News & Media
2024 News
The Health Costs of Fear: Immigration Policy as a Barrier to Healthcare Access in Florida
Florida's SB 1718, which mandates hospitals to inquire about immigration status, not only criminalizes aspects of immigrant life but also severely hampers access to healthcare. This policy creates a pervasive climate of fear, causing a significant number of immigrants to reconsider seeking necessary medical services. This hesitation, as revealed in a study conducted by researchers from the Im/migrant Well-Being Research Center at the University of South Florida, highlights the broader public health risks and the strain on healthcare systems resulting from restricted healthcare access among immigrant populations.
November 13, 2024Publications & Products
New Report Reveals Wide-Reaching Impact of Florida's SB 1718 on Immigrant Communities and Beyond
A recent study from the Im/migrant Well-Being Research Center at the University of South Florida sheds light on the broad and significant effects of Florida’s Senate Bill 1718 (SB 1718) on immigrant well-being. Conducted between May and July 2024, this research surveyed 466 immigrants and U.S.-born adult children of immigrants to understand the social, economic, and psychological impacts of the law. Findings indicate that SB 1718 has exacerbated issues such as job insecurity, financial strain, and barriers to healthcare access, while also intensifying psychological distress across immigrant communities. Importantly, the report highlights the spillover effects—effects that go beyond the intended targets of the law—felt by U.S. citizen adult children of immigrants, who report increased anxiety and uncertainty.
November 12, 2024Research
Op-Ed: For Puerto Ricans, Presidential Insults Open Wounds of Colonialism
Dr. Elizabeth Aranda reflects on the incident at a Trump campaign rally where Puerto Rico was derogatorily described, exacerbating historical wounds of colonialism. The op-ed revisits Trump's disparaging comments and actions towards Puerto Rico, particularly during the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Dr. Aranda discusses findings from a survey conducted on Puerto Ricans in the U.S., highlighting their perspectives on U.S. fiscal policies and the colonial status that restricts Puerto Rico's financial autonomy. The piece calls for a critical reassessment of U.S. policies towards Puerto Rico and advocates for meaningful policy changes in future administrations.
November 4, 2024Publications & Products
Report: An Immigrant Well-Being Analysis of the Presidential Candidates Immigration Policies
Where do the Presidential candidates stand on immigration policy? Immigration has been in the spotlight during the 2024 election season, with voters consistently ranking it among the most pressing issues as they prepare to cast their ballots on November 5th, 2024. With early voting underway and Election Day fast approaching, the Im/migrant Well-Being Scholar Collaborative shares the following analysis to provide an assessment of the proposed immigration policies supported by each candidate and their parties and their potential impacts on im/migrant well-being. This report was written by Thomas J. Rachko, Jr. and Liz Ventura Molina.
November 4, 2024Publications & Products
Resilient Journeys: Navigating Cultural Shock and Identity in Florida
Last summer, doctoral student Viktoryia Sliaptsova from the Department of Sociology and Social Sciences, embarked on a pivotal study titled, “New ‘Americans’ in Florida: Culture Shock, Emotions, and Identity Dilemmas of Newcomer Immigrants and Refugees from Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine." Sponsored by the Im/migrant Well-Being Research Center, this research aims to uncover the intricate process of adaptation and identity negotiation faced by newly arrived immigrants and refugees as they begin their lives in Florida.
October 28, 2024Publications & Products
Im/migrant Lives Season 2 Episode 3: The 2024 Presidential Candidates’ Immigration Policies and Their Impact on Im/migrant Well-Being
Immigration has been a central issue in the 2024 presidential race, with candidates from both the Republican and Democratic parties proposing immigration policies that will inevitably affect im/migrant well-being. In this episode, we discuss some of the central pillars of both candidates’ proposed policies and based on past research, we analyze how these policies may impact im/migrant well-being.
October 22, 2024Podcast
For these North Carolina families, disaster aid may never come
Dr. Elizabeth Aranda was recently interviewed and quoted in The Washington Post discussing the challenges that immigrant families face in receiving disaster aid. In the article, Dr. Aranda highlights the barriers due to immigration status and language, emphasizing the need for more accessible aid processes. Her insights help shed light on the struggles of marginalized communities during crisis situations.
October 17, 2024Publications & Products
Florida Matters - Untangling the complicated issues of immigration
Dr. Elizabeth Aranda was featured on WUSF's NPR affiliate radio show "Florida Matters" to discuss the complexities of the immigration system in Florida and its wide-ranging impacts. The episode delved into the nuances of immigration law, community effects, and the experiences of diverse voices within the state. This insightful discussion aired amid heightened attention to immigration during the presidential election campaign and recent natural disasters impacting the region.
October 8, 2024Publications & Products
Im/migrant Lives Season 2 Episode 2: Immigrants and the Right to Legal Representation
In contrast to the criminal justice system, immigrants who come before a judge in civil immigration court are not guaranteed the right to legal representation should they be unable to afford it, yet in some cases they face consequences as severe as those applied in criminal cases. In this episode, we discuss whether immigrants facing detention and deportation should have access to the right to counsel by evaluating some of the research on the consequences of lacking legal representation and potential policy solutions.
September 18, 2024Podcast
Dr. Elizabeth Aranda receives 2024 Award for Public Sociology in International Migration
This award recognizes the work of an IM section member who addresses immigration and related issues in ways that apply scholarly knowledge directly in public work, generates such knowledge for public use, or otherwise contributes to improving the lives of migrants or refugees.
August 29, 2024Research
New laws intensify harsh reality for Florida's undocumented community
A slate of laws enacted this year continue the state's crackdown on illegal immigration. Advocates say the changes come as Florida's immigrant community is still reeling from last year's policies.
August 29, 2024Research
New laws intensify harsh reality for Florida's undocumented community
Article discusses the impact of a new slate of immigration laws signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, particularly on undocumented immigrants. Dr. Elizabeth Aranda highlights the findings of a forthcoming survey conducted by the IWRC, which reveal how these policies have exacerbated family separation and increased psychological distress within immigrant communities. The center’s research reveals the far-reaching consequences of these policies, as many families struggle with heightened emotional and economic pressures.
August 29, 2024Policy Analysis