The Development of Migrant Youth "Illegality": Comparing Racial-Ethnic Experiences

• In Event: Gender and Racial Variations in Developmental Trajectories

Abstract

Due to a dominant focus on Latin American immigrants, we know very little about the development of racially and ethnically diverse undocumented youth. Through qualitative research with undocumented youth and youth from mixed-status families from Europe, Asia, and Latin America, we examine how the racialization of migrant “illegality” variably impacts developmental experiences. Our findings show pronounced distinctions between Latinx and non-Latinx respondents, as Latinx youth experience more frequent, racially-driven status-related events that we argue propel their socialization into migrant “illegality” at quicker speeds than non-Latinx youth. Non-Latinx struggle more than Latinx respondents to find co-ethnics and social supports to navigate status-related challenges. We explore how race and migrant “illegality” intersect to variably shape immigrant youth developmental opportunities and discuss implications.

Authors

• Basia Ellis, California State University - Sacramento

• Carly Offidani-Bertrand, University of Chicago

• Maria J Ferrera, DePaul University