"No vamos a tapar el sol con un dedo": Maternal Communication Concerning Immigration Status

• In Event: A Discussion on Enhancing Teachers' Understanding of Students' Diverse Family Systems

Abstract

This study examines the contexts within which first-generation Latina mothers parent
their elementary-aged children, along with the implications the context has on parenting practices and decisions. More specifically, Rendon Garcia investigates how, if at all, these mothers decide to share their immigration stories and which details are included. Through in-depth phenomenological interviews, nine undocumented mothers shared their experiences with parenting. The most prevalent theme revealed that undocumented Latina mothers implement a protective stance in their parenting through “speaking about immigration in broad terms,” “open communication,” or “avoidance.” This work identifies areas for improvement in policy and cultural trends related to immigrant-status in the United States. Additionally, this work adds to the growing literature on the developmental impact of these practices, policies, and sentiments on Latinx children from mixed-status families.

Author

• Sarah A. Rendón García, Harvard University