228798 Perceived Discrimination and Fear of Deportation among Latino Immigrants in the U.S

Monday, November 8, 2010

David Becerra, PhD , School of Social Work, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Maria Gurrola, PhD , Department of Social Work, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
Jason Castillo, PhD , College of Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
  
Using data from the Pew Hispanic Center of 1,312 Latino immigrants in the U.S. surveyed in 2007, this study examined the relationship between perceived discrimination and fear of deportation. Previous studies have found that higher levels of perceived discrimination have negative impacts on health such as increased stress, especially when combined with fear of deportation due to immigration status (Finch & Vega, 2003). Unlike previous studies, however, this study utilized a national representative sample.

Utilizing OLS linear regressions, the results of this study indicated that Latino immigrants who had higher levels of perceived discrimination, also had higher levels of fear of deportation for themselves or a loved one. Since previous studies have demonstrated the relationship between perceived discrimination, fear of deportation, and health, it is important for social workers to examine a nationally representative sample of Latino immigrants to determine what factors may impact their levels of stress and negatively impact their health.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1) Describe a method of measuring perceived discrimination among Latino immigrants in the U.S. 2) Evaluate the impact of perceived discrimination on fear of deportation among Latino immigrants in the U.S.

Keywords: Latino, Immigrants

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a professor in Social Work and have done previous research with Latino immigrants, perceived discrimination, and migration issues
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3279.0: Poster Session: Social Justice