Fear, stigma, hope, and desahogó: understanding the role of deportation history and familial ties on the disclosure process of immigration-related experiences

Based on 75 interviews with members of undocumented and mixed-status families where someone has returned to the United States post-deportation, we examine how individuals within these households manage multiple stigmatized identities stemming from their loved one's lack of legal status and deportation record. We find that a family member's deportation history is an important marker of identity, which subsequently limits the amount of immigration-related information they share with others. The choice to conceal stems from the fear of retaliation, the stigma associated with being deported, and the hope of reuniting in the United States if deported/separated once again. Yet, disclosure often results in desahogó, a term commonly used within Latinx communities to describe a type of emotional relief that comes with being able to share previously concealed information. Examining the complexities surrounding family members’ disclosure decisions widen our understandings of the spillover effects of recent waves of mass deportation. It also offers insights into structuring research methods, institutional processes, and policy changes in ways that allow individuals to advocate for their family members in legal and social institutions.