Trying to Excel in the Golden State: Anti-Immigrant Sentiment and Achievement of Immigrants in California

• In Event: Navigating Borders and Boundaries: Schooling Experiences of Immigrants and Others

Abstract

Many studies have examined whether immigrant and minority students perform worse in school when they experience discrimination. These studies generally focus on discrimination within a classroom or school building. However, immigrant experiences are not limited to the experiences in their respective schools - immigrants might also be affected by the discrimination in their larger community. This paper investigates this potential relationship.
Specifically, it examines whether the math, English, and science achievement of recent immigrants in California decrease as levels of anti-immigrant sentiment in their communities rise. This paper finds a negative association between anti-immigrant sentiment and academic performance in these school subjects.

Author

• Volha Chykina, The Pennsylvania State University