Parent-Child Conflict and Role Negotiation in Mixed-Status Families

Parent-Child Conflict and Role Negotiation in Latinx Mixed-Status Families

Background and Purpose

Mixed-status families, where members have different immigration statuses, represent a substantial share of the U.S. population. Approximately 23% of immigrant families include at least one undocumented member, often a parent (Passel & Krogstad, 2023). Parental undocumented status places the entire family at constant risk of family separation and impacts children’s emotional well-being, development, and sense of security (Enriquez, 2015; Gonzales, 2011). This pervasive fear reshapes parenting roles and parent-child relationships as families navigate uncertainty and questions of belonging. While research has examined family dynamics in mixed-status families, no systematic synthesis has explored how legal precarity influences parent-child conflict and role negotiation. This study fills this gap by synthesizing qualitative research to examine shifting power dynamics and intergenerational tensions within these families.

Methods

This study employed Qualitative Interpretive Meta-Synthesis (QIMS) (Aguirre & Bolton, 2014) to analyze qualitative research on parent-child conflict in mixed-status families. A systematic literature search across six databases identified 776 studies. Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria: (1) conducted in the U.S., (2) focusing on family dynamics in mixed-status families, (3) using qualitative or mixed-methods designs, and (4) published in English. Extracted themes and quotations were analyzed through iterative coding and team-based triangulation to ensure rigor.

Findings

Five major themes emerged from the synthesis, each reflecting different dimensions of conflict and role renegotiation. First, role reversals and shifting power were commonly reported, particularly when children assumed adult responsibilities such as translating or advocating for their parents. This dynamic often led to feelings of disempowerment among parents. Second, intergenerational and cultural conflicts were prevalent, as children adopted U.S. norms and values that clashed with their parents’ traditional expectations, particularly regarding autonomy, education, and social life. Third, emotional and parenting stress was heightened among undocumented parents, who experienced chronic fear and anxiety, sometimes leading to harsh or inconsistent parenting styles. Fourth, communication challenges arose due to differing language fluency and emotional withholding, with parents trying to protect their children from immigration-related stress while children demanded more transparency. Lastly, frustration and emotional burden were found on both sides: parents felt powerless due to their legal limitations, while children internalized the challenges of their family's situation, resulting in strained relationships and emotional distancing.

Conclusion and Implications

Findings show that immigration status causes conflict and power struggles within mixed-status families. The shifting roles and responsibilities weigh heavily on both parents and children, straining family stability. These conflicts should be addressed by interventions that recognize the relationship burdens tied to immigration enforcement. Social workers must implement culturally responsive approaches, meeting families where they are and using psychoeducational strategies with culturally appropriate language. Communication should be tailored to align with the family’s educational background, ensuring information is accessible and clear. This empowers parents while allowing children to experience childhood without undue burdens. Lastly, social workers must address language barriers by providing translation services or hiring staff proficient in families’ predominant languages.