Background: Undocumented immigration to the United States has grown dramatically over the past 25 years. This study explores undocumented status as a social determinant of occupational health by examining its perceived consequences on workplace safety of Latino immigrants. Methods: Guided by the Theory of Work Adjustment, qualitative analysis was conducted on transcripts from focus groups and individual interviews conducted with a convenience sample of Latino immigrant workers. Results: Participants reported that unauthorized status negatively impacted their safety at work and resulted in a degree of alienation that exceeded the specific proscriptions of the law. Participants overwhelming used a strategy of disengagement to cope with the challenges they face as undocumented immigrants. Conclusion: This study describes the complex web of consequences resulting from undocumented status and its impact on occupational health. This study presents a framework connecting the daily work experiences of immigrants, the coping strategy of disengagement, and efforts to minimize the impact of structural violence. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Occupational safety and health Latino health Undocumented status Social determinates of health Structural violence Immigrant workers theory of work adjustment coping strategies Disengagement

information processing building industry human middle aged construction industry Aged Adaptation, Psychological Hispanic Americans qualitative research Undocumented Immigrants United States Young Adult Humans migrant workplace classification Hispanic Adolescent male Emigrants and Immigrants undocumented immigrant female psychology safety adaptive behavior adult migration Emigration and Immigration occupational health Focus Groups Health Services Accessibility health care delivery