rates (Paniagua, 1994).
In 2002, 40% of the Hispanic population was foreign-born. Among this group 52% entered the United States between 1990 and 2002. The census indicates however, that three out of five Hispanics are born in the United States (Zavala-Martinez, 1994). Zavala-Martinez reported that general literature reflects how migration impacts mental health. Migration provokes family disruption, role confusion, fragmented social support networks, generational conflicts and language variations, often within a context permeated by poverty, discrimination, racism, and the absence of growth promoting experiences for the young.
The literature highlights adaptation as a stressor. Since most studies focus on struggles, more information is needed regarding how Hispanic resiliency surmounts severe difficulties and allows this population to transform their situation through the help of religion, personal strengths, social support, family networks, economic stability, and other health promoting factors.
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