Category

Research

The impact of immigration detention on children’s mental health: systematic review

By | Child Well-Being, Detention, Immigrant Families Research, Research, Research Highlight, Trauma

The impact of immigration detention on children’s mental health: systematic review

Isabella Priestley et al., The British Journal of Psychiatry (April 10, 2025)

This systematic review synthesized data on the detrimental impact of immigration detention on children’s mental health, including high rates of depression and PTSD, underscoring the need for alternative immigration policies that eliminate the detention of children and families.

Central American and Mexican Mothers and Youth Migration-Related Separations and Reunifications

By | Family Separation, Immigrant Families Research, Immigrant Youth, Research, Research Highlight, Trauma

Central American and Mexican Mothers and Youth Migration-Related Separations and Reunifications

Jodi Berger Cardoso, Arlene Bjugstad, et al., Journal of Loss and Trauma (April 5, 2025)

This study explores the challenges faced by Mexican and Central American mothers and youth reunifying in the U.S. after migration-related separations, highlighting the ongoing trauma, ambiguous loss, migratory grief, and attachment disruptions that impact their relationships, while also noting mothers’ efforts to repair these bonds.

What will deportations mean for the child welfare system?

By | Child Welfare System Research, Deportation, Detention, Family Separation, Foster Care, Immigration Enforcement, Research

What will deportations mean for the child welfare system?

Matthew Lisiecki, Kevin Velasco, and Tara Watson; Brookings Institution (April 22, 2025)

This article explores the implications of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts on the millions of U.S. citizen children living with undocumented family members, and the state and local child welfare systems that may serve them. 

Immigrant Families Express Worry as They Prepare for Policy Changes

By | Deportation, Immigrant Families Research, Immigration Enforcement, Research

Immigrant Families Express Worry as They Prepare for Policy Changes

Hamutal Bernstein, Dulce Gonzalez, & Diana Guelespe, Urban Institute (March 12, 2025)

This research brief provides insight into immigrant families’ experiences in the wake of the 2024 election, including worry about engaging in essential activities, deportation concerns, and taking protective steps to prepare for a potential changes to immigration status.

Implications of state policy context for the well-being of immigrant families with young children

By | Child Well-Being, Highlighted Resources, Immigrant Families Research, Research, Research Highlight, State Policies

Implications of state policy context for the well-being of immigrant families with young children

Kevin Ferreira van Leer, et al., American Journal of Community Psychology (January 15, 2025)

This mixed-methods study explored how state-level social policy exclusions for immigrants are associated with the well-being of immigrant parents and development of their children.

“But who takes care of the mom?”: The daily experiences of immigrant mothers navigating health in family life

By | Highlighted Resources, Immigrant Families Research, Parenting, Research, Research Highlight

“But who takes care of the mom?”: The daily experiences of immigrant mothers navigating health in family life

Stephanie Ettinger de Cuba et al., Social Science & Medicine (May 2025)

This qualitative study examines the experiences of US immigrant mothers navigating healthcare amid competing demands and a harmful sociopolitical climate.

Impacts of Immigration Policies on Families

By | Immigrant Families Research, Research, Research Highlight

Impacts of Immigration Policies on Families

Leisy J. Abrego & Lucia León, Annual Review of Sociology (January 23, 2025)

This review encourages scholars to broaden their research beyond the impacts of federal, state, and local laws on immigrant families to include experiences during the migration journey and at the border as these are also influenced by US immigration policies.

Duration in Immigration Detention and Health Harms

By | Detention, Immigrant Families Research, Research, Research Highlight

Duration in Immigration Detention and Health Harms

Altaf Saadi, Caitlin Patler, & Paola Langer; JAMA Network Open (January 24, 2025)

This study explores the association between duration of immigration detention and subsequent health outcomes, finding high prevalence of poor self-rated health, mental illness, and PTSD among recently detained US immigrants.

The 2016 United States Election and Financial Support to Migrant-Serving Legal-Aid Organizations

By | Research, Research Highlight

The 2016 United States Election and Financial Support to Migrant-Serving Legal-Aid Organizations

Juan Pedroza, Stephanie Potochnick, and Robert Santillano; International Migration Review (January 12, 2025)

This study explores how the 2016 election impacted immigrant-serving community-based organizations, finding that migrant-legal CBOs mobilized against the anti-immigrant environment to secure and maintain funding.

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