The Dream Act of 2017: A Scientific Perspective Milton A. Fuentes Professor of Psychology, Montclair State University 2012 President, National Latina/o Psychological Association
Intersectionality Giving simultaneous consideration to the interconnectedness of cultural dimensions, including identity, difference, and disadvantage (Cole, 2009). refers to the interaction between gender, race, and other categories of difference in individual lives, social practices, institutional arrangements, and cultural ideologies and the outcomes of these interactions in terms of power (Davis, 2008, p. 68).
Citizenship Status Race and Ethnicity Gender Class Age Sexual Orientation Ability
Acculturation The process that takes place as a result of contact with culturally dissimilar people, groups, or social influences (p. 227, Gibson, 2001, as cited in Schwartz et al., 2010) Models of Acculturation Unidimensional Model (Gibson, 1964) Bidimensional Model (Berry, 1980) Multidimensionality Model»(Schwartz, Unger, Zamboanga, and Szapocznik, 2010)
Models of Acculturation Unidimensional Model (Gibson, 1964) Bidimensional Model (Berry, 1980) suggests that immigrants have their own unique translocation and acculturative process, often questioning: Which aspects of their culture of origin/heritage they should maintain? Which aspects they should discard? And which aspects of the new host culture they should adopt and which aspects they should disregard?
Bidimensional Model The acculturative process is complicated, Berry (1980) suggests that individuals typically fall into one of the four following categories: Assimilation (Immigration Paradox) Separation Integration Marginalization
Biculturalism Integration or biculturalism is correlated with positive adjustment and favorable psychological outcomes Better adjustment Self esteem Lower depression Prosocial behaviors Cultural Role Switching
Multidimensionality Model Cultural Practices (language use, media preferences, social affiliations, customs and traditions Values (belief systems: collectivism vs. individualism) Identifications (attachment to cultural groups and the esteem drawn from them)
Mediators of the Acculturative Process Age of migration Children vs. adults Visible minority status Second generation migrants Skin Tone Ethnic Enclaves (Schwartz, Unger, Zamboanga, and Szapocznik, 2010) Citizenship status
Status Matters!
Research Gonzales, R. G., Terriquez, V., & Ruszczyk, S. P. (204). Becoming DACAmented: Assessing the Short Term Benefits of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). American Behavioral Scientist, 58(14), 1852 1872. n=2381; National UnDACAmented Research Project (NURP)
Key Findings many have taken steps toward becoming economically and socially integrated into U.S. institutions. DACA has expanded and improved recipients employment options. Over half (59%) of survey respondents obtained a new job, and a significant portion (45%) increased their job earnings.
Key Findings those lacking DACA may experience greater legal, educational, and social exclusion
Key Findings those with higher levels of education and access to greater family and community resources appear to have benefited the most
Research Siemons, R., Raymond Flesh, M., Auerswald, C., & Brindis, C. (2017). Coming of Age on the Margins: Mental Health and Wellbeing Among Latino Immigrant Young Adults Eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Journal Of Immigrant & Minority Health, 19(3), 543 551. n=61 DACA eligible Latinos (ages 18 31) in California; Nine focus groups
Mental Health: Key Facts Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders. Mental health is an integral part of health; indeed, there is no health without mental health. Mental health is determined by a range of socioeconomic, biological and environmental factors. Cost effective public health and intersectoral strategies and interventions exist to promote, protect and restore mental health Adopted from the World Health Organization http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs220/en/ Citizenship Status is a key strategy
Key Findings DACA status enabled their societal integration by providing them with increased access to resources, greater autonomy, and an improved sense of belonging. Access to a Social Security number, driver s license, and work permit allowed them to engage in normal travel and employment activities, which was beneficial for their MHWB
Key Findings increased societal integration has protective effects on MHWB by decreasing stress and encouraging greater autonomy
The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda Coalition of 45 of the nation s preeminent Latino advocacy organizations Including: National Latina/o Psychological Association Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities National Hispanic Medical Association
Overall Position Implement comprehensive and inclusive legislation that ensures a path to citizenship https://nationalhispanicleadership.org/nhla media/press releases/17 press/456 september 5 2017 latino leaders condemn actions to end daca and declareconsequences will follow
Call to Action The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members Mahatma Gandhi We have been afforded an opportunity; let s seize the moment and support the 2017 Dream Act.
Contact Information Email: fuentesm@montclair.edu Phone: 973 655 7967 Address: Psychology Department Montclair State University 1 Normal Avenue Montclair, NJ 07043