Changes In Immigration Policy Research Articles

Immigration Policy and Latinx/é Children from Mixed-Status Families: Mental Health Consequences and Recommendations for Mental Health Providers

The impact of immigration policies on Latinx/é mixed-status families and their children is undeniable. Changes in immigration policy, focused on increased deportation enforcement, within the last three decades have led to an increased fear of deportation and unique circumstances mixed-status families must navigate. These circumstances, combined with fear of deportation, have had deleterious effects on the psychological well-being of the family, in general, and the children, in particular. This paper reviews the impact of immigration policies on Latinx/é mixed-status families, the unique circumstances of mixed-status families, and the mental health implications these have on the children specifically. Articles and books were selected from various sources that addressed Latinx/é mental health, mixed-status families, and immigration. After a review of the literature, these circumstances emerged: familial separation, citizen children second-class citizenry, developmental implications, psychological implications, and coping mechanisms and strategies of mixed-status families. Recommendations for mental health providers who work with children from mixed-status families are provided.

Freedom of movement in Fortress Europe: campaigning for refugees and migrants in the 1990s

ABSTRACT This article argues for the importance of Europe in the 1990s for understanding the UK’s changing immigration policy and the development of campaigns of resistance. The creation of the European Union and a common market brought with it the threat of common immigration policies and ‘harmonisation’. As the borders of European states shifted, so too did bordering regimes and the policing of the (migrant) crisis. The 1990s, and particularly 1992, represented a juncture in migration and mobility across the 12 member states: who was going to be free to move across this single market of labour, capital and goods? Who would get to belong to Europe? The article explores shifting understandings of Britain’s responsibilities towards refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. The restrictions of Fortress Europe and the ‘new European racism’ were met with substantial resistance. Despite differences in politics, audiences and supporters, what campaigners—from NGO reformers to more radical activists—held in common was the mobilisation of ‘rights’ as a language and resource for claim-making in the British and European state beyond the boundaries of citizenship. The tension between rights as minimum individual standards or radical, collective futures can be traced through those fighting against Fortress Europe.

The effect of immigration policy regime change on state-level participation rates of the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children in the United States

AbstractThe change in immigration policy in state-level participation rates of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in the United States by citizenship and ethnicity was estimated over the period 2013-2018 using the Triple Difference estimate method. The principal finding was that the state-level WIC participation rate for Hispanic non-citizens was lower by 8.6% relative to all other groups (Hispanic citizens, non-Hispanic citizens, and non-Hispanic non-citizens). This study then not only provides quantitative evidence concerning the ongoing debate about the impact of the immigration policy changes under the Trump administration but also extends the extant literature by estimating the causal effects of immigration policy regime change on WIC participation of non-citizens.

Navigating the Impact of Immigration Policies on Universities: A Leadership Model Approach

This study explores the multifaceted challenges universities may face as a result of alterations in immigration policies. Tightened regulations lead to decreases in international student enrollment. By drawing upon various theoretical frameworks, including transformational leadership, change management, and cultural dimensions, this study offers a comprehensive strategy to address the financial, social, and cultural implications of immigration policy shifts. The study examines the impact of policy changes on employees, highlighting potential challenges such as burnout and disengagement. Proactive measures, including flexible work arrangements and mental health support services, are recommended to mitigate these impacts. Financial implications are addressed through developing contingency plans and reassessing financial strategies to maintain operational stability. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of preserving campus cultural exchange opportunities and diversity initiatives through virtual programs, partnerships, and curriculum integration. Leadership models, particularly transformational leadership, provide a guiding framework for navigating organizational change. The study advocates for clear communication, employee empowerment, and alignment with the institution’s values to foster resilience. Additionally, Kotter’s 8-Step Model of Change Management offers a structured approach to addressing challenges, emphasizing the importance of urgency, vision, and cultural integration. Through proactive measures informed by theoretical insights, universities can navigate the challenges of immigration policy changes while upholding their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and academic excellence. This study contributes valuable insights for higher education institutions grappling with regulatory shifts, offering actionable recommendations for fostering resilience and adaptation in a rapidly changing landscape.

Parent-child border separation and the road to repair: addressing a global refugee phenomenon

ABSTRACT As a result of the Department of Homeland Security’s zero-tolerance policy (ZTP), over 5,000 children were separated from their parents at the U.S. southern border from 2017-2021, with over 1,000 still lacking confirmed reunifications. Separations also occur daily due to immigration raids, chaotic processing, and changing immigration policies. This article addresses the most fundamental question faced by families enduring such separations; how to mend attachment bonds that have been suddenly severed, especially within a population likely already traumatized. The paper begins by updating readers about separation in the United States and offers a concise summary of the consequences of child-parent separation. The paper then introduces Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) as an intervention for affected families. This paper also uniquely applies CPP to older children and provides three case examples of its use in treating separated families. Finally, the paper offers general suggestions for supporting these families.

The Impact of Immigration Policy Changes on Preterm Birth Rates in Texas: An Examination of Border and Nonborder Regions

BackgroundOur study examined the acute and sustained impact of immigration policy changes announced in January 2017 on preterm birth (PTB) rates among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women in Texas's border and nonborder regions. MethodsUsing Texas birth certificate data for years 2008 through 2020, we used a multiple group interrupted time series approach to explore changes in PTB rates. ResultsIn the nonborder region, the PTB rate among Hispanic women of any race was 8.64% in 2008 and was stable each year before 2017 but increased by .29% (95% CI [.12, .46]) annually between 2017 and 2020. This effect remained statistically significant even when compared with that of non-Hispanic white women (p = .014). In the border areas, the PTB rate among Hispanic women of any race was 11.67% in 2008 and remained stable each year before and after 2017. No significant changes were observed when compared with that of non-Hispanic white women (p = .897). In Texas as a whole, the PTB rate among Hispanic women of any race was 10.16% in 2008 and declined by .07% (95% CI [−.16, −.03]) per year before 2017, but increased by .16% (95% CI [.05, .27]) annually between 2017 and 2020. The observed increase was not statistically significant when compared with that of non-Hispanic white women (p = .326). ConclusionsThe January 2017 immigration policies were associated with a sustained increase in PTB among Hispanic women in Texas's nonborder region, suggesting that geography plays an important role in perceptions of immigration enforcement. Future research should examine the impact of immigration policies on maternal and child health, considering geography and sociodemographic factors.

Immigration and integration policy change in France during Sarkozy’s era

This paper sheds light on the factors behind the introduction of restrictive immigration and integration policy in France between 2002 and 2012, which is closely associated with Nicholas Sarkozy and his party Union for a Popular Movement (UMP). Using the evidence from semi-structured interviews, conducted with The Republicans (UMP) elected representatives, political advisors and civil servants, the paper argues that the introduction of restrictive immigration policies is explained not only through electoral pressure from the radical right Front National, but also by publics’ perceived economic concerns, cultural anxieties around Islam, as well as the effects of the EU integration. The paper also contributes to immigration policy liberalisation scholarship, by highlighting the importance of non-economic benefits migration brings, which take a form of soft power, as a way to increase French influence (rayonnement) in the world, contrary to the previous literature that explains liberalisation from economic advantages of skilled migration.

The regional integration transition of China’s immigration policy: The case of Yiwu

By examining the immigration policies of Yiwu, one of China’s international trade cities, this article observes a policy transition from how to control immigrants to how to integrate them. To explain this policy transition, this paper refers to neo-institutionalists’ theory, specifying the institutional setting, judicial organs, and social groups in China’s background. With the case study of Yiwu, it demonstrates that the decentralization from upper-level government to lower-level government on the one hand, and the horizontal reform within local government itself on the other, are the decisive factors in the changing immigration policies. Judicial organs, especially the court, are cooperating with government-organized non-governmental organizations (GONGOs) in their foreign-related litigation and mediation. At the community level, the “contracting out” of public services gives non-government organized social groups opportunities to participate in community management.

Migrant caravans in the Northern Triangle of Central America during the Covid-19 pandemic: An overview of the causes, mechanisms and changes in U.S. immigration policy

The economic and social conditions that are the main drivers of human mobility have deteriorated due to the Covid-19 pandemic. When states closed their borders and limited travel to essential purposes only, human mobility disappeared almost completely. Before the pandemic, the last few decades had brought a growing number of so-called migrant caravans heading from Central America to the United States with the intention of entering illegally. Some projections assumed that restrictions implemented by US border immigration policy during the pandemic would stop illegal crossings, at least in the short term. It is this idea that forms the core discussion of this article. Starting by outlining the characteristics of the most well-known caravan that left Honduras in 2018, and explaining the mechanisms that managed this phenomenon, the article seeks to analyse migration during the pandemic. Through investigation of the root causes of migration, operational aspects of forming caravans and changes in immigration policy, it achieves its main goal of finding an answer to the question of whether the pandemic affected migration and, if so, what has changed.

H-2A Workers in Demand in the Ornamental Horticulture Industry

The US agricultural industry depends on immigrant farm labor, particularly in the specialty crop sector where tasks like harvesting require a lot of labor. Most US farmworkers are from other countries, and almost half are not authorized to work in the United States. The importance of immigrant labor in meeting the demand for workers in the nursery and floriculture production sector has been further highlighted with this industry's recent growth. This publication offers an overview of the increasing demand for H-2A workers in the ornamental horticulture industry, examines growers' challenges, and explores the underlying factors affecting workers’ participation in the H-2A program. It guides industry stakeholders to monitor changes in immigration policies and labor regulations, including the H-2A program and to adjust labor management practices accordingly. It includes strategies to address labor challenges and remain competitive in the marketplace

Impact of the 2016 presidential election and restrictive immigration climate on the work and wellbeing of Bangladeshi immigrant community frontline workers in New York City, U.S.A

ABSTRACT Community-based organizations (CBOs) are key players in mitigating the impact of restrictive policy changes on immigrant communities. The ability of these organizations to help diffuse the stress caused by restrictive, rapidly changing immigration policies depends, in part, on the capacity and health of their workforce. This study presents findings from a qualitative study conducted with 10 Bangladeshi community frontline workers working in various CBOs and advocacy organizations to understand their experience navigating a heightened anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim climate. Through thematic analyses, we inferred that the 2016 presidential election increased stress and mobilization among community frontline workers, with a meaningful distinction between participants working for immigration-focused institutions versus those in institutions where immigration issues were not the primary focus (e.g. health services, cultural programming). For those working in immigration-focused institutions, work burden increased due to challenges in managing misinformation, making sense of policy changes, and meeting the needs of families impacted by deportation. A toll on frontline workers’ own physical health and mental health was discussed, as well as the need for culturally congruent mental health supports for the South Asian community.

Between the lines: A mixed-methods study on the impacts of parental deportation on the health and well-being of U.S. citizen children

ObjectiveTo explore the impacts of parental deportation on the health and well-being of U.S. citizen children of Mexican immigrants. MethodsFrom 2019–2020, this ambi-directional cohort study recruited U.S.-based families with an undocumented Mexican immigrant parent and U.S.-citizen childrens (ages 13–17) recently exposed to parental deportation (N = 61), and similar families without a history of parental deportation (N = 51). Children health, behavioral, economic, and academic outcomes were measured via phone surveys upon enrollment and six months later. A subsample of “exposed” caregivers (N = 14) also completed in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using fixed-effects regression models and thematic analyses. ResultsChildrens exposed to parental deportation had significantly worse health status, behavioral problems, material hardship, and academic outcomes than children in the control arm (p<.05). Caregivers’ interviews illustrated these health, behavioral, academic and family impacts. ConclusionsParental deportations have wide and potentially long-lasting health, behavioral, economic, and academic consequences for U.S. citizen youth. Changes in immigration policies and enforcement practices are urgently needed to protect the unity of mixed-legal status families in the U.S. and prevent the suffering of U.S. children in these families.

Health effects and user perceptions of the US Customs and Border Patrol One™ mobile application: A qualitative analysis among asylum seekers at the Mexico-US border

BackgroundThe number of migrants at the Mexico-US border has increased to historic levels, and frequently changing immigration policy impacts this population as they await entry into the US. This study evaluated the usability and health effects of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) One™ mobile application among asylum seekers near the US port of entry in Reynosa, Mexico. MethodsWe conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 20 asylum seekers in Reynosa, Mexico, in February 2023. Our objective was to explore the subjective experiences of migrants, usability of CBP One™, and presence of perceived health effects from using the application. Interviews were conducted until saturation occurred, transcribed verbatim into Word, coded in NVivo using a validated, team-based coding methodology, and analyzed according to internal domains, external domains, and health effects regarding CBP One™. ResultsTwenty participants originated from eight countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. In total, 18 subthemes were identified among internal, external, and effects domains. Internal themes included a confusing application interface (80%), technical malfunction (60%), and perceived racial bias from the photo-capture features (15%). External themes challenging CBP One™ use included unavailable appointment slots (80%), inequity and inaccessibility (35%), and inadequate internet (25%). Most perceived effects were negative (85%), including worsening mental health effects (40%), exacerbation of pre-existing physical conditions (35%), and forgoing health expenditures to pay for internet (25%). ConclusionsOur findings suggest that asylum seekers at the Reynosa port of entry perceive CBP One™ negatively, with detrimental effects towards their mental and physical health. This study highlights how immigration policy can influence health and suggests that more creative and humane approaches are needed for people seeking asylum at the Mexico-US border.

Super Visa Program: Immigration Policy Changes and Social Injustice under the Neoliberal Governmentality in Canada

Abstract:&#x0D; In November 2011, Citizenship and Immigration Canada paused the parents/grandparents (PGP) sponsorship immigration and announced a new Super Visa program simultaneously to facilitate family reunification, specifically among older adults waiting to be reunified with their children in Canada. We conducted a qualitative study to understand the experiences of immigrant families with the Super Visa Program. In total, 19 semi-structured interviews were conducted in Toronto with Chinese immigrants and parents holding a Super Visa. Our findings revealed that Super Visa program is helpful for family reunification, especially for those whose regular visa applications are not successful. However, Super Visa is still a visitor visa and parents/grandparents have to leave after a maximum of two years. This temporary status of their parents does not promote among immigrants a sense of belonging in Canada, but reinforces their feeling of being treated as “foreigner”. They also debunked the stigma that older parents/grandparents come to Canada for better welfare and are non-contributor and a burden to Canadian society. We observe older parents/grandparents are categorized as “undesirable” and their unpaid contributions to immigrant family and Canada society are rendered invisible. We argue there exits an inherent link between PGP policy changes and social injustice. Behind the negative portrayal of older parents/grandparents and policy changes on them is State’s neoliberal governmentality grounded upon market norms and mechanism. The immigration and social injustice inflicting on older PGP migrants manifests that neoliberal immigration regime is still structurally raced, gendered, classed, and may be intertwined with other stigmatizing dynamics such as ageist, ableist etc. within the State’s power relationship.&#x0D;

Econometrics Modelling Approach to Examine the Effect of STEM Policy Changes on Asian Student’s Enrollment Decision in USA

Academic research has shown significant interest in international student mobility, with previous literature primarily focusing on the migration industry from a political and public policy perspective. For many countries, international student mobility plays a crucial role in bolstering their economies through financial gains and attracting skilled immigrants. While previous studies have explored the determinants of mobility and country economic policies, only a few have examined the impact of policy changes on mobility trends. In this study, the researchers investigate the influence of immigration policy changes, particularly the optional practical training (OPT) extension on STEM programs, on Asian students' preference for enrolling in STEM majors at universities. The study utilizes observational data and employs a quasi-experimental design, analysing the information using the difference-in-difference technique. The findings of the research indicate that the implementation of the STEM extension policy in 2008 has a significant effect on Asian students' decisions to enroll in a STEM major. Additionally, the study highlights the noteworthy role of individual factors such as the specific STEM major, terminal degree pursued, and gender in influencing Asian students' enrollment decisions.

Ethnicity and trends in pediatric specialty care clinic attendance at an academic medical center in the rural southeastern US.

Following the 2016 US Presidential election, immigration enforcement became more aggressive, with variation by state and region depending on local policies and sentiment. Increases in enforcement created an environment of risk for decreased use of health care services among especially among Latino families. of Hispanic ethnicity and/or from Latin American origin (as a group subsequently referred to as Latino). For Latino children with chronic health conditions, avoidance of routine health care can result in significant negative health consequences such as disease progression, avoidable use of acute health care services, and overall increased costs of care. To investigate for changes in visit attendance during the periods before and since increased immigration enforcement, we extracted data on children followed by subspecialty clinics of one healthcare system in the US state of North Carolina during 2015-2019. For each patient, we calculated the proportion of cancelled visits and no-show visits out of all scheduled visits during the 2016-2019 follow-up period. We compared patient characteristics (at the 2015 baseline) according to whether they cancelled or did not show to any visits in subsequent years by clinic and patient factors, including ethnicity. Data were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression of attendance at each visit, including an interaction between visit year and patient ethnicity. Among 852 children 1 to 17 years of age (111 of Latino ethnicity), visit no-show was more common among Latino patients, compared to non-Latino White patients; while visit cancellation was more common among non-Latino White patients, compared to Latino patients. There was no significant interaction between ethnicity and trends in visit no-show or cancellation. Although differences in pediatric specialty clinic visit attendance by patient ethnicity were seen at study baseline, changing immigration policy and negative rhetoric did not appear to impact use of pediatric subspecialty care.

Radical Defence: The American Committee for Protection of Foreign Born and the Movement for Deportation Resistance and Immigrants’ Rights

Abstract The American Committee for Protection of Foreign Born was a Communist-affiliated legal advocacy organisation that operated from the 1930s through to the 1970s, that witnessed several periods of ideological and social change in immigration policy and politics. As a radical campaign group, it developed as an outgrowth of the twentieth-century American left, and created a distinct platform devoted explicitly to defending the rights of immigrants. Using the courts, popular protest, policy advocacy and other innovative campaign strategies, the group and its regional affiliates, along with allied leftist organisations, pioneered a framework of constitutional rights and legal protections for the immigrants who were persecuted and threatened with deportation due to their links to the labour left. During the early Cold War, their work defending foreign-born radicals against deportation gradually expanded to include other immigrant communities, and to broach broader issues of civil and human rights.

Can we imagine a world without walls?

This paper is a tale of two immigrants, an analyst and a patient, whose treatment was truncated because he left after ten sessions. The contrast between their different migration experiences and their sharing the same language provided the grounds for an intense therapeutic experience exacerbated by peace demonstrations and changes in immigration policies in the US. Mourning of the loss of the patient was an important piece in the transformation and understanding of the analyst’s own unresolved issues.

The immigration scholarship of Stephen Castles

The immigration scholarship of Stephen Castles

Skilled immigration, offshoring, and trade

We develop a dynamic general equilibrium model with skilled immigration, offshore labor hiring, and intermediate input trade to study the impact of skilled immigration policy changes in the US. Consistent with the data, the model accounts for a small subset of large firms that adjust offshore labor hiring in response to skilled immigration policy changes. Our calibrated model that matches the US economy shows that if we ignore the offshoring channel, we would overstate welfare gains to skilled domestic wage earners by approximately 20 percent following a 10 percent immigration cap reduction. The paper highlights the importance of considering the interactions between immigration, offshoring, and trade when studying the impacts of skilled immigration policy on domestic labor markets and trade.