The Borders Between US: The Effects of Deportation on Men's Romantic Relationships

ABSTRACT Using a family systems theoretical framework, the author was able to examine how deportations disrupted Salvadoran immigrant men's relationships with their romantic partners and their children in the US. While some romantic couples were able to adjust to the changes in their families, most couples were unable to readjust and decided to end their long‐term relationships. In this study, two men who were deported adjusted to the changes and remained in long‐distance relationships with their romantic partners. However, 16 of the men who were deported decided to end their relationships with their romantic partners. And 10 of the men who were deported decided to start new romantic relationships in El Salvador. This study highlights how deportations can fundamentally restructure romantic relationships and severe family ties that are important for their children. This study also demonstrates how romantic couples adjust to their new family circumstances and realities following their removal. These findings are significant in that they provide insight into how deported men and their romantic partners respond to major changes in their relationships and families. This study highlights the need for new immigration laws and policies and support services for romantic couples and families who have experienced family separations.