ABSTRACT
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how undocumented Hispanic immigrants interpret and manage living in the United States. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 participants in New York City. Key findings include that they experience significant culture shock, exacerbated by their immigrant status, and paradoxically, they exhibit a resiliency emanating from their sense of purpose and meaning to their suffering. This study provides social service providers with an insight about the trauma and strengths prevalent among the undocumented and how this knowledge can be used to better serve this community.
Acknowledgment
We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the participants committed to sharing their voice to impact change. All translations provided by the first author.