Deportation fears exacerbate mental health issues in ski resort towns in Colorado

Adolfo Román García-Ramírez, a political exile from Nicaragua, faces deportation threats in Silverthorne, Colorado. García-Ramírez, who works as a cashier in the town, is at risk of being sent back to Nicaragua after his two-year humanitarian parole expired. The Trump administration’s executive order to end temporary legal residency programs has put him in a precarious situation. The fear of deportation has caused heightened levels of stress and anxiety among Latino communities in Colorado’s mountain towns, leading to a decline in mental health services and social interactions. Immigrants are avoiding public spaces and canceling meetings out of fear of deportation. This climate of fear has impacted the mental health of Latino residents, with concerns rising about substance use and suicide rates. Despite the challenges, organizations in the area are providing support and resources for those in need. García-Ramírez and others in similar situations continue to navigate the uncertainty, with the hope of finding stability and safety in the face of deportation threats. Asad Asad, a sociology professor, emphasizes the negative impact of deportation rhetoric on Latino communities. Despite the challenges, residents near Vail and Breckenridge find ways to support each other and access mental health resources in their quest for stability and well-being.

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