Incorporation Patterns of Latinx College Immigrants

Abstract

This study draws on twenty-two interviews with undocumented, deferred action, legal permanent residents, visa students, and recently naturalized citizens from Texas to examine how the context of reception shapes their perceived aspirations and expectations. I utilize the nested context of reception and segmented assimilation frameworks to argue that the national, state, and local context of reception impacts the educational opportunities provided to them. The findings suggest that immigrant college students' access to educational resources, knowledge of state immigration policies, and campus environment shape their aspirations and expectations for the future. Thus I suggest it leads to selective, stagnant, conditional, or partial incorporation. By contemplating these aspects, we can see how the host society hinders or supports immigrant youth’s membership in society.