Exploring the ascribed and avowed identities of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients in early adulthood.

Abstract

Objectives: Using symbolic interactionism theory, we explore the different identity labels that Latinx and Asian DACA recipients (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) have reported are imposed on them (i.e., ascribed) and the different meanings behind such identity labels. We also examine the identity labels that DACA recipients adopt for themselves (i.e., avowed). Method: Forty semistructured interviews were conducted with DACA recipients who attend a 2-or 4-year college in California. Results: Our findings reveal that DACA recipients have different meanings for ascribed identity labels. Some of these meanings have positive connotations and denotations, which may help to construct a positive self-view. Nonetheless, most of the emergent themes in our study show that DACA recipients perceive that ascribed identity labels have negative connotations and denotations. To create more positive representations of undocumented immigrants, DACA recipients use certain labels to describe themselves. Conclusion: Consideration of the ascribed and avowed identities of DACA recipients is important because such identities might reflect and influence others' views of undocumented immigrants and affect undocumented immigrants' self-view. Public Significance StatementIn this study, we interviewed 40 Latinx and Asian DACA recipients (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and asked them to share their thoughts on certain identity labels (e.g., illegal, DACAmented) that are commonly used in popular press or everyday talk to refer to them. We also asked what labels they use to refer to their documentation status. We found that DACA recipients had different meanings for the identity labels imposed on them. Although some of the labels had positive meanings and connotations, DACA recipients reported negative connotations associated with many of the labels imposed on them. To create more positive representations of undocumented immigrants, DACA recipients primarily used undocumented and undocumented citizen to refer to themselves. These findings are important because such identities may reflect and influence others' views of undocumented immigrants and affect undocumented immigrants' view of themselves.

Far from angels: Examining DACA recipients’ lived experience of stigma

“…In addition, the term "DACAmented" has gained popularity in both the media and academia, and conveys the fact that DACA recipients are somewhere between documented and undocumented status and thus have a level of privilege when compared to undocumented immigrants (Cornejo & Kam, 2020). And yet despite this progress, undocumented youth continue to strive to change their characterizations as "criminal aliens", invaders, and welfare cheats, sympathetic, and respectable in favor of depictions (Cabaniss, 2018).…”

“…In addition, DACA recipients must also content with negative attitudes related to their race and ethnicities as I have discussed in previous sections. In qualitative studies, some DACA recipients have reported being labeled as undocumented because of their skin color alone (Cornejo & Kam, 2020). Referred to as racialized illegality, this phenomenon describes how the state of being an immigrant and a person of color is used to determine whether a person came to the U.S. with legal documentation.…”

“…Referred to as racialized illegality, this phenomenon describes how the state of being an immigrant and a person of color is used to determine whether a person came to the U.S. with legal documentation. Colorism plays a role in racialized illegality with darker skinned individuals facing more scrutiny and more frequently being labeled as undocumented than their lighter skinned compatriots (Cornejo & Kam, 2020).…”

“…Exploring ascribed (imposed) and avowed (chosen) identity labels, Cornejo and Kam (2020) found that of 40 Latinx and Asian DACA recipients, 7 ascribed identity labels emerged: Undocumented, DACA recipient, Nonstatus, DREAMer, Illegal, DACAmented, and Undocumented citizen. The majority of participants self-identified as undocumented explaining that this term is inclusive of all undocumented immigrants, empowers individuals to accept themselves, allowed them a perspective that made them better people, and ties them to a culture of people who are bound by the same barriers and experiences (Cornejo & Kam, 2020). This study supports previous findings that DACA recipients value unity with the larger undocumented community and reject the deservingness narrative that often accompanies their portrayals.…”

“…Though undocumented immigrants' circumstances have improved through DACA, these newfound benefits also carry significant conditions. Most prominently, individuals are required to maintaining their "productive immigrant" status by being employed, attending school, or serving in the military (Cornejo & Kam, 2020). Even if all requirements are met, individuals must learn to manage highly inconsistent treatment from state to state, business to business, and school to school (Cebulko & Silver, 2016;Gonzales et al, 2019).…”