Segmented pathways of illegality: Reconciling the coexistence of master and auxiliary statuses in the experiences of 1.5-generation undocumented young adults

Abstract

In response to a changing immigration enforcement landscape, a growing number of studies have sought to understand the impact of immigration policy and practice on a new and growing population. Recent scholarship has uncovered layers of stratification within undocumented populations, while some scholars have argued that illegality is a “master status.” In this article, we argue that these two ideas are not in tension. That is, certain traits or identities (e.g., race or gender) can be master statuses while also exhibiting layers of stratification. While our understanding of illegality is consistent with the master status framework, we recognize variation within that category. Our point of departure is the recognition that the experiences of undocumented children differ greatly from those of undocumented adults. From this observation, we point to four salient axes of difference and stratification that shape varied and unequal pathways for undocumented youth and young adults: (1) educational access and attainment, (2) place; (3) race and ethnicity, and (4) Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status.