Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management

Background/Purpose: The state of California has enacted over twenty pro-integration immigration policies with the purpose of protecting and enhancing the quality of life of the immigrant community residing in the state. At the federal level, however, immigration policies have been restrictive as reflected in efforts to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the Temporary Protection Program, and increased enforcement activity in the interior and the border. The restrictive immigration policy climate and enforcement activity may be a barrier to integration and creates fear among immigrants, particularly mixed status households and undocumented individuals. Additionally, evidence suggests a link between restrictive policies and poor health outcomes among Latinx immigrants. This study addresses a gap in the literature as it examines immigrants’ perceptions of integration. Specifically, this study will examine (1) factors that promote integration, (2) the relationship between immigrants’ knowledge of CA policies and their perceptions of integration, and (3) the relationship between immigrants’ perceptions of integration and health.

Method: This is a cross-sectional study employing a convenience and snowball sampling strategy. The target sample size is 300 Latinx immigrants residing in California. This ongoing study will collect primary data through online and paper surveys. Measures: The study employs two new measures created by the research team and three existing measures. Building upon existing literature on integration, the first measure assesses immigrant integration through five indicators: 1)Language, measured by eight items, 2)Sense of Belonging, measured by sixteen items, 3)Access to Services and Resources, measured by ten items, 4)Financial Security, measured by eleven items, 5)Civic Engagement and Advocacy, measured by thirteen items. The integration measure uses a 5-point Likert-type scale (5 = Always, 1= Never), with higher scores representing higher levels of integration. The next measure assesses participants knowledge of CA state-level policies. It includes fifteen items with the options True/False/I don’t know. A higher score indicates greater knowledge and awareness of CA state-level policies. Three existing measures: The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) includes six items rated on a 5-point Likert-type scale. The K6 measures psychological distress over a period of four weeks prior to participation in the survey; a higher score is indicative of more psychological distress. Using a single-item question, participants are asked to self-rated their health. Using three subscales (discrimination, social exclusion, and threat to family) from the Perceived Immigration Policy Effects Scale (PIPES), measured on a 5-point Likert-type scale, we measure participants perceptions of the current political climate and anti-immigrant rhetoric. Proposed Analysis: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis will be used to assess the new measures. Regression analysis will be used to examine the research questions.

Implications: Results from this study could potentially inform and influence future pro-immigration policy efforts in the state of California and other states aiming to pass such policies. Additionally, this study could create further awareness, and inform efforts to educate communities about existing immigration policies in the state of California.