Long wait without work affects the mental health of migrants in New York

There are long lines everywhere to look for food, clothing and to find transportation aid. But above all, to start your immigration procedures. That is the day-to-day life of immigrants recently arrived in New York City who cannot work legally.

“Upon arriving here, people arrive with all that baggage of pain, suffering, and frustration waiting, subjecting them to these processes that are very inhumane and cruel, that do not have a deadline.”, says Juan Carlos Ruíz, parish priest and activist from the Good Shepherd Church.

According to statistics from the mayor’s office, more than 250 thousand people in the city live with mental problems and according to specialists from the University of New York, the instability of housing and the lack of social workers would be two of the aggravating factors. The situation of migrants encompasses these deficiencies.

“Those that I see more and more deteriorated are those who come alone, the majority of them men, young people in their 20-30s,” continues Ruíz.

Substance and alcohol abuse are sometimes the most recurring outputs and are directly connected to mental problems, according to specialists. At least three alcohol-related incidents have been reported in municipal shelters.

“There was an incident in the weeks before that alcoholic beverages enter and they start having their party there, isn’t it that they don’t have rent? What happened to you? It is not because they shake your hand, you are going to continue up to the elbow”, comments María, a Mexican migrant.

According to activists, single people, mostly men and with financial responsibilities, would be in the most vulnerable group of migrants. Traumas related to the journey to reach the United States would also be contributing to the deterioration of his mental health. Ángela González, Voice of America, New York.