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Abstract

The article examines a values conflict between a client's family system, the client's social worker, and the United States government. A practice case illustrates how the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996, commonly known as welfare reform, has forced immigrants to become American citizens, and thereby has caused strife and emotional distress to immigrants and their families. A citizenship choice conflict is analyzed through a values classification model. The social worker, who is caught in the middle of the conflict, must decide whether or not to uphold his clients decision not to become a citizen. A discussion follows, which explores the social worker's ethical dilemma, its outcome, and its justification.

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Social Work Values,Welfare Reform,and Immigrant Citizenship Conflicts

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