Antiracist activism for immigrant rights and healthy coping: Initial evidence for a community-based framework

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Psychology

Background:

• Racist and xenophobic policies historically exclude immigrants of color from civil rights, widening racial inequities in the US.
• The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated health disparities for immigrants of color due to intersecting systems of oppression.
• Activism is recognized as a vital tool for immigrants of color to manage systemic stressors and safeguard psychological well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and test the antiracist activism for immigrant rights (AAIR) framework.
• To clarify how activism in response to systemic stress promotes healthy coping among immigrants of color.
• To provide recommendations for behavioral health professionals supporting immigrant communities.

Main Methods:

• Developed the antiracist activism for immigrant rights (AAIR) framework using critical and liberatory theory, and research on empowerment and healing.
• Employed structural equation modeling to test the AAIR framework.
• Utilized a community sample of 204 immigrants of color in the US.

Main Results:

• The AAIR framework was supported, with antiracist immigration activism identified as a latent construct.
• Antiracist immigration activism manifested through engagement in racial justice, immigrant rights, and electoral activism.
• A significant link was found between antiracist immigration activism and healthy coping in response to immigration and health-related stress.

Conclusions:

• Antiracist immigration activism is a significant factor in promoting healthy coping mechanisms for immigrants of color facing systemic stressors.
• The AAIR framework offers a valuable model for understanding the psychological benefits of activism within immigrant communities.
• Behavioral health professionals should consider promoting antiracist immigration activism to enhance the well-being of immigrant populations.