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Objective: The study aims to capture the emotional challenges faced by international students due to the changes in U.S. visa regulations during the COVID-19 outbreak. Participants: 165 international students from University of Florida participated in the study. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey using previously validated questionnaire tools (PHQ-9 and GAD-7). The collected data was quantitatively analyzed through different statistical approaches, including ANOVA, Independent Sample t-Test, and Binary Logistic Regression. Results: 18.8% of our study sample had a moderately severe to severe depressive status, and 20.6% of the study sample had severe anxiety. Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference in the depression and anxiety scores based on gender. Conclusions: Our findings addressed the importance of taking serious measures when emotionally impactful political issues arise to prevent the development of mental illnesses among international students at U.S. institutions of higher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of immigration policies on Latinx/é mixed-status families and their children is undeniable. Changes in immigration policy, focused on increased deportation enforcement, within the last three decades have led to an increased fear of deportation and unique circumstances mixed-status families must navigate. These circumstances, combined with fear of deportation, have had deleterious effects on the psychological well-being of the family, in general, and the children, in particular. This paper reviews the impact of immigration policies on Latinx/é mixed-status families, the unique circumstances of mixed-status families, and the mental health implications these have on the children specifically. Articles and books were selected from various sources that addressed Latinx/é mental health, mixed-status families, and immigration. After a review of the literature, these circumstances emerged: familial separation, citizen children second-class citizenry, developmental implications, psychological implications, and coping mechanisms and strategies of mixed-status families. Recommendations for mental health providers who work with children from mixed-status families are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]