To examine the relationship between family immigration status and adolescent suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) in a population-based sample of Latino youth in California, and, to examine whether gender moderates the association between family immigration status and youth STB. Using linked parent and adolescent data from the 2011–2019 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) (N = 3,155 adolescents self-identifying as Hispanic/Latino), authors built a series of logistic regression models, calculating adjusted odds of STB and including a gender-by-family citizenship status interaction term. 

Findings: Overall, adolescents in mixed status dyads (in which the child was a citizen and the parent child was not a citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)), and noncitizen adolescents were less likely to report STB compared to adolescents in dyads where both parent and child were citizens (prevalence of past year suicidal ideation 3.5%, 1.6% and 7.0%, respectively). However, differences emerged by gender. Authors conclude that Latino youth are not a monolith in terms of risk and protective factors for STB. Further research is needed to understand differences within Latino communities to inform suicide prevention efforts.