Journal of Intercultural Communication Research
Volume 45, Issue 6, 2016, Pages 449-469

Networks of Passing: Experiences of Undocumented Latin American Immigrants’ Identity Negotiation (Article)

Scranton A.* , Afifi T. , Afifi W. , Gangi K.
  • a Communication Studies, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
  • b Communication Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
  • c Communication Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
  • d Communication Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States

Abstract

Undocumented Latin American immigrants are one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States, and they are one of the most vulnerable. Due to constant fear of deportation, these immigrants have to communicatively “pass” for documented in a variety of situations, and they might be likely to use informal network ties (social capital) to do so. Through eight diverse focus group interviews of undocumented immigrants, this study explores how this population passes. Undocumented immigrants used talk, the body, or documents to pass either individually or through network members. Implications for both theory and practice are discussed. © 2016 World Communication Association.

Author Keywords

passing Identity Undocumented immigrants stress and coping Social capital

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84981212633&doi=10.1080%2f17475759.2016.1217913&partnerID=40&md5=2714e5b848d47d6911aa3aa8f9235885
DOI: 10.1080/17475759.2016.1217913
ISSN: 17475759
Cited by: 6
Original Language: English