South Middlesex Times

Renowned expert in immigration and mental health, Germán A. Cadenas, recently shared insights on the mental health challenges faced by immigrants in the United States. Cadenas, a member of the American Psychological Association Presidential Task Force on Immigration and Health, emphasized the importance of understanding the stress and trauma experienced by immigrants on their journey to seek safety and a better life.

Speaking about the impact of societal attitudes on immigrants, Cadenas highlighted that "the rise of xenophobia and racism is the biggest challenge impacting the mental health of immigrants." He emphasized the need to counteract anti-immigrant attitudes by sharing real-life immigrant stories and factual information.

Cadenas also discussed the significance of initiatives like the humanitarian parole program for certain Latin American countries, stating that they "allow for some immigrants to come to the U.S. when petitioned by a family member who would sponsor them." These programs provide opportunities for immigrants from countries experiencing humanitarian crises to reunite with their families and access stability in the U.S.

Moreover, Cadenas stressed the importance of advocating for more humane policies at both state and national levels to support the mental health and well-being of undocumented immigrants. He suggested that lawmakers need to hear from their constituents about the need for policies affirming the humanity of immigrants and providing access to social services that address health and mental health needs.

In conclusion, Cadenas recommended humanizing discussions around immigration, combating misinformation and stereotypes, and advocating for pathways to citizenship and protected statuses for undocumented immigrants. By implementing these long-term solutions, the mental health and overall well-being of immigrants in the U.S. can be significantly improved.