The Challenges of Altruism: Organizing for Immigrant Rights

• In Event: 333 - Section on International Migration Paper Session. Political Integration of Immigrants and Their Adult U.S. Citizen Children: Mechanisms of Inclusion and Exclusion

Abstract

Altruistic mobilizing is a common form of civic engagement for people from relatively privileged groups. Many such “ally organizations” also seek to involve the people for whom they are advocating. Why are some ally organizations more successful than others at involving members of directly-affected groups? Previous research emphasizes the importance of representative leadership, but it remains unclear precisely how such representative leaders increase involvement of directly-affected constituents. This article uses a multi-method approach to analyze ally immigrant rights organizations and finds that immigrant leaders increase immigrant involvement by cultivating an immigrant-friendly group style. Survey data from a national sample of ally organizations working for immigrant rights indicate that the relationship between immigrant leaders and immigrant involvement is mediated by the organization’s religious profile, socioeconomic composition, and linguistic practices. Ethnographic data from two ally immigrant rights organizations reveal that the mechanisms behind that finding operate at the organizational level: immigrant leaders increase immigrant involvement by cultivating a group style that incorporates religious, socioeconomic, and linguistic practices that are welcoming to immigrants. Thus, constituent leaders in ally organizations increase involvement of members of marginalized groups not only through greater representation but also by promoting constituent-friendly practices.

Authors

• Grace Yukich, Quinnipiac University

• Brad R. Fulton, Indiana University

• Richard L. Wood, University of New Mexico