Masters Thesis

Expanded Notions of Latinx/Chicanx Activism and the Undocumented Immigrant Youth and Young Adult Movement

This study addresses the experiences of Latinx/Chicanx young adults living in North County, a region in San Diego County California, who are directly involved and/or support the Undocumented Youth and Young Adult Movement (UYYAM) and immigrant rights more broadly. I interviewed six young adults of various legal status (Undocumented, DACAmented, U.S. resident, and U.S. Citizen). A Latinx Critical Race perspective guided the current study. The young people in this study are keenly attuned to the anti-immigrant sociopolitical atmosphere under the Trump administration. However, they pointed out the anti-immigrant rhetoric, sentiment, and actions is not new phenomena. It was happening under the previous administration and at some level led them to become politically conscious and involved. Participants embraced an activist identity and both challenged and expanded notions of what that means. They also displayed contrasting views of national and local level organizations. Lastly, participants spoke of personal responsibility such as working as a barrier to their participation on school campus and out in the community.

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