Individuals with no immigration status are one of the fastest growing migrant populations in Canada, totaling over half a million. Yet, there has been little empirical research on the developmental impacts of living without formal immigration status. In the present study, 47 non-status adolescents were interviewed about their general experiences of growing up in Canada without status, to examine the mental health and developmental impacts particular to this population. Results from the study indicated that lack of immigration status is implicated in significant developmental impairments. Lack of immigration status is associated with difficulties with identity formation and consolidation, compromised self-efficacy, acculturative stress and compromised peer relations, which in turn results in poorer developmental and mental health outcomes. Findings are discussed in terms of both theoretical and practical implications, and directions for future research are outlined.

Individuals with no immigration status are one of the fastest growing migrant populations in Canada, totaling over half a million. Yet, there has been little empirical research on the developmental impacts of living without formal immigration status. In the present study, 47 non-status adolescents were interviewed about their general experiences of growing up in Canada without status, to examine the mental health and developmental impacts particular to this population. Results from the study indicated that lack of immigration status is implicated in significant developmental impairments. Lack of immigration status is associated with difficulties with identity formation and consolidation, compromised self-efficacy, acculturative stress and compromised peer relations, which in turn results in poorer developmental and mental health outcomes. Findings are discussed in terms of both theoretical and practical implications, and directions for future research are outlined.