How Postdoctoral Fellows View Immigration and Can Support Undocumented Students

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: Hollar If You Hear Me: Supporting Doctoral Students Through Their Academic Journey

Abstract

While a variety of research has considered groups within higher education in the United States view immigration and undocumented students, little is known about how postdoctoral fellows view the issues. This study considered to what extent those with attributes similar to postdoctoral fellows or who identified as postdocs support immigration and undocumented students. Using a convergent mixed methods design, the study employed a secondary analysis of survey data and individual one-on-one interviews. Quantitative results suggested that identifying as a racial/ethnic minority and as a non-U.S. citizen were associated with greater support for immigrants and undocumented students. Interviews with postdocs who identified as white U.S. citizens nuanced how individuals holding these identities exhibited high levels of support.

Author

• Elizabeth Jach, University at Albany - SUNY