Full Citation
Title: A PERCEIVED CONSTRUCTION OF A RACIAL MINORITY'S IMMIGRATION: A CASE STUDY OF BLACK AFRICA Dissertation
Citation Type: Dissertation/Thesis
Publication Year: 2020
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Abstract: In 1619, the first African slaves arrived in Jamestown, Virginia. Centuries later, citizenship, though gratuitous, was granted to them in 1868. Dred Scott became the first African to be denied an immigrant visa. Scholars of social construction theory have examined target population and its consequent impact. In examining a perceived “crude” social construction of Black continental Africa, this study employed the theory of Schneider and Ingram (1991), applied mixed methods, discussed the findings of the qualitative exploratory case study. The theory of social construction explains target population, the benefit or burden they receive from public policy. The study population was continental Black Africans who apply for an immigrant or nonimmigrant US visa and are denied. The data provided evidence for four essential elements: (1) A disproportionately high percentage rate of denial of visas compared to other minority immigrant populations, (2) A recent and rapid rise in the number of Black Africans in the USA, though small compared to other immigrant groups, (3) The recent increase may decline precipitously in this contemporary anti-immigration climate, (4) A deeply rooted historical racial architectural foundation that persists toward the immigration stream of continental Black Africans, and (5) A “crude,” social construction of a target population (continental Black Africans) by the executive, legislative, and other public opinions. The researcher’s role in international education prompted an interest to engage in this study. What happens to a target population without rights, without political power, without receiving benefits when faced with rejection? Research responses to these questions are beyond this dissertation. Further research is needed to answer these questions. Consistent with the social construction theory of a target population, this study informs public policy, especially immigration policy, the importance of continental Black Africans that can no longer be, “albeit overlooked.”
Url: https://www.proquest.com/docview/2445918321?pq-origsite=gscholar&fromopenview=true
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Authors: Okoronkwo, Josephine
Institution: Southern University A&M College
Department: Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs
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Publisher Location: Baton Rogue, Louisiana
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Data Collections: IPUMS USA
Topics: Migration and Immigration, Race and Ethnicity
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