Migration involves leaving behind a familiar place and venturing into a new territory in search of opportunities and a better life. Although it sounds hopeful and even romantic, migrating is a complex and emotionally charged phenomenon, since it also carries an experience of loss and adaptation known as “migratory grief.”

Understanding how immigrants experience migratory grief will help us understand why we often feel the way we do, why it is so difficult and in many cases painful to start over, and that not learning to manage this process in our lives can affect our mental health since the levels of stress, anxiety and depression that immigrants experience are very high.

But, let’s go deeper into some concepts:

What is migratory grief?

Immigration grief is a psychological and emotional process that people experience when they leave their place of origin and settle in a new country or culture. Joseba Achotegi describes the 7 griefs that immigrants experience:

• Grief for family and friends: Moving away from family, friends, and even pets can be one of the most painful losses in the migration process.

2. Grief for the language: Having to learn another language can be a challenge

in migration, while you learn the other language it will be difficult for you to

communicate, you may even have difficulty understanding other people who

speak your same language but who are from other cultures.

3. Grief for culture: includes those values, the way you see the world, eating

habits, the way you dress, spirituality, among others.

4. Grief for the land: Understand the colors, the landscapes, the temperature to

which you were already accustomed.

5. Grief for social status: It is related to access to opportunities, things related to papers, housing, etc. Migration, in general, seeks an improvement in social status, but this point should not be understood only from the economic point of view, but also in relation to access to cultural goods, freedom, among others.

6. Grief over physical risks: Includes the dangers of traveling when migrating, living in situations of exclusion and feeling in constant danger.

The Stages of Migratory Grief

Immigration grief, like other grief processes, manifests itself in stages that vary from one person to another. Some of the common stages include:

• Falling in love: it is that first stage where everything seems beautiful and perfect to us.

2. Denial and shock: People may deny the reality of migration and feel

overwhelmed by the newness of their situation.

3. Anger and resentment: As reality sets in, it is common to feel anger and

resentment towards the migration situation and the associated challenges.

4. Negotiation: People may try to find ways to regain what they have lost,

whether through reconnecting with their culture of origin or finding support

in their new community.

5. Depression: Experiencing deep sadness and a sense of loss is a natural part

of the grieving process.

6. Acceptance and adaptation: Eventually, many people come to accept their

new reality and begin to adapt to their environment and build a new life.

How to face Migratory Grief

Overcoming immigration grief can be a challenge, but there are effective strategies to deal with it:

• Form a support network: get that network of friends who are going to become your new family, remember to look for people who help empower you, who inspire you and who motivate you.

2. Embrace the new culture: Stop fighting with the laws and rules and start

following them, focusing on the benefits of the new country will make

adaptation easier. I always say it, neither your country is that bad, nor is it

that good here, you don’t have to choose.

3. Leave space for fun and entertainment: It’s not just about working, have fun,

practice a new hobby or activity, exercise, moving your body reduces stress

levels.

4. Learn the language: Improving language skills facilitates communication and

integration into the new community, in addition to increasing your chances of

growing professionally.

5. Set realistic goals and expectations: Setting achievable goals and

understanding that adaptation takes time can reduce frustration.

Immigration grief is a complex process that deserves attention and understanding.

As migrants navigate various losses and challenges, it is important that they find the support they need to navigate this process and move toward a fulfilling life in their new home.

If you feel that this process is being very difficult for you, that stress, anxiety or depression is not allowing you to adapt.

It is time to seek professional help who understands the process you are going through and has the right tools to help you advance.

I am Adriana Laitano, a Latina immigrant, I am a Life Coach with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and through my Instagram and Facebook account “Reinventarse sin Reventarse”

I share tools to join Latin immigrants to reinvent themselves in their new country.

If you want to feel motivated I invite you to listen to my podcast, you can find me on Spotify and on YouTube as “Reinventarse sin Reventarse” so that we learn how to face the challenges of migrating.

Visit me on my website www.reinventarsesinreventarse.com so you can learn who I am and how I can help you achieve your goals.

• Who are DLLs: Dual Language Learners (DLLs) are children ages birth to 5 years who are learning two (or more) languages ​​at the same time, or are learning a second language while They continue to develop their first language (or mother tongue).
• Who are ELLs: An English language learner (ELL) is anyone who does not speak English fluently or is still learning English.

Nowadays, we can have the learning of a second language through different early education institutions, schools, Head Start programs, and daycare programs. Many parents consider the acquisition of a language other than their native language as essential for their children’s future personal and professional opportunities.

It is important for families to know the opportunities and Policies for children of Dual Language. There is a demographic trend of large increases in the number of dual language children (DLLs). However, Hispanic and Hispanic DLL children lag behind their White peers in preschool access and achievement. “Research shows that high-quality preschool can reduce these gaps even before you enter kindergarten.”

Some of the benefits that children have when learning a second language are more memory, creativity, understanding and tolerance:

• Faster and more natural learning
• Learning as fun
• Greater fluency: learning not translating

Cognitive Benefits:

• Memory stimulation
• Greater multitasking capacity
• Stimulation of creativity

How DLLs and ELLs benefit each other:

Dual language immersion programs facilitate biliteracy – the ability to speak, listen, read, and write fluently in two languages. A mix of students allows them to learn from each other and help each other. This intergenerational interaction fosters a sense of responsibility and empathy in older children, while younger children gain valuable role models and support from their peers. Children of different age groups can benefit from each other in various ways. Younger children often admire and imitate their older peers, which can inspire them to develop new skills and behaviors. Older children can reinforce their own knowledge and skills by explaining concepts.

Students build strong social connections and cultural awareness.

Differences in learning styles, developmental stages, and individual needs among children have important implications for teachers who work with them.

Teachers must adapt their instructional methods to accommodate these variations and ensure effective learning experiences for all students.

Courtesy of Precious Moment Child Care

References: Weisenfeld, G. G., Kasmin, R., DiCrecchio, N., & Horowitz, M. (2018). The State of Preschool 2017: State Preschool Yearbook.

(preschool policy facts, 2017)