Being an undocumented child immigrant

Objective The current qualitative study assessed the immigration experiences of eight Latinos who immigrated to the United States when they were children and who spent their childhood undocumented. While researchers have highlighted the challenges undocumented youth face in healthcare, mental health, and educational contexts, this study addresses the need for additional research on the immigration process and adaptation experiences of undocumented child immigrants. Methods Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview protocol and the interviews were transcribed and analyzed for themes using two coding cycles. Results The following themes arose and are discussed in detail: the immigration process, recollections of the process, experiences in the U.S., liminality, and resiliency. Conclusion The findings describe that undocumented youth experience many hardships such as psychological distress, concerns with educational success, and cultural vacillation, however, they continue to persevere in the United States.