2015/09/10 by Michael A. Flynn, Donald E. Eggerth, C. Jeffrey Jacobson · 2 citations
Psychology · Social Sciences · Health Professions · #Migration, Health and Trauma #Migration and Labor Dynamics #Employment and Welfare Studies
paper · doi:10.1002/ajim.22531
openalex publication_date 2015/09/10 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
BACKGROUND: Undocumented immigration to the United States has grown dramatically over the past 25 years. This study explores undocumented status as a social determinant of occupational health by examining its perceived consequences on workplace safety of Latino immigrants. METHODS: Guided by the Theory of Work Adjustment, qualitative analysis was conducted on transcripts from focus groups and individual interviews conducted with a convenience sample of Latino immigrant workers. RESULTS: Participants reported that unauthorized status negatively impacted their safety at work and resulted in a degree of alienation that exceeded the specific proscriptions of the law. Participants overwhelming used a strategy of disengagement to cope with the challenges they face as undocumented immigrants. CONCLUSION: This study describes the complex web of consequences resulting from undocumented status and its impact on occupational health. This study presents a framework connecting the daily work experiences of immigrants, the coping strategy of disengagement, and efforts to minimize the impact of structural violence.