Immigration Conscientization Among Latinx Children of Immigrants

Background and Purpose: Family and developmental scholars have broadened our understanding of the ethnic racial socialization process by examining how parents and children engage in discussions about immigration - or immigration socialization. Immigration socialization is characterized as involving discussions about nativity, immigration status, and the immigration policy context in the U.S. Additionally, studies indicate that children learn about immigration from the media and in their classrooms. The purpose of this study was to examine children’s knowledge and awareness on immigration and their perceptions on the experiences of immigrants in the U.S. We propose a model on immigration conscientization among children of immigrants.

Methods: This study is based on interviews with 31 children of Mexican immigrants, ages 7-12 (M=9.87, SD=1.58 ). Respondent generated imagery was used to gain a comprehensive understanding of children’s perceptions on immigration. We initiated the conversation about immigration with a drawing; children were asked to draw something that they think about when they think about immigration. Following a discussion about their drawing, additional questions were asked such as: How would you describe an immigrant? Do you know anyone that is an immigrant? Tell me about them? How do you know they are immigrants? What do you think immigrants' lives are like in the U.S.? Interviews ranged in duration from 30-45 minutes and were completed in Spanish and/or English. Constructivist grounded theory methods including initial, focused, and axial coding informed the analysis. Multiple steps were taken to support the trustworthiness of the study (i.e., multiple coders, peer debriefing model, and multiple quotes per theme).

Findings: The findings reveal the breadth and depth of knowledge and awareness children have on the experience of immigrants in the U.S. and the implications of the policy context. Based on the findings, we propose a model of immigration conscientization among children of immigrants. Children’s immigration conscientization revolves around four main domains of awareness - immigration status awareness (i.e., aware of parents/others’ status, rights associated with status), migration (i.e., reasons for migrating, challenges faced while crossing the border, challenges faced upon arrival), threats to immigrants (e.g., discrimination, threat of deportation, and family separation), and inequity and justice (such as not being eligible for public health insurance or higher learning). A key finding is that children are keenly aware of the role that immigration status plays in the lives of immigrants and the consequences to their families and communities. Immigration status awareness is a thread across the domains as status related issues were often weaved into discussions related to migration, threats, and inequities faced by immigrants. Children’s awareness ranged from little/no awareness to immigration conscientization as they were critical of inequities faced by immigrants and, in some cases, articulated the need for justice or took action (alongside their parents).

Implications: Findings highlight the need for trauma informed practice and dual generation approaches, to facilitate difficult conversation about the anti-immigrant policy climate; and policy changes that create a path to permanent lawful residency.