The Myth of the Migrant Homeless: An Exploration of the Psychosocial Consequences of Migration

While migration status is frequently used to differentiate homeless subgroups, little empirical work has explored sociological distinctions between migrant and nonmigrant homeless. This article attempts to fill the gap in the literature by comprehensively examining differences in the two groups in terms of demographic characteristics, psychological and social resources, life stressors and circumstances, and psychological well-being. We use a random probability sample of 63 migrant and 98 nonmigrant homeless, distinguished by length of residence in the study city (Birmingham, Alabama). The analysis indicated that migrant and nonmigrant homeless persons share similar demographic characteristics, stressors, and levels of psychosocial resources. Multiple regression analyses revealed that although the two groups display similar levels of depressive symptomatology, the factors influencing depression appear to operate differently among migrants and nonmigrants. Although psychosocial resources are associated with lower depression for both groups, there is a significant interaction effect between migration status and mastery, with mastery being a more salient resource for the mental health of migrants. The implications of these findings for homeless service provision are discussed.