborers as they sought entry into the United States and once they were admitted. By focusing on the racialized poverty of the Mexican, US immigration officials and employers created a stark binary of workers as “moral” law-abiding/“immoral” vagrant criminals depending on laborers compliance and participation within a burgeoning transnational contract labor system.

Baduanjin Qigong exercise intervention improves subjective and objective cognitive functioning: the moderation and mediation effects of sleep

AbstractBackgroundBaduanjin exercise showed beneficial effects on cognition among older adults, yet the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We aimed to further examine potential mediation or moderation roles of sleep improvements on the intervention effects in cognition.MethodIn our 10‐week intervention trial with control group, a total of 78 (intervention: n = 47, control: n = 31) older Chinese American adults in a senior daycare center were included. Objective cognition was measured by the computerized memory test. Subjective cognition was assessed by the cognitive function subscale of the Sub‐health Measurement Scale (SHMS). Sleep was measured by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The SPSS PROCESS macro was used for moderation and mediation analyses, with the post‐pre differences in sleep and cognition used as moderator or mediator and outcome, respectively.ResultCompared to the control group, the Baduanjin Qigong intervention significantly predicted improvements in subjective and objective cognition for poor sleepers, while having no effect on good sleepers. Improvements in sleep quality significantly mediated the intervention effects on subjective cognition among populations with higher education (indirect effect: β = ‐.320, CI: [‐.717, ‐.041]) and less exercise (indirect effect: β = ‐.133, CI: [‐.573, .259]), while the direct effect of intervention remained significant.ConclusionIn conclusion, Baduanjin exercise improved cognitive functioning in older Chinese American immigrants, particularly among those with poor sleep. Sleep quality played a mediating role, especially among individuals with higher education and less exercise. Our results shed light on future interventions in helping identify targeted mediating/moderating factors of Baduanjin interventions.

Immigrant Threat, Racial Competition, and White Resistance to Police and Criminal Justice Reform

This research draws on conflict-based accounts to examine how perceptions of out-group threats shape White resistance to police and criminal justice reform. Using nationally representative data from the ANES-GSS 2020 Joint Study, we find that White Americans who perceive immigrants as a criminal threat are more likely to prioritize the need for more robust social controls rather than supporting efforts toward reforming the police and the criminal legal system. We also uncover a link between racial competition for political power and White preferences for a stronger emphasis on law and order through expanded policing and more stringent enforcement of the laws. This preference supersedes the desire to address bias against minorities in the criminal legal system through police and court reforms. The implications of these findings for understanding the current context of American racial and immigration politics, as well as the future of American policing and criminal justice, are discussed.

An Exploration of Texas Latinos’ Perceptions of Law Enforcement and Undocumented Immigration in the United States

Given increased trepidation about undocumented immigration in the United States, this study offers an examination of the extent to which Latinos who represent different generations of immigrants perceive United States law enforcement and the current state of undocumented immigration. It gives voice to Latinos, the most significant demographic crossing the border. The topic is relevant given policymakers’ interest in addressing the moral panic over increasing immigration to the country and an interest in law enforcement legitimacy as an essential ingredient in their effectiveness in combating crimes. This qualitative study using semi-structured interviews describes the perceptions of 40 Texas Latinos regarding their willingness to engage with law enforcement in calls for service that may or may not include victimizations and thoughts on undocumented immigration. This study offers the input of Texas Latinos on these matters. Data were coded and analyzed using thematic text analysis to identify patterns and themes. Six themes were identified. Overall, the perceptions of U.S. law enforcement were positive. The participants essentially indicated a desire for more organized and safe U.S. immigration processes at the border that facilitate opportunities to work in the U.S. The study has implications for policymakers interested in effective policing where police and citizens partner in preventing and clearing crime.

Framing the Immigrant in Labor Unions and the Military in the United States

We present a comparative study of organizational discourses on immigrants in two cornerstone US institutions: labor unions and the US military, both powerful players in setting the terms of immigration debates and policies in the United States. How do unions and the military frame the role of immigrants within their institutions and in US society? We draw on qualitative content analysis of materials produced by AFL-CIO and the US military between 2000 and 2020. Despite significant differences in these institutions, we find that they share the following three core themes in their framing of immigrants: (1) immigrants as potential threats, (2) immigrants as essential workers, and (3) immigrants as a source of diversity. We synthesize existing research on labor unions and the military to contextualize these commonalities, engaging theory on diversity ideology and organizational discourses. We conclude by discussing the implications of these discursive patterns on immigrants and US immigration policies.

Immigration Policy and Attitudes Toward the Police: Does Immigration Policy Influence Immigrants’ Confidence in Their Local Police Departments?

Immigration in the United States has historically been a contentious issue marked by intense debates. The United States is often seen as a melting pot, yet immigration policies frequently have adverse effects on immigrants, varying from one government to another. The 287(g) program, which allows local police to perform immigration duties, exemplifies such policies. This program can harm police–immigrant community relations and weaken trust in the police. This study aimed to examine variations in immigrant confidence in the police between 287(g) and non-287(g) states and to identify factors influencing this confidence. Our ordinal regression analysis of nationally representative data indicates that 287(g) does not impact immigrants’ confidence in the police. However, security concerns (terrorism and a sense of safety) and demographic variables do influence this confidence. We conclude that immigration enforcement is not a major determinant of immigrants’ confidence in the police compared to other factors.

Social Inclusion, Belonging, and School-Based Experiences in Central American Immigrant Youth

Abstract Spanish-speaking immigrant students, particularly those from Central America, constitute a rapidly growing subpopulation in U.S. public schools. As primary institutions for socialization, cultural learning, and academic knowledge development, schools often offer immigrant students their first experience of U.S. cultures and the English language. However, schools may mirror broader sociopolitical dynamics of marginalization and social exclusion. The current qualitative study, which explored the school-based experiences of Central American immigrant adolescent students enrolled in English language learner (ELL) programming, sheds light on the specific dynamics of social inclusion (and exclusion) in public schools as institutions, and how such dynamics impact processes of acculturation and overall sense of belonging. Specifically, participant perspectives highlighted the ways in which the institutional design of ELL programs, as well as highly racialized and assimilative school policies and practices, hinder cultural exchange and social inclusion.

Narratives of worth: analyzing the effects of worthy and anti-immigrant narratives on immigration attitudes

ABSTRACT Political elites use contrasting narratives about immigrants to shape public attitudes and influence immigration policy support. This study examines how pro- and anti-immigrant narratives affect public preferences for reducing immigration in the United States. Using two distinct samples – a non-Hispanic White sample from YouGov and a racially diverse sample from NORC – the experiment reveals that exposure to these narratives significantly shapes attitudes toward immigration. Effects vary depending on the type of narrative, as well as respondents’ political affiliations and racial backgrounds. Specifically, the pro- (‘worthy’) immigrant narrative, which portrays immigrants as hardworking, law-abiding members of the in-group, reduces support for lowering immigration levels, especially among White respondents, with Republicans and Independents showing the greatest shift. In contrast, the anti-immigrant narrative, which characterizes unauthorized immigrants as undeserving outsiders, increases support for reducing immigration across racial groups. This research advances our understanding of how political rhetoric shapes public attitudes toward immigration by employing large, diverse samples and realistic portrayals of pro- and anti-immigrant narratives.