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Julia Albarracín's new book, “Young and Undocumented: Political Belonging in Uncertain Times,” explores the lives of undocumented immigrant youth with a focus on the unique experiences of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients.
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The book is available at NYU Press at the link in the article or the QR Code above.
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Albarracín Explores DACA Experiences in New Book

September 10, 2025

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University political science professor Julia Albarracín has published a new book, "Young and Undocumented: Political Belonging in Uncertain Times."

Albarracín's book explores the experiences of the children of immigrants who arrive in the United States and grow up without any knowledge of their undocumented status and the risks it poses. She explores the lives of undocumented immigrant youth with a focus on the unique experiences of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients.

"Young and Undocumented: Political Belonging in Uncertain Times" shows how undocumented youth in the United States navigate their identity in the only country they know as home, and how they come-of-age without a path to citizenship.

"This book captures a critical part of the story of undocumented young people in this country," Genevieve Negrón-Gonzales, author of "We Are Not Dreamers: Undocumented Scholars Theorize Undocumented Life in the United States" said. "Albarracín's work reminds us that DACA was never enough and that the true inclusion of all undocumented people in this country should be our aim."

For more information on "Young and Undocumented: Political Belonging in Uncertain Times," visit here.

To learn more about WIU's Political Science program, visit wiu.edu/politicalscience.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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