Latinx Parents' Perceptions of How the Changing Immigration Climate Has Affected Their Adolescent Children

This study explored Latinx custodial parents' perceptions of the effects of U.S. immigration actions on their children and adolescents. Data from six focus groups comprised of custodial parents with diverse residency statuses (N = 50) were collected in Fall 2017, following announcements of the rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and other temporary protected status (TPS) programs for migrants from Central America. Analyses revealed four themes describing how Latinx parents of largely Central American origin perceived their children's experience of immigration enforcement actions and media portrayals: (a) Social marginalization and economic/upward mobility exclusion; (b) Persistent fear and uncertainty; (c) Vicarious trauma through witnessing; and (d) Resilience, advocacy, and political participation. Parents holding a more precarious status, such as undocumented or TPS, describe their adolescent children as being more adversely impacted by immigration changes than do parents who have greater security by virtue of being permanent residents or citizens. The results of this study suggest important implications for public policy and intervention programs to protect the health and well-being of Latinx adolescents and families. Public Significance Statement Latinx youth represent the fastest growing population under the age of 18 in the United States, and their well-being is at stake among rapidly changing immigration policies. Findings from this study suggest that Latinx adolescents are directly affected by restrictive changes in immigration policy through social and economic marginalization alongside persistent fear and uncertainty, as well as indirectly affected through witnessing the hardship brought to others in the Latinx community. Despite these difficulties, Latinx adolescents also demonstrate immense resilience and are fighting for political change, suggesting important implications for policy and practice.