Running head: SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 1 THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA BY STUDENT ACTIVISTS IN IMMIGRATION REFORM

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1 Running head: SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 1 THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA BY STUDENT ACTIVISTS IN IMMIGRATION REFORM A Thesis Presented to the Faculty in Communication and Leadership Studies School of Professional Studies Gonzaga University Under the Supervision of Dr. Pavel Schlossberg Under the Mentorship of Dr. John S. Caputo In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies By Adrian Reyes May 2015

2 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 2 We the undersigned, certify that we read this thesis and approve it as adequate in scope and quality for the degree Master of Arts. Faculty Mentor Faculty Reader Gonzaga University MA Program in Communication and Leadership Studies

3 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 3 Abstract This thesis examined the use of social media by student activists wanting to enact change in our society and specifically around the topic of immigration reform. Coordinated Management of Meaning Theory (CMM) was utilized to interpret the results of online interactions with those that are considered activists in the immigration reform movement. Research has shown that collectively we create our reality based on events and objects of our social world (Pearce & Cronen, 2006). Further, we also can see that humans create reality through interaction (Allen, 2005). The research conducted consisted of seven one-on-one interviews with current under-grad and graduate students attending school in eastern Washington State. The goal was to identity the use of social media as a tool for their activist work, and determine if utilizing this form of communication presented itself in their own sense of identity. This thesis revealed that the use of social media was prevalent in the work of student activists for disseminating information and promoting events to friends and followers. Various key themes emerged that allows us to see how social media is being used by activists: Facebook is the primary form of social media utilized, and it is used as a tool for dialogue with supporters and opponents alike as well as in activism efforts. The identity of the student activist is one that is created not only in personal experiences with others, but also created online also with the use of social media. The research also concluded that there are still students who prefer not to engage in debates online because of the hostility and prejudice encountered, thus requiring further examination into the use of social media as a way of interacting with each other when discussing sensitive topics such as immigration reform.

4 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 5 Importance of the Study 5 Statement of the Problem 7 Definitions of Terms Used 8 Organization of Remaining Chapters 9 CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF LITERATURE 10 Philosophical Assumptions 10 Theoretical Basis 11 The Literature 12 Rationale 19 Research Question 20 CHAPTER 3: SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY 21 The Scope of the Study 21 Methodology of the Study 21 Data Analysis 22 Ethical Considerations 23 CHAPTER 4: THE STUDY 24 Introduction 24 Results of the Study 26 Discussion 33 CHAPTER 5: SUMMARIES AND CONCLUSIONS 36 Limitations of the Study 36 Implications for Further Research 37 Conclusions 38 REFERENCES 40 APPENDIX 43

5 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 5 CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION On June 15, 2012, the Obama administration instituted the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program. This legislation allowed children who were undocumented and met certain criteria to be in the United States without fear of deportation as well as provided these individuals authorization to work in the United States as they can request deferred action for up to two years. This legislation comes from an act that was proposed and was known as the DREAM Act, thus these individuals are sometimes referred to as DREAMERS. Many in higher education and who would eventually serve the individuals who fall under DACA, were strong supporters of the DREAM Act and the movement gained momentum by reaching out to college students and others who would listen and support the DREAM Act. One way that the movement gained momentum was through the use of social media. This allowed the supporters to gather support both in spirit and monetarily for the DREAM Act. In studying how the use of social media by supporters of the DREAM Act accomplished their goals in gathering support for their cause from other immigration reform activists, will allow us to understand the power of social media in social justice issues, and how using technology can be an agent of good in these times of negative press towards the use of social media. Studying the way that social movements are communicated by activists will allow insight on what may work to gather support and stay connected with other supporters. In doing so we may be able to gain an understanding of the youth of our society as most DREAMERS fall in this category and are the real push for the movement. IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY With the ultimate goal of passage of the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act) many undocumented students have taken to different forms of social

6 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 6 media to garner support. What started as a traditional letter campaign has now moved online in the form of netroots communities or online social movement groups (Morrissey, 2013). These communities such as United We Dream, Dream Activist, and Citizen Orange support undocumented students and through their websites attempt to bring more attention to their cause. Many of these efforts are aided by firsthand accounts of those that they are trying to support. In May of 2006, thousands of supporters of the rights of immigrants took to the streets across the United States to protest proposed immigration laws. Cities that participated in the A Day Without Immigrants protests included New York, Washington DC, Las Vegas, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Denver, Phoenix, New Orleans, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (CNN, 2006). To think about gathering this much support and participation with the limited use of technology and the use of social media by Latinos speaks to the passion that this topic brings up in so many of our society. At this time overall internet use had increased among Latinos, most of it was an increase in the use of cell phones, compared to home internet use. (Livingston, Parker, & Fox, 2009) We are at a point in society where some of the youth of today live in a world where they do not know what it would be like to live without the internet and social media. These immigrant rights marches represented true grassroots activism, organically generated by a loose-knit group of community activists assisted by Spanish language radio stations as well as the internet. (Johnson & Ong, 2007). Given the time where social media was just coming into its own, it is amazing to think that this much support was shown by those attending, as some of them may or may not have heard of the marches through social media. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

7 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 7 Social movements traditionally have tried to get the word out in support of their cause by using media as a means for widespread awareness. However, mainstream media has now become slanted to either the right or the left and social movements cannot always count on their message coming across to the general public. For this reason activists often turn to alternative media, whether that is blogs, independent news sites, or social network sites (Harlow & Guo, 2014). In Will the Revolution be Tweeted or Facebooked? Using Digital Communication Tools in Immigrant Activism, (Harlow & Guo, 2014) using social movement theories we hear firsthand accounts of those that work and serve the immigrant community in Austin, TX. In using focus groups, this allowed an insight into the shared mutual experiences that these individuals go through on a daily basis. Of the various social media networks available to the public, Facebook appears to be the one that is most widely used by the masses. Due to the fact that many of the most active and vocal about Immigration Reform are the youth that were brought here by their parents at a young age, these students are digital natives are well versed in the use of Myspace and later Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and text messaging (Constanza-Chock, 2011). By examining the use of social media for political activism, we can see how social networking sites are now a permanent feature of politics, organizing, and argument. Throughout history, the United States was founded as a country that welcomed people from around the world, given that the only true Americans were the native Indians who resided on the land when the European explorers arrived. The reason for immigrants coming to this country ranged from religious freedom, economic and political freedom, which would enable those that were escaping circumstances in their own country, and provide an opportunity to maximize their abilities as well as their opportunities. (Montesino & Sherr, 2008).

8 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 8 The current state of the debate on immigration of an estimated 12 million undocumented people living and working in the country has brought up two distinct points of view as solutions to the problem. The first being that there is an effort to discourage the illegal status quo of undocumented citizens through attrition, deportations, penalization of employers, etc. The second seeking immigration reform that strengthens homeland security and legalize the status of the undocumented workers already living in the country and their families. (Montesinos & Sherr, 2008). In studying the use of social media and social networking sites for immigration reform, we are able to examine the potential tools for civic and political engagement. (Valenzuela, Park, Kee, 2009). Previous studies have focused on political agendas ranging from AIDS, global warming, support for political candidates, social movements, and gathering support for protest movements. In studying the use of social media in immigration reform, those that work with these students will be able to provide support and guidance to this population. Definitions of terms used 1. Undocumented a person or persons who is not a citizen or does not have permanent resident status to reside in the United States. 2. Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act a proposal placed before congress to provide legal status to undocumented youth who entered the United States as children and brought to this country by their parents. 3. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) an initiative designed to temporarily suspend the deportation of young people residing without authorization in the United States and who meet certain criteria.

9 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 9 4. DREAMERS unauthorized immigrants who qualify for the DREAM Act are typically known as this term as they compromise the majority of those that would qualify or meet the general requirements of the DREAM Act. 5. Coordinated Management of Meaning theory developed by W. Barnett Pearce and Vernon E. Cronen that states that two people who are interacting socially, construct the meaning of their conversation. Organization of Remaining Chapters This study is organized into five chapters. Chapter two provides the theoretical basis that forms the framework for this study, reviews the literature on this topic, and puts forth the research questions. Chapter three describes the scope of the study and explains the methodology used for data collection. Chapter four presents the results of the study, shows how the results relate the previous research, and discusses the implications of findings in relationship to the research questions. Chapter five discusses the limitations of the study, suggests further areas of research, and summarizes the study.

10 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 10 Chapter 2. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE Philosophical Assumptions As we look at Martin Buber s ethical approach to communication, he focuses on the relationship between people rather than the moral code of conduct. For Buber, he saw dialogue as a synonym for ethical communication. Dialogue is the way that we create the connection between each other, which makes us appear more human to each other. It is not only a moral act to seek the connection between each other, but it allows us to look at the ethical implications of our relationships. It requires self-disclosure to, confirmation of, and vulnerability with the other person (Griffin, 2006). In considering the implications of studying those that are working for change in immigration reform by using social media, one must consider that each story may be different based on personal experiences. When conducting research on individuals who may have gone through traumatic experiences in their lives or of their loved ones, one must be sympathetic to the information shared. Research when it pertains to cultural differences or topics that are controversial we must make sure that we are not being culturally insensitive to those that are relaying experiences that are different from ours. In other words seeing them for the human being they are and not for the act that they have committed, such as coming to the United States with no say in the matter such as children who came with their parents. In classifying individuals into groups, specifically ones of race or culture, we must be careful that we do not bring our own biases to the classifications that we use. When one thinks of different ethnic or racial groups, the first thing that typically comes to mind are those stereotypes that are associated with that particular group. In the case of Latinos, some things that come to

11 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 11 mind are laziness, poor English skills, large families, drug use or drug dealers, gang members, and the list goes on. The use of racial and ethnic names and the categories to which they refer create a hostile atmosphere for members of these groups and often lead to discrimination, placing obstacles in their proper integration in society (Garcia, 2005). By setting aside those stereotypes, in line Buber s notions of dialogue, we are seeing each other as equals and allowing dialogue to happen as a joint achievement. This outcome cannot be forced but can happen for those who seek it and are prepared for it. We can be empathetic to each other while issues are discussed and feel compassion for each other as we seek to achieve true dialogue. Theoretical Basis What most DREAMERS want for themselves is an opportunity to make a better life by having the same opportunities as those with whom they have grown up and socialized. They ask themselves how they can make a better social world. We are able to gain insights about the activists of the DREAM movement who use social media to define themselves and their actions by looking at the Coordinated Management of Meaning theory. The Coordinated Management of Meaning theory states that communication is the process by which we collectively make the events and objects of our social world (Pearce & Cronen, 2006). This allows them to create a higher quality of life by communicating to the outside world that they are not allowed the same rights as others and are looking for an opportunity. Harlow and Guo (2014) indicated that their study drew upon social movement theories to help in building a better understanding of how immigrant rights activists use digital communication to promote their cause. This is tied closely to the social constructionist theory presented by Allen (2005), which stated that humans create reality through interaction. Through the lens of these

12 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 12 communication theories, we can analyze how the DREAMERS are making their reality based on the form of communication that they are most versed in to tell their stories. In studying the ways that social media has been utilized by activists of the immigration reform movement we will be able to gauge how this form of communication can be used by others to further their cause. Based on the CMM model, events and objects of our social worlds are co-constructed in communication. (Pearce & Pearce, 2000). We will be able to learn how what is said determines if it sustains or destroys our personalities, relationships, and institutions. The Literature Social Media as instrument of change In the study of social media theory we must acknowledge that the internet is potentially a major source of institutional innovation because digital communication practices constitute resources with the force of institutions. (Couldry, 2012). The use of social media and digital communication has the power to alter the way a person takes in information and internalizes the content which may bring about change. Social media could support those causes that a person believed in, thus reinforcing attitudes and beliefs making them stronger. (Couldry, 2012) While it is true that corporations hold the power in terms of communication infrastructure, power is multidimensional and is constructed around networks programmed in each domain of human activity according to interests and values of empowered actors. (Castells, 2009). This would make it appear that those that are working towards making change in society would be able to do so using social media as a form of communication to gather support to affect this change.

13 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 13 The Latino Threat Narrative Starting as early as the 1920 s, there has been a belief that Mexican undocumented immigrants are criminals has continued in public discourse. Then in the 1970 s a new layer of threat was added in that Mexican immigrants were invading the United States. (Chavez, 2013). This way of thinking has continued to this day and has been classified as The Latino Threat Narrative which is a movement in both the media and public perception that the infiltration of primarily Mexican immigrants will alter the way of life in the United States. This perceived threat was spread through media sources in publications such as Time, Business Week, New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Times. These publications treated the immigrants coming to the United States as the greatest threat to society, even though some were written during the time that the United States was at war in the Middle East. (Chavez, 2013). As part of this Latino Threat Narrative, a concern over access to education was that by allowing undocumented students to have access to higher education that it was taking away something from those that were native born here in the United States. Primarily seats in colleges and universities, as well as financial aid, from native-born students who want to pursue postsecondary education. As of this date, no national form of legislation has passed for the DREAM Act, but several states have enacted laws to allow in-state tuition benefits for certain unauthorized immigrant students. Of the ten states who passed some form of legislation, they

14 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 14 have found that these measures tend to increase school revenues by bringing in tuition from students who would otherwise not be in college. (Gonzales, 2007). Chavez (2013) states that The Latino Threat Narrative works so well in our society because its basic premise is taken for truth. He states: Latinos, whether immigrant or U.S.-born are a homogenous population that somehow stands apart from normal processes of historical change. They are immutable and impervious to the influences of the larger society and thus are not characterized as experiencing social and cultural change. They are uneducated, monolingual Spanish speakers, segregated into ethnic enclaves. (p. 45) In her ethnographic study with undocumented students who are close to high school graduation and attempting to attend college, Leisy Abrego (2006) found that these students she spoke with are not those that the Latino Threat Narrative tries to portray. They were assimilated to the culture, 23 out of 24 students spoke English instead of their native language when conducting the interviews, and have goals to attend college after high school, but find it difficult to fund their aspirations due to not being able to receive federal financial aid. Executive Actions on Immigration Since 1956, every sitting US President has used some form of Presidential executive action to deal with the issue of immigration in the United States. In June of 2012, the Obama administration announced that it would accept requests for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an initiative designed to temporarily suspend the deportation of young people residing unlawfully in the U.S. who were brought to the United States as children, meet certain education requirements and generally match the criteria established under legislative proposals

15 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 15 like the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act). With this proposal came more backlash than had been seen in previous administrations. Those opposed to this legislation spoke out denouncing the DREAM Act as a way to support the illegal act of coming to the United States undocumented, even though by passing the DREAM Act it could benefit the country by allowing those, who by no fault of their own were brought to the United States and would pay taxes and be productive members of society. (Center for American Progress, 2010). Even though the Supreme Court in 1982, in Plyler v. Doe ruled that states could not deny undocumented children access to public elementary and secondary education, it fell short of addressing access to higher education. (Corrunker, 2012). Legislation such as the DREAM Act and DACA help to fill the gaps left by this ruling. Up until DACA was put into place, undocumented students in the United States were trapped in a legal paradox. They had the right to a primary and secondary education and were generally allowed to go on to college, but their economic and social mobility was severely restricted due to their undocumented status. (Gonzales, 2007). To understand what the typical undocumented student goes through we can look at those that have studied the effects of living in this country have on a person. Those students who would be eligible to apply for DACA, have been characterized as generation 1.5, because they were brought to the United States by their parents typically at a young age and know no other life than that of what they have experienced through their foundational years. The 1.5 generation is more similar to the second generation, those born in the new country, than to those of the first generation who migrated at 15 years of age or older. (Gonzalez & Chavez, 2012). They come face to face with illegality, a condition that they had been partially protected from by their age and by their parents. After growing up in the United States, undocumented young adults are

16 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 16 forced to confront the consequences of illegality and must learn to live as an illegal. (Gonzalez & Chavez). Roberto G. Gonzalez, a professor of sociology, has spent much of his career studying how undocumented children grow up. In his scholarly work, he reveals that learning to be illegal takes a significant toll dozens of undocumented youth he has interviewed grapple with chronic headaches, ulcers, sleeping problems, and difficulty getting out of bed. Something as simple as driving a car or grabbing a drink with co-workers is complicated by the lack of official documentation. Many dreamers fear deportation, even if they have no criminal records. (2011). The campus experience for the undocumented student is one faced with barriers that are unique to their situation, which impacts their ability to attend and succeed in college. They are concerned with funding their education, and are more apt to work to make up for the financial aid that they are not able to receive due to their undocumented status. Undocumented students also felt that there was a lack of safe space on college campuses, and felt a sense of isolation and uncertainty about whom they could trust. (Teranishi, Suarez-Orozco, & Suarez-Orozco, 2015) Types of Social Media Used Social movements traditionally have tried to get the word out in support of their cause by using media as a means for widespread awareness. However, mainstream media has now become slanted to either the right which generally portrays the issue of immigration in a poor light, while the left is a bit more sympathetic to the cause but does not get the attention that other movements have. Therefore social movements cannot always count on their message coming across to the general public. For this reason activists often turn to alternative media, whether that is blogs, independent news sites, or social network sites (Harlow & Guo, 2014). In the article Will the

17 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 17 Revolution be Tweeted or Facebooked? Using Digital Communication Tools in Immigrant Activism, (Harlow & Guo, 2014) in using social movement theories, we hear firsthand accounts of those that work and serve the immigrant community in Austin, TX. In using focus groups, this allowed an insight into the shared mutual experiences that these individuals go through on a daily basis. Of the various social media networks available to the public, Facebook appears to be the one that is most widely used by the masses. Due to the fact that many of the most active and vocal about Immigration Reform are the youth that were brought here by their parents at a young age, these students are digital natives are well versed in the use of Myspace and later Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and text messaging (Constanza-Chock, 2011). By examining the use of social media for political activism, we can see how social networking sites are now a permanent feature of politics, organizing, and argument. Several websites, in particular, Citizen Orange s website, is populated primarily with blogs. Members of this community will post updates on legislation and tactics for lobbying key public officials. This is characteristic of undocumented migrant youths efforts to generate support for and to increase awareness about the immigration struggle. (Morrissey). Another way that they have gathered support is through a letter writing campaign called DREAM Now, the point of this campaign was to increase awareness about the DREAM Act and encourage its passage in during the 2010 Congressional session. This social media campaign started with a single letter to President Obama. This encouraged others to write letters and weekly recaps followed, all with the hope that immigration reform would happen. (Morrissey). Civil Engagement

18 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 18 Civic engagement has traditionally been those joining clubs or organizations in person; contemporary civic youth may be especially likely to find empowering opportunities for civic identity expression online instead of in person. For young people who view civic concerns or participation as an important part of their identity, online civic expression may enable them to portray accurate and desired identity images that align with their values and off-line social images. (Weinstein, 2014). There is also the concern that expressing oneself openly in an online format will result in negative implications due to the issue that is being discussed or shared. This leads to different forms of sharing online such as blending or bounding. When a youth decides to blend their online presence they may have more than one profile on a social networking site for their expression, while bounding is where they would prefer to not share anything for fear that it could result in negative backlash. This is a challenge for those that are trying to engage in activism. The ease with which people can participate in online activism prompts doubts as to the dedication of these participants, and the value of their actions, resulting in what has been referred to as clicktivism and slacktivism, or in other words less meaningful engagement. (Harlow & Guo, 2014). Harlow & Guo also found that activists would choose the social media that they decided to use based on the audience that they are trying to reach. Social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and to a degree YouTube, were used when trying to reach the general public or connecting with activist organizations. If they wanted to connect with officials or those in power, they would typically use or the telephone, possibly Skype, or face to face conversation. For those times that they wanted to get the word out to immigrants or refugees, the old fashioned methods of word of mouth, face to face contact, paper fliers, radio, and sometimes

19 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 19 Facebook would be utilized. With the 1.5 generation, more technology can be used based on the fact that they have grown up right along with the growth of social media. This new generation of immigrant youth organizers have grown up around the DREAM Act and have appropriated social media and other networked communication tools to build their movement, gain greater visibility, and push for the passage of the act. Some of the most innovative uses of technologies for civic engagement and social change come not from the professionals in the digital media industry but rather from social movement participants using live streaming technology to stream protests happening in the offices of U.S. senators. (Constanza-Chock). This is also evident in the collaboration between DREAMers and coding and design mentors in the tech community who have developed new social movement reform tools. In November 2013, LinkedIn sponsored the first hackathon, which hosted undocumented immigrants to join Silicon Valley tech workers in a quest to further immigration reform. The teams created projects such as websites and apps, some meant to educate citizens about immigration issues. During this DREAMer hackathon, one of the winning tools that came out of the event was Push4Reform which is a web and mobile application that enables a constituent to look up her representative and senators, find out their stance on immigration reform, and then take action to connect with them such as Tweeting or Facebooking them, or calling them, or writing a letter. (Rothschuh, 2014). This type of innovation is coming out of the 1.5 generation to push for immigration reform. Rationale In the literature regarding immigration reform, we know about how it is perceived by some, as well as grass roots efforts to make change, but the use of technology by the 1.5 generation remains under-researched. Understanding the efforts to affect change in the country

20 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 20 where they reside by this generation is important because it allows us to understand the mindset of those who were brought to this country not of their own actions, but suffer the consequences of these actions. These activists are working to provide a better way of living and an opportunity for those that are affected by immigration reform to not have to live in fear of deportation and being separated from their family. They seek to make accessible and affordable the education that they deserve. By applying CMM theory to social media and the DREAM movement we can gauge how the DREAMers are able to create their reality by their online activity, and the interactions they have with others. Research question The rationale for studying the use of social media as a way of political activism can serve as a guide for those that wish to make social change using current technologies. Although there are limitations, technology and social media have shown that they are currently the most utilized form to reach the masses. Those that are in power to affect change in society will be best informed by technology and social media. The main research question of this thesis is what role does social media play for immigration reform activists as a tool for activism and identity formation as an activist.

21 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 21 Chapter 3. Scope & Methodology The Scope of the Study In conducting this research, students were identified who are activists in the area of immigration reform at institutions of higher learning. The primary focus was on students who have actively been involved in working towards creating change in their communities in regards to immigration reform. These students where identified through their activity on immigration reform through social media platforms as well as through connections who are currently working with these students. Once identified, individual interviews with each student were conducted to gather insights about their use of social media in immigration reform. Methodology of the Study In conducting research for this project a qualitative approach to interviewing of each student was utilized. This was accomplished using a semi-structured interview format which allowed the students to diverge and expand on their answers. Typically interviews consist of talk organized into a series of questions and answers. (Eriksson & Kovalainen, 2008). This allows us an insight and understanding of the sense that activists make their meaningful social action and participation in a collective cause. (Neuman, 2011). The main focus of the research was to conduct interviews with student leaders who are active in the cause for immigration reform. In conducting interviews with student leaders, a set of interview questions were developed that allowed each student to share their thoughts and experiences as leaders of immigration reform and was able to provide insight into why they are so passionate about this issue. Questions were asked to each respondent about their background, and their experiences with immigration reform as a basis and a way to allow them to speak freely. Questions pertaining to their use of technology in the immigration reform movement were also asked. By them

22 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 22 answering these questions insight was gained into how they see themselves of members of society. In conducting interviews with student activists, they were conducted in a conversational style which allowed for intensive interviews to be conducted. This allowed one-on-one contact with the student, where questions were presented in a planned and predetermined order, but it also allowed for the flexibility to follow up and probe reasons for certain attitudes and responses. (Rubin, Rubin, Haridakis, & Piele, 2010). Seven students were willing to be interviewed for the purpose of this study, to see if there were recurring themes in narratives as well as experiences. Each student interview conducted ranged from 15 to 30 minutes, and the students were allowed to share their personal experiences with immigration and immigration reform. Data Analysis The interviews conducted with the students were recorded to ensure accuracy in analyzing the responses. The responses were analyzed to gather reasons for using social media in immigration reform. After conducting the interviews the open coding method was utilized to locate themes that were present in the interviews. Once this was conducted I utilized axial coding to provide a second pass of the data gathered. This allowed me to link concepts but also brought up more questions that were lacking in responses given. In gathering this information it allowed me to see how effective the use of social media has been in disseminating information regarding immigration reform. This will allowed others to develop explanations or generalizations that can be used by those who wish to use social media as a way to further the cause that they are striving for.

23 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 23 Ethical Considerations Each interview was conducted in a secure, private location so as to allow each respondent to feel confident that their responses would be kept in strict confidence. Each student was informed that their identity would not be revealed and that they would remain anonymous. Each student could choose to not answer a particular question or stop the interview at any time during the interview. Each student allowed themselves to be recorded and their responses were open and forthcoming. As researchers share a primary ethical obligation to avoid doing harm to the lives, communities or environments they study or that may be impacted by their work. This includes not only the avoidance of direct and immediate harm but implies an obligation to weigh carefully the future consequences and impacts of a researcher s work on others. Protecting participants from harm is a key consideration in any research undertaken. (Drew, 2007)

24 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 24 CHAPTER 4. THE STUDY Introduction Data Collection All data for this study was gathered by conducting interviews with students who consider themselves activists primarily in immigration reform but also in other causes or movements that they have become involved in. The questions were fashioned to gather basic demographic information regarding their age and place of birth, as well as first language. Further questions were asked to gather their use of social media in general and then specific to the causes that they were involved in. A total of seven students were interviewed for this study, and all participation was voluntary. Each interview was conducted one on one in a private location so each individual was open to speaking freely about their experiences with immigration reform. The Participants The students ranged in age from 20 to 24, and the interviews were conducted with 4 females and 3 males. The students were of Latino descent or multicultural, 3 students were born in Mexico, while 4 students were born in the United States. Of those that were born in the United States, 3 of the 4 considered Spanish as their first language. Interviews were conducted over a two-week period in March, 2015 with all participants being university students attending school in Spokane and Cheney, WA. Each participant was given the opportunity to not answer a question if they did not feel comfortable doing so, and was able to discuss the causes that they are involved in. The interviews were recorded with their permission. Female 1 is an undergraduate student at a 4 year public institution and considers herself somewhat proficient in technology. She is 22 years of age and was born in California, and now

25 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 25 resides in Pasco, WA. She was raised for a time in Mexico and she considers Spanish her first language as her formative years were spent in Mexico. Female 2 is a graduate student at a 4 year public institution and has a self-described basic knowledge of technology. She is 24 years of age and was born in Mexico, and was brought to the United States of America at 3 years old by her immediate family. She considers Spanish as her first language and now resides in Mattawa, WA. Male 1 is an undergraduate student at a 4 year public institution and does not consider himself proficient in technology as he is still learning. He is 21 years of age and was born in Mexico, he was brought to the United States when he was in elementary school at 7 years old. He considers Spanish his first language and now resides in Everett, WA. Male 2 is an undergraduate student at a 4 year private institution and considers himself proficient in technology. He is 20 years of age and was born in Mexico and was brought to the United States at the age of 7 years old. He considers Spanish as his first language and now resides in Pasco, WA. Female 3 is a graduate student at a 4 year private institution and she indicated that she leans toward proficiency in technology. She is 22 years of age and was born in Washington State. She considers Spanish as her first language and resides in Yakima, WA. Male 3 is an undergraduate student at a 4 year private institution and considers himself proficient in technology. He is 21 years old and was born in California and resides in Palo Alto, CA. and considers Spanish as his first language. Female 4 is an undergraduate student at a 4 year private institution and considers herself proficient in basic technology. She is 22 years of age and was born in Oregon in the United

26 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 26 States. English is her first language and she is multicultural although not of Latina descent and now resides in Dana Point, CA. Results of the Study The students for the most part considered themselves proficient in technology, although some did not say that they were proficient but through the interview questions, each student had a basic understanding of technology and uses technology on a daily basis in their personal lives. Each student had experience using technology such as computers or laptops, tablets, and each used a smartphone as their cell phone. Each of the students used some form of social media both in their personal lives as well as for the activist work that they are involved in. The students all mentioned that they used Facebook as well as Twitter to some degree; other forms of social media were also mentioned to a lesser degree such as Instagram. LinkedIn or Snapchat. The primary means of their activism work was by using Facebook or Twitter, of the two Facebook being utilized the most. With this basic understanding of technology, each student utilized social media for their activist work which allowed them to create the space needed to work for their cause. By creating this space using social media, they are able to discuss the issues that are important to them and that they are working towards making change. This also allows them to form their identity as activists as well as students to affect this change. Facebook as the primary means of sharing information The most prevalent use of Facebook by all the students was to share information with others. Each student interviewed used Facebook to promote their causes, either by creating their own pages or joining pages that were already established. These group pages were open which

27 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 27 allowed those that were in favor of immigration reform as well as opponents to join and voice their opinions. In sharing information about immigration reform, all felt that Facebook was the best way to have the public read articles and thus be able to make decisions on their own, as opposed to trying to sway opponents of immigration reform to convert their beliefs to their own. This would allow opponents to become more informed about immigration reform as several felt that the majority of the population was misinformed about the subject of immigration reform. Male 1 mentioned that social media in general has become the mainstream media, as the population does not watch the news or read the newspaper like they used to, and social media is a main source of gathering information and following current events. Each student mentioned using Facebook to disseminate information to their friends on Facebook to raise awareness of immigration reform. The primary reason that Facebook was used was because everyone is on it and it was an easy way to send out information on the cause that you believe in. Male 1 mentioned using Facebook as a way to express yourself, but also utilizing it to lead to discussion about serious topics such as immigration reform. Thus one is not only getting information out to others but you are also discussing the topic and trying to inform others of the importance of immigration reform. Besides the extent of the population that is on Facebook, Male 2 mentioned that Facebook is checked more often than other forms of social media, thus the information posted can be seen at a higher rate, as well as by more people. Female 4 mentioned a study where she thought that 20% of your friends on Facebook would read your posts, she has over 1500 friends on Facebook for this reason, that way she reaches as many people as possible who will read her posts regarding the causes that she is working on. Female 4 created a group page on Facebook in support of the DREAM Act, after she heard students speak about the topic in a meeting and felt compelled to learn as much as she

28 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 28 could about it. Growing up in California she had witnessed the racism that was directed towards primarily the Mexican population and felt that the way they were treated was wrong, and that the DREAM Act just felt right and we should all have the same opportunities. Herself coming from an immigrant parent, she felt compelled to work towards this cause. Initially the group was formed to have dialogue amongst the students to discuss the DREAM Act, but the page is now being used more for knowledge sharing. The reason for this is that she tried to facilitate discussion and invited those that she knew would speak out against immigration reform to the group, and some joined and voiced their opinions. Those individuals ended up engaging in discussions regarding immigration reform, but as they were in the minority when it came to opposing the DREAM Act they would feel outnumbered and felt attacked when they posted opposing views on the group page. This group page was created in December of 2011 and is still active today to some degree. Facebook use as a way to promote events The use of Facebook is also heavily used by activists to promote events that they were involved with. For an upcoming event on campus, Facebook was the primary way that information was shared about the event. An event page was specifically created for The Day of the Dream event on campus and thus could be shared through by all on Facebook, not just the person who created it. The Day of the Dream event was an event sponsored by United We Dream organization which allowed schools to declare their support for undocumented students. Over 70 schools across the nation participated in this event all on April 7 th, This event called Day of the DREAMS was geared towards faculty, staff, and other students on campus to show their support as allies and supporters to those that are undocumented. Other forms of social media were utilized but the Facebook event page was created to keep all those interested in

29 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 29 participating aware of the event and to invite others to come participate. The students interviewed all used Facebook to promote events as well as invite friends to the event to increase participation. Male 1 used Facebook to promote a rally for justice against the unnecessary use of police force, after an unarmed immigrant from Mexico was shot down at a busy intersection in Pasco, WA. The Facebook page was created as a way to support the family and to bring awareness to the situation, it has been several months since the incident happened and they are trying to bring justice to those responsible and to be held accountable for their actions. Facebook has been instrumental in getting the word out and promoting the rally, as it is important to make others aware of the plight of the immigrant in the United States, according to this student. Other forms of social media used Out of the seven students interviewed, all but one use Twitter to some degree, and several of the students mentioned that they are starting to use this form of social media more in their activist work. Although not as prevalent as Facebook, Twitter is being used more by these students for their activist work. Female 3 uses Twitter because to her it seems to be a more legit form of social media in that you can follow organizations that have a formal presence on Twitter. She sees this as a way to follow companies or organizations that have an online presence and it could be considered more authentic than just someone who is posting their own personal opinion. This would allow you to be able to read up on the issues that they are promoting. She sees this as a way to gather information, as she does not have many followers but she will retweet posts that she finds useful. Male 1 mentioned that he is just starting to use Twitter and sees it as another way to get the information out about his causes. Although limited in the

30 SOCIAL MEDIA IN IMMIGRATION REFORM 30 characters you can post in Twitter, it is primarily used to share links and allow followers to learn more about the issue of immigration reform. Other forms of social media were also mentioned to a lesser degree, such as Instagram or Snapchat, but that was seen as more of a way to share photos and did not promote discussion. It does allow for sharing of topics but was not used so much in the form of activist work. By far Facebook and Twitter were the forms of social media that were used the most as they allow individuals to gather information and engage in dialogue if desired. Social media as a way to dialogue A question was asked regarding dialogue between individuals on social media, specifically around the topic of debating with opponents of immigration reform. The answers were mixed to this question as some felt that they did not want to spend time on the negative energy that debating over social media brings, they would prefer to talk to someone in person so you could have a true dialogue regarding the issue. Out of the seven students interviewed, four students indicated that they would prefer to debate face to face instead of through social media. If they saw negative posts on something they shared, they mostly ignored it and sometimes would delete a post if it was considered more of an attack instead of an opportunity for dialogue. Female 1 mentioned that for the most part she felt that those who are opponents of immigration reform are misinformed, so it is hard to expend the energy to debate someone, but would rather have them become informed and then they could form their own opinion. Male 2 mentioned that people tended not to get involved in debates with him over social media as he is very involved with the cause of immigration reform and is well informed so they felt intimidated that they could not argue the points that he makes.