Research
I am passionate about learning from and writing about immigrant families in the United States. At first, I was attracted to the study of immigration in search of answers to my own immigrant experience. I migrated to the United States from Zacatecas, Mexico as a teenager and I wanted to learn more about my own history. Later, I discovered patterns that are not unique to my own immigration story. My research to date centers on the migration and incorporation of immigrants from Latin America. In all of my work, I take a family approach to understand intergenerational dynamics among immigrant families with a special emphasis on children and the elderly. Below I provide an overview of several of my research projects.
LatinA/O STREET VENDING CHILDREN IN LOS ANGELES
This is the first research study in the United States that analyzes the role that children play in street vending markets. While this research takes place in Los Angeles, California, we can easily find similar stories in other cities across the United States and other informal sector occupations. This research examines the diverse ways in which children engage in street vending work with their undocumented parents and in the process tells a classic and timeless story of immigrant families in the United States. My work elucidates how children are active contributors to family processes and household resources. I have several publications from this research including a book titled “Kids at Work.” You can find more information by clicking on the “Book” tab above.
DACA Travelers: Intergenerational Family Dynamics in a New Era of Immigration
This research focuses on DACA beneficiaries from California and Arizona who traveled to Mexico between 2013 and 2016 through advanced parole. Among the 800,000 DACA beneficiaries, only 22,000 took advantage of this travel opportunity—a benefit that is no longer available. This study uncovers the impact that this short lived program had on the lives of DACA youth and their parents who are still unable to legally travel outside the United States. For publications on this study, please take a look at my curriculum vitae below.
Photo courtesy: Anna Ocegueda
RETURN MIGRATION
This project focuses on the return migration practices of Mexican immigrant seniors who are over the age of 65, have retired from work in the United States and have decided to move back to Mexico. This intergenerational study will help us understand 1) how the decision to return to Mexico is made and 2) how the children and the grandchildren are involved and affected by return migration. I am currently conducting interviews, while coding and analyzing preliminary interview data. My goal is to interview 100 families. If you or anyone you know fits the criteria for this study please contact me. You can click on the “Contact Me” button below to email me directly. I would love to hear and write about these important stories.