M4 - SW864 Podcast - Policy Analysis Actualized - Dr. ER speaks with Sanguen Isabel Lee

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.