African Immigrant Families in the United States: Surviving the Sociocultural Tide

Abstract

There exists a significant yet unique level and magnitude of problems that immigrants of African descent have to grapple with in their efforts to settle down into their new American lives. This fact makes the continuity of the natal culture very difficult. However, in spite of their many problems, African immigrants never lose touch with their African homes altogether. As it stands, many African immigrants see education as the key toward achieving their American dream. Thus, in raising their children and in surviving the cultural shocks, they still manage to succeed. In this article, the authors discuss how and why they survive the sociocultural tide and what counselors and service providers can do to help them.