Date of Award

5-2021

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Dr. Barragan Armando

Abstract

This research project focused on how undocumented immigrants experience their lives in the United States, taking in mind the multiple barriers that prevent them from integrating into the community. This research project surveyed the California State University of San Bernardino School of Social Work students who work or engage with undocumented immigrants. A positivism paradigm research design was used to obtain quantitative data of participant's knowledge of immigrants' past and present experiences while living in the United States. The study's goal was to bring mental health awareness to the well-being and emotional experiences during the resettlement and acculturation of undocumented immigrants. This study helps inform social workers about the challenges undocumented immigrants experience in the United States. As a result of this study, it was concluded that undocumented immigrants live in fear of deportation, losing their home, their families, and their earnings. According to results, deportation was a top concern for undocumented immigrants. Language barriers resulted in their top barrier, and limited job opportunities were the second most significant barrier for undocumented immigrants. Results also concluded that the principal reason for coming to the United States for undocumented immigrants was better employment opportunities and family reunification. This study's future implications promote further research to help bring awareness to the need for mental health social work within the immigration sector. With such great diversity in culture within the United States, there is a need to promoting educational programs and other interventions for assisting undocumented immigrants.

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