Undocumented immigrants living in New Jersey or elsewhere in the United States face a number of challenges that citizens or permanent residents may not. For instance, they face a tangible risk of being taken into custody with little warning. They may also be subject to harassment or ridicule from others in the community, which may lead to mental health issues.
The past is hard to escape
Adults who immigrate to the United States may have witnessed atrocities perpetrated against them by their governments. It’s also possible that the journey to the United States was rife with emotional, physical, and financial abuse. Parents may be scared that they will be separated from a spouse or child who is a citizen or protected under the terms of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
The undocumented may not get help
Those who do not have legal status in the United States may be wary of seeking help for anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. This is partially because they may not have access to mental health services because of their status. It may also be because they come from countries where anxiety or depression is something that most people tend to deal with on their own. Finally, an inability to speak English may make it difficult for some immigrants to speak with mental health professionals even if they find one who will work with them.
If you are detained for being an undocumented immigrant, there is a chance that you may be allowed to stay in the United States. Based on the facts of your case, the government may decide to grant you asylum or some other form of legal status instead of deporting you back to your country of origin.
