Exploring the Topic of Immigration: A Review of Past Insights and Stepping into the Future
Amanda Blanco '18, a passionate advocate for immigration, has conducted extensive research on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and its impact on Asian communities. Her senior thesis, titled "Reflections on Independent Research," delves into the reasons behind the lower application rates of DACA among Asian undocumented immigrants compared to their Latin American counterparts.
Blanco's findings suggest that this disparity is not solely due to socioeconomic or educational differences. Instead, it is a complex interplay of various factors such as immigration pathways, community networks, awareness of the program, and financial or documentation barriers.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Barriers
DACA requires applicants to have arrived in the U.S. as children and meet certain educational or military service criteria, as well as pay a significant application fee and provide extensive documentation. Asian undocumented immigrants may face difficulties gathering this documentation or meeting specific criteria if their migration circumstances differ.
Community and Social Networks
Latin American immigrant communities tend to have stronger established networks that facilitate awareness of DACA and provide support during the application process. Central Americans and Mexicans represent the majority of DACA recipients, reflecting these entrenched networks and outreach efforts. Asian undocumented immigrants are more dispersed across many nationalities and states, potentially limiting access to such communal support.
Differences in Legal Immigration Pathways and Motivations
Many Asians arrive through employment, student, or family-based legal channels, and some undocumented Asians may have entered later or under different circumstances that complicate DACA eligibility or motivation to apply. Latin American undocumented immigrants often have fewer legal alternatives and thus pursue DACA more vigorously as a viable form of relief.
Socioeconomic Factors and Perceived Risk
Although on average Asian immigrants show higher education and income levels, undocumented Asians may fear out-of-status exposure more or have less trust in government programs, reducing DACA uptake. Conversely, Latin American communities may prioritize DACA as a critical means to work and stay.
Blanco's research also found a correlation between the offering of in-state college tuition to undocumented immigrants and the presence of Asian community-based organizations with Asian DACA application rates.
In addition to her work on DACA, Blanco interned with the Safe Passage Project, a nonprofit that provides free legal representation for undocumented migrant children in New York. The average age of the Safe Passage Project's clients is 14, and most of them are from Central America.
Blanco's thesis work was not limited to DACA, but also included reflections on the challenges and successes of conducting independent research. Her work was featured in the "Human or Animal Subject Research" section.
Blanco, the child of Chinese immigrants who came to America when Chinese immigration was almost entirely restricted, is particularly sympathetic towards modern undocumented immigrants, especially in the current political climate. Only 105 Chinese immigrants per year were permitted entry into the United States when her grandparents came.
Blanco's research provides valuable insights into the complexities of immigration and the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants, particularly those from Asian communities. Her work underscores the need for improved outreach and support to ensure that all eligible individuals have the opportunity to benefit from programs like DACA.
The junior paper discussing education-and-self-development of passionate advocates for immigration, like Amanda Blanco, may delve into the strategies used to increase DACA application rates among Asian undocumented immigrants. Additionally, understanding politics surrounding general-news topics, such as DACA and immigration, becomes crucial for future senior thesis papers, as demonstrated by Blanco's research.
