By Patricia H. Rich, MSW, ACSW, LCSW-C, DCSW
Many people come to the United States from other countries hoping to make their lives better. In my role as a social worker in an HIV/AIDS clinic, I work with many undocumented women and men who wish to stay in this country to improve the quality of life for themselves and their family members.
Many of my undocumented clients come from countries in turmoil. Some are Hispanic, many are from Africa. They may have come to this country on visitor’s visas, working visas, or to work as nannies for American families. Once here, if they discover that they are HIV positive, they come to our clinic for treatment.
Many African immigrants, especially, experience stigma around their HIV status. This sometimes results in their being hesitant to seek treatment. But as they become healthier and physically able to work, many of our clients hope to stay in this country legally and to continue making a contribution to our society.
Undocumented Status
Many of our clients fear that their undocumented status will be discovered and that they could be deported. Many are living in poverty because they are unable to find legal employment. Despite being struggling financially, their lives literally depend on their staying where they can receive HIV treatment.
I have seen the anguish that undocumented people experience because they are unable to return to their homeland to visit loved ones. They miss visiting sick relatives, attending funerals and other important ceremonies. If they were to leave the United States, they would not be permitted to return.
How Social Workers Help
My job as a case manager is to help my clients navigate the complicated social services system. I do this in several ways:
- Helping clients find programs in the community that will help them live a more fulfilling life.
- Dispelling myths about HIV/AIDS.
- Encouraging clients to stay on their medications and to take them properly.
- Counseling clients about safer sex to help stem the spread of HIV infection.
- Helping dispel clients’ fears
- Helping clients find mental health services.
Unfortunately, HIV patients still live with stigma. Many undocumented clients remain in the United States after their visas expire because the quality of health care is better than what they could access in their home country.
