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Policy-Related Stress and Mental Health among Immigrants in the United States

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  • Mary Lehman Held

    (University of Tennessee)

  • Michael T. Zuch

    (Rutgers University, School of Social Work)

  • Eliza Galvez

    (University of Tennessee)

Abstract

Immigrants contend with shifting immigration policies and rhetoric during each change in presidential administration. Uncertainty related to changing policies can correlate with immigrant stress, mental health and well-being. Yet, little is known about how immigrant well-being may vary under different presidential administrations. To help explore this relationship, we combined data from two cross-sectional studies, using the same study survey, with first- and second-generation immigrants. In the first study (n = 490), participants responded to questions, as they pertained to experiences under the Trump administration, while participants in the second study responded to experiences under the Biden administration (n = 306). The current study was designed to examine policy-related stress, discrimination, resilience, and mental health symptoms under the two most recent presidential administrations. Linear regression analyses were conducted with two mental health outcomes, depression and anxiety. Findings suggest that participant responses under the Trump administration correlated with higher stress, discrimination, and mental health symptoms, while resilience served as a protective factor. No interaction effects were found. Implications are presented specific to service provision and policymaking.

Suggested Citation

  • Mary Lehman Held & Michael T. Zuch & Eliza Galvez, 2025. "Policy-Related Stress and Mental Health among Immigrants in the United States," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 26(3), pages 1547-1566, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joimai:v:26:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s12134-025-01233-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s12134-025-01233-5
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