• 230-01 - Barriers Preventing Latina Immigrants From Seeking Advocacy Services for Domestic Violence Victims: A Qualitative Analysis. Presented by: Angelica Reina, Brenda J. Lohman
• 230-02 - Feeding Children in Contested Species: Experiences of Latina Immigrants. Presented by: Kimberly Greder, Flor Romero de Slowing
• 230-03 - Two Sides of the Potomac: A Qualitative Exploration of Immigrant Families' Health Care Experiences in Virginia and Washington, DC. Presented by: Colleen K. Vesely, Marriam Ewaida, Katina Kearney
• 230-04 - Linguistic Representations of Immigrants in the DREAM Act and Implications for Family Impact Analysis. Presented by: Lisa Gring-Pemble, Duhita Mahatmya

Abstracts

The Well-being of Immigrant Families in the U.S.: The Role of Public Policy

Presented by: Colleen Vesely, Angelica Reina, Brenda Lohman, Kim Greder, Flor Romero de Slowing, Marriam Ewaida, Katina Kearney, Lisa Gring-Pemble, Duhita Mahatmya

Utilizing a variety of qualitative methods, this symposium investigates how specific local, state, and national policies impact immigrant families' well-being across the U.S. Findings reveal that immigrant women face multiple barriers in seeking assistance with domestic violence services and finding affordable and healthy food for their families. Results also describe immigrant families' divergent experiences with the U.S. health care system and linguistic representations of immigrant families in U.S. immigration reform bills. Collectively, the papers highlight how public policy at multiple levels can have far reaching effects, both direct and implicit, on the well-being of immigrant families.