Latino Immigrant Families' Social Support Networks: Strengths And Limitations During A Time Of Stringent Immigration Legislation And Economic Insecurity

Focus group data (N = 52) was used to examine the sources of support available to Latino immigrant families within their social network, the role support agents play, and families' access to formal sources of advocacy within a context of anti-immigration legislation and economic precariousness. Results indicate that Latinos rely heavily on their family, friends, neighbors, and community entities for emotional, moral, instrumental, and financial support. Families are in need of formal sources of advocacy, particularly in regards to their experiences as immigrants and documentation status. Service providers have the potential to play a vital role in filling the gaps present in Latino immigrant families' social network and linking families to much needed services and resources.