ABSTRACT
This research study investigates the experience of college educated Mexican-American young adults (ages 18–29) with an unauthorized immigrant nuclear or extended family member. Of the 11 participants, eight are U.S. citizens (either naturalized or U.S. born citizens) and three currently had or were in the process of gaining protection through DACA at the time of the study. A semi-structured interview protocol was utilized for each in-depth interview. The 11 interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings emphasize the structural barriers to education, health care, job opportunities, and travel that affect unauthorized Mexican immigrants and their family members.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Ashley-Marie Hanna Daftary
Ashley-Marie Hanna Daftary is an Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Social Work. Her research focuses on structural inequities and anti-oppressive practices across systems, including immigration, education, and policy-making.