Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Gregory Hickman

Abstract

Hispanic immigrants are understudied and underserved; this is a population that continues to battle injustices and discriminatory actions due to immigration policy. The Hispanic population struggles with immigration stress and deportation, which contributes to difficulties such as psychological distress, physical health problems, acculturative stress, employment difficulties, and decreased access to support and services. In this study, a generic qualitative design was utilized to explore immigration stress and the experiences of documented Hispanic immigrants dealing with survivor’s guilt as it relates to the deportation of their loved ones. Relational cultural theory as used in the study to explore the Hispanic population, their connections, and their disconnections due to deportation. The research question addressed how documented Hispanic immigrants describe the challenges of immigrant stress and their experiences dealing with survivor’s guilt as it relates to the deportation of their loved ones. A generic qualitative design was used to collect and analyze the data into themes. Inductive analysis was utilized to analyze repeating patterns, and thematic analysis with constant comparison was utilized to analyze and compare data as they were collected. Themes and categories that emerged included family connections, stress of immigration, stress of deportation, dealing with survivor’s guilt, death of loved ones, family support, and giving back. This study may change the delivery of culturally sensitive services within organizations. The study adds to the field from a diversity and inclusion perspective, promoting a positive social change.

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