Economic, Social, and Health Effects of Discrimination on Latino Immigrant Families
Numerous studies suggest that Latino immigrants encounter discrimination across the United States. With an increase in state- and local-level measures aimed at reducing illegal immigration in recent years, anti-immigrant sentiment has flared at times, exposing Latinos to discrimination regardless of their immigration status.
A new report from the Migration Policy Institute’s National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy, Economic, Social, and Health Effects of Discrimination on Latino Immigrant Families, focuses on the experiences of immigrants with origins in Mexico, Central America, and South America, and those of their children.
The cumulative effects of hostile interactions with social institutions and community members expose Latino children and families to emotional stress and increased social isolation, leading to limited financial opportunities.
Discrimination also affects the parenting practices of Latino immigrants, and immigrant families are often unprepared to approach discrimination or discuss it with one another. Parents may struggle to motivate and encourage their children to pursue goals and do well in school in a context of high levels of stress, psychological distress, and social isolation.
Evidence suggests that a strong and positive ethnic identity can buffer the effects of discrimination. The author, while calling for more research on the long-term consequences of chronic exposure to discrimination and families’ coping strategies, suggests that parental efforts to inculcate pride in Latino culture and language should be encouraged.
KJ