Program Overview

Immigration and Border Community – Research Experience for Undergraduates

The Immigration and Border Community – Research Experience for Undergraduates is a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to learn social science research methods while collaborating with local organizations to conduct in-depth research about the challenges faced by border communities in the Paso del Norte region of southern New Mexico, El Paso, and Ciudad Juárez.

Program Overview

The program is funded by the National Science Foundation and is an excellent opportunity for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree or a variety of career paths. By collaborating closely with organizations already involved in advocacy for civil and human rights, students' work will have a greater impact.

Research Areas

Sample topics include:

• Challenges facing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program
• Protection of the civil liberties of migrants and border community members
• Asylum seekers in the borderlands: Access to due process and basic human rights
• "Know Your Rights" campaigns
• The history of community organizing and leadership development in the borderlands
• Public health issues facing migrants and residents of border communities

Program Details

• The program will take place from May 18 to July 24, 2020.
• The first week will consist of online instruction.
• The rest of the program will take place in the El Paso/Las Cruces/Ciudad Juárez region.
• Students coming from outside the region are expected to arrive in El Paso on Tuesday, May 26.
• All student participants will receive a basic stipend of $5000, plus meals and gas expenses for local travel related to the program.
• In addition, students traveling from outside the region will receive $500 towards their travel expenses and accommodation in dorms at the campus of the University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP), the cost of which will be fully paid by this grant program.

Eligibility

• Undergraduate students in the social, behavioral, and economic sciences and relevant professional fields such as public health are eligible.
• Applicants must be US citizens, US nationals, or Legal Permanent Residents.
• Students who are selected must participate for the full ten weeks of the program.
• At least sophomore standing in a social science discipline (Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, Geography) or related field is required.
• A GPA of at least 3.0 is required.
• Spanish language skills are preferred but not required.

Application Requirements

• Completed application form
• Current resume
• Unofficial transcripts from the university or community college
• Letter of interest: explaining why the applicant would like to participate in this REU program and the skills or experience they have in the topic area
• Contact information for three references, including at least one professor (work address, phone, and email)

Important Dates

• Deadline for receipt of applications: 5:00 pm, February 28, 2020
• Program dates: May 18-July 24, 2020

Participation Requirements

• Students must commit to participating in all ten weeks of the program.
• International travel (for short, faculty-led visits to migrant shelters in Ciudad Juárez) is required.
• Students must have valid passports.