RETRAUMATIZATION IN DETENTION: AN INTERPRETER'S PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This paper explores the impacts of detention on migrants through the eyes of an interpreter who functions as a bridge between lawyers and asylum-seekers. It first outlines the history and law behind asylum and detention in the United States and then discusses the mental and emotional struggles asylum-seekers face when they are detained. Specifically, the paper shows how new traumas lived within the confinement of the detention center walls can cause migrants to become retraumatized. It does this by interspersing an interpreter’s experiences with detained asylum-seekers throughout the paper. This paper also illustrates how an interpreter, as a shadow of the client, lives vicariously through the client’s thoughts, actions, memories, and emotions. This creates long-lasting mental and emotional impacts for interpreters as well. The paper concludes with a discussion on possible alternatives to the use of detention facilities. Through the use of statistics and facts, this paper will demonstrate how these alternative programs, rather than detention facilities,are better solutions to our country’s immigration crisis.