CHAPTER 21 COUNSELING IMMIGRANTS

Attitudes Toward Immigrants  Many groups have tried to prevent immigrants from entering the U.S. and have worked to curtail rights (e.g. voting)  In 2006, the Ohio legislature passed a law that attempts to exclude immigrant rights, but it was overturned  In 1994, California passed proposition 187 which denied undocumented immigrants a public school education, medical assistance and other services

Societal Conditions  Societal and governmental reactions to immigrants are influenced by social conditions  They become negative when economic conditions result in a loss of jobs or limited housing  Terrorist attacks have had a negative impact on people who appear “foreign”

Immigrant Reactions  Immigrants may fear being deported  Many may be reluctant to seek physical or mental healthcare  Counselors need to understand that immigrant clients may be mistrustful for fear of deportation

Immigrant Rights  Hospitals are required to provide emergency care to everyone regardless of documentation status  Free community clinics exist and will treat all immigrants  Immigrants can ask for interpreters

Barriers to Seeking Treatment  Communication due to language difficulties  Lack of knowledge of mainstream service delivery

Implications  Counselors need to be active and become advocates and spokespeople for immigrants  Offer services within communities  Have indigenous healers on staff  Stay current on local, state, and federal immigration laws  Use skilled and knowledgeable interpreters