Protective Factors to the Wellbeing of Undocumented Latinx Immigrants in the United States: A Socio-Ecological Approach

Abstract

Undocumented immigrants often experience multiple chronic stressors that over time can increase health risk. This qualitative study used data from 7 focus groups and 15 key informant interviews to identify relevant protective factors to the heath of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. Findings showed that at the individual level, undocumented immigrants rely primarily on motivation to cope with adversity, while also relying on family support and community cohesion at the interpersonal level. At the policy level, safe neighborhoods and non-stigmatizing environments, protection from abuse/exploitation, and activism were identified as protective factors. English proficiency was also identified as important.

Keywords:

• Undocumented
• immigrant
• health
• wellbeing
• resilience
• adversity
• Latinx
• resources