Mental Health, Coping, and Collective Care during the Pandemic: Experiences Among Undocumented Asian Immigrants in California

Background and Purpose: Asian and Pacific Islander (API) undocumented immigrants are a critically overlooked population in the immigrant health literature despite the growing and significant numbers. Currently, over 1.73 million undocumented immigrants are of API descent (AAPI Data, 2020; Millet, 2022). Distinct histories, experiences, and racialization in the US are associated with unique stressors among this population that have been underexplored. At a time of increased xenophobia, anti-immigrant sentiment, and increased anti-Asian racism and hate acts, more research is needed to elucidate the experiences of undocumented API communities. The present study investigates discrimination, mental health, coping, and systems of support among undocumented Asian immigrants during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Guided by theoretical perspectives that include the temporal intersectionality minority stress model, this study aimed to describe their experiences with mental health, coping, mental health help-seeking, and community support.

Methods. This study conducted a secondary analysis of qualitative data from the COVID-BRAVE Study, a statewide, internet-based investigation of health-related experiences among undocumented communities in California. Data were collected from June to August 2020. A purposive sample of 10 undocumented Asian and Pacific Islander (API) individuals was selected from a larger pool of survey participants (N=576) for in-depth interviews. Participants met eligibility criteria including age (18–31), undocumented status (including DACA recipients), and residence in California. Thematic analysis was used to examine the transcripts. Two trained coders independently analyzed 20% of the data to ensure reliability, then developed a codebook through consensus. The remaining transcripts were coded by the primary author, and codes were organized into themes and subthemes to capture key patterns related to mental health and coping.

Results. Three major themes were identified: (a) mental health, (b) coping mechanisms, and (c) support systems. Examining these experiences through an intersectionality lens helped to explain how the participants, with their multiple minoritized identities, derived strength from their collective communities to shape their experiences of solidarity. Engaging in mutual aid and collective care, even before the pandemic, was a deeply ingrained part of participants' communities and became a vital strategy for fostering positive mental health during the pandemic. As these informal networks of support became more visible (or tangible) and necessary, they provided a unique form of mental health care that was shaped by the participants’ collective strengths and mutual investment in each other’s well-being.

Discussion. By 2060, it is projected that the API population in the U.S. will reach 46 million. Within two generations, there will be more than twice as many APIs in the United States, with a significant number of them being undocumented immigrants. By shedding light on the coping strategies and collective care mechanisms utilized by this population, the research can inform policies and practices that can better support the mental health and well-being of undocumented immigrants, particularly in times of crisis. Understanding these experiences is essential for designing more inclusive mental health interventions and services that address the unique needs and strengths of undocumented API communities.