Abstrak
[Abstract] The study examined international immigration to the United States. It focused on the effects of immigrants' experience during the immigration process. The investigation searched into ethnic identification among fifteen first generation adult immigrants who all residing in the Detroit Metropolitan area. The goal was to arrive at the nature, meanings, and essences of the experience. Data were collected from Arab (Muslim), Chaldean (Christian), and European (Jewish) immigrants during lengthy face to face interviews. A heuristic design and methodology guided preparation, collection and analysis of data. A qualitative research paradigm was selected as appropriate for culturally sensitive research. Open-ended interviews with co-researchers aimed to obtain in-depth narratives--perceptions, thoughts and feelings inherent in the experience of being an immigrant. From the interviews, depictions, and portraits, a composite depiction and creative synthesis were developed. The heterogeneous character of each ethnic group was emphasized. Alternative strategies were suggested for conducting additional research and guidelines were proposed related to clinical practice efforts relevant to newly arrived immigrants. The findings of the study included the following themes: intense loss, grief, and personal struggles inherent in the process along, with gifts of awareness and acceptance. The data also revealed developmental and coping stages of the immigration process. The study suggests that multicultural competencies are needed by psychologists, educators and others in human service fields who counsel, guide and support immigrants during the challenges involved in affirming ethnic identity while mastering the language and ways of the dominant culture.