The Impact of the Dual Pandemic of COVID-19 and Systemic/Structural Inequities on Latinx Adolescents and Families
Kristina Lovato, Professor
Social Welfare
Closed. This professor is continuing with Fall 2024 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Spring 2025.
U.S. immigration policies have become increasingly restrictive, exacerbating fears among Latinx immigrant youth and families at risk of deportation and forced family separation. Legal activity related to immigration policy and practice increased during the pandemic and provided the Trump administration with a pretext for tightening already stringent immigration policies. The COVID-19 pandemic brought a new threat to millions of immigrants who were already fearful of seeking support and are excluded from federal COVID-19 relief. In the U.S., children of undocumented parents may live in fear that one or both of their parents may be arrested, incarcerated and/or detained. Family separation has profound effects on youth and families by increasing anxiety, stress, depression, and fear for those who live in communities often targeted by immigration raids. Latinx populations remain disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 as they are more likely to contract, become hospitalized and die from COVID-19. Economic, psychosocial, legal, housing, and health inequities have been magnified exposing increased vulnerabilities and subsequent risk of child welfare involvement for immigrant families.
To better understand and support the needs of Latinx immigrant youth and families, this qualitative study examined the impact of COVID-19 on Latinx immigrant adolescent well-being; a vulnerable and understudied population. This study incorporates the social determinants of health framework to understand how restrictive immigration enforcement coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted Latinx immigrant adolescent health and well-being from the perspective of social service providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Role: The research apprentice will immerse themselves in the literature on Latinx youth wellbeing, COVID-19, and social services. The apprentice will work with Dr. Lovato to develop a 3-6 page literature review that examines how Latinx adolescents and their families coped with pandemic related stressors and navigated challenges while also finding support during the pandemic to maintain wellbeing.
Qualifications: The research apprentice should possess strong writing skills and the ability to examine relevant literature. The apprentice should be detail oriented, responsible with deadlines and possess a strong academic record and enjoy working with a team. The apprentice should have an interest in examining literature on the topics of: immigrant adolescent youth, COVID-19, and social service needs
Weekly Hours: 3-5 Hours
Off Campus Research Site: Bi-weekly meetings will occur via Zoom or in-person as preferred.
Hours: 3-5 hrs
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Social Sciences