Educational Opportunity in the U.S. Military for Immigrants and Children of Immigrants

• In Event: 21020 - Section on Sociology of Education Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 19: Redefining Belonging and Opportunity: Race, Identity, and Educational Access Across Borders

Abstract

Immigrants and children of immigrants are an important part of the U.S. military and make up a growing population of military-affiliated college students. One of the primary drivers for immigrants to enter the military is the educational benefits that the military offers in exchange for service. In this paper, we draw on in-depth interviews with 34 immigrants and children of immigrants who served or are serving in the U.S. military. We seek to understand the educational experiences of immigrants and children of immigrants who have served in the U.S. military. Our findings suggest that educational benefits offered through the military can foster the process of “knifing off” and upward social mobility of military members who are immigrants. We also recognize that we need to learn more about educational experiences of military-affiliated immigrant students in the U.S.

Authors

• Amy Lutz, Syracuse University

• Iwona Franczak, Syracuse University