PSYCHIATRIC CARE FOR UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS AND THEIR FAMILIES: ETHICAL FRAMEWORKS AND CLINICAL APPROACHES

The U.S. has a complex history with immigration, marked by shifting policies. Despite the polarized climate, undocumented immigrants remain vital to American society contributing to the United States demographics, economy, and culture. This paper explores the ethical frameworks and clinical approaches relevant to providing ethical psychiatric care for undocumented individuals and their families. This exploration includes examining the application of core principles of bioethics—autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice—in the context of undocumented immigration status. Finally, this thesis provides practical methods by which psychiatrists and other physicians can provide ethical care to undocumented immigrants in the clinical setting.