Children and Youth Services Review
Volume 89, 2018, Pages 198-204

Being an undocumented child immigrant (Article)

Benuto L.T.* , Casas J.B. , Gonzalez F.R. , Newlands R.T.
  • a University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, United States
  • b University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, United States
  • c University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, United States
  • d University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, United States

Abstract

Objective: The current qualitative study assessed the immigration experiences of eight Latinos who immigrated to the United States when they were children and who spent their childhood undocumented. While researchers have highlighted the challenges undocumented youth face in healthcare, mental health, and educational contexts, this study addresses the need for additional research on the immigration process and adaptation experiences of undocumented child immigrants. Methods: Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview protocol and the interviews were transcribed and analyzed for themes using two coding cycles. Results: The following themes arose and are discussed in detail: the immigration process, recollections of the process, experiences in the U.S., liminality, and resiliency. Conclusion: The findings describe that undocumented youth experience many hardships such as psychological distress, concerns with educational success, and cultural vacillation, however, they continue to persevere in the United States. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd

Author Keywords

undocumented immigrant Immigration Child immigrant Resiliency

Index Keywords

semi structured interview human mental stress juvenile scientist Article academic success genetic transcription mental health immigration undocumented immigrant United States Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85046136039&doi=10.1016%2fj.childyouth.2018.04.036&partnerID=40&md5=c936f9375bccf699fbe8ce56f478755a
DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.04.036
ISSN: 01907409
Original Language: English