Immigrant Families in the US

Immigrant families in the United States Immigrants feel that their roles, beliefs, values, etc. are not as effective as the Unites States’, thus becoming stressful. “Therefore, in addition to the typical normative (e.g., family transitions) and nonnormitive (e.g., family natural disasters) stressors that families encounter, immigrant families experience unique stress and change relates to migration and acculturation” (Bush et al., 2010, p.287).

Immigrants feel that they have to change their ways and it not only becomes stressful to the family members but also to the whole family system. The best way that immigrants have adapted is with integration. By combining their old ways with the new ways of the United States culture, they find comfort. Another common stressor is language barriers. “The inability to read signs, posted warnings, food labels, job applications, and materials related to children’s schooling is a frustration experience for many immigrants and can lead to increased pressure to learn English” (Bush et al., 2010, p.289).

For adults who don’t have English classes to attend or the transportation to get to one, don’t get the social support they need in the United States. A lot of women, especially in Asian cultures, are not prepared for social skills outside of the family. On the up side stressors from the family system can be very positive and increase adaption. “Religion, spirituality, ethnic communities, and enclaves, shared cultural values, and informal and formal social support can serve as resources that aid immigrant families in adaption” (Bush at el., 2010, p.305).

“The ability to meet debt obligations, credit card use, and frequency of late payments made by credit users are all important factors in assessing subjective economic stress. Financial satisfaction appears to be directly related to credit practices and attitudes” (Bartholomae et al., 2010, p.193). Couples balance their financial differences by coping to deal with these matters. Social support and financial resources help to do so. Couples are also better equipped to deal with economic stress when they have a high self esteem and control over their finances. However some family members lose their job, get divorces, sick, or in debt so bad that bankruptcy takes place. This becomes severe economic stress.

I agree 100% that same sex marriages should be able to have legally bound assets, especially if they have children together. “Widespread legal recognition of LGB-parent families will help foster acceptance of these families, ensure the protection of these via the provision of standard rights and benefits and promote the stability and security of LGB-parent families and their children, thereby contributing to their health and well being” (Goldberg, 2010, p.279).Not granting legal recognition also questions a couples ability to commit and their stability.

When immigrants live in an ethnic enclave they find it easier to cope with their surroundings and face less prejudice and discrimination. Women also find it easier to work because most can bring their child to work because most can bring their child to work with them. Although there are a lot of benefits within enclaves I don’t necessarily believe it will completely help a family with their problems. What if their child/children leave the enclave someday? Will they be prepared for the outside world? And what if the enclave was destroyed? I feel that they would have an easier time in the long run if they gradually introduced themselves to the outside world. When children become interpreters for serious matters such as applying for social service benefits, it is stressful for them.

“In such a situation, children are likely to feel the stress of adult responsibilities, whereas their parents may feel the stress of role reversal that comes from relying on children for their survival and well being” (Bush et al., 2010, p.290).When children take on these tasks they are not allowed to mature normally and they can become more dependent than their parents. Children can also misinterpret language. For example, saying “she fell off a latter” when really meaning “she fell down the stairs”. Immigrant families adjust to their new home better when living in familiar surroundings. The communities can also give social support by making it easy to meet friends with similar experiences and backgrounds.