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Illuminating The Shadows: Sociopolitical And Counseling Needs Of Undocumented Mexican Immigrants, Carlos Hipolito-Delgado, Jolee Mann

Carlos P. Hipolito-Delgado

Although undocumented Mexican immigrants live in the shadows of U.S. society, they represent a growing demographic with unique sociopolitical and counseling needs. Due to limited educational achievement, limited economic opportunity, discrimination, and exclusionary policies, undocumented Mexican immigrants live a marginalized existence. Additionally, acculturative stress, changing gender roles, and fear of deportation negatively impact the psychological well-being of undocumented Mexican immigrants. Fortunately, community outreach, rapport building strategies, psycho-educational groups, and brief solution therapy have demonstrated success when working with this community. This article aims to inform counselors and psychologists about the sociopolitical conditions faced by undocumented Mexican immigrants, to explore the …