Date of Award

7-2010

Access Control

Open Access

Degree Name

Multidisciplinary Studies - Individualized Option, M.S.

Department

Multidisciplinary Studies

Advisor

Keith M. Henderson

First Reader

Keith M. Henderson

Second Reader

Angelo A. Conorozzo

Third Reader

Marian T. Deutschman

Abstract

The purpose of this research project was to gather information, inform and educate on the various forms and levels of emotional distress, psychological and social disruptions as a result of illegal immigration in the United States. Millions of people from different countries of Asia, Africa, South America and the Middle East have been living in the USA illegally. They are often referred to as illegal immigrants or undocumented immigrants. Previous literature on illegal immigration has mostly focused on the political and criminal aspects of the issue. That is to say, many illegal immigrants were considered criminals just because they broke the law by entering and remaining in the country illegally. The issue of immigration is a highly political one and only through intense political consultation by all sides of the political spectrum that a lasting solution can be had. In the meantime, however, those with the status as illegal immigrants experience stressful conditions which by extension affect their families, associates and advocates. Paradoxically, as controversial as that may be, it is only fair to point out that families, in some cases, can be the source of the stress that illegal immigrants experience, as this has shown.

It is a situation that requires the attention of politicians, employers and their human resource teams, the educational institutions, human and social services agencies.

This qualitative study focused essentially on the various implications of illegal Immigration in order to shed light on a situation affecting millions of individuals and their families.

Twenty-five participants who were illegal immigrants were selected and interviewed. Of the twenty five, three from the Washington DC/Maryland, New York and Atlanta areas, respectively, were interviewed as well, although by phone. Twenty-two were interviewed in Buffalo and related areas. Fifteen family members of illegal immigrants were also interviewed in Senegal and in Gambia using a purposive sampling method. The data collected were analyzed using grounded theory. What transpired from the interviews helped frame and understand the extent to which illegal immigration has affected many people emotionally and psychologically. The results of the interviews also provided a great deal of information about the many reasons that push people to abandon all they know, have and feel comfortable with to start a new life with all its challenges.

This research would help people be more understanding of illegal immigrants and treat them not as criminals, but as human beings with needs, desires and dreams. It would contribute greatly to the literature that has mostly focused on the political and criminal aspects of illegal immigration. In addition, it would contribute to the debate in trying to find a political solution, peace of mind for millions of illegal immigrants and their families. It would enhance positive and concrete change through political and advocacy debates. All the illegal immigrants interviewed had their dreams and wanted to fulfill those dreams. Although they were in constant fear of being apprehended and although many had had bad experiences, they were still hopeful that one day they would be able to obtain their legal papers which would open many doors for them and allow them to visit their families in their home countries. This research discovered disparities and similarities between the demographics of the participants interviewed and studied. Many of the disparities revealed how each group and each individual approached their specific immigration problems. However, those differences did not hide the fact that all the participants in the research had one common denominator: the desire to become legalized in the United States. Legalization for the illegal immigrants is the path to all other goals they have set for themselves and their families. It will also reduce significantly the many stressors, frustrations and disruptions they have experienced over the years.

Download

Share

COinS