Mental Health and Undocumented Immigrants

Given the highly increased emphasis on immigration enforcement efforts and the resulting culture of fear that currently exists in the United States, it is no wonder that more immigrants are experiencing mental health issues, many of which go untreated. When combined with the uptick in immigration detention and deportation, already existing conditions such as poverty, discrimination, trauma, and lack of access to healthcare only exacerbate what is increasingly becoming a mental health crisis. Mental health still is stigmatized to some degree in America, and the fear of being discovered, detained, and deported may cause immigrants to forego mental health care altogether. Even worse, while access to mental health care is increasingly difficult for many Americans, it is not even an option for many undocumented immigrants suffering from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The demise of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has placed new stresses on a whole new generation of immigrants, most of which have only known American as their home. DACA allowed its participants, the so-called Dreamers, to avoid deportation, get state ID cards, work legitimately, and fly without fear of being deported. Now, as the Trump administration has phased out DACA over the next six months, deportation for the Dreamers is no longer “deferred.” Rather, the federal government has essentially reclassified the Dreamers to join the millions of other undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S. This has brought about increased mental health conditions for a group of immigrants who had an improved outlook on life, at least up until recently. Trump’s unprecedented crackdown on immigration enforcement not only tears apart families, but also adversely impacts the mental health of all parties involved. These mental health problems are only exacerbated when individuals are detained and facing deportation. In this situation, you need an experienced California immigration attorney who can assist them with this often complex process. At Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., we know how to stand up for the rights of those who are legally entitled to remain in the U.S. Call us today at (510) 756-4468 and schedule an appointment with one of our deportation defense lawyers, and learn how we can assist you