Latino Immigrants, Americans, and Undocumented Immigration
Loading...
Links to Files
Permanent Link
Author/Creator
Author/Creator ORCID
Date
2010
Type of Work
Department
Psychology
Program
Bachelor's Degree
Citation of Original Publication
Rights
Collection may be protected under Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. To obtain information or permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the Goucher Special Collections & Archives at 410-337-6347 or email archives@goucher.edu.
Abstract
This is a research report written about a study I conducted for Dr.Katherine Research Methods in Psychology course. I chose to research a divisive political issue that has also had a large impact on my personal life: undocumented Latino immigration. In this paper, I did not intend to make any moral judgments or suggest “solutions”. Instead, I wanted to explore the often unheard voices of those most intimately involved in the debate, Latino immigrants themselves. I first surveyed both immigrants and Baltimore residents in a general study of opinions. I then conducted a series of personal interviews with documented and undocumented Latino immigrants to explore their individual experiences. This study uncovered complicated, sometimes contradictory, opinions and a wealth of experiences that negate the applicability of any universal rule, judgment, or stance towards the issue. In the time following this project, I find that it has only become more relevant, as the topic of undocumented immigration continues to appear in the national spotlight. Is it a problem? Is it a blessing? Is it a crime? Is it wrong? Is it fair? Who is to blame? Who is to be thanked? While I cannot answer these questions, it is my hope that this project reveals the deeply personal and complex nature of the debate.