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Description
The purpose of this study is to explore the post-graduate path of undocumented Mexican college students in California, and examine the strategies they employ to cope with their plight. I will also address the contradiction between state and federal laws created to contribute to the assimilation of these students into the US society and larger economy. This topic is of increasing importance as high schools and colleges all over the country are producing greater numbers of graduates who are ineligible to formally partake in and contribute to the nation's economy and overall wellbeing. Due to a near standstill of federal immigration reform, the struggles of these students will likely continue to be a major problem for many years to come. The research design was qualitative and included ten one-on- one interviews with undocumented Mexican immigrants residing in California who have earned either a Bachelor's or Master's degree from a California institution of higher education. Interview subjects (whose identity was kept confidential) shared information on topics such as: immigration experiences, educational and post-college trajectory, social identity, career goals, and perceptions of current and proposed legislation affecting the immigrant population. With this study I attempt to fill the gap in literature on immigration by focusing specifically on the livelihood strategies employed by undocumented immigrants after receiving a college education. The intended benefits of this study include an increased awareness and understanding of the struggles of undocumented immigrant youth, which should lead to political action granting legislation in favor of their equality and socioeconomic advancement
