The Effects of an Immigration Raid 147 Families in Society

Many unauthorized immigrants regularly enter the United States in search of employment. A substantial number of these individuals come from impoverished countries and look to the United States as a path toward prosperity. Unfortunately, many unauthorized immigrant workers suffer exploitation from their employers and are at risk of becoming victims of worksite raids. This exploratory study examines the effects of a raid of an unauthorized immigrant worksite in Postville, Iowa. Interviews with key informants provide an inside perspective of the effects of the raid on children, adults, and the community. Participants offered suggestions on how to improve current policies that may violate immigrants' human rights. The results advance the knowledge base for social work in provision of services and advocacy for immigrant populations. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Response teams integrated within community structures can help reduce the effects of enforcement raids by improving service and resource delivery in the immediate aftermath. Social work professionals can assist in the community planning to ease the negative psychosocial consequences of enforcement raids. Planning ahead can also assist in lessening the intensity of secondary trauma reactions for community volunteers