Why Undocumented Youth Join Gangs: Accounting for Differences Facing this Understudied Group

Abstract

While existing analyses and discussions around gang involvement in the United States are readily available, including information as to why individuals join gangs, this research does not specifically illuminate the situation of gang involvement amongst undocumented youth. Indeed, the literature assumes that these gang-involved individuals are documented members of society. Moreover, there is a paucity of information related to the special circumstances undocumented youth face and how this relates to gang involvement. This thesis will explore the various factors that influence the likelihood that undocumented youth will join gangs, and what the prevalence of these gangs suggests about political deficiencies of the state. It will utilize relevant literature and individual narratives of undocumented youths, collected through interviews, to shed light on this important issue.