Intended and unintended consequences of the employer sanction law on Latino families

Cecilia Ayón, Maria Gurrola, Lorraine Moya Salas, David Androff, Judy Krysik

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examined the consequences of the Legal Arizona Workers Act (LAWA) on the lives of Latino families. Twenty-six Mexican immigrants participated in focus groups. Data were analyzed using grounded theory methods including open and axial coding. The results reveal that LAWA has met its objectives, as many undocumented individuals are no longer able to obtain jobs. Several 'unintended consequences' point to the use of exploitive employer practices, racial profiling in the form of workplace raids, and intensified anti-immigrant sentiment and racism toward Latinos resulting in economic hardships, changes to family dynamics, living in a constant state of fear, and relocation. Implications for social work practice and policy are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)587-603
Number of pages17
JournalQualitative Social Work
Volume11
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2012

Keywords

  • Immigration
  • Latino family well-being
  • immigration policy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)

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