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12 - Situating Latinx Immigrant Romantic Relationships in the Context of Illegality

Using a Socioculturally Attuned Lens

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2023

By
Bethany L. Letiecq  and
J. Maria Bermudez
Edited by
Brian G. Ogolsky
Brian G. Ogolsky
Affiliation:
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
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Summary

In this chapter, we examine the nascent research on Latinx immigrant romantic relationships, with a particular focus on Central American undocumented and mixed-status immigrant partners rearing children in the United States. We use a socioculturally-attuned lens to reflect on the ways in which the context of illegality shapes romantic relationships between partners, where at least one person is undocumented. As we discuss, illegality is a term used to refer to the US immigration laws, policies, and practices that expose immigrants and their families to discrimination, exploitation, victimization, criminalization, detainment, deportation, and family separation based on liminal legal statuses. We argue in this chapter that illegality is a powerful structural force that transcends cultural explanations of Latinx immigrant romantic relationships. We draw upon a recent study of Central American immigrant women in romantic relationships to apply our socioculturally-attuned lens and underscore how illegality conditions and constrains their relational experiences and opportunities while residing in the United States. We conclude with considerations for family and relationship scholars of immigrant family life seeking to advance immigrant justice.

Keywords

Latinimmigrationcultureborderglobal
Type
Chapter
Information
The Sociocultural Context of Romantic Relationships , pp. 226 - 246
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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