The immigrant population in northwest Alabama: Barriers and opportunities

Abstract

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Alabama experienced a 145% increase in its Hispanic population and has become the top state for immigration settlement in the last decade. The primary purpose of this article is to gain information about the lives and struggles of Hispanic immigrants residing in the three counties of Lauderdale, Colbert, and Franklin in Northwest Alabama. The article examines the systemic barriers and discrimination faced by Hispanic families, and identifies the opportunities and strengths, social activities, and community supports that aid their integration into the new communities. Utilizing a community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) framework, the study uses a mixed methods approach, combining community informant interviews, focus groups and a small scale survey. It is hoped that the findings from the study will be valuable to community leaders and service providers to build partnerships, facilitate cultural understanding, and develop a set of best practices and research approaches that will lead to the social inclusion of this at-risk population.