For the first part of the analysis, the author examined bilingual education and DLPs policies, access, and practices impacting Latina/o communities by utilizing a case study methodology framework to present the phenomenon of DLPs in a state that by law only supports English only education. The author discussed the case study research design to answer the research questions: (1) Which public k-12 schools are implementing Dual Language Programs (DLPs) in the state of AZ? (2) What are the DLPs’ characteristics? (3) Where are the schools located? (4) What are the stakeholder participants’ perceptions of DLPs and the context in which these DLPs navigate? The author also describe the context of the study, the participants, data, and the data collection process, as well as the analytical techniques she used to make sense of the data and draw findings.
The findings suggest that bilingual education programs in the form of DLPs are being implemented in the state of Arizona despite the English only law of Proposition 203, English for the Children. The growing demand for DLPs is increasing the implementation of such programs, however, language minority students that are classified as ELL are excluded from being part of such programs. Moreover, the findings of the study suggest that although bilingual education is being implemented in Arizona through DLPs, language minority education policy is being negatively influenced by Interest Convergence tenets and Racist Nativist ideology in which the interest of the dominant culture are further advanced to the detriment of minority groups’ interest.
Alzheimer’s disease is a disease that can affect cognition, perception and behavior and is currently untreatable. It was discovered in the early 20th century and while significant scientific advancements have occurred, there is ambiguity that remains to be researched and understood. Latinos are the largest ethnic minority in the United States and while data still needs to be uncovered, possible risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s include heart issues, poverty and obesity, age and education level, to name a few. Poverty is linked to obesity, diabetes and a low education level, which in turn have been found to have an impact on Alzheimer’s and all factors impact cardiovascular and vascular health. Due to the collectivistic culture that is deeply rooted in Latinos, there is a strong sense of family that is upheld when caring for relatives who are afflicted and may be hesitant to receive the care that is needed. Other barriers include financial stability, linguistic and cultural barriers, underutilizing resources and health literacy. There are still research gaps that are yet to be filled like brain health and longitudinal studies for Latinos, but current treatments like diet and culturally competent professionals can help with the prognosis. Alzheimer’s is a complex disease, but with the numerous efforts made thus far, such as creating the LatinosAgainstAlzheimer’s Network, it will soon be able to be understood and hopefully eradicated.
The goal of this paper is to examine the relevance of ethnic identity in young Latinos and Whites in the Phoenix area. Based on interviews with 30 Latino and White young adults, I explore how “Zoomers” and millennials think about their ethnicity. I found that Whites’ ethnic identity tends to be symbolic or meaningless as they attribute less importance to ethnic identity because it has low personal significance and is inconsequential in their daily lives. Latinos, with their stronger connection to the ethnic core, tend to describe their ethnicity as consequential due to their experiences of discrimination that make their ethnic identity less optional. This research has implications for those looking to better understand how different groups think about their ethnicity.
In this thesis, I trace the history of the Salvadoran-American gang Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13. I argue that the blame for MS-13 does not lie on immigrants and youth making bad choices, but rather that United States government policy is to blame for the formation and growth of MS-13. In order to argue this point, I analyze US policy including mass incarceration, policing, deportation, and involvement in El Salvador.
This report examines how recent immigration policies and immigration enforcement strategies have impacted Latino immigrants in Arizona. Analyses examined the relationship between fear of deportation and the impact of immigration policies on various aspects of daily life of Latino immigrants as a result of US immigration policies. Results indicate that participants who reported a greater fear of deportation were also significantly more likely to report:
1. Trouble keeping a job.
2. Trouble finding a job.
3. Having been asked for immigration documents.
4. That friends have suffered.
5. That their family has suffered.
6. Lower confidence that police will treat Latino immigrants fairly.
7. Lower confidence that the courts will treat Latino immigrants fairly.
8. Lower confidence that they will have a better future.
Implications for social work practice, advocacy, and research are discussed.