Examines the changing patterns of immigration to the United States and their implications for services needed and services used. The history of U.S. legislation pertaining to immigration includes a national origins quota system and its abolishment in 1965, the establishment in 1986 of an amnesty program, and the creation in 1990 of special preferences for family-sponsored and employment-based immigration. Entitlement to services depends on whether the new arrival is defined as a refugee, asylee, parolee, immigrant, temporary resident, or undocumented person. Regardless of immigration status, newcomers commonly experience stress, as a result both of experiences before migration and of the challenges of adjusting to a new environment and different culture. Organizations and practitioners working on behalf of new arrivals must understand the regulations and procedures of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in order to advocate for their clients effectively. Familiarity with the issues surrounding the different immigration statuses and recognition that entitlements vary from status to status also are necessary for effective service delivery. Social workers engaged in international immigration issues need to understand the interrelationship of policies and conditions in both sending and receiving countries.
