REU: Immigration and Border Community

Opportunity Description:

The Immigration and Border Community – Research Experience for Undergraduates, is a unique opportunity to learn social science research methods while collaborating with local organizations to conduct in-depth research about the unique challenges faced by border communities in the Paso del Norte region of southern New Mexico, El Paso and Ciudad Juárez.

The U.S. Mexico border is currently at the center of political controversy, one that has threatened to further disrupt border cities that were once closely integrated. Immigration is an important part of the Paso del Norte region and the increase in border enforcement has significant impacts not only on those passing through the border, but those who live here as well. This is a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to learn social science research methods through hands-on collaboration with local organizations about border enforcement and its impacts on immigrants and border communities.

Work will be fully funded by the National Science Foundation and is an excellent opportunity for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree or a variety of career paths. By collaborating closely with organizations already involved in advocacy for civil and human rights, such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the Border Network for Human Rights, your work will have a greater impact. Sample topics include:

• The impacts of repealing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
• Alleged abuse and mistreatment of migrants and community members by law enforcement
• Asylum seekers in the borderlands: Access to due process and basic human rights
• “Know Your Rights” campaigns
• The history of community organizing and leadership development in the borderlands

Successful applicants will spend 10 weeks in the El Paso/Las Cruces/Ciudad Juárez region during the summer (May to July 2020). Positions are fully funded by the NSF. Students will receive a stipend of $5000 and meal expenses. In addition, students traveling from outside the region will receive accommodation and $500 towards their travel expenses. We will also have several excursions, including a one-week intensive field-trip through the Arizona/Sonora borderlands.

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

Requirements:

• At least sophomore standing in a social science discipline (Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, Geography) or related field,
• GPA of at least 3.0,
• statement of interest indicating preparation and motivation for participating in this project, contact information for three letters of reference, one of which must be from a student’s professor.
• Spanish language skills are preferred but not required.

Due to federal regulations students must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or Permanent Residents.

Students must be currently enrolled; recent graduates are not eligible.

International travel is required. Students must have valid passports.

Application Process: 

Please send ALL of the following materials to reuborder@nmsu.edu

• Completed application form
• Current resume
• Unofficial transcripts from your university or community college
• Letter of interest: tell us why you would like to participate in this REU program and the skills or
  experience that you have in the topic area
• Contact information for three references, including at least one of your professors