M4 - SW864 Podcast - Policy Analysis Actualized - Dr. ER speaks with Sanguen Isabel Lee
Dec 5, 2020
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Dr. ER interviews Sanguen Isabel Lee, discussing the intersection of micro and macro social work, challenges faced by immigrants in the US, impact of racial remarks on Asians during COVID-19, and the importance of the census and pursuing social justice.
Immigration policies often overlook the complex challenges faced by immigrants, resulting in inequitable outcomes.
Direct practice experience with immigrant and limited English proficiency populations enhances social workers' ability to advocate for policies that address the intersectionality of diverse populations.
Deep dives
Implications of Intersectionality and Policy at the State and Federal Level
Intersectionality plays a crucial role in state and federal policies. One area where this is evident is immigration policy. Many policymakers tend to view immigrants' struggles as a result of laziness or lack of effort. However, the reality is that the complexity of the immigration system often hinders immigrants from navigating it effectively. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, stimulus checks were inaccessible to mixed-status families, even if their children were US citizens. Welfare reform policies also disproportionately impact immigrants, as their previous years in the US, even as students or workers, are not considered when determining eligibility. These policies overlook the importance of timely interventions and fail to address the unique challenges faced by immigrant populations. Intersectionality is also significant in addressing the needs of Asian communities. Language barriers, cultural taboos, and discrimination contribute to lower utilization of mental health services among Asian populations. Community engagement and empowerment are vital in bridging these gaps and making policy changes. Policy initiatives that allocate funding for diverse communities and hire bilingual workers can have a positive impact. Taking an integrative and interdisciplinary approach is crucial in understanding the intersectionality of various factors like immigration, health, and income in shaping effective policies.
The Impact of Direct Practice Experience on Policy Insights
Direct practice experience, especially within immigrant and limited English proficiency (LEP) populations, plays a significant role in shaping a social worker's view of policy needs and gaps. Through close engagement with clients, social workers gain insights into the challenges and common questions faced by the population they serve. For example, working with LEP Asian immigrants revealed immigration status, income, and health as interconnected factors affecting individuals' access to services. Direct practice experience also highlights the critical need for timely interventions. Research shows that early assistance in the first few years can prevent individuals from falling into poverty. This understanding obtained through direct practice enhances a social worker's ability to critically analyze existing policies and advocate for changes that address the intersectionality of diverse populations.
Research Focus and Its Impact on Practice
The focus of research on the Asian population and policy impacts has influenced social work practice. The research explores the challenges faced by Asian immigrants in accessing managed long-term services and supports (MLTSS) programs at a state level. Despite higher concentrations of Asians in certain areas, the participation of Asian individuals in MLTSS programs does not align with demographic data. Language barriers, lack of health literacy, and limited language assistance hinder Asian populations from benefitting from these programs. To address these challenges, community engagement and empowerment are key. Collaborating with community organizations and professionals from various disciplines enables comprehensive analysis of policies and helps identify effective strategies for serving immigrant populations. Policy changes that prioritize community engagement and empowerment can lead to better outcomes for immigrant communities.