The experiences of immigrant youth may differ from young refugees because their legal status and the reasons for leaving their countries of origin often differ. Immigrant youth and families frequently leave their countries of origin voluntarily to join family members or pursue better economic and quality-of-life opportunities. Refugee youth and families, on the other hand, are typically forced to leave their home countries by political and religious persecution with no option of returning, leaving behind family, friends, culture, customs, and familiar environments and supports.

Professionals working with immigrant and refugee youth are better equipped to offer culturally appropriate interventions and prevention strategies if they understand their clients’ migration journeys and legal statuses. Additionally, professionals who understand cultural values of immigrant and refugee youth and families are also better prepared to recognize the strengths and protective factors present in those cultural values when developing prevention strategies.