The latest immigration law in Alabama has impacted the local immigrant communities. This article will explore the social and emotional costs of the current law on immigrants living in Alabama.
Individuals And Families
Just imagine, you are an immigrant and either a US citizen or undocumented. You are told that your immigration status will be checked at the DMV office, by a police officer, and school you attend. Some people in Alabama report feeling worried, anxious and fearful of being asked their immigration status. For some families the fear of being asked their immigration status is an isolating experience and individuals report not leaving their homes, and some are packing up their belonging and moving out of the state. In families where the parent is undocumented but the children are US citizens, this creates stress for the parents which has a knock on effect on the children. The children are feeling the parental stressors and children may also exhibit similar symptoms.
School
Schools tend to be the safest place for a child where they can access education, and grow socially and emotionally. Since the law went into effect some school districts in Alabama report students not turning up to school. Immigrant students and their families are feeling anxious, depressed, isolated and fearful of being asked their immigration status at the schools. As a result, some students are not turning up to schools for the fear of being deported. During these times students and their families need support and reassurance that they will be safe in schools, but also school staff members need assistance on how to work with students who are fearful of being deported.
Work
Immigrant workers whether documented or undocumented are leaving their jobs and even moving to different states. Legal workers are moving to another state because of the tension and not feeling wanted in Alabama. Migrant workers such as farmers are moving for the fear of being deported. Such upheaval can create distress within the families as individuals are forced to move away for the fear of being asked their immigration status.
In times of fear, stressors, depression and anxiety increases. During these times, immigrants, undocumented individuals and families may not access mental and social services. Understand My Mind hopes that communities in Alabama will work together to support each other both socially and emotionally.
Ulash
Ulash is the Founder of UMM. In addition, Ulash works with immigrant communities in the San Francisco Bay Area, writes and presents nationally and internationally on immigrant mental health needs.