Objective

To describe the living conditions of migrant women and their correlation with the development of depression at the place of destination.

Methods

Ethnographic work developed in the city of New York, specifically in the Queens borough. Six first-generation immigrant women, part of the migratory circuit of Puebla-Nueva York, were included in this study. In-depth interviews, development of migratory trajectories and therapeutic itineraries were applied. Finally, interviews were conducted with relatives of the main informants to control biases or omissions.

Results

The relationship between violence and women's mental health was identified. Violence occurred in various stages of their lives and spaces in which they lived and developed their daily living. The violence was accentuated by the hierarchical relationships in the domestic group and work space. Furthermore, economic crisis and family arrangements were detrimental factors. The family arrangements to get ahead and provide continuity to the family model despite migration were also related to the stress they lived in their homes.

Discussion

The living conditions of women and their influence on the development of mental illnesses were discussed regarding other studies that, from a public health perspective, have addressed the mental health and migration issues through acculturation and assimilation concepts.