Interview with an immigrant
The Immigration Experience:
Immigration Analysis
Ashley Stone
University of Connecticut School of Social Work
Migration has contributed to the richness in diversity of cultures, ethnicities and races in developed countries. However, individuals who migrate experience multiple stresses that can impact their mental well-being, including the loss of cultural norms, religious customs, and social support systems, adjustment to a new culture and changes in identity and concept of self. “Migration is defined as any permanent change in residence. It involves the ‘detachment from the organization of actives at one place and the movement of the total round of activities to another” (Drachman, Kwon-Ahn, Paulino, 1996, p. 627).Many influences can determine migration and why people migrate to where they do. One important theory that contributes to this idea of migration is the push-pull theory. The push-pull theory says that some people move because they are pushed out of their former location, whereas others move because they have been pulled, or attracted, to another location. “Push factors are generally negative, such as poor economic conditions, lack of opportunity, discrimination, political oppression, and war. Whereas pull factors are generally positive, such as better economic opportunity, political freedom, and favorable reception toward immigrants” (Potocky-Tripodi, 2002, p. 13).
In order to understand the resettlement and adaption of immigrants in a host country, it is critical to examine all aspects of an immigrant migration path. In light of this phenomenon is significant to understand this process through the lens of three stages of migration: premigration and departure, transit, and resettlement. Theses stages can serve as an ongoing frame of reference for evaluation and comparing their current experience in the host country. “The stage of migration framework provides a context for understating and helping immigrants families and
Immigration Analysis
Ashley Stone
University of Connecticut School of Social Work
Migration has contributed to the richness in diversity of cultures, ethnicities and races in developed countries. However, individuals who migrate experience multiple stresses that can impact their mental well-being, including the loss of cultural norms, religious customs, and social support systems, adjustment to a new culture and changes in identity and concept of self. “Migration is defined as any permanent change in residence. It involves the ‘detachment from the organization of actives at one place and the movement of the total round of activities to another” (Drachman, Kwon-Ahn, Paulino, 1996, p. 627).Many influences can determine migration and why people migrate to where they do. One important theory that contributes to this idea of migration is the push-pull theory. The push-pull theory says that some people move because they are pushed out of their former location, whereas others move because they have been pulled, or attracted, to another location. “Push factors are generally negative, such as poor economic conditions, lack of opportunity, discrimination, political oppression, and war. Whereas pull factors are generally positive, such as better economic opportunity, political freedom, and favorable reception toward immigrants” (Potocky-Tripodi, 2002, p. 13).
In order to understand the resettlement and adaption of immigrants in a host country, it is critical to examine all aspects of an immigrant migration path. In light of this phenomenon is significant to understand this process through the lens of three stages of migration: premigration and departure, transit, and resettlement. Theses stages can serve as an ongoing frame of reference for evaluation and comparing their current experience in the host country. “The stage of migration framework provides a context for understating and helping immigrants families and
References: Drachman, D. A. (1992). Stage of migration framework for serve to immigrant populations. Social Work 37 (1), 68 Drachman, D. (1995). Immigration Statues: Their influence on service provision, access and use. Social Work 40(2), 188-197. Drachman, D., &Kwon-Ahn,Y. H., & Paulino, A. (1996). Migration and resettlement experiences of dominican and korean families Drachman, D. & Ryan, S. A. (2001). Immigrants and Refugees. A Handbook of Social Work Practice with Vulnerable Populations Pine, B., A. & Drachman, D. (2005). Effective child welfare practice with immigrant and refugee children and their families Potocky-Tripodi, M. (2002). Best practices for social work with refugees and immigrants. Columbia University Press.