The “Unseen” Effects of Immigration
Posted on January 22, 2025, by Loretto Community
By Iris Cano, Loretto Justice Fellow

Migration is often seen as a pathway to a better life, filled with hope for new opportunities. However, from what I have witnessed firsthand, it can come with profound psychological challenges. Through my work supporting detained immigrants, I have seen the emotional toll the immigration process takes on individuals and their families. The fear of deportation looms large, creating chronic stress that impacts not only the individual but their loved ones as well. Anxiety, depression and even post-traumatic stress disorder are alarmingly common among those I have worked with. These issues are not isolated to any one phase of migration, whether it’s the trauma of leaving their home country, the uncertainty of the immigration journey or the overwhelming barriers they face upon arrival. First-generation immigrants, especially women, often bear the brunt of acculturative stress, and undocumented individuals live in constant fear of being torn away from the lives they’ve worked so hard to build.
Systemic Barriers and Health Disparities
The systemic barriers immigrants face compound their mental health challenges and extend into their physical well-being. From my perspective, policies and structural inequities create additional obstacles for individuals who are already vulnerable. Many immigrants face housing insecurity because they lack the necessary documentation, credit history or income proof that landlords demand. I’ve heard heartbreaking stories of individuals avoiding medical care out of fear their immigration status could be questioned, a fear exacerbated by policies like Texas’ executive order allowing hospitals to inquire about a patient’s legal status. Research corroborates these lived experiences, showing that immigrants without legal status suffer from higher rates of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease due to limited access to care and heightened stress. These systemic barriers are not just statistics, they are realities I have seen up close, realities that make the path to stability and wellness seem impossibly steep for so many.
Resilience and Coping Mechanisms
Despite these immense challenges, I am continually inspired by the resilience I’ve witnessed among immigrants. Many find ways to cope, drawing strength from their communities and cultural practices. For instance, I have seen Latino women create strong support networks that provide emotional and practical assistance. Research confirms this, highlighting how shared experiences foster solidarity and hope. Spirituality is another significant coping mechanism, giving people a sense of purpose and optimism amid uncertainty. Additionally, research on Syrian refugees has shown the value of problem-solving and acceptance-based strategies in reducing stress, which resonates with the perseverance I’ve seen in so many immigrants. While systemic barriers persist, these coping mechanisms reveal the profound strength and resourcefulness within immigrant communities. Their resilience underscores the need for policies and practices that support rather than hinder their efforts to build a better life.
Through my work and research, I have come to understand the complexities of immigration on a deeper level. It’s not just about crossing borders, it’s about navigating a world of systemic inequities, grappling with mental health challenges and finding ways to keep hope alive despite it all.