Restrictions and Barriers Confronted by Mexican Americans with Unauthorized Immigrant Family Members

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Mexican American
• mixed-status families
• immigrant families

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.