The Trevor Project released a brief detailing suicide risk factors among queer Latinx individuals. A large reason as to why people are experiencing higher reports of suicide are the immigration policies of the United States. The anxiety surrounding the fear of a family member or themselves getting deported is very real.
Difficulty in attaining legal status in the U.S has only become increasingly harder. After 9/11, the public largely shifted their view on immigration. The 2016 election has also become a catalyst in the increased fear. With Trump’s anti-immigration policies targeting anyone and everyone, it is no surprise this is taking a toll on the Latinx community.
Compared to Latinx folks who did not worry about deportation, those who were in constant fear about themselves or a family member had doubled the risks of turning to suicide.
The survey consisted of over 40,00 people from the ages of 13 to 24. Around 10 percent of those self-identified as Latinx.
Other findings of the survey include that having a parent born in another country ups the odd for a suicidal attempt by 40 percent. Individuals who took the survey in Spanish have an 84 percent increased risk of suicide in the past year. Latinx folks who identified as transgender, nonbinary, are under 18, or have trouble meeting basic needs are twice as likely to attempt.
“Nearly half of Latinx, LGBTQ youth reported being worried about themselves or their family being detained or deported—and these immigration-related worries were associated with a significantly increased risk for attempting suicide. It is clear that immigration fears and policies are having a tangible impact on the mental health and well-being of Latinx LGBTQ youth. To that end, suicide prevention initiatives must be mindful of these unique experiences and needs,” said Dr. Amy Green, Director of Research for The Trevor Project.
“The Trevor Project recognizes the impact that multiple forms of minority stress, including immigration fears, xenophobia, and racially-based discrimination, can have on LGBTQ youth mental health and is committed to providing safe and empathetic support across our 24/7 crisis services”
Fears surrounding an identity one cannot help are extremely prevalent. This is not anything new. Marginalized communities have been hurting for generations.
