Family Relations
2019

Living with Uncertainty: Perceptions of Well-being Among Latinx Young Adults in Immigrant Family Systems (Article)

Daftary A.-M.H.*
  • a University of Nevada, Reno, United States

Abstract

Objective: To examine how the citizenship and immigrant statuses of Latinx young adults and their families affect their experience. Background: Scholarship suggests that U.S. policies negatively impact the financial, academic, relational, and emotional well-being of unauthorized immigrants and their entire family. Method: Eighteen Latinx young adults (18–29 years of age) living in immigrant families described their experience through a semi-structured interview process. Responses were analyzed using thematic analysis at the semantic level. Results: An overarching level of uncertainty in relation to immigration status negatively impacted participants' emotional well-being. These uncertainties were most related to changes in immigration status, the unpredictability of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, and the potential for the detention or deportation of unauthorized immigrant family members. Conclusion: Immigrant status is often accompanied by a level of unpredictability that negatively impacts emotional well-being. Implications: To minimize this uncertainty, immigration reform should include a pathway toward U.S. citizenship. Future research related to immigrant families should consider the immigration status of nuclear family members when exploring outcomes for well-being. © 2019 National Council on Family Relations

Author Keywords

Latinx qualitative research immigrant families

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85075452604&doi=10.1111%2ffare.12407&partnerID=40&md5=cccc7dbdc77edb814d94c204dba31038

DOI: 10.1111/fare.12407
ISSN: 01976664
Original Language: English