Stratified reproduction and threats to reproductive justice for immigrants: Decision-making for fertility using an ecological model

In recent years, immigrants in the U.S. have experienced shifting immigration policies, creating an environment of uncertainty. These policies often exacerbate social and economic vulnerabilities among the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US. Stratified reproduction occurs when society or institutions deem certain individuals “undeserving” of reproduction. Undocumented immigrants in the U.S. experience a number of threats to their reproductive health. Yet, there is little empirical data on how immigration status may influence their decision-making to have children or not have children. This study explores the complex factors that influence fertility decisions among undocumented individuals in the U.S. Drawing on 30 life history interviews with 14 Asian and 16 Latinx undocumented immigrants conducted between February and July 2022, results highlight how societal, institutional, interpersonal, and internalized factors shape reproductive choices. Societal influences include the impact of their status on financial resources, immigration enforcement, fear of family separation, and experiences of racism and discrimination. Institutional factors include high costs for healthcare. Interpersonal factors such as pressures of gender and cultural norms within families further complicate these decisions. Additionally, many undocumented individuals described internalized struggles, including feelings of an "unfinished childhood". However, the study also reveals how these challenges can lead to resilience, with some participants expressing a desire to become parents as a source of hope. This research provides important insights into how undocumented status impacts reproductive decisions and highlights the need to address the unique challenges faced by undocumented immigrants.