Psychological impact in highly skilled immigrants working in low skilled jobs.

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The issue of immigration is currently a divisive topic, with many negative assumptions and judgments made regarding those who immigrate. This research focuses on the case studies of five different Latinos who have bachelor’s degrees and careers in white collar professions. Interviews from a lawyer, an engineer in computer science, a business manager, a university professor, and an accountant help shed light on the psychological impact that many highly skilled immigrants have to undergo when working in low skilled jobs. Recent times have shown that Latin Americans, especially immigrants, are under the constant struggle of discrimination, along with the pressure of adjusting into a new country. Previous research has also shown that, because of this discouragement, immigrants are unable to develop their abilities to their fullest extent. Nonetheless, these five case studies show how the individuals coped or are still coping with culture shock. The reliance on family, which is considered a cultural value in Latin America, was a big factor for four out of five of the interviewees. Additionally, the narrative accounts suggest that their education and experience obtained in their previous professions, prepared them to use the problem-focused coping mechanism. Although it is known that there is a vast population of highly skilled immigrants (not limited to Latin-Americans), who are not appropriately using their skills and/or experience in their current profession, there are gaps and outdated information on the issue. Implications of this research will be discussed in greater detail, considering the important strengths that these individuals possess in their respective fields.