Efectos psicológicos de la implementación de las políticas migratorias de la administración de Donald Trump en migrantes ecuatorianos

Abstract

This research analyzes the psychological effects of the immigration policies implemented during the Donald Trump administration on the Ecuadorian migrant population residing in the United States. These policies, characterized by a restrictive and punitive approach based on the securitization of migration, included measures such as stricter border controls, the zero-tolerance policy, increased raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and restrictions on access to asylum. These actions created an environment of constant threat, legal insecurity, and social stigmatization that directly impacts the psychological well-being of migrants. The study conceives of migration as a complex process involving multiple stages: premigration, transit, and settlement. Dimensions of psychological well-being are analyzed, such as the cognitive and relational domains, as well as changes in daily life, the workplace, education, family life, and formal and informal support networks. Furthermore, the recent Ecuadorian context, marked by economic crises, violence, and political instability, is consolidated as a structural factor driving migration. This research aims to contribute to the understanding of how restrictive migration policies not only regulate human mobility but also produce sustained psychological effects on migrant individuals and communities. The findings are intended to provide relevant evidence for the design of psychosocial interventions and more inclusive public policies for the population.