Immigration and refugees

Statue of Liberty

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 the Encyclopedia of Psychology

Resources from APA

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Resolution on Immigration-Related Enforcement

Psychological and developmental impacts of immigration-related enforcement, detention, and forced deportation

School psychologists adapt to increased immigration enforcement

Professionals are helping students cope with fear and trauma
immigrant in custody

The psychological cost of U.S. immigration policy

Culturally responsive care needed to address trauma and chronic stress

young woman looking worried

How immigration policies are harming mental health

Restrictive policies heighten fear and stress in immigrant communities
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What APA is doing

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Advocacy

Immigration

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.
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Divisions

Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues

Division 9 seeks to bring theory and practice into focus on human problems of the group, the community, and nations, as well as the increasingly important problems that have no national boundaries
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APA books

Cover of APA Handbook of Adolescent and Young Adult Development

APA Handbook of Adolescent and Young Adult Development

$199.00
Contemporary Immigration

Contemporary Immigration

$64.99
Cover of Intraregional Migration in Latin America

Intraregional Migration in Latin America

$68.99
Cover of Refugee Mental Health

Refugee Mental Health

$59.99
Cover of Trauma and Racial Minority Immigrants

Trauma and Racial Minority Immigrants

$59.99

Magination Press children’s books

Something Happened to My Dad

Something Happened to My Dad

$16.99
Algo Le Pasó a Mi Papá

Algo Le Pasó a Mi Papá

$16.99

Journal special issues

Cover of Consequences of Immigration Policies on Children, Youth, and Families Who Experience Migration-Related Trauma

Consequences of Immigration Policies on Children, Youth, and Families Who Experience Migration-Related Trauma

$24.95
Cover of Collaborative and Participatory Research to Promote Engagement, Empowerment, and Resilience for Immigrant and Refugee Youth, Families, and Communities

Collaborative and Participatory Research to Promote Engagement, Empowerment, and Resilience for Immigrant and Refugee Youth, Families, and Communities

$24.95
Cover of Psychological Perspectives on Refugees and Immigrants (special issue of Translational Issues in Psychological Science, March 2019)

Psychological Perspectives on Refugees and Immigrants

$24.95
cover of New Directions in Developmental Science With Youth Experiencing Marginalization (special issue of American Psychologist, September 2018)

New Directions in Developmental Science With Youth Experiencing Marginalization

$24.95
cover of Refugee Integration (special issue of Peace and Conflict, August 2018)

Refugee Integration

$24.95