Undocumented individuals face a diversity of challenges in their day-to-day lives, many of which cannot be controlled or changed by action alone. The intent of this blog is to bring attention to the internal, psychological conflicts undocumented immigrants place on themselves, either consciously or unconsciously, and to explore why some of these internal conflicts appear.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a theory of human motivation proposed by psychologist Abraham Maslow. This theory outlines what humans need to become their best selves. It will be used here to describe some of the lasting psychological difficulties undocumented individuals face and to understand them better. The hierarchy includes physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization needs, where the lower levels must be met before moving to the next.
Many undocumented people are forced to skip certain needs to survive and function in society. This can greatly affect their lives, since according to Maslow’s theory, the bottom needs must be met before moving onto the others. When someone is forced to skip them, they leave gaps that shouldn’t be there.
Safety
One of the needs most often left out is safety. Undocumented individuals often live in uncertainty, unsure of what tomorrow might bring. The current administration has only deepened this fear with constant threats of deportation, leaving families unsure of their future. This creates a heavy psychological burden for parents and children, affecting their jobs, education, relationships, and sense of self.
Even when these fears are justified, they can hold undocumented individuals back from doing things they are capable of doing. Within the community, there is often what’s known as “fearmongering,” defined as intentionally trying to make people afraid of something when it isn’t necessary or reasonable. While the fears undocumented individuals face are real, they are sometimes amplified to extreme levels. This can create invisible walls between them and the goals they want to achieve.
Self-Esteem
According to clinical psychologist Dawn Potter, PsyD, “esteem refers to our need to feel respected, capable, and appreciated.” In recent years, the discontentment in relation to immigrants has grown in the United States, often influenced by political and economic uncertainty. This sense of unwantedness creates a strong feeling of rejection and disrespect for people who are simply trying to live their lives.
In Maslow’s theory, self-esteem represents a person’s sense of purpose and how they “fit in” within their community. Undocumented individuals often struggle to find their place in society, feeling as though they do not belong. Although these feelings come from outside pressures, they can also be projected internally, even when there’s no real reason to. This builds insecurity and self-doubt that can limit growth. Undocumented individuals can achieve a lot when given proper chances, but avoiding opportunities out of fear or doubt can distance them from success and experience.
Academics
There are many factors that can affect the academic life of an undocumented student, such as cost, time, encouragement, lack of opportunities, and self-limitations. Imposter syndrome is something many undocumented students relate to and feel daily, whether at work, school, or around friends.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where someone persistently feels like a fraud, disbelieves in the legitimacy of their own success, and fears being exposed. Undocumented students often feel they don’t belong in academic spaces, sometimes because of ideas they hear from family or friends who believe the academic path isn’t meant for undocumented individuals, focusing only on work instead. This mindset can be discouraging and harmful for young people trying to reach their goals.
If given the chance, undocumented students should allow themselves the opportunity to pursue higher education. They belong there and can succeed, even with obstacles along the way.
Conclusion
Undocumented individuals can accomplish great things, even with the barriers they face every day. Fear and misinformation within the community can unintentionally hold people back, especially young individuals trying to build their lives. The most important thing is to stay informed and not take anyone’s word when they say you can’t do something, always do your own research first.
Students must achieve this by paying close attention to news outlets, and trying to stay aware of new laws passed by the current administration. Even if it is something as simple as following these news outlets on social media. If a student is unsure about something, they can also visit the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills, where they can find professionals and resources to guide them.
