Content area
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore Latino immigrants' experiences with illegal entry and the process of gaining legal status in the United States. Fifteen Latino immigrants who had entered the country illegally and then gained legal status were interviewed. The general areas explored included their experiences with illegal entry and adjustment to life in the United States, the path to gaining legal status, and recommendations for new immigrants.
The results of the study indicated that the majority of these immigrants came to the United States to improve their economic status. Participants entered the country primarily with assistance from coyotes or family members or with false documents. Most did not report experiencing difficulties with entry to the country, discrimination, or obtaining employment although some noted language, employment and isolation challenges. The most common support system reported was family members already in the United States. Most had obtained legal status in less than 10 years. The 1986 Amnesty Program, nonprofit organizations, lawyers, employers, and marriage contributed to efforts to gain legal status. Implications for social work practice and future research are discussed.