Entering a new country as an immigrant is a dream that many hold in their hearts, but the reality of this dream can often be a harsh and difficult process. The legal procedures of obtaining a visa or citizenship can be a prolonged and unpredictable journey that takes its toll on the mental health of those who embark upon it. With over 130 different types of visas available in the United States, navigating the complex and ever-changing immigration system can be a daunting task.

The history of immigration policies in the United States has been marked by periods of openness and periods of restriction. The openness of the late 19th and early 20th centuries gave way to restrictive policies in the 1920s and 1930s. After World War II, the United States experienced another period of openness, with the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act leading to a significant increase in immigration from around the world. However, in recent decades, immigration policies have become increasingly restrictive, leading to a backlog of over 4 million pending cases in 2019, according to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The uncertainty of the immigration process can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression for those who are seeking to start a new life in a foreign land. This can be especially true for those who face a wait time of several months or even years for a decision on their visa application. Additionally, the cost of the immigration process can serve as a significant barrier, with fees associated with obtaining a visa or citizenship often being substantial.

However, the impact of the immigration process extends far beyond the individuals who are seeking visas or citizenship. The estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States face constant fear of deportation and separation from their families and communities, which can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Over the past two decades, the fear of deportation and the stress of the immigration process has led to a sharp increase in deportations, with over 5 million individuals being deported. Studies have shown that this fear and stress can have long-lasting impacts on mental health, with those facing deportation proceedings experiencing elevated levels of psychological distress and a higher likelihood of developing mental health problems.

The intersectionality of various factors, such as race and class, can also impact the mental health of immigrants. Immigrants from communities of color and those from low-income backgrounds may face additional stressors and barriers related to discrimination, prejudice, and unequal access to resources.

For example, Black immigrants in the United States may face discrimination and racism from both the larger society and from within their own communities, which can lead to additional stress and trauma. Similarly, low-income immigrants may face financial stress and insecurity, which can also impact their mental health and well-being.

The children of immigrants are not immune to the challenges posed by the immigration process. They often face unique challenges that impact their mental health and well-being, such as a lack of social and emotional support, exposure to family separation and trauma, and stress related to their parent’s immigration status.

According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), children of immigrants are at a higher risk of developing mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, particularly when faced with immigration-related stressors and uncertainties.

A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that children of undocumented immigrants experience higher levels of psychological distress and a greater likelihood of developing mental health problems compared to their peers, due to the constant fear of family separation and the negative impacts of immigration enforcement policies.

In response to these challenges, communities have undertaken initiatives and implemented policies that prioritize the mental health of immigrants. Mental health programs designed specifically for immigrant populations are being offered by community health centers and non-profit organizations, providing counseling, support groups, and other resources to help immigrants manage stress and other mental health concerns.

Cultural competency training for teachers and staff has been implemented in some schools to better support immigrant children and their families. Furthermore, some cities have implemented policies that limit collaboration between local law enforcement and immigration authorities, which promotes trust and reduces the fear of deportation among immigrant communities. These initiatives and policies show that there is a concerted effort to support the mental health of immigrants and that there are effective ways to do so.

It is imperative that policymakers prioritize the mental health impacts of immigration policies and procedures. This includes providing adequate support and resources for visa applicants, ensuring fair and efficient proceedings, reducing the fear of deportation among undocumented immigrants, and conducting additional research to better understand the long-term impacts of the immigration process on mental health.

By addressing these critical issues, we can create a more inclusive and just society that supports the mental well-being of all individuals seeking a new life in the United States. Through a combination of initiatives and policies, we can ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive and succeed.