As many as 100 million people in the world today have migrated to other countries as a result of war, poverty, or just the dream of a better life.
As the number of immigrants has increased, so has controversy about immigration policies.
The debate often centers on economic issues, overlooking the psychological concerns of those adjusting to a new culture. Feelings of loss, culture shock, separation from family, and language difficulties can all contribute to distress.
Adapted from Encyclopedia of Psychology
News from APA
APA Urges ICE to Comply With Court Order to Release Immigrant Children From Family Detention Centers
Parents should also be released to prevent negative outcomes of separation, says APA president
APA Lauds Supreme Court DACA Ruling
Decision upholds values of supporting immigrant mental health, APA president says
APA Calls for Immediate Halt to Sharing Immigrant Youths’ Confidential Psychotherapy Notes with ICE
Weaponizing therapy sessions ‘appalling,’ says APA president
Statement of APA President on Supreme Court Ruling Allowing Implementation of ‘Public Charge’ Rule
Would unfairly penalize those who most need help
Health, mental health, and well-being of migrant children must be paramount
APA Statement on Expected Rule Eliminating 20-Day Limit on Detaining Immigrant Children
Decision is detrimental to children’s mental health, says APA
Resources from APA
How psychologists can help refugees
As Afghans reel from crisis, psychology can play a key role in helping refugees resettle
Spotlight: What helps immigrants deal with deportation proceedings?
Bailey and colleagues identify risk and protective markers for well-being in immigrants facing removal proceedings.
Spotlight: How do young adult immigrants engage civically? What role does social connection play?
This featured study examines potential keys to healthy civic development among a group of Somali immigrants living in the United States and Canada.
APA comments on the rights of migrant children
APA provided information to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants to inform his report on “ending immigration detention of children and seeking adequate reception and care for them.”
New APA policy supports immigrants and refugees
Council of Representatives calls on government to ensure immigrants and refugees can access health care, mental health services, and social services
Psychologists in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras help citizens cope with conditions that compel thousands to leave those countries
Advocacy
APA supports practical and humane immigration policies that consider the well-being of immigrants and refugees, and particularly families, including the provision of appropriate medical, mental health, and social services.
Continuing education
Explain Intraregional migration in Latin America from a psychological perspective.
Discuss the history, ethics, and current status of refugee mental health.
Identify unique sociopolitical factors that commonly implicate the health and wellbeing of undocumented Latinx populations.
Working with Immigrants and Refugees
Discuss the diverse circumstances immigrants and refugees face and list some of the common mental health concerns affecting these populations.
