Incorporation Through Disruption: State Mobilizations of Undocumented Youths

• In Event: Immigrant Incorporation in the EU and US

Abstract

How do undocumented youths become politically incorporated in the US? Are some modes of incorporation more successful than others? What role does place play in immigrant political incorporation? The political incorporation of undocumented youths has occurred primarily through their fight for access to higher education. However, mobilization strategies which follow a more disruptive path tend to be more successful than those which “play by the rules.” This applies to modes of political activity but also to undocumented youths’ experiences as members of social movement coalitions.

This chapter is based on a study of undocumented youth movements at the state level in New York and New Jersey. This research draws from theories on political incorporation and a resource mobilization model of collective action. It also builds on theories of policy design highlighting the role of policy images in immigration reform. It adds to the growing literature on the role of place in the incorporation of immigrants.

The chapter relies on data obtained from 132 interviews with undocumented youths, community organizers and elected officials, along with field observation and participation in New York and New Jersey.

Results indicate that undocumented youths tend to become mobilized in states which provide more restrictive contexts of reception, and where the coalition of support is still being recruited. Incorporation occurs following disruptive forms of political participation. In parallel, state laws affecting access to college shape the availability of political and civic resources for immigrant youths.

This chapter highlights three aspects of undocumented youth mobilization. First, it provides insights into the various modes of incorporation for undocumented youths and how disruption is one of them. Second, it emphasizes the importance of place in immigrants’ paths of incorporation into the United States. Finally, it provides evidence on the role of policy narratives in fostering or deterring political engagement.

The results will help policymakers better understand the contexts of reception which public policies create for young immigrants.

Author

• Fanny Lauby, William Paterson University