This study analyzes two birth cohort surveys, the Longitudinal Study of
Australian Children and Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, to examine variation
in maternal depression by nativity, duration of residence, age at migration, and
English proficiency in Australia and the United States. Both countries have long
immigrant traditions and a common language. The results demonstrate that US
immigrant mothers are significantly less depressed than native-born mothers, but
maternal depression does not differ by nativity in Australia. Moreover, the
association between duration of residence and maternal depression is not linear:
Recent arrivals and long-term residents exhibit the highest depression levels.
Lack of English proficiency exacerbates maternal depression in Australia, but
protects against depression in the United States. Differences in immigration
regimes and welfare systems likely contribute to the differing salience of
nativity for maternal depression.
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