Examination of depression related to the legalization process among new U.S. immigrants

Background: Studies have described risk factors for major depression in U.S. immigrants. Fewer studies have examined the association between mental health and immigrants’ experience of the legalization process.

Methods: We used data from the New Immigrant Survey (NIS) baseline questionnaire, which was administered to a random sample of adults receiving legal permanent residency in the U.S. between May and November 2003 (n=8,573). Logistic regression was performed to assess possible risk factors for any report of depression related to the legalization process (visa depression) symptoms and visa depression lasting more than 2 weeks. Covariates examined included persecution outside of the U.S. due to race, gender, or religion (premigration harm), adjustment from illegal status, and region of origin.

Results: Some 17.3% of NIS participants reported visa depression and 7.0% reported visa depression lasting more than 2 weeks. In preliminary results of univariate analysis, we found that those with major depression had statistically significant higher odds of visa depression (odds ratio [OR], 3.21; 95% CI [confidence interval] 2.43-4.25, p<0.001). In preliminary results of multivariate analysis, premigration harm was a significant predictor of visa depression (OR, 1.45; 95% CI 1.12-1.89, p=0.006) and visa depression lasting more than 2 weeks (OR, 1.63; 95% CI 1.11-2.42, p=0.014). Females and visa adjustees who initially had illegal status had significantly higher odds of visa depression.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that premigration harm and adjusting from illegal status are risk factors for visa depression. Future research should examine how changes to immigration policies and processes impact immigrants’ mental health.