"Because There Are Young Women Behind Me": Learning from the Testimonios of Young Undocumented Women Advocates. Issue 2 (1st June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Silva, Carolina
• Is Part Of: Girlhood studies. Volume 13:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 69
• Page End: 85
• Publication Date: 2020-06-01
• Subjects: immigrant organizing -- immigrant youth movement -- Latina leaders -- Latino Critical Theory -- student group -- youth advocacy; Girls -- Periodicals; Girls -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Girls -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; Girls -- Education -- Periodicals; Girls -- Sexual behavior -- Periodicals; Girls -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Women's studies -- Periodicals; 305.23082
• DOI: 10.3167/ghs.2020.130207
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1938-8209

Abstract

Abstract: In this article, I discuss the experiences of young undocumented Latinas, aged between 19 and 22, in a university support and advocacy group for undocumented students. While recent research has investigated the advocacy of undocumented youth, there is a lack of attention on the experiences of undocumented women who advocate. To address this gap, I center the testimonios (testimonies) of five young undocumented women to examine their advocacy experiences. As a result of advocacy, the young women gained visibility as immigrant youth leaders, created a pipeline of support for other young undocumented women leaders, and faced disapproval from educators. I conclude by suggesting that schools and educators can foster the leadership of young undocumented women and acknowledge advocacy as a legitimate tool for social justice in education settings.