Enforcing Deportability: Race, Law, and the Policing of Belonging in the United States

Description of research project: 

This dissertation project investigates how Black immigrants living in New York City, particularly Nigerians and Jamaicans, experience and interpret the overlapping systems of policing, criminalization, and immigration enforcement in the United States. The project also draws on interviews with advocates and legal professionals who support these communities to situate immigrant experiences within broader institutional and legal contexts. It examines how anti-Black racism shapes immigrant vulnerability to detention and deportation, and how those most affected make sense of their encounters with state power.

Description of work that will be assigned to research assistants: 

RAs will be primarily engaged in research-oriented tasks that develop hands-on skills inqualitative data analysis and policy research. Depending on interest and availability, students may support one or more of the following:

1. Dedoose Coding Support: Assist with preliminary qualitative data coding in Dedoose under direct supervision. RAs will work with interview data to identify and apply thematic codes, gaining practical experience with qualitative data analysis software. No prior experience is required; training will be provided at the start of the term.

2. Memo Writing: Draft short analytical memos reflecting on patterns, themes, or questions emerging from interview data. This task bridges data collection and analysis, giving students direct exposure to the interpretive work at the heart of qualitative research.

3. Literature Review Support: Identify and summarize scholarly literature and policyreports on immigration enforcement, crimmigration, and racial disparities in the U.S.immigration system, with particular attention to Black immigrant communities.

4. Media Sweep: Track and compile past and present news coverage, policy developments, and legislative changes related to immigration enforcement, law, and policy at both theNew York State and national levels.

Students will gain hands-on experience with qualitative research methods, including Dedoose coding and analytical memo writing, immigration policy analysis, and the sociology of race and law. Work will be organized and shared via Google Drive and Zotero. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in pursuing graduate study in sociology, law, public policy, or related fields.

Preferred qualifications: 

Interest in race, immigration, law, or criminal justice. Prior coursework in sociology, political science, or Afro-American and African Studies is a plus but not required. No prior experience with Dedoose or qualitative research software is necessary. Strong attention to detail and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Contact information: Fadilat Olasupo, folasupo@umich.edu

Supervising faculty menber: Al Young

Average hours of work per week: 3-6 

Range of credits availble: 1-2

Number of positions available: 2