During my recent participation in the Pacific Sociological Association Conference in San Diego, California, I had the opportunity to present my own research under the Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP) while also witnessing the diversity of research projects from scholars around the world.

Among the many research projects, one particularly resonant study conducted by a fellow graduate student from the University of San Diego stood out. His exploration into the lived experiences of undocumented Mexican migrant workers in the United States shed light on their complex migration patterns, driven by the quest for a better standard of living. By employing extensive fieldwork and interviews, conducted through living among the Mexican migrants near the Mexico-California border, the research unveiled a compelling narrative that sought to redefine Mexican males beyond the narrow stereotypes of “illegal immigrants.”

This study underscored the inherently political nature of migration, intertwined with economic desperation and the instability of political economies. The findings highlighted how U.S state and national policies exacerbate the challenges faced by undocumented individuals, who constitute a significant portion of the blue-collar workforce, including in service, construction, and labor sectors—indispensable yet often invisible segments of society.

The research not only emphasized the need for further investigation in this area but also illustrated the researcher’s commitment to leveraging his findings. By initiating fundraising campaigns and social media advocacy at the University of San Diego, he aimed to raise awareness about the community’s plight. To a large extent, his efforts were able to bring more awareness to these communities and raise sufficient funds to aid the undocumented citizens within the United States, bettering their living conditions and trajectory to work towards working and staying legally. His efforts highlighted the potential for research to inform policy, advocating for the rights and improved living conditions of undocumented workers, thus calling on policymakers to enact meaningful change.

Reflecting on this project through the lens of my Media and Politics minor, it became evident how media serves as a powerful tool for amplifying marginalized voices, with the capacity to influence policy and instigate societal change. This research exemplifies the critical role of disseminating personal narratives and data online to make the struggles of these communities visible and heard.

This experience reaffirmed that as students and academics, it is absolutely necessary that I engage with and advance the narratives of those misrepresented or overlooked by mainstream discourse. It underscores the importance of our involvement in scholarly activities that not only foster academic growth but also contribute to societal progress by informing and influencing political actors at both national and local levels, thereby facilitating tangible changes.