Sibling Relationships in Mixed‐Status Immigrant Families: A Qualitative Interpretive Meta‐Synthesis

ABSTRACT

This study examined how legal status differences shape comparison, caregiving, emotional strain, and solidarity among siblings in mixed‐status immigrant families. Siblings play a critical role in immigrant family life, yet research has largely focused on parent–child dynamics. In mixed‐status households, siblings hold different legal statuses, creating unequal opportunities and responsibilities that shape their relationships. A qualitative interpretive meta‐synthesis was conducted on 13 studies of US‐connected mixed‐status and transnational families, identified through systematic searches of four databases and forward and backward citation searching. Eligible studies used qualitative or mixed methods and reported on sibling experiences. Analysis involved quotation‐level coding, constant comparison, and the development of third‐order constructs. The evidence spanned the life course and predominantly represented families of Mexican origin, with Central American, Colombian, and Brazilian families also represented across U.S. and transnational contexts. Four overarching themes emerged: (a) legal status awareness and sibling comparisons; (b) emotional burden and relational strain; (c) parentification and unequal responsibilities; and (d) sibling solidarity, support, and adaptation. Sibling relationships in mixed‐status families are shaped by legal status in ways that generate both strain and resilience. Siblings act as key agents of documentation status socialization, caregiving, and advocacy. Programs that include siblings, not only parents, are needed. Community‐based supports can build on sibling solidarity while addressing emotional strain tied to status disparities. Clinical interventions should attend to power, privilege, and loss linked to unequal mobility.