Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Melissa Scotch

Abstract

All immigrants undergo acculturation. Acculturation in and of itself poses significant challenges for immigrants and even more challenges for undocumented immigrants as they attempt to navigate the immigration system to obtain legal immigration status. This study examined the experiences of former undocumented Jamaican immigrants who lived within the five boroughs of New York (Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island) during their period of being undocumented. This qualitative study used a virtual face-to-face interview method to inquire about the lived experiences of the 10 participants of the study. A tridimensional acculturation model was used as the conceptual framework to view and interpret the reported experiences of the participants. The participants of the study were 10 former undocumented Jamaican immigrants who resided within the New York City area and who had received their legal status within 10 years of the study. Data analysis was facilitated using the Dedoose Research Analysis application. The findings from this study indicated that undocumented Jamaican immigrants faced immense challenges related to adjustment, finding and maintaining employment, exploitation, as well as navigating the immigration system. The findings indicated that the participants displayed resilience in the face of adversity and endured the demands placed on them while striving to achieve their legal immigration status. The findings from this study can increase awareness of the experiences of this population and serve as a catalyst for positive social change for this group. The findings may aid mental health practitioners in becoming culturally sensitive to the experiences that impact the psychological well-being of the undocumented Jamaican immigrant community.

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