Committee:
Michael  Cody (chair)
Felix Gutirrez, Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati 

Dissertation Title:
Applying Communication Infrastructure Theory to Undocumented Mexicans Living in the US

ABSTRACT:

This study uses communication infrastructure theory to survey undocumented Mexican immigrants living and working in the US.  It finds that the population relies heavily on interpersonal communication for most information needs, including employment, health and documentation. Overall, the population is characterized by intensely strong interpersonal relationships and strong interpersonal ties with their home community in Mexico. In addition, I argue that northern Mexican immigrants and those from Mexico City differ significantly from their counterparts on various dimensions of descriptive data and communication infrastructure mapping. Immigrants from the northern states and DF area are more prosperous, educated, and more acculturated to life in the US than their peers from the center and south, and have a more sophisticated use of media and new technologies. The population’s intense reliance on interpersonal communication presents a paradoxical situation in which their deep connection with each other guarantees a consistent social network which supplies information and social support. On the other hand, these close knit ties may perpetuate a cycle of inadequate access to much needed information and services.