Charting a Path: Sources of Information Among Mexican and Central American Migrants in the United States

Abstract

Migrants often rely on multiple sources of knowledge to inform their decision about migration to the United States, yet limited empirical data exist regarding these information sources. The current study utilizes cross-sectional survey data from Mexican and Central American adults (N = 305) who have migrated to the United States within the last 10 years. Questions included sources of information, accuracy of sources participants relied on, and mental health measures. Multiple regression analyses were conducted with depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder scores as the dependent variables and statistically significant relationships were found with social support, resilience, border stress, and information source accuracy. Findings yield implications for strategies to convey accurate data about the migration journey toward improved decision-making and preparedness for those who migrate.