Our general population of interest immigrant family separation and deportation. Immigration issues have become a major concern throughout the United States in recent years (Brawley & Zoritia, 2011). The large number of recent immigrants in the US, particularly recent arrivals of Hispanic/Latinos who are from Mexico or arrive via the Mexican border (Brawley & Zoritia, 2011). Many who cross into the US establish new families, employment and housing, but remain undocumented immigrants. Undocumented immigrants are at risk for being deported back to their country of origin, therefore being separated from their children who were born U.S. citizens. The major issues which occurs during these separations are family economic hardships and behavioral changes in the child (Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2010).

The role as a forensic social worker when working with such a diverse population and one that is very important is the knowledge of cultural competency and diversity. While working with immigrants, social workers must be equipped with legal knowledge related to all levels of the social justice system (Maschi, Bradley, & Ward, 2009). Social workers must also be advocates for basic rights for this vulnerable population and changes in immigration policies and laws that deny social justice. Child welfare social workers, when working with immigrant take on the role of caseworker by securing housing, government assistance, life skills classes and job placement for many of these separated children and their families (Maschi, Bradley, & Ward, 2009).