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

2020; American Psychological Association; Volume: 27; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1037/cdp0000378

1939-0106

Monica Cornejo, Jennifer A. Kam,

Migration, Refugees, and Integration

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. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).