State-Level Immigration Policy Context and Health: How Are Latinx Immigrant Parents Faring?

Abstract

Abstract This study examined associations between perceived immigration policy effects and stress among Latinx immigrant parents living in Maricopa County, Arizona, which implemented a series of restrictive immigration policies. Three hundred Latinx immigrant parents participated in the study. A hierarchical regression model was used to examine the relationship between perceived immigration policy effects (that is, subscales include Discrimination, Social Exclusion, Threat to Family, and Children’s Vulnerability) on parents’ stress levels while controlling for demographics. The model also included protective factors (that is, familismo, social support, self-efficacy) and immigrant-specific indicators of health (that is, length of time in the United States and deportation of a family member). Findings revealed that threat to family and children’s vulnerability were associated with heightened stress levels among parents. There were no differences in stress levels by length of time in the United States or deportation of a family member, and protective factors were not associated with reduced stress levels. At a practice level, findings stress the need to work with families to address their fears of family separation and parents’ concerns for how the immigration policy context affects their children. At a policy level, advocacy is needed to secure access to care for immigrants and maintain families together.