The Impact of Parental Limited English Proficiency (LEP) on U.S.-Born Latin American Children
Presentation
Overview
Overview
Description
Latin American immigrants and their children represent the largest group among immigrant households in the U.S., with Hispanic children comprising over half of all children of immigrants in recent decades. Research indicates that the majority of children of Latin American immigrants assume the role of linguistic broker for their parents who have limited English proficiency (LEP). It is estimated that over 70% of adolescents from Mexican immigrant families act as language brokers for their families. This role inherently places additional demands on these children that their peers with English speaking parents do not experience. Studies on the effects of these demands are mixed; some suggest that the additional demands are helpful for the child and their development, while others show that it is associated with increased stress and negative outcomes in mental health, physical health, and academic performance.
