Dreams deferred: Contextualizing the health and psychosocial needs of undocumented Asian and Pacific Islander young adults in Northern California

While Latinos comprise the largest population of undocumented immigrants in the country, Asian and Pacific Islanders (API) are the fastest growing immigrant population in the U.S. and account for 1.5 million of the total 11.2 undocumented immigrants. The literature show that API immigrants, in general, are less likely to seek for mental health services. Moreover, there is little information on the psychosocial needs of undocumented APIs. Thus, this study uses the social capital theory to examine the psychosocial needs and health status of undocumented API young adults. A total of 32 participants, through focus group discussions, were recruited for this study. Mistrust within the community was prevalent as respondents discussed experiences of family members' failed petitions through the sponsorships of U.S. employers, who were often part of their ethnic community, as a result of labor exploitation, making the family undocumented in the process. Participants also shared enduring stress and trauma from the fear of being deported, having gone through removal proceedings themselves, or having family members deported which left some depressed and needing mental health services. In spite of these experiences, participants discussed using their social capital to feel empowerment and feel a sense of safety from friends, family members, and being involved with community based organizations addressing the rights of undocumented APIs. The authors highlighted that undocumented APIs need access to mental health services, primary care, and sexual and reproductive needs that are unaffordable and inaccessible for undocumented populations. (Immigrant Integration Lab, Boston College)

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