Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Date of Degree

2-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Program

International Migration Studies

Advisor

Juan Battle

Subject Categories

Gender and Sexuality | Human Geography | Inequality and Stratification | Migration Studies | Politics and Social Change | Race and Ethnicity | Social Justice

Keywords

United States-Mexico Border, violence, immigration, women, gender and migration, borders

Abstract

In order to discuss immigration in the context of the United States, we must dispel the myth that immigration is monolithic. Therefore, when we discuss national identity, gender equality, policy, employment rates, and countless other ordinary topics, we are discussing immigration, as it is embedded in our history and our future. The goal of my research is to delineate the experiences of violence that female border crossers undergo in the process of crossing into the United States via the southernmost border. The data collection process involved four semi-structured interviews to collect oral histories from workers at community-based organizations. These organizations often specialize in services for female border crossers which often include food, shelter, community, basic first aid, and referrals for more intensive services. More specifically, this thesis utilizes interviews with community-based workers in border states, including Texas, New Mexico, and California. This study examines: How do female border crossers uniquely experience violence before, during, and after their migration journey across the United States - Mexico Border? The exploratory nature of these findings focuses on the themes identified in the categories of border crossing issues and female border crossing issues, in the literature review, along with the themes identified throughout the responses of community-based workers.

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