During the first term of President Donald Trump’s administration (2017–2021), U.S. immigration policies changed rapidly, creating significant challenges for immigrants and their communities. These changes increased psychological stress and health concerns for many migrants, especially as new restrictions were introduced. While immigrants were most directly impacted, their families and workplaces, particularly those with mixed immigration statuses, also faced difficulties. For example, U.S. citizen children often experienced anxiety after witnessing the harmful effects of these policies on their immigrant peers.
Researchers have highlighted key factors in immigrant communities that could improve their resilience in response to these challenges. Activism, especially in response to restrictive immigration laws, has emerged as an important coping strategy. Other methods, such as strengthening social ties, utilizing community resources, and maintaining long-term goals, have also been helpful.
This article is based on a discussion with Germán A. Cadenas, an associate professor of clinical psychology at Rutgers University, who spoke with members of the Baker Institute Migration Initiative on December 4, 2024, about the impact of U.S. immigration policies on immigrant health and the role of activism in promoting well-being.
Key Themes in the Discussion
Four main themes were explored during the conversation:
- Changes in federal and state immigration policies
- Impact of these policies on immigrant health
- Activism as a resilience strategy
- Community and policy responses
Federal and State Immigration Policy Changes
Before 2017, there were already federal policy changes that limited immigrants’ access to social support. From 2017 to 2021, more than 470 federal policies affected immigrants, according to the Migration Policy Institute. These policies included increased raids, faster deportations through immigration courts, and stricter interpretations of the “public charge” rule, which could deny noncitizens entry to the U.S. or visas if they relied on public assistance.
These changes have had widespread consequences, fostering negative perceptions of immigrants, increasing deportations, and discouraging migration. Policies such as sanctuary city bans, travel bans, and the elimination of programs that informed immigrants of their rights while in detention further contributed to this climate.
Cadenas explained that recent research used the Immigration Policy Climate Index (IPC) to assess how state policies shape the environment for immigrants. The IPC measures policies affecting key areas of social health, including access to public health, education, employment, and identification documents. The U.S. has a mean IPC rating of -2.5, reflecting a predominance of exclusionary policies that create difficult conditions for many immigrants.
Impact on Immigrant Health and Well-Being
The challenges posed by these policies have been compounded by other social crises. Immigrants with uncertain legal statuses, for example, were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Structural barriers, such as exclusion from remote work opportunities, limited access to healthcare, and crowded living conditions, contributed to higher rates of illness, as well as increased anxiety and depression. Conversely, U.S. citizens generally benefited from legal protections like access to healthcare and workplace safeguards, which helped them maintain better health.
Additionally, living with uncertain immigration status is linked to poorer mental health, lower inclusivity, and reduced educational success. Research has shown that immigrants without permanent residency experience higher levels of psychological distress compared to those with more secure status. These effects extend beyond immigrants themselves, as many Latino communities, regardless of legal status, also report stress related to immigration.
Despite these challenges, immigrants often display strong resilience, drawing on well-developed coping strategies to manage difficult circumstances.
Activism as a Resilience Strategy
Cadenas emphasized that activism can help immigrants cope with stress and improve their well-being. Immigrant-led campaigns, aimed at reducing harm and creating safer environments, provide crucial social support, alleviate psychological stress, and strengthen individuals’ sense of agency.
Alongside other researchers, Cadenas developed the Anti-Racism Activism for Immigrant Rights (AAIR) framework, which outlines three primary forms of activism: racial justice, immigrant rights, and electoral engagement. He noted that heightened stress often drives communities to engage in activism, which is associated with healthier coping strategies like active coping, positive reframing, and strategic planning.
Furthermore, activism fosters a sense of critical consciousness—awareness of systemic oppression—which is linked to improved psychological health, reducing anxiety and depression.
Community and Policy Responses
Collective action in response to social challenges can improve mental health, empowering communities to promote their own well-being. While exclusionary immigration policies pose serious risks to both physical and mental health, community engagement and advocacy provide a pathway to resilience and recovery.
Efforts at the community level, such as sharing legal rights information, can provide valuable social support. Encouraging dialogue across diverse groups helps promote understanding and cooperation.
At the policy level, the American Psychological Association has urged professionals, policymakers, and educators to work toward better access to healthcare and supportive services for immigrants.
By combining individual efforts, community-driven initiatives, and professional advocacy, these strategies can improve conditions for immigrants and enhance the overall health of U.S. communities.
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