The Impact of Immigration Legislations on Latino Families: Implications for Social Work

Authors

  • Sylvia Romero Dominican University
  • Melissa Romero Williams Deerfield High School

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18060/3810

Keywords:

Immigration legislation, Latino children and families, immigrants

Abstract

Under the Obama administration, approximately 1.2 million undocumented immigrants have been deported, (around 400,000 in 2011), placing children (who are often American citizens) at risk of unnecessary mental anguish as well as financial hardship. With republican and democratic leadership tied up in ideological debates addressing the issue of comprehensive immigration reform, many states are left in a dire position and we as a nation end up with draconian anti-immigrant legislation that places more Latino immigrant families at risk. Enforcement-only initiatives leave children and families of immigrants in our country vulnerable. Comprehensive immigration reform is necessary. This article discusses the prevalence of such policy initiatives and their implications for social work education, practice, research, and policy.

Author Biographies

Sylvia Romero, Dominican University

Sylvia Romero, Ph.D., MSW, C-SSWS, is a School Social Worker at Community Consolidated School District #46, Grayslake, IL. She is also an Adjunct Professor at Dominican University, Graduate School of Social Work,and has also taught at Concordia University, College of Graduate and Innovative Programs.

Melissa Romero Williams, Deerfield High School

Melissa Romero Williams, MA, LPC, is a Counselor at Deerfield High School, Deerfield, IL. and has been a licensed counselor for three years. She was the Homeless Coordinator for Lake and McHenry Counties for five years.

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Published

2013-09-04

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 1 (2013): Special Issue: The Impact of Socio-Economic, Cultural, Political, and International Factors on Latinos/Latinas in the US

Section

Articles