New Books in Sociology
Engage and Evade in 2025: Asad L. Asad on Latino Immigrants in America
Apr 13, 2025
In this conversation, Asad L. Asad, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Stanford University and author of Engage and Evade, sheds light on the experiences of Latino immigrant families in the U.S. He reveals how many undocumented individuals navigate governmental institutions, hoping for positive outcomes despite their precarious status. Asad emphasizes the importance of diverse motivations behind immigration—practical and emotional alike—and advocates for a shift in public perception to focus on the shared struggles of all working-class Americans.
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Quick takeaways
- Undocumented immigrants often engage with government institutions, like the IRS, aiming for beneficial outcomes in their immigration situations.
- The political landscape profoundly influences undocumented immigrants' lives, creating a continuous cycle of fear and evasive actions amidst ongoing policies.
Deep dives
Engagement with Government Institutions
Undocumented immigrants often choose to engage with government institutions rather than avoid them, hoping that positive interactions could aid their immigration cases. This includes paying taxes to the IRS, where it’s shown that many undocumented individuals file taxes even using false identification. Their understanding is shaped by community networks that inform them about the perceived benefits of complying with tax laws while being undocumented. This engagement highlights the complex choices faced by these individuals as they navigate the delicate balance between compliance and the risks associated with their legal status.
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