It’s a frightening time to be a brown-skinned immigrant living in the United States. There are reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with covered faces capturing people on the street, pulling them out of cars and disappearing even U.S. citizens who have the right to live here.
All of these unpleasant encounters with ICE agents have created deep fear and anxiety in immigrant families, especially those in families of mixed immigration status (natural born/naturalized/undocumented).
Unable to work, leave home
Many immigrants now report they are afraid to leave the protection of their homes. They fear being snatched off the street and “disappeared” to foreign countries or even the detention facility in the Florida Everglades known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”
As a result, the rates of anxiety and depression among those living in self-imposed isolation have skyrocketed in recent months.
Fear thwarts lawful behavior
This high level of near-constant anxiety has kept people from going to work or immigration court appearances and kept kids home from school.
The Urban Institute out of Washington, D.C., tracked the immigrants using a national survey. Those who had mixed-status family members reported having the highest rates of worry over their activities of daily life (ADLs).
Skin color alone raises attention
The problem is exacerbated because those immigrants with darker skin draw attention to themselves from ICE simply for existing in the United States. Nowhere is safe, they feel, as they have watched others who look similar to them get taken away and never reappear.
Simply taking a drive a risky activity
Adult immigrants aged 18 through 64 were the targeted group that was studied. The most anxiety-producing activity was described as interacting with the police. This was reported in 45% of adults studied who had children and a family of mixed immigration status.
The second most stressful activity was driving anywhere, something that must be undertaken by most immigrants to get to their place of employment.
Worry is nonproductive, yet be aware
If you are concerned about your own or another family member’s immigration status, it is always wise to work closely with your legal team to avoid negative surprises.