VERBAL REPRESENTATION OF INCLUSION AND SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF IMMIGRANTS

Abstract

The proposed research paper addresses the problem of integration and social inclusion of first-generation undocumented immigrants in the United States. The emphasis is on student immigrant communities across the United States in New England, California, Arizona and Texas, where non-documented first-generation students of color are trying to find their way along the educational pipeline. The author explores methodologies that empower immigrant communities and how activists’ initiatives increase educational outcomes for undocumented immigrants. As integration is accompanied by prejudices of the mainstream, the research also focuses on verbalization of social attitudes about these residents in discourse and specific vocabulary.

The core of the research is an exploration of integration, inclusion and career success of students (and graduates) enrolled in various degree programs, due to the influence of education, legalization of their status, civic support and social movements. It is investigated how assimilation, multiculturalism and civic support stipulate integration and social inclusion; the linguistic and discursive indicators of the degree of social inclusion are traced through the rhetoric and discourse of supporters and opponents (social attitudes) of immigration. Since the new Republican Party leaders denounced the DACA and DREAM Act programs (multi-phase procedure leading to permanent residency in the U.S.) as an abuse to executive power some University campuses have been made sanctuaries for the undocumented students of color by the activists. The author explores the relationship between language, social movements and culture, and aims to contribute to international conversations about immigration, cultural identity, and assimilation.

The article brings out the issue of Latinx immigration in certain New England’s areas, foundation of the Hispanic Heritage Committee and the most state-of the-art information on the vibrant Rhode Island’s Latinx community. It is stated that empowerment of people of color in the transforming immigration regime can be possible due to the Universities that remain committed to supporting the undocumented students.