The American Psychological Association (APA) has adopted a resolution supporting a population health-based approach to working with immigrants. This approach aims to address the various contexts that influence health status, well-being, and functioning across an individual's lifespan, including cultural, economic, systemic, historical, environmental, relational, and occupational factors.

The measure was passed by APA’s governing Council of Representatives on August 7 by a vote of 156-6, with one abstention.

“Psychologists possess foundational knowledge about theories in psychological science that offer key insights into working with immigrants, including the socioecological model and its recognition of the pivotal function role of families and schools in child development,” the resolution states.

The resolution condemns policies that harm immigrants and their families, such as forced family separation. It calls for federal and state funding for research to better understand immigrants’ health needs, including research on topics like the evaluation of training and the effects of trauma. Additionally, it advocates for community-based initiatives aimed at improving immigrants’ health and wellness.

“The psychological well-being of immigrants is a critical aspect of their successful integration into society,” said APA President Cynthia de las Fuentes, PhD. “As psychologists, we have a responsibility to address the particular challenges faced by immigrants and provide culturally responsive support.”

In the same meeting, the council accepted a report by a presidential task force on immigration that emphasizes the importance of mental health support for immigrants and details how psychological science can address this issue.

The report titled “Psychological Science and Immigration Today” highlights several conclusions regarding immigration in the United States based on available science:

- Immigrants are vulnerable to but not inherently prone to physical and mental health concerns.

- Immigrants have developed resilience-building strategies that can inform healthcare in the U.S.

- Anti-immigrant policies are harmful to both immigrants and U.S. citizens.

- Programs that help immigrants navigate cultural and sociopolitical contexts in the U.S. support their health and contributions.

- Immigration is more unifying than commonly believed.

One key finding is the resilience of undocumented Latinx immigrants facing adversity. The report cites studies showing how these individuals build resilience and overcome distress while highlighting their unique mental health needs.

It also discusses social determinants of mental health. For instance, discrimination predicts distress beyond trauma among undocumented Mexican immigrants. This underscores the necessity for mental health services addressing specific traumas faced by immigrants.

“As mental health professionals and behavioral scientists, we have much to contribute to fostering better integration of immigrants into American life,” said de las Fuentes. “We also have much to learn about offering assessment, education, and mental health services to people whose cultures, languages, and lifestyles differ from our own.”

The report calls on psychologists, mental health professionals, policymakers, and the public to recognize and address immigrant mental health needs using insights from psychological science. Task force members hope this will motivate research, clinical practice, education, and advocacy responsive to new immigration landscapes by leveraging strengths from both immigrant communities and psychology as a profession.