Marrying for Papers? Incorporation versus Rational Choice for Unauthorized 1.5- generation Brazilians

• In Event: 566 - Section on Latino/a Sociology Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 04. Latina/os in Latin America

Abstract

Public rhetoric suggests that unauthorized immigrants use criminal measures to take advantage of American society, including marrying US citizens for papers. Meanwhile, academic research on marriage often emphasizes rational-decision makers driven by socio-economic factors. Both the public rhetoric and this academic literature, then, suggest that unauthorized immigrants may “marry for papers” because of the economic gains to be had. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 1.5-generation unauthorized Brazilian young adults, I do not find support for these contentions. Raised in the United States, 1.5-generation Brazilians are opposed to marrying strictly for papers, even though legalization could bring opportunities for socioeconomic mobility. They stressed that marrying for papers felt “wrong” because it was unlawful and too much like an “arranged marriage.” Furthermore, having been raised in the US with upwardly mobile aspirations, they largely saw young adulthood as a time of self-exploration. Many drew distinctions between their Americanized selves, whose focus was on careers, educational gains, and fun and their Brazilian peers who they perceived to prioritize marriage and children. Ultimately, their discussions demonstrate their incorporation in US society.

Author

• Kara Cebulko, Providence College