Date of Award

Spring 2021

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Major

Public Policy and Law

First Advisor

Abigail Williamson

Abstract

How are Hartford’s Hispanic immigrants and migrants participating politically? What inhibits or promotes their political incorporation? Close to half of Hartford’s total population identifies as Hispanic, with a portion of those individuals being immigrants or migrants to the city. As a community with a significant presence in Hartford, the political incorporation of Hispanic immigrants and migrants is necessary to ensure the adequate representation of all Hartford residents. This thesis investigates the extent of institutional support for Hispanic immigrant and migrant political incorporation in Hartford. Following an analysis of Hispanic political incorporation in Hartford’s history, the project involved two phases. Phase one employed interviews to evaluate the perceptions of civic and government institutions, while phase two surveyed Hispanic immigrants and migrants about reported barriers to engagement. Responses from Hispanic residents and Hartford leaders find that financial strain and scarce methods of communication negatively impact Hispanic immigrant and migrant political incorporation. The Hispanic community additionally identified significant distrust and a lack of confidence in civic institutional efforts to mobilize and advocate for their community as further obstacles to political incorporation. A final barrier acknowledged by the Hispanic community specifies the confusion on political topics and how to participate politically. The concluding chapter of this thesis outlines policy recommendations to address the acknowledged barriers and improve access to political engagement opportunities.

Comments

Senior thesis completed at Trinity College, Hartford CT for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy & Law.

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