From Fear to Fortitude: Family Separation Preparedness Among Mixed Status Immigrant Families in the US

Background and Purpose. Mixed-status families in the US live under the looming threat of deportation, which places them at a heightened risk of forced separation. Nearly one in five US citizen children has at least one undocumented parent, and more than 231,000 parents of citizen children were deported between 2013 and 2018. When deportation occurs, families face impossible decisions: whether to bring their children to countries they have never known or to leave them behind in the care of others. These scenarios often result in emotional trauma, disrupted education and healthcare, and, in some cases, family dissolution. While existing literature has emphasized the harms of immigration enforcement, including its effects on child development, mental health, and service access, less is known about how families prepare for the possibility of separation. This study explores the strategies undocumented parents use to prepare their families for the potential family separation.

Methods. This study utilized a qualitative approach to examine the experiences of 27 undocumented Latine immigrant parents in Florida. Participants were recruited through a trusted community-based organization and met the criteria of having at least one US-citizen child under 18. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews in Spanish. Transcripts were translated, coded, and analyzed, following a multi-step process including open coding, theoretical coding, and theme generation. Constant comparison and negative case analysis were employed for analytical rigor, and collective sessions with community partners helped validate emerging themes.

Findings. Three central themes emerged from the interviews. First, the community served as a sanctuary, with parents turning to trusted local organizations for material support, emotional grounding, and guidance. These spaces became vital for navigating uncertainty and accessing resources. Second, resilience was rooted in relationships. Families relied on informal networks, spiritual beliefs, and cultural values to maintain emotional stability and create a sense of continuity for their children. Finally, preparedness was seen as protection. Parents engaged in proactive planning, such as arranging informal caregiving, organizing documents, and preparing children emotionally to reduce disruption and safeguard family unity in the event of separation.

Conclusions and Implications. Rather than passive recipients of policy consequences, parents demonstrate agency, care, and foresight in protecting their children. Their preparation reflects deep emotional labor and collective resilience grounded in community trust. Importantly, these efforts extend beyond formal legal tools to include emotional, relational, and practical strategies that foster continuity and well-being. For social work and immigration policy, this study highlights the importance of supporting community-based infrastructures that empower families to prepare, connect, and cope. Programs that validate cultural knowledge, spiritual resources, and social bonds can more effectively respond to the needs of families navigating life under threat of separation.