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Navigating Healthcare, Family Well-Being and Cultural Adaptation: The Experiences of South Asian Mothers on F1/F2 Visas in Urban U.S. Communities

Description: 

Abstract This study explores the intersecting challenges faced by South Asian mothers on F1/F2 visas as they navigate healthcare systems, maintain family well-being, and adapt culturally while balancing caregiving and academic demands in urban U.S. communities. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines surveys, GIS mapping semi-structured interviews, and focus groups to capture both macro-level trends and micro-level experiences. Key findings highlight systemic barriers in healthcare access, the absence of traditional familial support systems, and the compounded pressures of academic and caregiving responsibilities. The study also examines the role of social networks and cultural practices in mitigating these challenges, contributing to nuanced understanding of the dual burdens these mothers face. By linking theories of migration adaptation and intersectionality with empirical evidence, this research underscores the vulnerabilities of temporary visa holders in a sociopolitical landscape shaped by restrictive immigration policies and limited institutional support. Findings inform inclusive policies and culturally sensitive practices that address healthcare disparities, caregiving challenges, and the broader social dimensions of maternal health among temporary migrant families. This study advances sociological discourse on migration, medical sociology, and intersectionality while advocating for equitable healthcare and institutional policies that support immigrant families.

Session: Adventures in Social Seismology: Ethical Engagement, Earthquake Early Warnings, Operational Forecasts, and Beyond [Poster]

Type: Poster

Date: 4/15/2025

Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Pranta

Student Presenter: Yes

Invited Presentation: 

Poster Number: 129

Authors