"A High Price Paid": Migration-Related Loss and Distress Among Undocumented Mexican Immigrants

This study aimed at identifying the prevalence of migration-related loss and its association with psychological distress among undocumented Mexican immigrants. Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) was used to collect and analyze data from clinical interviews with 248 undocumented Mexican immigrants residing near the California-Mexico border. All participants reported a history of migration-related loss with an average of 13 different types of losses experienced (SD = 4.59. range = 2 to 25). Significant differences in type of migration-related loss were observed across sociodemographic and immigration characteristics. After controlling for relevant covariates. loss of interdependence, specifically being treated differently by others for not having a visa, was the strongest predictor of clinically significant distress (OR = 4.97, 95% CI [2.18. 1134], p < .001). Given the current anti-immigrant climate that serves to further marginalize undocumented immigrants, it is necessary to increase advocacy efforts and develop new alternatives that facilitate access to context-sensitive mental health services aimed at diminishing distress associated with discrimination among these at-risk immigrants.