Date of Award

3-30-2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Selected Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership for Diverse Learning Communities

Department

Education

School

School of Education and Human Services

Abstract

The present political climate in the United States and the increase in deportations of unauthorized individuals have brought attention to the immigrant community. Prior literature about this topic is scarce. This qualitative study bridges this gap in the literature to better understand how a family experienced separation due to deportation. The qualitative narrative approach captured the voices of a Latino immigrant family who experienced the deportation of a loved one. Analysis of the semi-structured interviews, research memos, field notes, and personal communications yielded insights into how a family perceived what happened before, during, and after the separation. Findings revealed five themes: (a) specifics of separation, (b) participants’ emotions following deportation, (c) organizing life after deportation, (d) participants’ meaning making, and (e) social support and positive coping. In addition, the study identified three coping mechanisms: spirituality, occupational purpose, and advocacy. Through an examination of the coping mechanisms and an analysis of the themes, the concept of resilience was the primary outcome of the narrative. In a climate where despair, depression, and a sense of loss are the major phenomena, this study reveals findings that demonstrate light and hope to families who experience this crisis as well as how these families possess strength and resolve against adversity.

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