The Acculturation Process

Abstract As individuals migrate to the US in search for better opportunities, life does not always turn out to be as easy as they had imagined it would be, with most facing various challenges especially cultural, social, and economic, leading to most questioning their decisions. Most immigrants face culture shock, language barrier, and economic challenges due to inability to secure well-paying jobs, while their children also have to adjust in terms of language, culture, and education. The lack of legal residency of undocumented immigrants also causes individuals to live in fear and is unable to access various resources since they lack the channels to do so. Majority of these individuals need professional help in coping with the language barrier,

They initially have to go through psychological acculturation once they had re-entered the US and had to adjust to the new culture. Rosa enrolled in a public school where she had to adjust to speaking the English language, and to a new culture of learning. However, she easily adjusted to these changes since she is very smart and performed well in school. She has also been able to maintain part of the Mexican culture, especially speaking the Spanish language which she was accustomed to, while at the same time adopting the US way of life. Rosa also had to undergo behavioral acculturation, especially because she had to adjust to a new family setting and changes where her mother took up several jobs, hardly spent time with the family, and Rosa had to step up and take up the role of caring for her siblings. The role changes in the family as Rosa takes up adult responsibilities at a young age, including managing doctor's appointments, could have also triggered psychological issues. This creates an acculturation gap in the family setting as they attempt to adjust economically and socially. Upon moving back to the US, Rosa's mother has to struggle to find work and also continued to do so without the support of the extended family. Her mother is immersed primarily in the Mexican culture while Rose is immersed in both cultures, and therefore

Factors such as ethnicity, social class, religion, and education manifest significantly and impact her life choices as well as the opportunities presented to her. Religion is a fundamental part of Rosa's life, with her catholic faith community being an important support system in her life. As an immigrant, Rosa has learned to turn to her religious community for the support she requires in navigating social and economic challenges. Language diversity also presents an intersecting identity as Rosa chooses to keep her Spanish roots as a critical part of her social life, and as she transitions academically, she faces discrimination as teachers discourage her from speaking